Job strategy.  You might think you’ve got one, but it’s not the number of hours you spend in front of your computer applying for jobs or the number of job apps you submit.  It’s more about what companies you apply to and when you’re applying.

Think about it.  Would you apply to work at a ski resort in the middle of August? Probably not. Having a job strategy is about applying that same logic to the rest of the year by helping you truly evaluate what employers are hiring no matter what time of year it is.

March & April:

• Bars or Restaurants: St. Patrick’s Day, Easter and Cinco de Mayo fuel heavy restaurant hiring during the spring months.  Irish bars, Mexican restaurants and any restaurant that serves a popular Easter brunch is a safe bet.
• Drug stores: The Easter bunny shops at Walgreens and Rite Aid, so you better believe they stay busy the month leading up to Easter.
• Theme parks: Around spring break, theme parks start staffing up for their busy summer season.  Training is usually held on the weekends for students looking to start as soon as school ends.

May, June & July:

• Electronic stores: Most electronic stores like Hhgregg staff their stores heavily for the “Dads and Grads” season.  Father’s day, graduation presents and back-to-school computers keep these stores stay busy all summer.
• Ice cream shops: This is pretty much a no brainer, but any cool treat like those provided by Baskin Robin’s or Bruster’s is in high demand when the temperatures outside get over 80 degrees.
• Pools: Health clubs and summer pools begin hiring lifeguards and snack bar workers in the late spring to get ready for pool openings after Memorial Day.
• Vacation destinations: Any popular summer destination that has an influx of tourists during the summer months will have ample job openings for those looking for seasonal jobs.

August & September

• Office supply stores: Back-to-school season hits hard starting at the end of July.  Staples and Office Max start accepting job applications fill those open positions during the later summer months.
• Grocery stores: As many of the students begin to vacate their summer jobs in supermarkets, a sizeable number of regular part-time jobs become available after September.
• Retail: Back-to-school shopping extends beyond pencils and notebooks.  Most growing kids require entirely new wardrobes every year, and retail stores hire employees to meet those demands.

When you use this list, it’s important to remember that you’ll need to think more than a few weeks before the holiday to look for hourly jobs. Your best bet is to start looking the month before the demand for these jobs spikes to give yourself a fighting chance at the open positions.

With more than 40 percent of hiring managers completing their summer hiring in April, those who don’t start their seasonal job search until May will have to work harder to find summer jobs.

A summer job can a great resume builder.

Three tips for finding a resume-building job this summer:

Tip #1: Sit and think for a while.

Yes, at this point you’re behind the eight ball.  Most of the good summer jobs are taken.  But, don’t be in such a rush to find something – anything! – that you don’t give yourself time to think about what might really benefit you in the future.  Take what you’re interested in or what you love and build on it.  Let’s say you love to snorkel, and the local scuba store needs someone to answer email or the phone.  Not an exciting job, per se, but you’d be in the right mix, and who knows what that might mean later.

Tip #2: Register your interest in case someone ends up quitting.

As a general rule, both the employee and the employer will know in the first two weeks whether it’s going to work out.  Let’s say you’ve gone after the jobs that build on what you’re interested in or what you love – but nothing’s come of it.  Be sure to let those businesses know that you’re available to work immediately if a position opens up.

Tip #3: Be ready to grin and bear it.

If all else fails, and only the most undesirable of summer jobs are still to be had, bite the bullet in the name of character building.  You learn more from mistakes than successes.  And sometimes by doing something you hate, you’re able to hone in on what you love.

We hope you find a summer job that will look great on your resume!

Finding work when you are 15 isn’t easy, but many people begin working in their teens. Whether you need cash to help support your family, hang out with your friends or buy that new phone you’ve been eying, we’ll discuss some of the issues teen job hunters face, and some of your options.

Work Permit

When you’re 15, you fall into a grey area; some states allow you to apply without a worker’s permit, and others require it. Your best resource for determining what you will need is your school guidance counselor.  They can tell you what the laws are in your state, and possibly even give you any forms you need to complete.

Learn more about Work Permits & Age Certificates at the U.S. Department of Labor.

Experience

Chances are this is your first job, but don’t leave “Prior Experience” blank on your applications if you can help it. List any odd jobs you’ve had, and school clubs, community groups or church organizations you’ve been a part of. You might not think that the experience was useful, but you’ve probably learned things like being a team player and successful attendance. If you’re struggling to find the right way to list your experience, ask a relative, teacher or mentor for advice.

Entry-Level Jobs

If you are legally eligible for employment in your state, you can start applying. Cashier, stock clerk, bussers, prep cooks and other typical entry-level jobs are most often available in retail and restaurant businesses, but be sure to let your friends and family know you’re looking for work so they can keep an eye out for opportunities you might otherwise miss. (Future job hunting tip: this is called “networking,” which is a fancy way of saying “talking to people.”)

Odd Jobs

If you aren’t legally permitted to work, don’t feel like filling out a worker’s permit or decide not to enter the rat race just yet, you can always look into traditional first jobs. Lawn care, babysitting, paper routes, pet sitting and other tasks you can perform for neighbors are a popular way to start your career.

Waiting

If you don’t urgently need the money, consider waiting. Sure, it would be nice to have a little extra cash, but you can always offer to mow someone’s lawn for $20 and then head off to the movies. There’s a pretty good chance you’ll be working for much of your life; if you don’t have to rush it, think twice before giving up your study time, social time and free time.

There are a lot of things to consider when you’re looking for your first job. Talk to your parents and your guidance counselor before you start applying, and make sure that the job you choose is right for this phase of your life.

At Wawa, one of the things we are most proud of is our family of more than 16,000 associates. As we celebrate over 40 years in the convenience store industry, it is our people who have taken us to new heights and enabled our success.

Today, with over 570 stores in five states, Wawa is one of the premier convenience store operations in the country. The secret to our success has always been our dedication to our customers’ needs – providing them with the convenience, quality and personal connection they can find nowhere else.

Wawa’s vision is “to simplify our customers’ daily lives.“

To achieve this, we hire the best people, build world-class facilities and provide an overpowering offer.

Now, while all of these things are important to our success, the number one reason our customers “gottahava Wawa” is the special relationship our associates have with our customers. A relationship built on the “Wawa Values” each associate lives every day. Our values are: Value People, Delight Customers, Embrace Change, Do Things Right, Do the Right Thing and Passion for Winning.

At Wawa, every customer is a valued friend who is always welcomed back with a warm smile and a friendly greeting.

When we talk to our customers, they tell us they like to shop at Wawa because our associates like each other and work together as a team and because our associates always include them as part of our store family.

Now Hiring – Customer Service Associates

Job Description -

The Customer Service Associate works in support of the store management team to facilitate the completion of all store level tasks and performs a variety of tasks related to different areas of the store including food preparation, cash register duties, customer service, general housekeeping and other sales floor related functions.

Job Description:

The Customer Service Associate works in support of the store management team to facilitate the completion of all store level tasks and performs a variety of tasks related to different areas of the store including food preparation, cash register duties, customer service, general housekeeping and other sales floor related functions.

Responsibilities:

Customer service oriented
Strong interpersonal skills
Strong verbal communication skills
Strong organizational skills
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
Reliable transportation
Customer service oriented
Strong interpersonal skills
Strong verbal communication skills
Strong organizational skills
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
Reliable transportation
Fill out a Wawa job application today!

Toys R Us is seeking full-time and part-time teen workers who are passionate about excellence, achievement and results.

If you are hardworking and a committed “kid-at-heart” who enjoys working customer service jobs within the retail industry, then a position at Toys “R” Us may be the ideal career opportunity for you. We are currently recruiting for Bike Assemblers. Bike Assemblers main responsibilities include assembling or repairing bicycles and ticket items for guests or for floor samples, Addressing all questions and inquiries by guests, and Performing routine maintenance on assembled items on the floor to keep them in sellable condition

Current job openings include:

• Bike Assembler (18+)
• Sales Team members (16+)
• Team members (16+)
• See all job openings

A job at Toys R Us offers:

• Optional Medical Dental Insurance (contributions are pre-tax)
• 401(k) Savings Plan (with company match)
• Associate Discount (on most merchandise at Toys “R” Us & Babies “R” Us)
• A FUN Work Environment (that inspires you to learn and advance)
• Comprehensive Training Programs (and much, much more!)

See all of our current job openings on SnagAJob.com and apply online today by filling out a Toys R Us job application.

Started in 1985, The Tote Food Stores, has grown to 23 convenience stores located throughout eleven counties in South Central Texas. The Tote offers its own proprietary delis in addition to branded fast food selections. We’re looking for individuals who are interested in long-range career growth and have the strategic ability to plan for their professional futures. Customer Service is one of the cornerstones of our business so it is important that candidates are service oriented. The Tote Food Stores offers a unique environment that fosters individual growth and rewards performance. Everyone here wears many hats and gets exposed to a variety of challenges. You’ll be working with an award-winning team with an impressive track record.

The Tote Offers Employees:

• The opportunity to work within a well established and respected organization
• 2 weeks paid vacation
• Holiday pay
• Health insurance

Now Hiring – Store Managers

Responsible for day-to-day store operations, including scheduling, training, and supervising employees. The store Manager is also responsible for store profitability, expense control, inventory levels, and shortage control.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Recruit, hire and train positive, enthusiastic employees, ensuring excellent customer service.
• Develop and assign tasks appropriately to ensure store is clean, adequately stocked, organized and well kept based on TIGER TOTE/ THE TOTE standards.
• Schedule employee within TIGER TOTE/THE TOTE guidelines to maximize customer service and maintain store image.
• Develop positive and professional relationships with all suppliers.
• Promote excellent customer service and resolve customer complaints in a timely professional manner.
• Train all employees through the use of Computer Based Training programs on all job aspects including safety and customer service.
• Prepare on-going and timely performance appraisals in writing for all employees, providing proper performance based feedback.
• Establish on-going communication meetings with all store employees and Manager and ensure employees receive the proper communication in a timely manner.
• Evaluate and develop specific action plans to address the needs of the store in order to reach the desire objectives.
• Ensure and develop specific action plans to address the needs of the store in order to reach the desired objectives.
• Ensure that all required employment related poster and signs are in a place that is easily accessible to all employees.
• Analyze daily sales and expense information and take appropriate action to maximize sales and net profits.
• Safeguard and account for all money received and disbursed.
• Budget and forecast P & L line, as well as understand and manage merchandise margins.
• Serves customers by maintaining quality service and operations: implementing systems and resources; assessing results.

Fill out a Tote job application today!

Now Hiring – Cashiers

• Provide Exceptional Customer Service
• Maintain cleanliness of interior and exterior of store
• Responsible for stocking of shelves and cooler
• Performs cash handling duties and necessary balancing reports
• Prepares items for deli/fast food as necessary
• Stands and walks up to a total of 8 hours per day
• Capable of communicating well with customers, co-workers and management

Fill out a Tote job application today!

Sunflower Farmers Markets is a rapidly growing chain of full-service grocery stores offering consumers the highest quality natural and organic products at the lowest possible price.

Let your career bloom at Sunflower Farmers Markets! Would you like to be a part of a fast growing healthy grocery retailer? Are you excited by the opportunity for rapid career advancement? We offer a friendly working environment, competitive wages, shopping discount, medical & dental insurance, paid benefit hours, direct deposit, flexible hours and more.

Now Hiring – Produce Clerks

Job Description:

All positions at Sunflower Farmers Market are required to execute their daily job responsibilities in addition to focusing on sales and customer service. It is the expectation of each employee to maintain a positive attitude and a willingness to be a team player.

The Produce Clerk is responsible for keeping all store produce wet-rack and dry tables stocked and clean during business hours. They are required to assist customers as needed and maintain a friendly, energetic demeanor. This position requires adhering to all procedural guidelines set by the Produce Department.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Ensures cleanliness of produce department, storage area, and work area for safety; includes cleaning of shelves and products, keeping floors free of liquid spills or water, removing hazardous debris from floor and sweeping.
• Stocks produce department; includes presentation of product, facing, filling, and organization of all product items as set by the Produce Department schematics as well as ensuring tag and pricing accuracy.
• Examines the rotation of all produce products paying particular attention to expired stock and discarding outdated or spoiled items.
• Responds positively to customer’s inquiries and assists customers with purchases, information and product selection; requires selling and cross selling of products.
• Receives, inspects, and logs products for accuracy of shipment, temperature, and quality.
• Monitors the point of purchase signs; ensures a variety of recipe cards, product coupons, promotional material, and information on complimentary foods.
• Requires operating and using equipment such as knives, scales, wrappers, compactors, garbage disposals, pallet jacks, and hand trucks.
• Ensures all wet racks are stocked, clean, and maintain proper temperatures.
• Participates in pre-inventory preparation; includes back stock and assuring tags match products.
• Sustains a high level of product knowledge and product preparation.
• Walks department regularly to ensure an organized, sanitary, and overall clean appearance at all times.
• Other duties as assigned.

Fill out a Sunflower Farmers Market job application today!

Now Hiring – Food Service Clerks

Job Description:

All positions at Sunflower Farmers Market are required to execute their daily job responsibilities in addition to focusing on sales and customer service. It is the expectation of each employee to maintain a positive attitude and a willingness to be a team player.

The Food Service Clerk is responsible for keeping all food service cases stocked and clean during business hours. They are required to assist customers as needed and maintain a friendly, energetic demeanor. This position requires adhering to all procedural guidelines set by the Food Service Department.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Ensures cleanliness of food service cases, storage area, and work area for safety; includes cleaning of shelves and products, keeping floors free of liquid spills or water, removing hazardous debris from floor and sweeping.
• Stocks food service cases; includes presentation of product, facing, filling, and organization of all product items as set by the Food Service Department schematics as well as ensuring tag and pricing accuracy.
• Examines the rotation of all food service products paying particular attention to expired stock and discarding outdated or spoiled items.
• Responds positively to customer’s inquiries and assists customers with purchases, information and product selection; requires selling and cross selling of products.
• Receives, inspects, and logs products for accuracy of shipment, temperature, and quality.
• Monitors the point of purchase signs; ensures a variety of recipe cards, product coupons, promotional material, and information on complimentary foods.
• Requires operating and using equipment such as knives, scales, wrappers, compactors, garbage disposals, pallet jacks, and hand trucks.
• Prepares various food service items; includes using the appropriate ingredients and proper cooking times for product being made.
• Uses knowledge of scales and weight measures to accurately weigh and label products.
• Participates in pre-inventory preparation; includes back stock and assuring tags match products.
• Sustains a high level of product knowledge and product preparation.
• Walks department regularly to ensure an organized, sanitary, and overall clean appearance at all times.
• Other duties as assigned.

Fill out a Sunflower Farmers Market job application today!

It’s not unusual to see people coming to Starbucks to chat, meet up or even work. We’re a neighborhood gathering place, a part of the daily routine – and we couldn’t be happier about it. Get to know us and you’ll see: we are so much more than what we brew. But this great atmosphere is only one of the benefits of a career at Starbucks. There’s also the opportunity for career growth that comes with a quickly expanding company. And a job at Starbucks can also come with a 401(k) savings plan, stock options, and health insurance for working as little as 20 hours a week. And the coffee is really good here too. All of this is why we’re consistently rated by FORTUNE magazine as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For.

Sound intriguing?

Now Hiring – Assistant Store Managers

This could be just the place for your career in retail management to start. As an Assistant Store Manager, your Starbucks will be an important part of the local community. You’ll help your store partners make connections with the customers they’ll see every day. You’ll have your hands on your store’s operations, including staffing, customer satisfaction, product quality, financial performance, security and safety. Best of all, you’ll be leading a team of great people committed to creating a welcoming environment. Starbucks is consistently rated as a great place to work, and the people here love what they do.

Responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not limited to the following:

Leadership:

• Setting goals for the work group, developing organizational capability, and modeling how we work together
• Demonstrates a calm demeanor during periods of high volume or unusual events
• Displays a “customer comes first” attitude by training and holding partners accountable for delivering legendary customer service.
• Drives the implementation of company programs
• * Manages with integrity, honesty and knowledge that promote the culture, values and mission of Starbucks.
• Provides coaching and direction to the store team to take action and to achieve operational goals.
• Constantly reviews store environment and key business indicators to identify problems, concerns, and opportunities for improvement
• Planning and Execution – Developing strategic and operational plans for the work group, managing execution, and measuring results:
• Monitors and manages store staffing levels to ensure partner development and talent acquisition to achieve and maintain store operational requirements.

What are you waiting for? View all Starbucks jobs and fill out a Starbucks job application today.

Now Hiring – Store Managers

This could be just the place for your career in retail management to start. As a Store Manager, your Starbucks will be an important part of the local community. You’ll help your store partners make connections with the customers they’ll see every day. You’ll have your hands on your store’s operations, including staffing, customer satisfaction, product quality, financial performance, security and safety. Best of all, you’ll be leading a team of great people committed to creating a welcoming environment. Starbucks is consistently rated as a great place to work, and the people here love what they do.

Summary of Experience:

• Progressively responsible retail experience (3 years)
• Supervision (1 year)
• Experience analyzing financial reports
• There’s also the opportunity for career growth that comes with a quickly expanding company. And a job at Starbucks can also come with a 401(k) savings plan, stock options, and health insurance for working as little as 20 hours a week. And the coffee is really good here too.

Fill out a Starbucks job application today.

See other companies that have posted the help wanted signs outside their place of business and are now accepting job applications.

Souper Salad is a company that’s passionate about soups, salads, and fresh-baked breads. It begins in our kitchens, where our vegetables are hand-cut every morning. We make all our soups from scratch, and we bake our breads all day long. For more than 30 years, we’ve been sharing our passion with people who love these foods just as much as we do. We’re constantly working to deliver the freshest meals — and freshest menu ideas — out there. Our customers are incredibly loyal, and we are 100% committed to giving them the best possible experience, every time they visit. We have 67 locations in eight states — with headquarters in San Antonio and Lewisville, Texas.

If you’d like to learn more about our company, please visit our website, www.SouperSalad.com — we look forward to having you on our team!

Now Hiring – Team Members

Come join our award winning company

Souper Salad, Inc. is the largest soup and salad restaurant in the Southwest, a privately held company headquartered in San Antonio, Texas.

Souper Salad is currently taking applications for all positions. If you embody the characteristics below, then apply for a position now!

• Positive mental attitude
• Enjoys working with a team
• Enjoys working in a fast-paced environment
• Drive and determination
• Desire for personal and professional growth

Additional Information

• The ideal candidates must want to have fun serving great food to our customers!
• Must be at least 16 years of age
• Wear a clean and proper uniform
• Attendance and Punctuality a must
• Basic Math skills
• Completed training certification
• Follow company policies and procedures
• Enthusiasm and willing to learn
• Team player
• Commitment to customer satisfaction
• Have a strong work ethic
• Be friendly when interacting with customers and other team members

Job Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Life Insurance
• FSA
• 401K

Fill out a Souper Salad job application today!

At Ruby Tuesday, we’re fully committed to preparing and serving food of uncompromising freshness and quality – with signature choices like our premium Handcrafted Burgers and our bountiful, Fresh Garden Bar – and we’re grateful that our restaurants are made possible by passionate employees who make it their business to delight each and every guest with an excellent dining experience. From our ongoing efforts to bring you the best menu in casual dining and the best Handcrafted Burgers anywhere, to the gracious smiles and genuine hospitality that greet you at our doors, Ruby Tuesday wants to make our Simple Fresh American Dining your favorite dining anywhere.

We’re as dedicated to the personal and professional growth of each and every team member as we are to the freshness and quality of our food. Whether it’s just part-time or an entire career, we want to make sure you get everything you want out of your Ruby Tuesday experience. And as soon as you join the team you’ll notice the fun, friendly working environment and the variety of experience that comes with working at Ruby Tuesday. Follow the links above to learn how to start your career at Ruby Tuesday and start enjoying a job where quality, passion and pride come with the dress code.

Now Hiring – Cooks

Form Cooking in a challenging and upbeat environment.

Fill out a Ruby Tuesday job application today!

Now Hiring – Dishwasher

Wash dishes and some basic janitorial duties.

Fill out a Ruby Tuesday job application today!

Now Hiring – Host

Greet guests with a smile and a friendly welcome. An outgoing personality is a plus!

Fill out a Ruby Tuesday job application today!

Now Hiring – Server

A fun environment to make money and increase your skill as a server!

Fill out a Ruby Tuesday job application today!