Summer is approaching, and with it comes summer vacation! This is of course a welcome break from school and your routine over the past nine months, but it is also a perfect time to build some valuable experience and get some money in your wallet through summer employment. By doing so, you are emulating the greatest Beings in the universe. Jesus Christ said, “My Father works hitherto, and I work” (John 5:17).

This can feel a little intimidating if you have never been employed. But it does not have to be! We will look at practical ways to find a job for the summer.

Having a job brings many benefits such as contributing to your resume, developing skills, being part of a team, learning to budget and more. This is a much more profitable way to spend your summer than sleeping in for hours and playing video games every day, which is what some of your peers from school will be doing. (Of course, even with a job, you can take time for occasional fun and relaxation.)

The first step is to start early. Many businesses begin hiring for summer positions in the spring, so it is best to plan ahead to maximize your chances of finding a job. You can look for postings in your local newspaper, school bulletin boards or job search websites. Talk to family, friends and neighbors to see if they know of any openings. You can also directly reach out to businesses to inquire about opportunities.

Popular sites include Indeed, Monster, Glassdoor, Snagajob and LinkedIn. Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram can also feature employment opportunities. Be prepared to apply to a variety of places—not just your top choice.

Popular summer jobs for teens include lifeguarding, working at a camp, working in retail, being a barista, tutoring, landscaping or lawn care, babysitting, working in customer service or hospitality. Additionally, some teens use existing talents involving photography, graphic design, web design or video editing to find jobs. Some options like Instacart, DoorDash and Walmart Spark Driver allow people to set their own schedule.

Once you have narrowed down what kind of job you want and have contacted a number of places, you will be offered an interview. Dress appropriately, arrive on time and be prepared to answer questions about your availability, experience and skills. Review common interview questions from the internet ahead of time to boost your confidence.

If your first choice for summer employment does not pan out, do not give up. Be persistent and resourceful. Even if the job you ultimately get is not the most glamorous, the experience will still benefit you. Especially if this is your first job, do not see anything as “beneath” you. Many successful people started from entry-level positions, such as running a cash register or flipping burgers. Solomon wrote, “In all labor there is profit” (Prov. 14:23).

Once you have a job, take your responsibilities seriously, be teachable and pay attention to the details. Applying yourself fully will increase your chances of being asked back for future summers or even offered a permanent position if you are old enough. More importantly, you will become known for a godly work ethic.