Land a summer job smoothly

Swati Rai

Starting early has achieved a whole new dimension in today’s work world. What starts with delegating tasks at school, swiftly translates into seeking an entry into the real work world during and after school. In the hurry to earn an extra buck, a hurried application process, some key aspects of seeking and retaining a summer job are overlooked. Here’s a ready reckoner of different facets of the application process, approach and outlook that would ensure success for you:

Clarity in goals 

At the experimental stage or in the hit-and-trial method, there could be a rush to apply for jobs that may not be best suited for one’s temperament or aptitude.  Sure, trying out new things and hands-on skills is a must have. Seeking clarity in one’s mind about current skills, personality traits future career goals , however, will go a long way in ascertaining the nature of the job that one applies for. 

There’s merit in deciding one’s aptitude and professional interests early on while leaving some scope for experimentation. With professional in-house and external counselling sessions available, one can help zero in on one’s professional interests and personal proclivities. The employer is also looking to hire someone who displays clarity in understanding. Attending career fairs, talks and industry insider organised conversations, are some of the ways to get first-hand information on work culture etc.  

Application status 

Much before one meets the HR, one engages in electronic mail interaction or if one is lucky, in telephonic interviews. The former coming first that casts the first impression on the prospective employer. Neatness, clarity of communication and highlighting recent major achievements cannot be empahsised more. Rather than making it word heavy, limit it to intent and interest, focussed. The value addition that you bring to the table as an intern or summer job holder is key to your getting hired. Shine the light on recent achievements and volunteering, participation and any recommendations. Also great would be to show your interest in the field by highlighting your subject choices and projects undertaken in your degree course.  Keeping the tone professionally polite and not overbearingly trite and archaic will also help. 

Formatting the document for a more reader friendly approach is a must-check. Drop the cover letter if you are already on LinkedIn, (unless asked for).

Add your profile link in the text of the mail.

Practical wise 

Hunting for jobs, shooting mails seeking queries and positions is a part of the process of landing a summer job. Waiting for the companies to advertise, which is rare, would be notihng but professional tardiness. Presenting the company, a heads up and a clear overview of your skills, interests and academic background is sometimes solicited by companies and viewed as being pro-active. There is also the aspect of seeking clarity from the employer on whether it will be a paid assignment or credits based? The number of hours and nature of work also need to be whetted initially.

Attitude over aptitude

Most internships will offer a learning ground to young interns to cut his/her teeth in the industry. A willingness to learn and being a hands on apprentice is a good-to-have trait. Being ready for ‘sudden’ experiential field trips, standing in for emergency cover, looking out for more opportunities to explore and learn from, are the traits that would stand you in good stead. Thus, you should lose no opportunity to exhibit these.