Cook County Summer Jobs for High School Students?

I'm a high school student in Cook County looking for summer job opportunities. Where should I start looking, and do you have any tips for applying or standing out to potential employers?

Finding a summer job can be an exciting journey! Get started by thinking about what interests you and what skills you want to develop. Perhaps you're interested in working with children, exploring a field of interest, or simply accumulating experience in a customer service role. However, some specific types of jobs that are often available to high school students include retail, food service, internships at local businesses, and administrative assistance roles.

If you're looking to build skills in a specific field or achieve hands-on experience, check with local businesses or nonprofits. They often have internships or volunteer opportunities, which can also turn into paid positions. Based on your location, the Cook County government also has a summer youth employment program that provides job training and opportunities for youth.

When applying, make sure to tailor your application to each specific job. Highlight any experience you have that's relevant to the job you're applying for - remember, this can be academic, extracurricular, or even personal experiences. For example, if you're applying to be a retail assistant in a book store, mention your love of books and any experience you have providing customer service or organizing information.

To stand out, tailor each job application and show your enthusiasm for that particular job - employers appreciate seeing that you've taken the time to understand what they're about. Also, don't underestimate the value of soft skills! Demonstrating dependability, a good work ethic, and a proactive attitude can go a long way.

Make sure to include any relevant school projects or extracurricular activities on your resume. For instance, if you were a treasurer for a school club and are now applying for a cashier position, definitely include that experience!

Lastly, when you receive an interview offer, it's crucial to prepare ahead of time. Familiarize yourself with common interview questions and consider your responses. Also, it's always good to be professionally dressed and be on time to show them that you are serious about the job. You got this!