Looking forward to working in an office this summer but don’t know where to start? This task can be daunting, especially if this is your first foray into the office sector. Here are five tips for students looking for summer work.
1. Research Office Jobs That You’re Interested In
If you’re just starting to consider office work, start researching online to find out what type of office work you may be interested in. It’s also good to research job advertisements to see what employers are looking for. Best case scenario is that you are looking for the specific office position that is most needed by employers.
By researching job advertisements, you can also see what is available in your area, and what you should add to your resume to better attract the attention of hiring managers.
2. Add the Skills You’ve Obtained in School to Your Resume
Think about how your experiences in school has prepared you for office work. You may realize that many of your skills are transferable to the office environment. For example, to demonstrate teamwork, talk about clubs that you are part of, and group projects that you’ve worked on, and the goals you reached at the end.
Being a full time student, with lots of class time, homework, and projects to complete, you can be sure to add multitasking to your resume. Not to mention your ability to take on a large workload, and being able to work well under pressure within tight deadlines.
You’ve sharpened your interpersonal skills by interacting with professors and classmates.
You should also include any relevant scholarships and awards, as they show initiative, and the ability to excel at a high level.
3. Highlight Your Technology Skills
As a young employee, many offices may view you as a “master” of new technology. In many ways you probably are. You’re most likely familiar with the technology that’s currently out there because you’ve had to use certain programs/apps/software in school.
Your resume is a great way to showcase that you’re tech-savvy. Create a resume that is out-of-the-box. That is sure to get you noticed.
Similarly, you can show that you are tech-savvy by providing a link to your personal website (if you have one). If you’re in a business program, mention any finance software you’ve mastered in school, or even on your own time. This will make you eligible for a wider range of business sectors, and make you a more attractive candidate to hiring managers.
4. Use Your Resources
Your school may have resources to help you find summer employment. Check with those offices and see if there are any portals where you can access employers looking specifically for students. Similarly, reach out to professors, past employers, family, and friends and let them know what kind of office position you are looking for. They may know of a position open, or be able to refer you to someone hiring.
Partnering with a staffing agency to find work is also a good idea. Liberty Staffing offers temporary opportunities in office settings. An example of some of the office roles that we offer include: Reception, Administrative Assistant, Customer Service, Data Entry, etc.
5. Be Confident, Prepared, and Professional in Your Interview
You might feel nervous about getting a summer office job, but be confident in what you can bring to the table. This confidence can be demonstrated through communicating clearly when you are emailing/calling potential employers. Similarly, dressing professionally in your interview shows your awareness and understanding of an office environment.
In your interview, be prepared to talk about your experience and skills, as well as some background knowledge about the office and industry you are aiming to work in. A great way to show you prepared for the interview is to ask questions about the company and the role. This shows that you think ahead, and are really interested in the position.
Being confident, prepared, and professional in the interview process is sure to help you gain that summer office position you’ve been looking for.
If you’re looking for office work this summer, contact Liberty Staffing today!
