Issue Date: May 24, 2009
MoneySmart |
SHARON EPPERSON |
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Find a summer job
High school and college students in search of seasonal work face tougher competition this summer from older job seekers because of the recession. You can stand out in these ways:
Be "Google"-ready. Create a professional online résumé (try visualcv.com). You can enhance your résumé with photos, video or graphics highlighting work experience, academic achievements, volunteer work and any teacher recommendations. Clean up your Facebook and Twitter accounts and your blog if you will link to them.
Be persistent. Always carry paper résumés; you never know who you'll meet. Scour websites like hotjobs.yahoo.com, SnagAJob.com and Sittercity.com, and be sure to check with your college's career center.
Be positive. An upbeat attitude is still the No. 1 thing that hiring managers want in a summer employee. Next is schedule availability, and previous experience ranks third.
Be proactive. Start your own business, work as a freelancer or ask a local business about an internship, which you could list on your résumé. Think about your skills and interests, like babysitting, caring for pets, mowing lawns, writing, creating artwork or designing websites.
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