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Land a Job to Get More Spending Cash

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Illinois chapter.

Let’s face it, college is a great experience, but it can definitely empty your wallet. Summertime, however, is one of the best opportunities to earn money to support your college lifestyle.  With fewer or no classes, and a lot less stress, there is more time to work and earn some extra cash.
           
A lot of businesses are looking for seasonal employees, which is what most working college students would be categorized as.  Ice cream parlors, hardware stores, water parks, landscaping services, amusement parks, park districts and more look for seasonal help specifically. Seasonalemployment.com will actually  help you find a summer job in your area
           

According to Dr. Phil, if you do not have a job, finding a job should be your job. Sadly, a job is not just going to fall into your lap.  Until you have a job, your days may be filled with getting applications, talking to hiring managers and going to interviews. Even though it may be boring and at times frustrating, it’s a necessary step in landing a job.

According to employmentguide.com, it’s imperative to research the company before the job interview.  Knowing about the company will show you actually care about it, and the employer will remember that.  Try to practice and go over commonly asked interview questions like, “Why do you want to work here?” or “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”  Being prepared will help the interview flow smoothly.  No matter what job you are applying for, even if it is flipping burgers, dress nicely to the interview. This also shows you care and that you are professional. 

Be on time to the interview; better yet, show up early. If you cannot even make it to the interview on time, the employer will question your ability to show up to work on time.  Leave the gum and your cell phone at home!  Your chances of being hired go down significantly if you are nervously chomping on your gum or your phone goes off; not only is it unprofessional, but it is flat out annoying.  Lastly, ask the employer questions.  Asking questions about the job will show you really are interested and the questions will let you know just exactly what you are getting yourself into.

Finding a job is not impossible, but the longer you wait to find one, the more scarce the outlook becomes.  Be committed to the job hunt and do not give up, because when that first paycheck comes in, it will all be worth it!

Emily Cleary is a 22-year-old news-editorial journalism major hoping to work in the fashion industry, whether that be in editorial, marketing, PR or event planning is TBD. With internships at Teen Vogue and StyleChicago.com, it's clear that she is a fashion fanatic. When she's not studying (she's the former VP of her sorority, Delta Delta Delta), writing for various publications or attending meetings for clubs like Business Careers in Entertainment Club, Society of Professional Journalists, The Business of Fashion Club, or for her role as the Assistant Editor of the Arts & Entertainment section of her school's magazine, she's doing something else; you will never find her sitting still. She loves: running (you know those crazy cross-country runners...), attending concerts and music festivals, shopping (of course), hanging out with friends, visiting her family at home, traveling (she studied abroad in London when she was able to travel all over Europe), taking pictures, tweeting, reading stacks and stacks of magazines and newspapers while drinking a Starbuck's caramel light frappacino, blogs and the occasional blogging, eating anything chocolate and conjuring up her next big project. Living just 20 minutes outside of Chicago, she's excited to live there after graduation, but would love to spend some time in New York, LA, London or Paris (she speaks French)!