Summer Jobs
 
Although freshman Kai Ford has done yard work for neighbors and helped out around the house, he hasn’t yet had a job. Ford is anxious to get his first work experience over the summer and has already applied at Holiday Inn as a banquet server.
He is also considering applying at Andy’s Frozen Custard as a store associate and is now waiting for a response.
“I’m very excited to start bringing in my own source of income and take the first steps towards independence,” Ford said.
Ford, like many other teens, is looking for a summer job. Although summer is a great time to relax and take a break after months of tests and schoolwork, not all plan on having complete leisure throughout their summer. According to Junior Achievement USA, two-thirds of teens ages 14 to 18 plan on getting summer jobs, which are a great way to earn extra money, learn skills and gain experience. Though getting a job may at first seem daunting, it is well worth it.
“I’m glad to have a summer job as a lifeguard because it’s nice to have something to do over the summer,” sophomore Jillian Vessell, a worker at Ashland Optimist Pool, said. “Also, having money to do stuff with and to save for things like college are a big bonus for me.”
There are many benefits of holding a job, but first, people have to find ideas of where to apply. Some jobs, such as being a lifeguard or working at a summer camp, are seasonal while others are available year-round. Non-seasonal jobs would allow for working part-time throughout the school year. Internships are also recommended, according to Forbes, and can help get experience and a way into the company. Sometimes teens have to take the leap and ask around for jobs, but other times the people they already know can provide help.
“My step-dad owns a pool so that was my first idea of where to work,” Vessell said. “It helps to contact people you know if you think they can help.”
After brainstorming ideas, it’s time to send in a resumé along with the application. Typically, employers need a resume so they can see who would be best for the job. But if someone doesn’t have any work experience, that could be okay, too.
According to Livecareer.com, it’s best to include leadership roles, awards or skills, besides just past job experience. Those looking for jobs should show off all of their abilities and why they’re the best candidate.
“Complete the application, meaning do not leave blank spaces. Make sure to complete employer name, supervisor name, dates of employment and reason for leaving or wanting to leave,” Mark Nistendirk, Hiring Coordinator at MBS Textbook Exchange, said. “This information is being reviewed, and you are using it to sell yourself to a potential employer. Leaving areas blank gives the reviewer the impression that the applicant is not taking the process seriously. Complete the comments or notes section to give the reviewer more information.”
After sending in a resumé, employers will either ask for an interview or choose someone else. It’s a good sign to receive a call or email to schedule an interview. When corresponding to plan a time and date, make sure to be professional and polite and keep in mind there are most likely others in the same position, so saying something rude or unacceptable is not a good idea. According to The Guardian, it can help to practice rehearsing questions in advance and to research the company.
“I was very anxious before the interview,” sophomore Devon Garcia, who applied and got a job at Hyvee, said. “But during [the interview], I was relaxed.”
For the interview, employers typically desire applicants dressed in a professional way that will reflect the business. Applicants should be honest with each answer and show their personality without making themselves look bad. It may be stressful, but keep in mind that the employer has been in the same situation at some point.
Not getting the desired job isn’t the end of the world. If multiple people apply for the same job, it makes sense that most will get rejected, according to The Muse. It isn’t a reflection of who they are as an individual and there are always other chances. It’s nothing to get too worried about to not have a summer job, especially in high school when many students don’t.
“I feel like people with a positive outlook and a ‘can do’ attitude can be taught any skill they may need, but it is very hard to change a bad attitude,” Lori Mann, Chief Nursing Officer of Rusk Rehabilitation, said. “People who step up and make a difference are extremely important.”
 
Summer Events
 
[box title=”May 20″ box_color=”#fcff26″ title_color=”#000000″ radius=”0″]Billy Currington w/ Kelsea Ballernini at the Blue Note. $30 in advance or $35 the day of show.[/box] [box title=”May 28″ box_color=”#ff2683″ title_color=”#000000″ radius=”0″]West Broadway Swim Club opens. Memberships are $300.[/box] [box title=”May 30″ box_color=”#30bb18″ title_color=”#000000″ radius=”0″]Memorial Day Run for the Veterans at Flat Branch Park. $25 for 5k.[/box] [box title=”Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays” box_color=”#7079d4″ title_color=”#000000″ radius=”0″]Farmer’s Market[/box] [box title=”June 4 and 5″ box_color=”#fdc038″ title_color=”#000000″ radius=”0″]Art in the Park. Free[/box] [box title=”June 6″ box_color=”#ff2683″ title_color=”#000000″ radius=”0″]Amphitheater Concert Series at Stephens Lake Park. Free[/box] [box title=”June 17″ box_color=”#30bb18″ title_color=”#000000″ radius=”0″]Finding Dory Premiere at Forum 8 and Hollywood Theaters.[/box] [box title=”June 22-24″ box_color=”#7079d4″ title_color=”#000000″ radius=”0″]Show Me State Games at the Rock Quarry Center[/box] [box title=”July 4″ box_color=”#fcff26″ title_color=”#000000″ radius=”0″]Fire in the Sky at Flat Branch Park. 6:30 PM- activities. 9:15- fireworks.[/box] [box title=”July 28-31″ box_color=”#fdc038″ title_color=”#000000″ radius=”0″]Dog Days Sidewalk Sale downtown[/box] [box title=”August 9-14″ box_color=”#ff2683″ title_color=”#000000″ radius=”0″]Boone County Fair at the Fairgrounds. $5-6 per ticket.[/box] [box title=”August 12″ box_color=”#fcff26″ title_color=”#000000″ radius=”0″]Movies in the Park: Inside Out at Cosmo Park. Free[/box] [box title=”August 17″ box_color=”#30bb18″ title_color=”#000000″ radius=”0″]Family Fun Fest at Cosmo Park. Free[/box] [box title=”August 20″ box_color=”#7079d4″ title_color=”#000000″ radius=”0″]Kaleidoscope Glow Bike Ride at Flat Branch Park. $15 per person[/box] [box title=”August 27″ box_color=”#fcff26″ title_color=”#000000″ radius=”0″]RMHC Red Shoe Bike Ride at Shakespeare’s Pizza (South). Rides are 35, 62, or 100 miles.[/box] [box title=”August 28″ box_color=”#ff2683″ title_color=”#000000″ radius=”0″]Cattleman Days Rodeo. $13 per ticket[/box] [box title=”September 10″ box_color=”#30bb18″ title_color=”#000000″ radius=”0″]First Mizzou Home Game VS Eastern Michigan[/box] [box title=”September 19-20″ box_color=”#fdc038″ title_color=”#000000″ radius=”0″]Heritage Festival at Nifong Park. Free[/box]