Not every job has to match your ultimate career goals to be valuable. In fact, those summer jobs — scooping ice cream, lifeguarding, stocking shelves or camp counselor — build skills employers really care about. The trick? Knowing how to talk (and write) about it.
Why Your Summer Job Counts
Employers want people who can:
- Show up on time
- Work with a team
- Solve problems under pressure
- Communicate clearly
You probably did the above—whether you worked in food service, childcare, or retail.
Transferable Skills by Job Type
Here’s the skills you gained:
- Retail → Customer service, time management, conflict resolution
- Food Service → Multi-tasking, work under pressure, teamwork
- Babysitting/Camp → Leadership, patience, creative problem-solving
- Seasonal Labor → Work ethic, reliability, safety awareness
Resume Makeover Example: Cashier at grocery store
Before:
“Worked the register and stocked shelves.”
After:
“Provided friendly service to 200+ customers daily, trained 2 new hires, and maintained accurate cash handling procedures.”
Tip: Use action verbs and show impact!
How to Talk About It Online & In-Person
Want to post on LinkedIn, Handshake or share in an interview?
Try this:
“This summer, I worked at [Job]. I learned [Skill], [Skill], and [Skill]. It helped me grow in [Area relevant to your career goals].”
Add a photo, if you’re comfortable.
Reflect Before You Write
Ask yourself:
- What did I actually learn?
- What moment am I most proud of?
- How did I improve or grow?
You’re not just filling time—you’re building your story that you can communicate in an application, networking or interviewing.
Final Takeaway
Every job teaches something. The challenge is to frame it’s importance, what was gained, and how to align it with your goals. Need help putting it into words? Make an appointment with our office for support.
