I'm starting to think ahead to next summer and I'd like to find a seasonal job. Any recommendations on places that tend to hire high school students for summer positions? How early should I start looking?
Seeking out seasonal summer jobs is a smart move, as it not only lets you gain some revenue, but it can also help you build valuable work skills. Typically, popular summer employment areas for high school students include retail, food service/restaurants, and theme parks, due to their flexible hours and willingness to hire students without much work experience.
Another sector to look into tends to be local and state parks or recreation departments, particularly if you enjoy being outdoors. These places often hire seasonal staff for jobs like lifeguarding, park maintenance, or running summer camps. Libraries, museums, and public pools may also have summer positions available.
The most important is to start looking and applying early. Many businesses will start posting their summer job openings in the spring, as early as March or April. By starting early, you'll not only gain an edge over other applicants, but you'll also have enough time to apply to more places and increase your chances of landing a job.
When you start searching, you can use online job search engines, but remember also to utilize your network. Ask teachers, neighbors, and family friends if they know about any local businesses hiring for the summer. Local community boards or school career centers might also have job postings. Hope this helps, and good luck with your job search!
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