1.  Start early.
Preparation for summer employment should start as early as December of the previous year. Many companies start looking after the holidays to prepare themselves for the summer season.  Holiday vacation is a great time for students to get started seeking a summer job. Even though employers may not be listing openings yet at that time, contact them by phone or in person early to let them know you are interested.  It may pay off a few months down the road.

2.  Determine what work you would be interested in.
Make a list of what you would like to do, what type of work you enjoy, what kind of salary you would accept, location of the work, number of hours, what kind of people you would work with, etc. If at all possible, use summer employment as an opportunity to “try on” a career of interest or to get work experience in a field you’re thinking of going into.

3.  Identify prospective employers.
Visit with your nearest South Dakota Career Center, check the yellow pages, newspapers, libraries and visit the South Dakota Department of Labor website for resources for Job Seekers (including contact information for South Dakota Career Centers and online job listings).

4.  Develop a résumé to emphasize your skills and experience.
A résumé can effectively present your background and distinguish you from other job seekers. If you need help, your local South Dakota Career Center professionals are able to help or you can get help and instructions online. 

5.  Complete applications
Ask employers for an application form. When completing the form, be neat and thorough. Many employers require prospective employees to complete the application on the worksite. You may find it helpful to complete a Pocket Résumé and use it when filling out applications. The Pocket Résumé is available for downloading as a .pdf file from the Labor Market Information Center website or from your nearest South Dakota Career Center. Once you fill out your Pocket Résumé, it will serve as “crib notes” for completing employment applications. 

6.  Be prepared for an interview.  
Should you be granted an interview, dress appropriately. Keep in mind many employers do not believe such things as facial piercings and visible tattoos are acceptable for workplace presence.  During the interview, be prepared to answer questions about your background, your skills and experience, why you are interested in the job, etc.

7.  Follow up your interviews.
Always send a thank-you letter or e-mail to the interviewer expressing your appreciation. If you weren’t called for an interview, follow up your application with a phone call, an e-mail, a letter, or even a visit to show you are genuinely interested. This will also help distinguish you from other applicants. 

8.  What if an offer is made?
Before accepting an offer, be sure to ask any questions you might have. Clarify items such as hours to be worked, your duties and responsibilities, your supervisor’s name, travel involved, or any special requirements in connection with the work.

10.  Don’t give up.
If you don’t get the first job opening you try for, keep on trying. Persistence pays off.

A free job seeking resource available to you
For more tips on finding job opportunities, applications, résumé writing, interviewing and follow-up, refer to the South Dakota Careerwise. This booklet produced by the Labor Market Information Center is available free of charge from your nearest South Dakota Career Center. Or, you can order it online from the Labor Market Information Center website by clicking on “Order LMIC Resources.”