<p>I really want to find a job this summer at a local place (Starbucks, the movie theater, that sort of thing), but I honestly have no idea where to begin. Any advice? How soon should I start looking? how do I go about asking about jobs? any help would be much appreciated.</p>
<p>Walk down to the place you want to work and ask if they may be hiring anyone this summer. Get the name of the person who makes those decisions and talk to that person if possible. </p>
<p>If they have applications handy, fill one out on the spot and leave it there. Then call back later to make sure the application went to the decision maker. </p>
<p>Bottom line, you want to do everything possible to talk to the decision maker and then you want to do everything possible to make that person want to hire you. </p>
<p>Just do that at every place you want to work and do it within the next month and you should have your pick of jobs. </p>
<p>Then, when you do get your job, work your tail off. Have a great attitude and don't bad mouth ANYONE. You will guarantee a job again if you need it and also guarantee a good recomendation in the future.</p>
<p>I applied to host at a local restaurant my senior year of high school. I had taken the application home, filled it out, and brought it back during a weekday afternoon and asked if I could talk to a manager then. It worked well for me -- I was hired on the spot. I'd ask if there was anyone you could talk to when you hand in the application.</p>
<p>Dress slightly more "professional" than you might usually. EG, for boys wear a collared golf shirt, neat khakis. For a girl, I don't know how to be more specific, but some of your less revealing casual outfits.</p>
<p>thanks everyone! but is it okay if I'm just inquiring for summer and that I don't really have time to work immediately? also, should I maybe bring a recommendation or transcript? unfortunately i don't really have those handy since i'm on spring break...</p>
<p>all Starbucks have a manager, and you should ask to speak to him/her. Drop by when they are not busy, so you can make your case.</p>
<p>Goodl luck.</p>
<p>Yes, it's ok to be inquiring for summer. Many summer jobs are filled just about this time of year (March-April), so it's a great idea that you start now. Otherwise, you could miss out on opportunities. Good luck.</p>
<p>Sweetdreams: more advice: be sure to use your very best manners when you introduce yourself to managers: smile, look them in the eyes, shake hands, thank them for their time. Follow-up visits and a thank-you note for interviews may also work well. The impression you make in the first few seconds of speaking to a manager with hiring power is critical.</p>
<p>bump
10 characters...</p>
<p>I'd also recommend being creative when applying. What are your hobbies? For example, music ... apply to the local music store. Reading, apply to the local book store Where is the local hang out? ... would it be cooler to work at the local ice cream store than Starbucks? If you're the first to ask you're way a head in the hunt!
Good luck!</p>
<p>Most applications ask for references and prior work experience. Make sure you have name, address, phone number and/or e-mail info for that, because it really looks sloppy when you can't even fill out the whole application.</p>
<p>thanks everyone...
after I hand in my application, what length of time should I expect for the processing and such?
also, should I give a resume along with the application?</p>
<p>You can ask, when you turn in the application, when you should check back. If the person you're handing it to doesn't know, I would check back the next week. If the person you're handing it to is not the hiring manager, ask for name and phone number of the hiring manager.</p>
<p>A well done resume is always a nice thing to have. If a particular company doesn't want it, that's ok. Otherwise, clip it to the application. Make sure you have proofread it and ask someone else to look it over, too.</p>
<p>For references, I can't really come up with three professional ones, since I've only had one job. Firstly, should I list my current employer as a reference if I've already listed him under employers? Also, can I list my counselor and newspaper adviser?</p>
<p>thanks for everyone's help!</p>
<p>Yes, newspaper adviser and counselor are excellent ideas. Re employer: you might list "Employer" as ABC co. or XYZ Store, and then list Ms. Jane Doe from ABC as a reference. If you need to list the individual as employer, then your third reference can be a teacher, minister/rabbi, someone you have babysat for, family friend (adult) who can give a character reference, but not a relative.</p>