Summer Job Tips

How to Land a Summer Job Before or After Your Gap Year

Time to make some cash to add to your gap year piggy bank! Easy, right?

The reality right now is that the summer job market for 18–19 year olds is a bit tighter. Some employers are hiring more cautiously. Some are filling roles with older or more experienced workers. And some of the “classic” teen jobs just aren’t as plentiful as they once were.

That doesn’t mean opportunities aren’t out there. It just means you need to approach the search a little differently.

START NOW

JOB HUNT BRAINSTORMING

→ Babysit

→ Tutor

→ Private Coaching or Training

TIPS FOR YOUR HUSTLE:

Put the word out:

• Parents are ALWAYS looking for help. Use your parents’ network, community bulletin boards, local newspapers, and social media to advertise your services. Create eye-catching flyers to distribute in local businesses.

Online Platforms:

• Explore online community platforms like NextDoor or Facebook. This can expand your reach beyond your local contacts

Network in Your Community:

• Attend local events or join community groups where parents might be looking for reliable babysitters, tutors or coaches.

→ Dogwalk

→ Housesit

→ Work at a vet clinic, doggie daycare or shelter

TIPS FOR YOUR HUSTLE:

Put the word out:

• If you will be home for the holidays let everyone know! Activate the parents’ network, community bulletin boards, local newspapers, and social media to advertise your services. Create eye-catching flyers to distribute in local businesses.

Create a Flexible Schedule:

• Be open to working during evenings, weekends, and holidays, as pet owners may need services at various times.
• Offer flexible scheduling to accommodate the needs of your clients.

Stay Informed about Pet Health:

• Keep yourself informed about common health issues in pets and know the basics of first aid.
• Have contact information for local veterinarians in case of emergencies.

→ Work Retail Over the Holidays

→ Become a Server or Host

→ Visitor/Guest services at hotels, museums or attractions

TIPS FOR YOUR HUSTLE:

Hit the street:

• Print out some resumes and physically go to restauarnts, cafes or other places that are hiring to hand them to a manager in person.

Local spots can be easier than chains:

• Corporations can have a lengthy hiring process through a web protal. Local businesses tend to hire more quickly.

Pick up where you left off:

• If you had a job you liked over the summer, see if you can resume working there during your time at home.

→ Sell Your Art on Etsy

→ Be a Holiday Helper (see below)

→ Visitor/Guest services at hotels, museums or attractions

TIPS FOR YOUR HUSTLE:

For Artists/Photographers:

• Offer to take family portraits for local families over the holidays
• Create custom holiday cards for your town or area; or bespoke orders
• Create and sell digital products 

Physical Tasks:

• Landscaper
• Moving help

SCHEDULE YOUR DAYS