How to Look for a Summer Job for College / University Students?

Recently, I received an email from one of the young people I worked with in previous years.>

" I hate to admit it, but I have really little experience in looking for work.  The experience I have is not paid work experience and its not really diversified. 

 Having essentially no past employment history, I really don't know how to even get started writing a resume.

I was just wondering if there was any advice you could possibly give me, or any tips I should know while trying to come up with a resume out of thin air.

I really just need some sort of guidance, and I know if there is anyone that can help me it's you!" -  A Canadian university student looking for a summer job

I was pleased to receive such an email asking for help. As a young person looking to build his/her work experience and writing a good resume, this young person is very wise in seeking help. There is nothing wrong in asking other people for assistance, particularly from those friendly folks who one knows well and has worked with on volunteer projects.

January is an excellent time to start looking for a summer job. Many big companies and government agencies start recruiting students during this period. But the first step in job searching is getting your resume ready. Not just any resume, but a professional looking resume that will highlight the job seeker's skills

Writing s resume can be a daunting task for a young person, but it is not that difficult. Here are the suggestions I gave to that young person:

1. Google to see a sample resume to get an idea what kind of information should be included in a resume

2. Write down in reverse chronological order all the volunteer and employment experience one has under the following headings:


Date of volunteer/ employment work
Name of Company/ organization
Address

Your position

Your job responsibilities 


The job seeker can list all his/her summer job experiences including all volunteer work in school, university and in the community which is a very important part for young people still studying at college or university. Employers understands that it is not easy for young people to find real work, but the volunteer work shows the kind of skills, interest and the abilities of the person. 

One can go back as far as high school years.

Also, list the education, qualifications and other skills such as any software application, talents etc. that the person possesses.

If the job seeker can have all the info ready, then he/ she can ask someone more experienced such as a family friend, someone from church, teacher, government employment counselor to go over the rough copy. Then the person can get advice, polish it to make the resume look more professional.

Remember, the first step in job searching is a professional looking resume!

R.T.
Toronto