Whether it’s late fall, early winter, late winter or early spring, applying for summer jobs or internships at the right time can be a challenging task for the applicants. It is common to think that spring is the best choice, but going early helps in all aspects.
Applying for summer jobs or internships requires good timing, and getting ahead of the competition can make a big difference. While people may assume early spring is the best time to start, beginning the search in late winter or even earlier can increase your chances of landing a job. Employers in industries like retail, hospitality and lifeguarding often start hiring months in advance, while internships at larger companies may have deadlines as early as February.
Applying for jobs can be put into action in different ways. The first one is the most reliable way, and has been put to use for centuries: going into the shop, restaurant, pool, or other business, introducing yourself and dropping off your resume. The other alternative is applying online, which can be done in minutes. Online applications sort the information, which helps companies decide who to hire. Timing is also a big factor. Applying early is the way to go for two reasons. One is that it gives the managers time to make their tough decisions. Two is because it will put your name at the top of the list over all of the last-minute applicants.
When applying for her seasonal job, sophomore Elena Firoozfar applied in the winter because she said that’s the right time. After all, it gives the managers enough time to consider the responsibilities and determine if the applicant is the right choice. Earlier is better when talking about applying for a seasonal job, but for other jobs, “it may not be necessary. I think applying times vary depending on what job you are applying for due to different factors,” Firoozfar said.
Junior Shreyas Ganeshan applied for his internship in mid-February. Ganeshan said he wanted to get it over with and have the interview on a sooner date. Applying times depend on the type of job but also if interviews are to take place post-application. “The companies will need more time since the interview and decision process takes a long time,” Ganeshan said.
Senior Emily Teague originally applied for her lifeguard position freshman year at the beginning of January, but could only apply as a sub. Sophomore year, Teague applied as an official guard around the same time. Teague agrees with Firoozfar, saying that different jobs and positions call for different application times, depending on the possibilities of growth or experience. “It is important to apply as early as possible to gain that experience needed,” Teague said.
Applying in person can leave a strong impression, while online applications make it easier for companies to sort through candidates efficiently. Submitting applications early gives hiring managers more time to evaluate candidates and can place your name at the top of the list before last-minute applicants flood in. Some positions, like internships, require interviews, which can extend the hiring timeline. While the ideal time to apply varies by industry, early applicants often have the best chance of securing a summer job.
