GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Summer is the time of year when employers see a surge in the need for seasonal employees.
For many prospective applicants, it’s the perfect time to make some extra cash, build their resume or get a foot in the door for full-time employment.
“I've been doing this for 30-years, and I've never seen a tighter labor market,” said Mark Lancaster, President and CEO of EG Workforce Solutions.
He added there are a myriad of seasonal job openings, from entry-level jobs like retail, factory manufacturing and more to administrative jobs like executive assistants.
Lancaster said teens looking for summer work should try restaurants.
“My favorite for teens is the restaurant business. I think it gives them life skills like no other,” he said.
Lancaster said even though applicants under the age of 18 are not permitted to wait tables if the establishment serves alcohol, they can still bus tables.
In addition, he recommended young applicants look into the classic life-guarding, babysitting and pet sitting business, while keeping an eye on labor jobs like lawn care and contractor painting.
He says the key to a good resume is keeping things clean and concise.
“So many people are using so many different fonts… Keep it very succinct and if you can one page, and what is it, what are you looking for?” Lancaster said.
For adults, the CEO recommends teaming up with a local recruitment office.
“It's access to great customers in West Michigan and hopefully helping you find the right fit.”
However, he added that some of the best summer jobs come from word of mouth.
“I still think good, old-fashioned, going out and wearing our your shoe leather, going door to door and putting in an old-fashioned application…do your research online and then go to them and sell yourself,” Lancaster said.
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