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A Guide to Getting Started with Your Summer Job


Summer job blog cover image

Summer jobs are a great way to gain valuable life experience, learn important skills and build your resume. However, preparing for the job market can be intimidating and overwhelming. Fortunately, with the right advice, you can feel confident taking on this challenge. Civista has some strategies to help you make the most of your summer job experience!

Creating an Effective Resume

Creating an effective resume is essential to standing out from the competition and making a good impression on potential employers. You should focus on highlighting your strengths, skills, and accomplishments that are relevant for the job you're applying. This includes any achievements in school or extracurricular activities, volunteer work, internships, and any awards or recognitions you've received. It’s also important to make sure that your resume is free of grammar and spelling errors, and that the font and format are professional.

Researching Potential Employers and Practicing Interview Questions

Researching potential employers is also important when looking to apply for summer jobs. You should take the time to learn about the company and its mission, as well as your potential job responsibilities. This will help you prepare for a successful interview and give you an edge over other applicants. Additionally, you should practice answering common interview questions so that you can stand out from the competition and show off your knowledge of the employer and position.

Tips on How to Ace a Job Interview

Acing a job interview is also essential to getting hired for summer jobs. Dress appropriately, maintain good body language, and make sure to ask thoughtful questions related to the role you are applying. You should also demonstrate enthusiasm while highlighting any relevant skills or experiences you have that would make you an asset to the company.

Managing Your New Income

Managing money after getting a first summer job is important. From payday direct deposit to making purchases, one of the first steps to managing your money is opening a checking account. Discuss your options with your parents to help you decide on the account that is right for you.

A Civista Student Free Checking has been designed for students aged 16-24. With no monthly fee, expanded ATM access, and convenient digital banking and mobile app, this account has everything you’ll need to keep your finances organized.1

You should also set financial goals for your summer earnings. Whether you’re saving for college, a new car, or building your savings— giving yourself a goal can help you stay on track and keep you from spending all of your hard-earned income. Don’t forget to set a budget and account for your expenses, like transportation. Having an understanding of your expenses will help you be realistic about how much money you can save.

Making the Most Out of the Experience

Finally, take the time to make the most out of your summer job experience by learning new things, developing meaningful relationships with colleagues, gaining valuable insight into the working world, and building connections that can prove beneficial professionally down the road. With these skills and experience gained through a summer job, you can become more confident when entering the job market after graduation.


































1. Account qualifications: Student 16-24 years of age is an owner on account.  Accounts opened by a minor (under 18) require a joint owner 18 years of age or older on the account.
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