As students bid farewell to another school year, the hunt for summer jobs begins. Students with an entrepreneurial spirit may start their own lawn mowing, painting or general maintenance business, but for those looking for a more traditional job, here are some tips to consider:
>> Flexible schedules: Many students have responsibilities and interests outside of work. It’s important to find an employer who recognizes the importance of balance. Look to companies whose flexible scheduling practices enable staff to balance their job with everything else they’re doing.
>> Competitive wages: A summer job that offers more than the provincial minimum wage can be hard to find. Luckily, an easy way to differentiate jobs with the same pay rates is to search out employers who conduct regular wage and performance reviews.
>> Room to grow: Students can maximize their summer experience by looking for employers who provide training in several areas. Additional training and greater accountability helps broaden the employee’s skill set, helping to enhance their experience while furthering their professional development.
>> Who says work can’t be fun? Look to companies with environments that make work fun and welcome feedback from employees. These aren’t the easiest summer jobs to find, but they do exist if you keep your eyes — and mind — open.
>> Additional incentives: Everyone likes perks, and some jobs are full of them. McDonald’s, for example, offers incentives including discounts on food, organized social activities, service and recognition awards, and scholarship opportunities.
