It is not about what you know, but whom you know, or at least that seems to be the case when trying to find a summer job.

Family members can be a useful source when looking for summer jobs.

Eric Miller, a sophomore pre-business management major, did not have to look hard for a job last summer because he had a family member who was able to set him up with a job even before summer started.

Some students do not have the benefit of having family members who are willing to give them a job.

Ryan Hicks, a sophomore physical education major, said last summer he had a difficult time trying to find a job.

“I had applied to about 20 different places before finally finding a job,” he said.

But if family members are willing to help, students need to take advantage of that opportunity, because it is hard to find a job without a little help.

College students need money, but balancing a full-time student schedule along with a full-time work schedule can be strenuous and difficult to balance, which makes the summer a perfect time for students to get away from all the schoolwork and make some money.

Linda Moore, director of Career Services, offered some helpful tips to help college students find summer work.

Do not wait until summer to apply; it is never too early to apply for a summer job. Moore said students need to start applying as soon as possible.

Students should also give their resume and information to their family and friends back home to start getting their resume out there.

“Although a resume is not needed for many jobs, having a good resume makes you stand out from most applicants,” Moore said.

If it is not possible to make the trip back home a lot of companies are also accepting online applications.

Some people may find their summer jobs through family members, but most people are not that lucky, which makes a first impression important.

A first impression has to make a lasting impact on the employer to separate from the rest of the pack. The best advice for making a good first impression is to look professional, Moore said.

“Go in clean-shaven, (wearing) decent clothes, smiling with a good handshake,” Moore said.

Attitude is also important when making a good first impression, she said.

“Be prepared to show your energy and how you will help them provide their service, meet their deadlines and be very efficient,” Moore said. “Be a problem solver not a problem maker and show the employer that you can responsibly finish whatever task they deem is most important for you to do.”

Jordan Cryder can be reached at 581-7942 or jmcryder@eiu.edu

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