Article posted Wednesday, May 23, 2012 3:32pm

Dear Readers,

Several of you have written asking about advice on how to get a summer job. I have a couple of suggestions. I would think most of these would be fairly obvious; however, I’ve seen all sorts of prospective employees over the years and a frighteningly large number of them missed the mark.

Here is the list that I came up with:

1) Dress appropriately. No one expects you wear a three-piece suit when applying to scoop ice cream, but you can bet that your would-be-boss will want you to look presentable for his or her customers. If you show up in a baseball cap that should have been retired six years ago, pants that are hanging closer to your knees than your waist and a sleeveless shirt, you aren’t going to get the job. In fact, they might not have you stay for the interview.

2) Take a shower or a bath. Sorry if this one seems too basic, but a freshly laundered applicant is going to fare better than a dirty one. If you look and smell like last night’s party, no job for you. Grooming is one of those things that employers take seriously, especially if their employees have to deal with the public.

3) Arrive on time. If you are 10 minutes late for the interview, your would-be-boss is going to doubt your ability to show up to work on time. If you are someone who is always running behind, shoot for arriving to the interview 15 minutes early.

4) Have a resume ready. Even if you are applying for a summer job, your information and previous work experience are going to be important to a potential employer. A resume will set you apart from someone applying without one.

5) Think about how you will answer questions. In a tourist area, some employers only need to know if you speak the language and will show up. Others will have bigger demands of your talents and will ask some tougher questions. Be prepared by giving honest thought to what your biggest strengths are and what your weaker areas might be.

6) Do not chew gum or mumble.

7) Look at the person interviewing you in the eye. This is a good show of confidence.

8) Ask questions. Your potential boss will be impressed if you take an interest in what they are about and how you will fit in.

9) Have a list of your references ready.

10) Be completely honest about when you are available to work and the length of time you are available. If you can’t stay through Labor Day or October, that may not be an issue.

Good luck,

Mary Pat