Summer Job Advice-

[rawfuls]

Originally Posted by rchippie

Thats true . What about washing cars in the neighborhood ?.

No one wants to see a fat kid washing their car

As oddly enough, my neighbors (2 of em) have people who come by every 2 weeks and wash their cars.. at their house.
Still puzzles me to this day...

[rchippie]

Originally Posted by rawfuls

No one wants to see a fat kid washing their car

As oddly enough, my neighbors (2 of em) have people who come by every 2 weeks and wash their cars.. at their house.
Still puzzles me to this day...

.

[Finnster]

IDK about the computer repair biz, at least if you are looking to get a decent and reliable income stream coming and rather quickly. Not saying don't do it, just don't expect to greatly take-off.

I think mowing lawns is about the best thing you can do. Its all in cash (so no taxes), its easy to make a good deal of money for the time invested, and it gets you outside. Something easy to knockout in the mornings while its cool and have your day later on.

If some people already have lawn service, try to outbid them. If its pros, then they will have to charge a pretty good amount to cover costs and make a decent wage. Youdont need a lot of lawns to do either. Even if you can do 10 lawns a week @ $20, that's $200 in your pocket for maybe 10-15hrs of work. Not bad at all for a 15 yo.

[rawfuls]

Well, I wanted to get started early on the computer biz, mainly because I don't wanna be volunteering, or working for a job that's not dedicated to my major.

My brother recommended me to actually do computer jobs, if I plan on majoring in computers in college.

Kind of like working for a fast food restaurant, if you're majoring in English.
This way it looks nice for the colleges I'll attempt to apply for..

[TexasSP]

If you were sixteen I would say try and get a job with geek squad or the like, but........

At 15 I wouldn't worry too much about trying to find your career job right now. No one will look down on you for taking random summer jobs as a teenager. When you hit college, I would pursue the computer related career heavily, but until then don't sweat it.

[rawfuls]

So uhh, my parents are pretty persistence with me trying to at least apply, so I wrote up a little letter, here's what I have so far.
I do kinda want the "job" but hey, it's mostly my parents :P

Any advice?

Dear [Name of the Company I'm applying to];

I am currently seeking a part-time job for the summer, to help raise my computer repair experience to all the computer fields, as I am very interested in majoring in the Computer Science/Hardware/etc in my near future during college, and to get into a computer repair career after college.

A little about myself, I am 15, turning 16 on January 3rd. I'm going to be a sophomore starting August at El Camino Real High in Woodland Hills, CA 91367. Because I am under 18, I have already filled out my Workers Permit Application, and just looking for a part time or full time job.

I've been working with computers and the like since a little before Junior High. During Junior High until present, I have been building, repairing, restoring, etc for myself, friends, and family. Including remote support with far away cousins, relatives, and friends of friends. And I feel that the next step for myself would be working in a computer shop, such as yours.

Of course, since I am only 15, I am still working towards my certification, specifically my A+ certification, in which I am studying for during the summer, with intentions to take the A+ course next summer, and to end the summer with the A+ Certification!

Finally, I am confident that I could help contribute to your business, as well as learn to understand computers more than before working in this shop. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions you may so have. Thank you in advance for your consideration, and hope to hear from you soon.


Sincerely,

Justin Hoang

Number Here

Email Here

[TexasSP]

Dear [Name of the Company I'm applying to];

I am currently seeking a part-time job for the summer, to help raise my computer repair experience to all the computer fields, as I am very interested in majoring in the Computer Science/Hardware/etc in my near future during college, and to get into a computer repair career after college.

A little about myself, I am 15, turning 16 on January 3rd. I'm going to be a sophomore starting August at El Camino Real High in Woodland Hills, CA 91367. Because I am under 18, I have already filled out my Workers Permit Application, and just looking for a part time or full time job.

I've been working with computers and the like since a little before Junior High. During Junior High until present, I have been building, repairing, restoring, etc for myself, friends, and family. Including remote support with far away cousins, relatives, and friends of friends. And I feel that the next step for myself would be working in a computer shop, such as yours.

Of course, since I am only 15, I am still working towards my certification, specifically my A+ certification, in which I am studying for during the summer, with intentions to take the A+ course next summer, and to end the summer with the A+ Certification!
You already mentioned your age so no need to again. It sounds semi negative wording it like you do in this sentence. Remember you are trying to sell yourself here, you are the product. Keep it all positive and focus on that. Mention the negatives against you once but always try to spin them in a positive light. I have worked with people who were formerly homeless, felons, etc, and this is how we get them to move on with careers. Not comparing you to these guys just an example.

Finally, I am confident that I could help contribute to your business, as well as learn to understand computers more than before working in this shop. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions you may so have. Thank you in advance for your consideration, and hope to hear from you soon.


Sincerely,

Justin Hoang

Number Here

Email Here

Finally, I would try to round up at least three adult references for the work you have done. It's better they not be family. I would also try to get 3 personal references from authority figures around you like teachers, coaches, etc.

Looks good so far though, just tweak a little here and there.

[simplechamp]

Just something to note, if you only plan on working for around 2-3 months (when do you start school again?) you are probably best off doing the lawn-mowing/yardwork or maybe working at a grocery store (that was my first summer job as a kid). Looking for summer-only employment limits the scope of which employers are willing to hire you. If the job requires a reasonable amount of orientation and training the employer may be hesitant to spend the time and effort when they know you will be leaving relatively soon. You are probably best off looking for jobs that have a high turnover rate of employees. Grocery store again, gas station, fast food. Not glamorous jobs by any means, but they are more likely to accept short-term employees.

[rawfuls]

TexasSP:

Thanks, didn't catch that..
I do have my neighbor, a few friends, and I think some teachers?
Should I list the references in the email, or should I just keep them until they ask for em?

@simplechamp:

I plan to work fulltime in the summer (Maximum 40 hours a week with the work permit), and part time (Friday, and weekends) during school.

I start school relatively soon, because we're changing schedule from September to June, to August to May..

[simplechamp]

Well as long as you plan to stay on during school that will make you more attractive to potential employers, but Friday and weekends only is still somewhat limiting when looked at from the employers point of view, especially if they are only open M-F.

As I said before, gas station, grocery store, fast food. All open 7 days a week and should be more flexible with your schedule.

[reno911]

Note that you are looking to work a temp job. Go into it telling the truth on that part so there is no confusion on the employers part later when you quit.

I started work at 15 at Outback Steakhouse, as a busser. Stayed there until I started college. They worked around my school and soccer schedules, with opportunity to work nights or mornings. I worked my way from busser to line cook to prep cook. Pretty fun job as well, that and they fed me.

I would say seek an entry level job in the restaurant, grocery, landscaping, or construction fields. They usually are okay with temporary work, and don't mind younger kids that can work hard and take little pay.

Another good idea, check to see if UPS is hiring. There shifts, may be slightly different in your area, are usually early morning, before school, or late night, after 3-4pm. I had lots of high school kids start there when I was a manager. Some even got credit for the work experience at the high school they attended. Pay is decent and weekly, and it is one hell of a good workout at your age.

[TexasSP]

I would list references as available upon request. This way you don't have any Tom, dick, and Harry who sees your resume calling your references. Have a separate reference sheet and once you know you are interested in a particular employer for sure, you can give it to them. You need to make sure your references know you are using them and what it is about. Separate the business/work references from the personal references so the potential employer will no which is which.

Some employers just like to see you have references but will never call them, some will call a few, and some will call all. It's also to have only a few prominent and respected references than many so so ones.

Also another quick idea which is used in the professional world is to come up with a 30 second commercial about you and what you are seeking. Nothing corny and infomercial like, just direct and to the point. Write it out and practice it with a few people, make sure and smile when you talk and that you have a good firm hand shake. Great people with the appropriate salutations (Mr so and so, Mrs so and so, yes sir, yes mam) and dress nicely (don't think you need a suit just no shorts and t-shirt) and always thank people for their time.

Like I said, remember that you are presenting yourself as a product to them.

[rawfuls]

Originally Posted by TexasSP

I would list references as available upon request. This way you don't have any Tom, dick, and Harry who sees your resume calling your references. Have a separate reference sheet and once you know you are interested in a particular employer for sure, you can give it to them. You need to make sure your references know you are using them and what it is about. Separate the business/work references from the personal references so the potential employer will no which is which.

Some employers just like to see you have references but will never call them, some will call a few, and some will call all. It's also to have only a few prominent and respected references than many so so ones.

Also another quick idea which is used in the professional world is to come up with a 30 second commercial about you and what you are seeking. Nothing corny and infomercial like, just direct and to the point. Write it out and practice it with a few people, make sure and smile when you talk and that you have a good firm hand shake. Great people with the appropriate salutations (Mr so and so, Mrs so and so, yes sir, yes mam) and dress nicely (don't think you need a suit just no shorts and t-shirt) and always thank people for their time.

Like I said, remember that you are presenting yourself as a product to them.

Alright, I just need to run by a few teachers, neighbors and such and see who I can add.

Thanks again Texas!

[Bondonutz]

Originally Posted by rawfuls

No one wants to see a fat kid washing their car

Enjoy Fellas !

[rawfuls]

I'm not clicking that, helll no.
I'm scared.