It is that time of the year again where I start to closely look over applications and start my hiring process for the summer 2010.  Hard to think that summer hiring needs to be done 6 months in advanced, however there is a lot of planning that goes into it, and 6 months is just barely enough time when it comes to putting everything together.  Click here to see our employment page.

I know that many people going into interviews these days are probably a little worried about finding jobs in such a tight market.  It might be helpful to know what we are looking for in an employee and how you can present yourself as a useful member of any customer service related company.

Tip #1: If you are interested in any sort of seasonal employment I recommend you start applying early and looking early, at least 6 months early, chances are employers have already started hiring.

Tip #2: Experience working with people; when I am interviewing a candidate I rarely focus on their technical skills.  First and foremost from an employer in the outdoor industry’s perspective is; “Do you like working with people?” I can teach you all of the hard skills for the job; and many times it is actually easier to teach people that have never done this type of work before because they don’t think they know it all.  If you have great people & communication skills then often times you are a more valuable asset then someone with tons of experience with poor communication skills.

Tip #3: How excited are you about the job?  A lot of times I talk with people that don’t seem that interested in the job, sure you have applied, but if you don’t seem that enthusiastic it makes me wonder.  Ask questions, think of questions before the interview that way you are not put on the spot.  Read through the web-page and jot down notes from there, I love hearing “while I was looking at the web-page I found…”.  It shows that you are curious and care enough about the company to do a little research.  When an employer is explaining what type of work you are doing, explain to them why this is the perfect fit for you, enthusiasm and a positive mind frame goes a long way.

Tip #4: Sell yourself and the experiences that you have had.  Anything you have done in a similar field when shown in the right light can be a plus for you.  If you have substituted, served tables, coached sports or worked at an ice cream stand, I am sure you have some great stories to tell, personalize it and sell it.  Don’t get me wrong, past experiences in the field are a very big plus in the hiring process, however showing you have strong work ethics and would do what it takes to get the job done is a big selling point.

Last big selling point for me would be love and appreciation for this line of work.  If you love being outside, and respect the environment and people you work, you make yourself a very good candidate.

To sum it up real quick:
1.    If you are planning on working a seasonal job this summer start looking now, and start applying.
2.    While selling yourself to the employer, make sure you show that you are really personable and have great communication skills.
3.    Ask questions, sound interested, be enthusiastic and always have a positive attitude and mind frame.
4.    Share your work experiences, personalize the stories and apply them to the job you are looking for.  Work ethic is a very important thing in the job market these days, we are hiring less and trying to be more efficient, why are you the employee I want.
5.    I want people working for me that love what they do.  If you can show me that you respect the work and the program, I want you here sharing that love with the people you work for and work with.

Though there are many other points and suggestions when it comes to applying and interviewing, these are a few that I am looking.  Stay positive and go get yourself a fun seasonal job for the Summer of 2010.  I got my summer position after college in 2005, and now I am the Director of Operations.  You never know where a seasonal position can lead you.

Other good websites for outdoor employment:

Outdoor Education Professional’s Resource

Outdoor Industry Job Publication

Short Term and Seasonal Job Site

Outdoor Adventure Professional Network

Patrick Boas,  a.k.a. “The Office Dandy”
Director of Operations