How to Get a Summer Retail Job before the Summer Is Over

Summer retail jobs are probably one of the easier types of jobs to get because they are seasonal. Many retail stores tend to add extra staff for the summer months, as they find this one of their busiest times. This doesn't mean that as soon as you walk into the store they are going to hire you on the spot, though. In most cases, they are not desperate for help and will more than likely have several resumes in front of them, especially if there are many students looking for retail summer jobs. Getting summer retail jobs is similar to getting any other part–time, temporary work. You will need the skills or basics that fit this industry.

How to go about getting the work that you want

• First, try to get summer retail jobs in the area of your interest. For example if you really like fashion, then seek out the retail clothing stores that may be hiring. On the other hand, if car parts are your passion, then see what is available in the retail sector of this category. You will find that if you are going after a job that is going to involve what you like, then you will come across much more confident at your interview because you are passionate about the job.
  
  
  
  
• Make sure that the summer retail jobs that you are going after will be compatible with you. Are you going to be able to travel to work easily and conveniently? If it is difficult for you to get there, then you may find yourself taking time off from work because of the hassles of getting there. The other thing to consider is the working hours. Quite often the working hours in the retail industry are longer and more staggered. If you have other commitments, like part-time courses, are they going to interfere with your work schedule?
  
  
• Not only should you be found acceptable from the potential employer’s point of view, but you should feel the same towards them. When you really need a job, it’s easy to say you will work anywhere. If a retail place is hiring, but you know for sure they have a really bad reputation, then take that into consideration. Perhaps the company is not good with their staff or they don’t pay well or on time. You may go to work for them and then find it’s unbearable. You may end up quitting, and then they may end up giving you a bad reference. You don’t want companies like this on your resume. Keep looking around for a job that will suit you.
  
  
• Start looking early in the season, especially if you are going to have lots of competition with your job hunting. Employers are aware of the summer rush for jobs. If you put your application in late in the season, it may raise concerns about why you waited so long to apply for a job. Unless of course you are changing jobs. If this is the case, you may want to make that clear when you submit your resume.
  
  
• Naturally, you are going to want to go after the higher-paying jobs. If you have no previous work experience, though, you may want to lower your expectation a little bit. Most often, the retail stores in large malls pay more. This also means you will face more competition. If you don’t have experience, then consider working for a smaller retail outlet. They are usually a little more flexible in their hiring procedures. These may not be the places where you work year after year, but they will at least give you some experience. In addition, many of the smaller retailers will give raises for good work.
  
  
• Summer retail jobs are not going to be actively looking for you personally; they are going to be looking for the right person to fit their needs. Dress accordingly when you drop off your resume as well as for your interview. Dress appropriately through your entire time of working there. Give some thought as to what you wear. If you favorite attire is Goth, and you are going to apply at a retail bridal shop, you really need to think about your wardrobe for this atmosphere. There is nothing wrong with Goth, per say, but there it may not be appropriate for a professional atmosphere.
  

One last word of advice — when you are seeking out summer retail jobs be sure the job you take is the one you really want. If you don’t have any people skills, or if you become agitated easily, then perhaps you may want to consider finding another industry more appropriate to your personality. That doesn’t speak badly of you; it just means that customer service is not one of your strong points. However, there are many summer retail jobs behind the scenes, like office-work sections of the retail industry to consider as well.