On the Hunt: the Job Hunt

     It is that time a year again. Job hunting season. Thankfully I have already been blessed with a fantastic job this summer and I am honestly counting down the days until summer camp, but for those without jobs, this might be of some help! One of the major points of being a grown up college person now is that you will need to get a job. This not only provides you with money, but it also provides you with something to put on your resume, work experience and the opportunity to network and meet new people. Last year around this time I started looking for a camp counselor position because I knew it was what I wanted to do. It gave me the opportunity to get my resume and applications to as many camps as possible while still leaving me some wiggle room for scheduling interviews. It is also a perfect time because spring break is right around the corner and, assuming, you are looking for a job close to home, you won't have to take time off of classes to go home for an interview. Here are some of my tips to nailing an awesome job.

1. Ask yourself a few questions: What exactly do you want to do? Do you want to be outside or inside all day? Do you want to be at a desk? Do you want to work with kids? What are you interested in? This will help you narrow down your search to find something that you are interested in doing all summer. 

2. Work on your resume: Make sure your resume is up to date and professional looking. SMC has a great service in our career development office where they will help you organize a professional resume. Set up an appointment HERE. (In general, our career development office is amazing here on campus, they are bunches of help and I suggest checking out their website HERE!)

3. Check what is needed when you apply: This is a crucial step. Make sure that if you have to submit a cover letter with your resume and application that you do so. If you don't, it may look like you do not know how to read directions and it will look poorly on you.

4. Research: Research the places that you apply. I spent hours perusing Youtube, Facebook, twitter and the company's websites to find all of the information that I could about them. This is crucial if you get an interview so that you can ask the questions that you really want to get answered. 

5. Google yourself: I know, this may sound really weird. Now a days one of the first things that employers do is Google and applicant to check what they do online. So before they see something that you aren't particularly proud of, go on a quick mission to clean up all of your social media sites and online activity. This is especially important if you plan on working with children like I do at a summer camp. You are there to be role models and a reflection of the place you work, so don't make it look bad!

6. Do a follow up: After you submit your application, give it a few days but then make sure that the employer received your application. 

7. Dress the part: If you have an in person interview, make sure you look nice. Most of the time they will tell you how to dress for an interview, whether it be business casual or business attire. Whatever the case, pull yourself together a bit. Sweat pants and sneakers are never an option, just remember that. 

8. Don't get frustrated: I applied to many places before I found one that loved me as much as I loved them. It may take time to find the perfect fit. Just don't get frustrated. Some place wants you, just stay positive! 

Helping my A session girls during an evening activity. They had to wear as many articles of clothing as possible. I believe our count was around 107 or so. 

My C session girls. This was after an evening activity that consisted of paint, water, flour and tons of fun!

Those are some of my tips to landing an awesome summer job! I followed these tips and I found a place that I adore working at. Last summer was an absolute blast and I cannot wait to go back. Shameless plug, if you want to work at a summer camp, DO IT. It was one of the best experiences I have ever had and I recommend it to anyone!

Love,
Susanna

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