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Finding
Summer Job Openings
There are several means by which you can find out about possible
job opportunities. Some methods require more "leg work"
than others do; some will require more advanced planning (e.g.,
contacting alumni/ae and parents). You should consider each of
the following options, especially if you do not find what you
are looking for through one method.
Write
to the Organizations/Employers that Interest You
Your college
or dorm library might have several directories and books which
provide names, addresses and descriptions of organizations around
your campus. Calling or writing directly to them to inquire about
summer job opportunities is often the only way to find a summer
job in certain areas. A cover letter, explaining who you are and
what you are seeking, and a resume should be sent to each organization/employer
you are interested in. Phone the employer a few days after they
should have received your letter and resume to discuss the position
and hopefully arrange an interview.
Informational
Interviewing
Informational interviews are one of the most beneficial ways
through which to learn about a career field; they can also serve
as a place to begin networking. Their purpose is to explore a
particular field or organization and learn the "ins and outs"
of that field from a practitioner. Rather than being asked questions,
you are the questioner, gathering information that will help you
evaluate your interest in and suitability for a particular opportunity.
An informational
interview is a fine place to raise doubts you might have, explore
the compatibility of your work values with those expressed in
the field and/or ask for advice. An individual whom you interview
for information can also critique your resume.
Although you
may not specifically find out about a job opening, informational
interviewing will often provide leads as to where to begin a successful
job search and will help you choose between fields you are considering.
If you are unable to find alumni/ae and/or parents to meet for
an informational interview, try contacting employers or organizations
found in one of the closed stack directories in the CRC library.
Talk
to as Many People as Possible
Many jobs are advertised word-of-mouth. If you talk to past
employers, friends, professors, family and alumni/ae, let them
know what it is that you are looking for; they will often give
you a name and number of someone who may be able to help you.
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