For junior Brittany Lea, finding a summer job was a difficult process.
“It was really hard [to get hired],” Lea said. “I really had to follow through [when waiting on my application status].”
Lea works at Pacific Sunwear at Somerset Mall in Troy, Michigan. While going through the application process Lea had to learn how to handle a situation where she was forced to relentlessly call and stop into the store to check on her application standing.
“I was really persistent about it because that was the only job that I really applied for,” Lea said. “I kept coming back to the store and I talked to the managers every time I went in. I kept calling and I finally got an interview.”
One way to avoid being on the long list of applicants and stand out from everyone else is to apply early.
“Send e-mails to different coaches and clubs to make sure they know you’re interested in a [lifeguarding] job,” junior Emily Smith said.
This will be Smith’s third summer working as a lifeguard at the Bloomfield Open Hunt (BOH) club.
Another way to be noticed to potential employers is to continually check in on the application.
“Really be persistent,” Lea said. “You have to be the person that stands out to them. So go above and beyond and be really personable.”
Most employers look for certain qualities in a potential employee- hard working, outgoing, punctual, efficient, and respectful are among the top.
“We want somebody who is articulate and can talk to our customers and make a nice presentation and understand the product,” owner of The Italian Dish in downtown Birmingham, Holly Anselmi said. “Someone who is interested enough in the product to get to know what they’re selling. We also want someone who’s punctual and takes the job seriously.”
Though having these qualities will likely increase the chances of finding a job, during an interview make sure to show another, more personable side to the potential employer.
“We also want somebody who’s fun,” Anselmi said. “That’s really important to us.”
The application process differs at every place of business. Some businesses, such as The Italian Dish, have a fairly simple process.
“We have a very simple written application that we ask them to fill out,” Anselmi said. “General information; if they’ve worked before, they’re experience, a few references for us to check. If they’re underage then we’ll need a parent signature as well.”
Others, however, have a different, more difficult process. Kilwin’s Chocolates in downtown Birmingham has a process that is a bit more complex.
“We have applications available in the store,” Kilwin’s manager, Amanda Baldis said. “I go through the applications and look at work experience, any volunteer work they’ve done, things that would set them apart from the crowd. I would schedule an interview if they met the requirements that I am looking for for that particular position. After the interview, I would give them a call if they’re [the one.]”
During an interview, follow these tips in order to make the best impression possible.
“I would encourage students to be professional when you come in,” Anselmi said. “Make sure you’re dressed appropriately, even if you think that the job wouldn’t require you to dress up. You want to present yourself well. To be gracious and respectful would be the best things.”
Looking for a summer job can be very frustrating at times.
“Stick with it and keep your head up,” said shift manager at Beyond Juice, Tom Fulgerson. “Don’t be late [to the interview].”
