With finals around the corner, summer vacation is soon to follow. Finding a summer job can be tough, especially when you have no idea where to start. Here are some tips and tricks to help your search for the perfect summer job be as painless as possible.

University job boards: Along with job postings that are located on-campus throughout the semester, many listings also offer jobs that are off-campus as well. Take a look at the campus job board or even visit the Gerri Ripp Career Center on campus if you need any assistance. Remember, they’re there to help you.

Show initiative: Finding your space in the job market can be tough, even for a student. Don’t wait until the last minute to start looking because there are going to be other students in the same situation as you, are trying to find a job. The competition can be tough. Also, don’t be afraid to reach out to different companies. Showing that you’re a self-starter is a great way to score extra points with any potential employer – you may not think they notice, but they do.

Use your connections: While working for a family friend or relative may not be your ideal summer job, they may know people that can assist you in with finding one. Make a call to a family member and ask if there are any job openings in your hometown. Since you’re on campus, they can kick-start the process before you even come home. Have them take down the employer’s phone number to pass off to you; you can call them to express your interest and ask any questions you may have regarding the position.

Build your resume: Your resume is essential when on the hunt for a job; it’s the first thing any potential employer sees before deciding if they want to move you forward with an interview. Make sure your name and any important contact information is clearly highlighted at the top of the page, and try to stick with simple resume templates as some do not present well on various computer systems. Make sure to always include any skills you may have that are relevant to the position. If you’re not sure where to start on building your resume, the Career Center on campus can assist you with any trouble you have as well.

Contact any past employers: If you’ve had a job at home before, it never hurts to call a past employer to see if they need any extra assistance while school is out. If you were a good employee, they will usually be more than willing to take you back if there is a position open. Many jobs even offer seasonal positions; you can work during the summer, go back to school when the semester starts again, and continue working during breaks. If you are currently interested in a particular job opening or are currently being interviewed for a position, see if they can offer you a seasonal position to return to.

Don’t hold out for your dream job: Of course, we all would like to land the perfect summer job but sometimes it is simply not in the cards (right now). Don’t be discouraged if your summer dream job slips through your fingers, and make this let you miss out on another opportunity as well. Regardless, any position you obtain is just as significant and you may even learn additional skills to which you can add to your resume. Who knows, your not-so dream job can be an opening to a new career field that you may take interest in – you’ll never know until you try it.