Seasonal Jobs that are cool, unsual and fun

Here are some of the best job sites for job-seekers searching for seasonal, fun, unique, unusual, and cool jobs

Are you an adventure-seeker? Looking for a seasonal job? Just want part-time employment? Need to work a second job? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this is the place for you because you'll find listings for cool jobs, unusual and unique jobs, seasonal jobs, odd jobs, part-time jobs, and more.

Lifeguardingjobs.com -- a great resource for job-seekers looking for lifeguard and other aquatic positions. Job-seekers can search by jobs, state, and county. Free to job-seekers.

MountainJobs.com -- dedicated to bringing together mountain employers with high quality job-seekers, where you can search for a wide variety of professional and unusual jobs and internships and read company profiles. Free to job-seekers.
ResortJobs.com -- where you can go and search for jobs by location or keywords and post your resume for employers to view. Free to job-seekers.

SeasonalJobs.net -- where job-seekers looking for seasonal employment can search for jobs (by position or location) and post your resume. Also includes additional seasonal employment resources. Free to job-seekers.

SeasonJobs365.com -- where job-seekers can find temporary work, summer jobs, winter jobs, working holidays, jobs abroad, ski and snowboard jobs, holiday reps, resort work, catering, and other seasonal work. Job-seekers can search or browse job listings by location or job type. Part of the One World 365 network of Websites. No cost to job-seekers.

SeasonWorkers.com -- a job site covering all aspects of worldwide working travel and seasonal recruitment -- including winter resorts, summer resorts, outdoor jobs, and TEFL positions -- where job-seekers can search job postings (by job category and country) and then apply directly to whichever one interests you. No cost to job-seekers.

SnagAJob.com -- where students (high school and college) can find part-time, summer, and seasonal jobs. Job-seekers can search by location or job type and then apply for the jobs you're interested in. Free to job-seekers.

SummerJobs.com -- where summer job-seekers can search by keyword or location for summer jobs. A very nice resource. Free to job-seekers.

ThemeParkJobs.com -- where job-seekers interested in working in the theme park industry can search for jobs (by keyword, location, and job type), register for a job search agent, and post your resume. Free to job-seekers.

Summer Jobs Ideas

So you are a teenager, either in high school or college, and you are wondering, "It sure would be nice to have a job this summer..." You have a lot of options. In fact, you have a "bewildering array of options." You can work in restaurants, small businesses, retail stores, amusement parks, summer camps and so on. There is a job out there that fits almost anybody. The important thing is to recognize that you do have options. In recognizing them you gain the ability to explore your options. Here are a variety of things to think about during your exploration:

* You can do the normal thing--you can go apply for a job at the local fast food restaurant. This may not be a bad thing to do, depending on your attitude going into the job. If your attitude is, "I hate this job," then obviously you will get nothing out of it. If, on the other hand, you look at it as an opportunity to learn how a business works from the inside out, then you can get a lot out of it. Start gathering the knowledge and skill with your summer job. Try as many positions as possible and ask lots of questions about cash flow, staffing, inventory, etc. Keep in mind that there are lots of different kinds of restaurants: fast food, family dining, elegant dining, etc. They pay differently and appeal to different people. Look around at the options before making up your mind.

* You can work at a place like a amusement park that hires a lot of people in the summer. Again, attitude will control what you learn. You can learn an incredible amount about business and human nature in a job like this.

* You can work at a summer camp, resort, or vacation spot that hires lots of people in the summer. Ditto on the attitude. The advantage here is that you might have the chance to travel.

* You can volunteer at any number of places: hospitals, shelters, clinics, summer youth programs, etc. You won't make any money, but the experience can be invaluable.

* You can get an entry-level job with a small business and learn the business. Options are endless. Just open the business section of the phone book or drive around and see what is out there. Drive through small industrial and office centers and knock on doors. It will be helpful if you have a skill the business can use such as typing, computer skills, etc., but that is not necessarily a requirement. Again, make learning the key. What you are looking for is a small business that is interested in hiring an eager "gofer-type" employee and then showing you how the business works. Take what you can get and learn, learn, learn.

* You can enter a summer educational program. Many colleges and community colleges run summer classes. Go take some. Write around or talk to some guidance counselor at school and see what is out there. If nothing else you could join a "continuing education program" at a college or university and get a jump-start on college.

* You can look for summer intern programs at local companies. You can call your local or state government and see what you can find. Many states and municipalities offer summer job programs.

You can get a job anywhere and then spend the money to do something you really enjoy. For example, work at night and take pilot lessons during the day. Or work at night and explore a hobby or sport during the day. You can work for yourself. Create a summer job mowing lawns, taking care of kids, painting houses or whatever. well that is pretty basic but till you have other options being worked out, no harm in keeping yourself busy.

You can also hunt for opportunities on the web. Go to the directory of online resources and read other articles there on job skills, career options and so on. Use keywords like "jobs for minors" and "Summer jobs for minors" or "part time jobs for teens" in the big search engines and see what you find.

Where Teens can Find Summer Jobs

There are any number of places where you can look for a good summer job:

* Local merchants: local stores often need good help – and not just in the summer.
* Small businesses: most towns have a number of small business offices – and your family or friends probably know several owners or office managers.
* Corporate offices: many have established summer jobs and internship programs, but often these are the most competitive.
* Stores at the mall: have a favorite store you like to shop at in the mall? Maybe now is the time to get a job there –- just be careful not to spend all your earnings buying their products.
* Hotels and resorts: summer is the busy season for most hotels and resorts.
* Tourist attractions: even if you don't live in Florida or California, most states have tourist attractions that especially need help during the busy tourism season.
* Golf & Tennis clubs: as the weather improves, these clubs are usually looking for part-time help.
* Grocery stores: maybe not the most exciting jobs, but probably the most convenient -– and not just for summer.
* Fast food and restaurants: local restaurants always need good help -– and while not the most glamorous, it's still a job.
* Parks and recreation departments: city, state, and national parks and recreation departments often develop special summer programs, and thus have job opportunities.
* Local government summer job programs: often various government agencies sponsor different kinds of summer youth work programs.
* Summer camps: okay, you went to camp as a kid – now you can go back as a counselor and get paid while being at camp.
* Working for yourself: there are all sorts of jobs/businesses you could develop for yourself in your neighborhood.
* The Web: especially if you want to work outside your neighborhood, or even your state, the Web is the place for you to explore all sorts of summer job opportunities.

Teen and student jobs

So you’re in high school or college, and you’ve decided to get a job. Maybe your parents won’t pay for the new iPod you want, or maybe you need cash for clothes or car insurance. Either way, don’t just take the first job that comes along! Get the real deal on different teen jobs with our teen job buddies. Then take a look at our articles for good advice on your job search.

Food and restaurant jobs
Working in a restaurant doesn’t have to mean standing by a hot fryer all day. You can work the crowd as a host or hostess; learn amazing knife skills as a cook; or collect tips all over town as a delivery driver.

* Cook / Chef
* Delivery drivers
* Host & hostess
* Assistant managers

Retail jobs
Working retail is a rite of passage for many teens. The perks: a sweet store discount and a fun work environment. The downside: watching customers rumple up the shirts you just folded perfectly. Learn what retail jobs are really like in these articles.

* Cashiers
* Clothing store associates
* Merchandiser jobs
* Warehouse/store receivers

Customer service jobs
There are tons of jobs for teenagers that involve some kind of customer service, from housekeeping to amusement park admissions. If you’re friendly and can summon your inner Zen calm when dealing with demanding customers, service jobs are for you.

* Auto technicians
* Customer services
* Housekeepers
* Photo technicians

Jobs for Teens

So what really defines a "typical teen job"?

If you're thinking a typical teen job is working at the local burger joint, you've only got a small piece of the picture. Teen jobs can include the "typical burger joint job" but it can also include great jobs -- jobs that give you some real world experience and teaches you career skills that can last a lifetime. Check out just a few ideas below:

Career Related Jobs

• Interested in teaching as a career? Then tutoring students could make a great teen job.
• How about a healthcare career? If so, check out the local hospital for job opportunities. Just the experience of being in a hospital job can go far.

Fun Jobs

• If you're interested in having fun at your job, how about seeking out employers that do what you love. For example, do you love pets? Then go to the local zoo and soon you'll be surrounded by some of the most interesting and exotic pets around.
• How about BMX? If you're all about the can-can, then naturally check out your closest bike shop.

Bottom line is that when searching for a teen job, it's easy to go after the "typical ones" but there's so much more out there. Learn new skills, discover your passions and make money!

Starting off as Virtual Assistant

A Virtual Assistant does many different things. The area of expertise for a VA is going to depend on each individual. Most virtual assistants provide services to business owners that they do not have the time to do themselves such as checking and replying to emails, article submissions, website updating, forum moderation, transcribing audio, sending newsletters, and many more.

What skills are helpful?

To be a VA or to become one it is helpful to have some skills such as basic computer knowledge, time management, organizational skills, and self discipline. Self discipline is important because you need to be able to make yourself sit down and work even if you don’t feel like it; working from home there will always be ‘life’ to get in the way but with a little self discipline you can make it work.

Time management is another important area that you should have some area of skill in. You need to be able to manage your time well so that you can complete projects in a timely fashion; you want to have a pretty quick turn around time on projects if possible. Last but certainly not least is organizational skills. You have to keep your clients information organized so that you can easily access things such as instructions for ongoing projects, etc.

What tools are needed?

You want to have a phone line, computer, printer and high speed internet connection. A fax line is another option that you might want to consider. Depending on the services you will be offering you might also need Microsoft Front Page, Word, Excel, etc. The basic tools needed are the first few that were mentioned – phone line, computer, printer and high speed internet – but depending on the areas of expertise that you will be offering will help you decide on any additional tools that you might need.

How do you get started?

To get started as a virtual assistant you need to purchase a domain name and create a website (or have one built for you) explaining your services and what you offer. Get involved in some online networking groups so that you can get the word out about your business and so that you can build relationships with possible clients.

Finding that first client will be the hardest and probably most challenging aspect of creating your VA business but once you have picked up that client and done some great work for them keep in mind that word of mouth goes a long way! Happy clients will refer other people to you for your services!

Keep in mind that beginning a VA business, along with any other business is a process that will take time, dedication, discipline and the motivation to keep going. Many people expect to start a home based business and make money overnight but the reality is that it takes time to build up a business. Get involved in some online networking groups/forums where you can ask questions, receive feedback and encouragement and build some friendships. Find a mentor or someone that will help you through the process. Remember the saying – where there is a will there is a way!

Where to find the best seasonal jobs

You may not have to look very far to find the perfect job for you. Your interests are reflected in the stores you frequent the most, and employers like to hire people who are knowledgeable and invested in their business. Here are some of the industries that get hot when it gets cool outside:

Retail jobs

This is a no-brainer. People buy more stuff during the holiday months. And they buy it at stores. Hence, more employees are needed for retail jobs. This is where you come in. Whether you want to refold shirts just yards from the mall food court or restock the aisles of your local toy store, the possibilities are endless. SuperStores such as Party City, Toys, Target, and Bed Bath & Beyond will all certainly be hiring extra workers this season. Be sure to ask potential employers if they offer an employee discount; you might be able to pick up gifts, like a back-scratcher for Dad and some bubble bath for Mom, without being cheap!

Restaurant jobs

Holiday foot traffic picks up at both fast food joints, such as Pizza Hut’s and McDonald’s, as well as casual dining eateries, including Romano’s Macaroni Grill and The Cheesecake Factory. Not only are people grabbing bites on the go between shopping stops, but they’re meeting up with family and friends. And when you’re spending days slaving in the kitchen on the year’s most anticipated home-cooked meals, you need a break from the potato peeler and the turkey baster at some point. Since restaurants are open later than your typical business, there’s added flexibility in the hours for restaurant jobs. And if you’re eligible for an employee discount, free or discounted grub will help you afford grabbing gifts for the grandparents and second cousins on your list.

Resort jobs and winter wonderlands

Hotels, ski resorts and ice skating rinks see a huge increase in their business in the winter and around the holidays. Not only will you have plenty to keep you busy, but you could get a discount on ski rentals, hotel stays or free ice skating passes for you and your friends. You could also join the wait staff at a resort or hotel restaurant, in which case you could score free or discounted meals. Besides, there’s nothing like a little snow and ice to really get you into the holiday spirit.