How to land a summer job (Part 3 of 3)

Part 3 of 3 in the Summer Job Series - If you can't find a job — create one

You applied. You followed up. Nothing yet. That happens — and it doesn't mean you're stuck. If a traditional job isn't coming through, you have two options: keep looking, or stop waiting and build something yourself. This post covers both. 

You don't need permission, a resume, or a manager to start earning. You need one skill, one willing customer, and the nerve to ask. Most teens already have all three.

How to get started:

• Choose one service — Pick something you can do well and would actually enjoy. Narrow focus beats doing everything.
• Set a fair price — Search what others in your area charge. Start competitive — you can raise rates once you have reviews.
• Tell 10 people — Friends, family, neighbours. Word of mouth is still the most effective marketing a teen has. One great job becomes five referrals.
• Do great work — Reliable teens get repeat customers and referrals. Your reputation is your marketing.
• Track your income — Keep a simple log of what you earn. You may need to report it — and it's a great habit to start now.

Ontario Summer Company: If you're thinking bigger, Ontario Summer Company offers mentorship and up to $3,000 in grant funding for teens who start a summer business. Applications typically close in May — apply early next year. ontario.ca/page/start-summer-company-students

Your 5-day Summer Job Challenge

Whether you're still looking for a traditional job or building your own, this challenge gets you moving. One focused action per day — by Day 5 you'll have more momentum than most teens manage all summer.

Day 1 — Make your list. Write down 3 jobs you'd actually enjoy doing. Be honest — motivation matters.

Day 2 — Do your research. Look up each one. Find real openings, locations, hours, and how to apply.

Day 3 — Build your resume. One page. Clean font. Honest bullets. Use the format from Part 2 of this series.

Day 4 — Apply to at least 3 places. Customize one sentence in each application.

Day 5 — Tell someone your plan. Accountability matters. Tell a parent, sibling, or friend what you're going for. Saying it out loud makes it real.

Bonus challenge: If you land an interview within 2 weeks, email us at hello@teenfinanceclub.com — we'd love to hear about it.

Free resources

Everything you need to land your first summer job — all free:

•  Summer Job Checklist

• Teen resume Template

• Interview Prep Worksheet

• Earnings & Budget Tracker

Action for the week

• Start Day 1 of the challenge today — write down 3 jobs you'd actually enjoy.
• If nothing has come through yet, pick one service from the list above and tell 10 people this week.
• Download the free toolkit and use at least one resource before you apply again.
  
  

This is general information only, not financial advice.

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Ready to put this into practice?

Our events are built for teens — hands-on sessions where you take what you’ve learned and actually do something with it.  See what’s coming up: See upcoming TFC sessions for teens