When pools start opening up, so do summer jobs. But don’t be fooled; students aren’t the only ones who could benefit from working an extra shift in the summer. Anyone can spice up their resume with Top Applicant’s top 5 summer jobs.
How can a summer job help your resume?
Summer jobs largely revolve around industries that only need help during seasonal events. Our top picks all include paid positions to gain career experience you won’t find in any other season. Before you dive into a job search, take a few minutes to learn about our top summer jobs.
Our Top Picks
1. Camp Counselor
Campers of all ages need someone to show them the ropes! Summer camps for all ages across the nation need responsible, energetic people to help make memories happen. This is a favorite for teachers, students, and hard workers from all walks of life who love to share knowledge in nature.
What this pick lacks in high-paying positions, it makes up for in professional experience. Chances are that if you can handle a group of unruly preteens for a summer, you can handle a hard day in an office. This summer job is a great way to build situation management, leadership, and teamwork skills, which makes it a hot pick on a resume!
2. Concessions Worker
Some of the most valuable work skills can be learned under the warm glow of a popcorn machine. Whether it’s a Friday night baseball game or at the country club on Sunday, you’ll find some of the hardest workers behind the counter. But what they say is true—if you can’t stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen.
Working event concessions is a great way to gain experience in a fast-paced, high-stress environment. Constantly having to count money, time food, and take orders on your feet may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but the experience is well worth the sweat! In the end, these summer jobs are a fun way to build communication and multitasking skills while having a blast.
3. Lifeguard
You don’t need to look like a character on Baywatch to be a lifeguard! This is one of the most flexible, rewarding, and lucrative summer jobs. In addition to emergency management skills, this job also requires CPR training and quick communication.
All of these requirements are highly desirable amongst employers out of the pool as well! When someone’s life actually depends on you, every second counts. Quick, effective reliability under pressure is why employers love seeing this summer job on a resume!
4. Retail Staff
Speaking of thinking on your feet, we also recommend spending a summer shopping for others! No matter why you may find time on your hands this summer, why not earn some extra money instead of spending it?
Any retail job is all about the real estate you’re occupying. So, we suggest playing to your strengths when looking for a part-time or full-time summer job. If you like what you’re selling and where you’re selling it, you’ll likely enjoy your job so much more! This is another great way to learn organizational, situational, and communicative skills.
5. Community Organizations
One of the most impactful ways to heat up your resume is by helping your community! While some organizations may have internships, we recommend looking into paid summer jobs when possible. Ballparks need scorekeepers, and festivals need ticket takers. So, why not be a part of what truly makes a great summer?
Employers love seeing solid community ties, so we recommend looking into your community’s local parks and recreation department, YMCA, or any cause with summer events. These are often solid references that come with built-in credit amongst local employers. This is one of the best ways to show your community pride, gain great references, and have a blast all summer long.
Don’t Waste Your Summer!
No matter where this season takes your career, get there with Top Applicant. Everyone can learn something by picking up an extra shift this summer. So sign in, build your profile, and shape your future with the future of hiring!
