Maybe you don’t actually dream about a part-time job (some of you might actually have nightmares about it) but you need to stop asking your mommy for money. Yes, she loves you, she has to but you’re too old for that (money not love). Besides, a part-time job is almost as good for you as carrots.

Why?

A part-time job is a perfect way for you to learn how businesses work. You’ll have the chance to learn about yourself, other people and how they interact with each other and most importantly, you’ll get to make some money.

Here are 7 tips to getting an awesome part-time job.

1.  Think about it young Jedi.

There are more opportunities than just McDonald’s or Burger King. Think about what you actually want to do. What do you like? What do you hate? What direction do you want to go with your career after school is done?

There are some wicked part-time jobs out there and you’d be surprised at how many are linked to the stuff you are interested in.

Ask yourself this, “If I could have any job right now, what would it be and why?

2.  Set the scope. Take aim.

Look for places that are connected to what you’d like to do and then start researching them. That’s right, you will have to do a little work before getting the part-time job of your dreams. The research will come in handy when you start to work on your resume or prepare for an interview, trust me.

Once you’ve done your research and learned more about the companies you want to target, make a list of what you could do to help the companies or organizations that you have chosen. You can do your research using the internet, library or just talking with people who might know about the company.

3.  Patience my friend. Don’t send the resume…. yet.

Sending out resumes first is like sending out flyers or cold-calling, both are about as successful as the time you tried to change your little brothers diaper with oven mitts on. Most unexpected resumes get treated like junk mail, that’s spam – in paper form. Nike would never try to sell shoes by sending out flyers. Instead, they tailor their shoes and clothing to what customers say they want and then package and promote the product to attract buyers. YOU are the shoe, except with no check mark and more air. Your resume will be your sales promotion. Your resume will be much more valuable if the “customer” (your potential employer) reads it after meeting you, plus you will be able to customize your resume to their needs and wants.

Contact the company or organization and ask if you could speak with the person you need to see (an actual name would help here). Tell them you are interested in their company and you’d like to meet with them to learn more (don’t tell them you are looking for a job just yet).  After the meeting, either over the phone or face to face, start creating your resume. (PS remember to look sharp! The “I’m with stupid” t-shirt might not be the best choice)

If possible, when it’s ready, deliver your resume in person, to the person who has the power to say “yes” to hiring you. Don’t forget, if you are unsure of how to create a great resume, find someone who will help you.

4. Volunteering. It works.

“Pfff. That’s stupid. I want a job that I get paid for.” Whoa, take it easy. There’s no need to get in my face!

There are so many young people looking for work these days. You need to do something that sets you apart from all the rest. Volunteering is a great way to “taste-test” options and can provide you with the experience to get the actual job. Employers prefer to hire people they know and who better to hire than the person who has been volunteering with them. BONUS: Volunteer experiences look great on resumes and college or university applications

5. Game time. Prepare for the interview.
Thanks to our wonderful tips, you’ve landed an interview. Nice.

Plan it out first. Answer the question “Why should they hire me?” and list the reasons. Make a list of questions to ask, for example: ”What does it take to succeed here?”, “What are your expectations from your employees?”, “What concerns do you have about this position?”

While you are in the interview, take notes and pay attention to the answers and comments they make.

6. Send a thank-you note or letter and Follow-up

Send a thank you note or letter (a real one, not an e-card) to all those you met on the day of your interview, ie: receptionist, or if there is more than one interviewer, anyone who helped you get the interview. Send them right away – don’t delay!

After a few days, follow-up with a phone call to the interviewer to thank them one more time and to give more information about how you can help them. Remind them why hiring you is the right thing to do. Think over one of the questions they asked you that you can expand on during the call.

7. Rinse. Wash. Repeat. You might not get it on your first try. If you get a “no”, ask them politely for the reason. Then take that info and start the process for another company. Rinse. Wash. Repeat.

… Stay tuned to find out what you can do with your newly earned cash.