---
title: How to land a summer job (Part 3 of 3)
description: Discover how to land a summer job or create your own opportunity with practical steps and a 5-day challenge to boost your job search efforts.
---

[Stacked - The TFC Blog](https://go.teenfinanceclub.com/blog)

# [How to land a summer job (Part 3 of 3)](https://go.teenfinanceclub.com/blog/how-to-land-a-summer-job-part-3-of-3)

 Written by [TFC Stacked](https://go.teenfinanceclub.com/blog/author/tfc-stacked) | Jun 24, 2026

***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.

| Service | Earn |
| --- | --- |
| Lawn mowing & yard work | $20–$50 per yard |
| Babysitting | $15–$25/hr |
| Pet sitting & dog walking | $15–$30 per walk |
| Car washing | $20–$40 per car |
| Social media help for local businesses | $50–$150 per project |
| Tutoring | $15–$25/hr |

**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](https://go.teenfinanceclub.com/resources)
- [Teen resume Template](https://go.teenfinanceclub.com/resources)
- [Interview Prep Worksheet](https://go.teenfinanceclub.com/resources)
- [Earnings & Budget Tracker](https://go.teenfinanceclub.com/resources)

**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.*

 

## Share this with someone who needs it

Know a teen or parent who’d love this? Forward it to them.  They can subscribe at: **teenfinanceclub.com/subscribe**

## 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**

[View full post](https://go.teenfinanceclub.com/blog/how-to-land-a-summer-job-part-3-of-3)

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