Summer jobs can have staying power for quality employees
This summer, thousands of part-time workers across the country can make a strong case for a return in 2023 if they put in the work. Career adviser Jim Sexton, who says he used to manage a Dairy Queen “in a former life” and hired numerous high school and college students, has some advice for anyone working during their break from school who would like to make their summer gig an annual thing:
– Be on time: Reporting to work on time goes a long way with managers. “If you are scheduled to start at 9 a.m., be there at 8:45,” Sexton says. “Managers keep a mental or even physical note of who shows up on time and who doesn’t. If you’re not there at the start of the day when your shift begins, you’re not a person worth bringing back.”
– Be responsible: Part-time workers get sick and have last-minute responsibilities, just like everyone else. Sexton says there’s no excuse for not giving advance notice of an absence or calling in if faced with an emergency situation. “Just blowing off your job is the worst thing you can do,” he says. “Do it once and you may or may not be fired, but you can be guaranteed you won’t be back the next year.”
– Keep your friends away: This is tough for teens but a workplace filled with a group of your BFFs does nothing for your professional reputation. Chances are they’re taking up tables, counterspace or retail aisles while spending little money. And there’s a pretty good chance they’re not exactly quiet. “This isn’t an old-man, get-off-my-lawn thing,” says Sexton. “A lot of summer workers, especially those at restaurants and stores, think they can have their friends hang around all day. Not a good idea. It makes you look bad.”
– Look the part: If you have a uniform,
wear it — and wear it in a professional manner. If you aren’t issued a uniform, keep your location and job in mind and dress appropriately. Related to your attire is your personal grooming. “I had employees who obviously skipped taking a shower for a few days. That’s no good. And then there are the guys who can’t grow beards even though they can’t,” Sexton says. “If you have a job, you still need to look the part.”
– Make yourself known: And for the right reasons, says Sexton. “Introduce yourself to the managers and let them know you enjoy the job and would love to be back next year,” he says.
– Do your job and go home: “A lot of summer workers treat their jobs like their second home. That’s a bad idea,” Sexton says. “Punch out when you’re finished and get out of there. If you’re not on the clock and you’re not buying anything, you’re loitering, basically. And no one likes a loiterer.”