Where to Find a Good Summer Job

Courtesy of The Odyssey Online

Courtesy of The Odyssey Online

Christine Gemperle '17, Staff Writer

With summer break right around the corner, many high school students are looking into the possibility of working a summer job, and I am here to tell you more about the process! In personal experience, I began applying for summer jobs during March of my Junior year. Some places required online applications and for others, I walked in and asked for an application, filled it out, and handed it back for review. I ultimately got a part-time, year round job working at the Cheviot Hills Recreation Center, as a scorekeeper for flag football, basketball, and volleyball. I continue to work every weekend, Saturday and Sunday, one 5-hour shift each day. This turned out to be the perfect job for me: I had played basketball at the Cheviot Rec Center for years as a kid and worked an unpaid job as a Counselor in Training for the summer camp at the location years earlier, so many of those working there already knew me by name. I was able to communicate my complicated high school schedule and adjust my shift times occasionally if needed. Although I don’t get paid much, working at Cheviot has taught me how to multitask, problem solve, manage my time, and efficiently work with coaches, referees, and parents.  

If you are also interested in finding a good summer job, first know that the minimum age one can work a paying job in the United States is 14, but there are many regulations on the number of hours per day and per week 14 and 15-year-olds are allowed to work. I recommend looking for paying jobs at the age of 16, when you can work however long you want as long as you have a work permit, which must be signed by both your school and your employer. There are countless places willing to hire teenagers, and I would recommend making a list of multiple places you are interested in working and then check on their website to see if they hire minors.

More things to keep in mind:

Location: It is always easier to work at a location that is close to your house and easily accessible.

Wage: You will most likely get paid minimum wage (around $10/hour)

Your availability: Many places are much more likely to hire people who have flexible schedules (people who are in town most of the summer and are willing to work any time of day. This might also include waking up early on weekends or working weekend night shifts, which, understandably, are the least popular shifts).

Your work experience: It will definitely be easier to find a job if you are familiar with the type of work the job requires or if you personally know employees at the job location, which would give you an advantage over others in the hiring process.

Lastly, I would recommend applying to food places (cafes, yogurt/ice cream shops, smoothie/coffee shops, bakeries), grocery stores, or something in retail (clothing/jewelry/shoe stores). Remember, a summer job should be fun, but it is also a commitment! Don’t expect to get calls and interviews from every place you apply; remember, many other teenagers, as well as older and more experienced people, have also applied to the same jobs. You will learn a lot and make mistakes, but making friends with coworkers and interacting with customers definitely makes it all worth it!!