<p>Okay, so I thought I had a summer job in the wraps since February. Turns out that the job is not available any more. Help! I've never had a summer job before and I realize that I'm REALLY late in the process. What do I do? Am I too late?</p>
<p>Look for different jobs.</p>
<p>My freshman year, I thought I had a job lined up in March, only to be told at the end of MAY that my position had been filled. Wound up applying to literally every restaurant in a five mile radius and found the job I loved for three summers!</p>
<p>Try that and see how it works :)</p>
<p>I have nine job applications. Problem is, they all ask for previous employment. I have none! I’m going to just turn them in and hope for the best.</p>
<p>You will likely have to adjust your expectations. There are PLENTY of jobs that don’t require experience, but they will likely be ones that you may consider yourself above getting. Even if that is true, it’s probable that you will need to settle for a job that doesn’t pay as well or give as good experience someone who has worked before.</p>
<p>For what it’s worth, my first job was as a camp counselor for $5.15 an hour… each year since then I’ve been able to up that salary, but it wasn’t exactly easy. Had a LOT of crappy jobs as a teenager, but it gave a wide array of different experience which helped me find some awesome jobs throughout college. </p>
<p>As long as you aren’t expecting a job that’s going to pay $10,000+ for the summer and offer you a 40 hour, 9-5 week, you should be able to find something fun.</p>
<p>Heck, take a course and become a lifeguard… takes a weekend to get the certification, and tons of places look for lifeguards, plus you get paid $7.50-$10.00 an hour to just chill out and keep people from dying!</p>
<p>At least where I live, lifeguarding positions are very difficult to get. Half the school wants them, three people get them. </p>
<p>The jobs I’m applying for are like Coldstone Creamery, Gap, Baskin Robbins, etc. SUMMER jobs at fast food/clothing stores. They all ask for previous employment. I feel like I’m looking at the basic jobs, don’t know how to “lower” my expectations below this.</p>
<p>In this case, just keep applying… you will find places that are in need of bodies, regardless of experience, and you will get your foot in the door that way. Just don’t give up is all.</p>
<p>If you’re filling out a standard application, they are all going to “ask” for previous employment because they want to know your work history. If you think everyone who is hired by the places you’re applying has a tidy resume filled with other jobs, you’re probably mistaken. Just write in what you can, hand it in and see if you get called in for an interview. Follow up, be friendly and polite…you never know.</p>
<p>Thanks for your help. I’m hoping for the best!</p>
<p>If you need some ideas as to how to lower your expectations…try applying at a vets office that boards animals…yup, dog walking and cleaning their cages. Also, if your town has a miniature golf or any other type of business that spikes in the summer, you might try there. Ask your parents to ask their friends if they know of any job openings…word of mouth is way easier than cold calling. Good luck to you.</p>
<p>Thanks, gluckie. Unfortunately, mini golf/golf jobs are also highly contested in my town, and the nearest vet is pretty far away. My parents are searching around, but it’s not looking like we know anyone looking for jobs!</p>
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