Maybe you’re looking to gain experience, earn money, or explore career possibilities during school break. Landing the ideal summer job for students demands a strategic approach. Learn how to showcase your skills and impress recruiters. Follow this guide for success.

Consider the activities you enjoy doing, the talents you get recognized for, and the skills you want to develop. This self-assessment can help narrow your job options to those that match your strengths. Plus, it can help you determine what to highlight in your resume. Take the time to do this step, but don’t procrastinate!

Sometimes, it takes someone who knows you well, like a professor, to help you recognize your potential. Don’t hesitate to reach out. Ask them about a summer job for students they can see you doing.

Spending an hour or two scrolling through an employment site is easy but not always productive. Use these tips to approach your job search with intention.

The job alert notifies you when an opening is available. Additionally, it helps you learn about organizations outside your radar. To set up a job alert on the LinkedIn app:

• Tap "Jobs" at the bottom right corner of the screen. 
• Type the role, skill, or company you want in the "Job Search" bar at the top. 
• Once the results load, find the toggle to turn on the job alert "Get job alerts for this search" for your search.
• Receive email and text notifications based on your settings.

One of the quick search links on Jobstreet's homepage lets you browse available jobs by location. This feature is handy if you’re looking for work near your school or home. After filtering for location, you can further refine the results by entering keywords like "part-time summer jobs for college students" or "online jobs for senior high school graduates" in the search bar.

The online employment site, Indeed, lets you personalize your job feed. On the search field, use terms like "Work From Home No Experience" and "Fresh Graduate Work" to take you to job openings. The site also suggests related search terms. 

A company's careers page typically shares available part-time positions and internships. If you can't find it, you might not be on the corporate website. Or, there could be a separate career portal, which is common in some industries like food service. Don’t forget to use digital tools, so you can find flexible opportunities that fit your schedule.

For example, you can find part-time barista positions at Starbucks via the website of Rustan's Coffee, the franchise owner in the Philippines.

While waiting for that job alert, you can test your creative and digital skills on global freelance platforms. Websites like Fiverr and Upwork offer opportunities to earn from writing, graphic design, video editing, and social media management. (Note that working hours may differ from the Philippine time zone.) Even if you don't get hired, browsing these sites provides insights into how freelancers price their services.

Remain open-minded and explore job opportunities beyond your comfort zone. For example, many Filipinos have turned to teaching ESL (English as a Second Language) for additional income. The primary requirement for this role is having strong English communication skills; no education degree or previous ESL teaching experience is necessary. 

RareJob, which caters to Japanese students, simply requires their ESL tutors to be at least 18 years old. Meanwhile, 51Talk, the only online English education platform listed on the New York Stock Exchange, welcomes fresh college graduates. Both companies offer comprehensive training before your first tutoring session.

Employers don’t expect you to have a long work history, but they are looking for your skills and signs that you can learn quickly, take responsibility, and deliver on expectations. Include:

• Personal statement. This is a short summary of your career goals. Companies look at this to see if you’re a good fit. Customize this section for every application by mentioning why the role aligns with your vision or values. 
• Hard and soft skills. Including software or tools you have used. If possible, add relevant certificates or workshops you attended. 
• Relevant academic, personal, or extra-curricular projects. Focus on skills and outcomes. For example, “Led a team of four to raise ₱350,000 in sponsorships for the school fair.” You can also mention active participation in clubs or organizations. 
• References. Include the name, position, and contact information. Always ask for permission from your references!

Once you've spotted potential jobs, begin drafting a cover letter. Put as much effort into this as you did with your resume. A well-written letter should showcase the story of your skills and help you stand out from other applicants.

Pro tip: Don't hesitate to acknowledge your limited experience. Research revealed that hiring experts consider honest job candidates more trustworthy and deserving of being hired.

Research the company you're interviewing with, including its mission and values. Then, practice discussing how you're qualified and why you're excited about the job. LinkedIn Learning offers online courses on addressing questions like "Tell me about yourself," "Why should we hire you?" and "What is your greatest weakness?"

After your interview, reach out to a potential employer to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role. Sending the interviewer a thank-you message can go a long way. It's a chance to remind them why you're the ideal candidate for the job. Remember, confidence is key!

Ensure internet safety when job hunting online. Research correct company names and watch out for duplicate websites or URL typos. Avoid job listings asking for money during the application process. And remember that sensitive personal information, like TIN, SSS, or bank account numbers, is only required when hired. 

Also, secure a stable internet speed to browse job listings and communicate with employers online. Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Workspace video chats require a download speed of at least 10-25 Mbps and an upload speed of at least 3 Mbps. For an affordable fiber connection, go for Globe At Home's GFiber Prepaid. You can also opt for a Go+ promo and choose GoWORK for access to your favorite productivity tools. 

The perfect summer job for students provides valuable experience and personal growth. It should help you develop transferable skills, widen your professional network, and find future mentors. And who knows? That gig might just become your ticket to a lasting and rewarding career. Happy job hunting!