Summer is right around the corner, so now is one of the best times for students to look for part or full-time jobs for the break. Here are tips that students can utilize when applying for jobs.

Resumes are a typical requirement when applying for jobs, and students can make mistakes when creating them. Some students may not do things with their resumes, such as “Not using strong action verbs, like collaborated and managed and not being specific about the things they did,” said Karla Rockhold, the assistant director of career development at Oregon State University. “You should tailor your resume each and every time you apply for a job so its specific to that position and that company or organization.”

For jobs at OSU, students can use platforms like “Handshake, which is OSU’s platform for job searches for not only campus jobs but also off-campus jobs,” Rockhold said.

Spring is also the time when students graduate and move on to their planned career path. During this time, students can take the time to polish their resumes and apply for multiple jobs. However, one thing that can become even more important for the future is networking, as making connections with other people can boost their future success.

“Networking is critical, especially in today’s day and age where it’s becoming more and more impersonal,” Rockhold said. “The more people you can connect with at a company or organization, the better your chances are that your resume is going to get into the hands of a real live human being.”

First impressions can mean everything, so improving interview skills are a way to demonstrate what someone can bring to a company or organization. Interviews can be stressful, given the impact it can have on whether someone gets a job or not, so it’s good to be prepared.

“For in-person interviews, the most important thing is to be on time,” Rockhold said. “Employers often say that they’re amazed at how many people don’t show up on time. Also, arrive early. By getting there early, you can get a good sense of who the people are in the office, how they dress and if it’s a friendly environment.”

According to Rockhold, interviewees should be skeptical of where they apply to. Many students look for work after graduating and that can invite some jobs to take advantage of their eagerness to accept a position of work. It’s important to understand the kind of environment the job will be in.

“The red flags students should be looking for is how do the people at the business treat each other,” Rockhold said. “Does everyone seem happy or depressed? How are co-workers speaking to each other and is the office in disrepair? Are they too eager to hire you, without properly vetting you? Making sure you ask questions during the interview can be beneficial, like how the position became available, so if they drop a hint like somebody leaving every three months, then that would probably be a red flag that it would potentially not be a good fit for you.”

If you’re looking for a job this summer, be sure to utilize these tips and stop by the Career Development Center or one of OSU career fairs, including “How to Land a Summer Job or Internship” on Wednesday April, 17, from 12 to 1 p.m. in Bexell Hall, in lounge 214.