Summer jobs can seem like a fast way to make cash, or a dead-end way to spend your few weeks of freedom, depending on how you look at it. But in reality, the skills you gain from your boring job bagging groceries or life guarding at the pool can give you some skills that can help you when time comes to start your career.
Customer Service
Almost any job, no matter what it is, requires you to deal with customers of some sort. That’s why the ability to provide good customer service looks great as a resume builder. Employers often look for someone with a positive demeanor who is able to quickly solve problems or calm down unruly customers. It seems like a common skill, but you’d be surprised at how many people snap under pressure while on the job. No one wants to work with a negative Nancy, so being able to stay calm is always a plus.
Be Knowledgeable
Another thing that looks good on a resume is knowledge of the product or service. Seemingly useless information at your current job, like how to tell how a watermelon is ripe or how many gallons of water are in the pool you life guard at, can show an employer that you care about the position you have. Not being knowledgeable about your workplace tells managers and employers that you don’t care and are just looking for an easy paycheck. Some of the information you gain at summer jobs can help in the long run.
Take Control
I don’t mean take control of everything around you, but being able to take control of the task at hand is always a plus. Going back to the idea of customer service, if you can take control of a possible unruly situation, it looks very good in the eyes of a possible employer. Loud customers could be related to angry clients. Being able to compromise and give everyone what they want makes for a positive ending to an otherwise bad situation.
Your summer job could be the gateway to the future. It can show what kind of person you are. Don’t treat it like it’s fast cash, think about the skills you have gained from it, and apply those to your future; you never know what opportunities might come your way. Everyday skills can do wonders for a resume, you just need to keep your eyes open and see what comes your way!
