How to end up with a summer job that you don’t hate
I bet you think it’s too early to look for a job for the summer. A couple of years ago, I would have absolutely agreed with you – and that’s why, a couple of years ago, I spent my summers hating my job at a mall with no view of the outside world. It turns out that you can end up doing something you love – or, at the very least, don’t hate with every bone in your body – if you put a bit of thought and effort into it.
Below is a compilation of tips from Pinterest to help you be the best interview any interviewer has ever had.
1) Research the company and the position
Nothing looks worse than walking into an interview without any idea what you’re interviewing for. It’s also a good idea to learn about your interviewer, so that you can ask them specific questions about their job.
2) Update your resume
Chances are, you currently still use the resume you made in careers class in the tenth grade. If you don’t have much work experience and need to include your high school job at McDonald’s, tailor the description of your duties to fit the description of the job you’re applying for. For instance, “flipped burgers and burned myself repeatedly with fry grease” can become “provided excellent service to customers of all ages” and “interacted with management to create a better dining experience for all.”
3) Prepare for certain questions
Often, interviews centre around questions like “How has your experience prepared you for this job?” “What is your greatest weakness?” and “Why do you want this job?” Being prepared in advance for these questions will make you look like a superstar when you can whip out an eloquent gem like, “I am working on rambling less when I’m nervous – how am I doing?”
4) Ask questions in return
Every interview inevitably ends with the phrase, “Do you have any questions for me?” Subsequently, the interviewee nervously wracks their brain for something better than “how much will I get paid?” Preparing a few questions in advance – like “Where do you see the company going in the next few years?” or “What does someone need to do to be successful in this position?” or “What is your favourite part of working for this company?” – will, once again, make you look like a superstar.
5) Dress the part
Dress for whatever job you are attempting to get. Even if you’re applying for a job at a gym, don’t wear sweatpants. Just don’t.
6) Send a thank-you note
This probably seems out-dated to most, but it is actually still proper etiquette to send a handwritten thank-you note after an interview. It is also acceptable to send a thank-you email (even from your phone in the parking lot right after you leave), but you should still send a formal paper version within one week of the interview.