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Spring Semester Time-Line for Landing a Summer Job

April

• Continue looking for job opportunities.
• Start applying for jobs, being sure to follow the employer’s directions. Some companies require a resume and cover letter. Others want you to fill out a company application.
• Ask professors, previous coworkers and supervisors, and others who know you professionally if they’ll serve as references. If possible, have each person write you a one-page letter of recommendation to give prospective employers.
• Follow up with companies you’ve applied to. Make sure your materials have been received and that each company has everything it needs to consider you.
• If possible, schedule interviews with companies of interest.
• Start researching housing options for summer if applicable.

May

• Practice answering summer job interview questions, either with a friend or a career center counselor at your school.
• Research companies and jobs before the interview.
• Finalize summer living arrangements.
• Schedule job interviews.
• Go on job interviews, and follow up with thank-you notes.
• If the right job is offered, accept it.

If you don’t have a solid line on a job, get some help from your school’s career center — preferably before spring semester ends if your summer plans will take you away from campus. You can also step up your networking efforts. Ask your parents, friends, professors and others if they know of available summer jobs.

June

• Show up for your first day on time and prepared.
• Talk to your new supervisor about the skills you’d like to further develop.
• Go beyond the minimum to make a good, lasting impression on your supervisor and coworkers.

For More Information

• Measure Your Soft Skills Smarts
• Seven First-Time Resume Concerns
• Should I Apply If I Don’t Meet the Qualifications?

This article originally appeared on Monster.com.

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