Getting a seasonal job isn't rocket science, but it pays to keep a few things in mind...
Apply to Many Employers
Even if you feel you have an excellent chance of getting the exact job you want, try to keep you options open. If your heart is set on being a fee-taker at the eastern entrance to Glacier National Park, and that's the only position you apply for, you may be setting yourself up for some disappointment (and a summer of working at your local McDonald's). So be sure to get as much information as possible, and pick out all the jobs that interest you. Apply to as many employers as possible.
Include a Photo
The best way to set yourself apart from your summer work competitors is to include a small photo with your application and resume. Employers are not looking for beauty pageant contestants, but they are looking for confident, outgoing people who are willing to go the extra mile to land the job - just the kind of person who will send a photo.
Commit to the Entire Season
You will find it helpful if you can commit to the entire season when you apply for your job. Employers are usually flexible on starting and ending dates since they know most of their employees are college students. Many employers we interviewed with said their main concern is that employees will quit in the middle of the summer, leaving them without enough staff. Be realistic about your schedule when applying - most summer vacations are considered an acceptable "season," and there is no need to exaggerate the time you can commit to. Most employers are also flexible about letting you have one or two weeks off during the summer if you would like to travel to a park or other place of interest in the area. Be sure to tell your employer in advance if you have made plans so they can be prepared.
Get Certified
Several employers we interviewed also mentioned interest in workers with special skills, such as CPR certification or foreign language ability. While learning a foreign language may be overdoing it for a summer job, CPR certification can be accomplished in only a few hours at your local YMCA or similar organization.
For Interns and Entertainers
Most jobs do not require special skills or previous experience - an outgoing personality is all that is required. However, internships and entertainment positions have different application procedures. Interns need to stress their academic background, and entertainers must audition for parts (usually by sending a video tape). It's best to call the personnel offices of the employers you are interested in for specific information regarding these jobs.
