Finding an Off-Season Job Using Your Camp Counselor Skills

Job Hunting Tips

Cell Phone, Email & Social Media

• Make sure your email address is appropriate, like johnroberts@gmail.com, not drunkandpuking@yahoo.com
• Make sure your cell phone message and music is appropriate. It should sound professional like “You have reached Cindy Roberts. At the tone, please leave your name and phone number and I will return your call.” You will want to receive voice mails from employers, so check to see if you voice mailbox is full.
• Make sure the content on social media sites is appropriate. Assume employers will search the Internet to learn more about you.
• See To Share or Not to Share? That Is the Social Media Question

Resume/Application

• Follow the directions on how to apply. If they want a resume, send a resume. If they want an application, use their application.
• Make it easy for the employer to contact you, always include your cell phone number and email address.
• Tailor your resume or application to the position. Highlight the experience and skills that relate to the job. For example, if you are applying for a job working with children, feature your camp experience, not being a server at a restaurant.
• Don’t be afraid to call and see if they received your application or resume. It might improve your chances of being interviewed.
• Need help with your resume? Dan is happy to help!

References

• Pick people who will give you a good reference. Tell them you are currently job hunting and ask them if they are willing to be a reference for you.
• Brief them about the job, so they will know what to say. You want them to highlight your relevant experience.
• 9 Ways Your References Can Help You Land Your Next Job

Interviewing

• If you really want the job, be able to communicate why.
• Be positive about past employers.
• For phone interviews, be in a quiet place, away from distractions.
• Try to anticipate the types of questions you will be asked and think about how you will answer them.
• Be prepared to answer, in a positive way, why you left your last job.
• Use appropriate language, it is better to be too formal than too casual.
• Send a follow-up note or email.
• 30 Things You Should Never Say in a Job Interview
• If you have questions about interviewing, ask Dan.

 Articles on Relating Camp Jobs to Non-Camp Employment

• Marketing Every Mudfight: Tips for Translating a Camp Job into Professional Experience
• For Camp Counselors Only: Describing Your Job Skills to Future Employers
• The Camp Counselor vs. the Intern
• Because I Worked at Camp

Job Hunting Websites

Backdoor Jobs
Cool Works
Occupation Wild
Eco Jobs
Association for Experiential Education
Outdoor Ed
Vail Resorts (Skiing related jobs)
Boyne Resorts (Skiing related jobs)
YMCA Career Opportunities
Boys & Girls Clubs Career Center

American Camp Association Year-Round Camp Job Listing
To subscribe to the ACA Year-Round Camp Job Listing go to http://www.acacamps.org/jobs/search

You will receive emails with a list of jobs, two times each month.