Trips to the beach, saving for course books, paying for festivals, enjoying a holiday before returning to university – these are all the wonderful things that come with a summer job. Yes, seasonal work can be great, but it’s not always easy to find. Research shows that the number of Saturday jobs for teenagers has halved since the 1990’s. As most students know, the cry of “get a job” is not so easily answered. A bit of guidance can be helpful in the student race for temporary employment. So here is our ultimate guide to finding a summer job.

Be organised
There are thousands of students looking for a job every summer. Although there are enough to go around, the competition can get fierce if you’re not prepared. The main rule for finding a summer job: start looking early! Waiting until you get home is too late. Instead, send emails while you’re still at university, call up local businesses and start applying as soon as possible. Get ahead of the game, and the entire process will be a lot less stressful.

Ask around
Jobs often come from networking; this applies to summer work as well. Ask friends if there are any openings at their work. Ask your parents – perhaps they know somebody who needs a summer employee. Make it clear to people that you are looking for a job. Next time they hear of something, your name will come to their mind. Networking is not only limited to your social circles. You can practice it through social media, university contacts, and local organisations. Not sure where to start? Check out a basic networking guide for more tips.

Set up online profiles
There are many wonderful things about the Internet. One of them, in this context, is that student jobs are no longer restricted to the core industries of retail, administration, and hospitality. Online work is creating a whole new world of opportunities. And many of these opportunities are more creative and more specific to your interests than most typical summer jobs.

Consider freelancing or tutoring to make money. This way you can work for yourself, gain valuable experience and possibly explore projects closer to your heart. You can register for several freelancing accounts, such as Upwork, Guru or Freelancer, all of which offer a range of jobs, from content writing to website design to PA work. Similarly, you have a strong position as a university student to get involved in tutoring. Working on websites like First Tutors and IQ Bar, you can pass on knowledge and experience to A Level and GCSE students who need support.

Keep your online presence updated and professional. Especially for more specific jobs like internships, maintaining an impressive LinkedIn account and clearing out any inappropriate social media is important. You can also set up a profile for local employment. Sites like Indeed, Reed and Student Job find work in your area. By uploading your CV, a picture, and cover letter, you can apply for jobs with the quick click of a button.

As well as using the Internet to find more solid work placements, you can also use it to make an extra bit of cash on the side. Check out this guide to making money online for some more ideas.

Take opportunities
Seen a job advertisement in a café window? Walk in and ask about it. Strolling past the job centre? Pop in and look at the work available notice board. Do you have a friend of a friend who said there might be an opening at their work? Email them! Why not? Don’t let opportunities slip by. And don’t worry about being persistent. Make it clear you are interested and committed to finding work. Show your face, your enthusiasm, and a smile – people will remember you.

Keep an eye on big local businesses
Many big companies have mass employment for summer jobs, especially in the leisure, hospitality and entertainment industries. Be smart and approach companies directly when you think there might be opportunities. If you live in a university city, many student workers will probably go home for the summer. Swoop in and make yourself available to fill those summer openings.

Similarly, if you live close to a theme park, holiday centre or just a touristy town, they will recruit more employees for the busy summer months. Get on the summer employment wave early.

A summer job doesn’t have to be a long and painful experience before heading back to university in September – make it an experience!