A summer job is a perfect way to earn money, gain experience, and build your CV without it conflicting with your studies. In this guide, we go through how to find summer and holiday jobs – and what to consider.
Summer and holiday jobs are temporary jobs, typically during June-August or around Christmas and Easter. They're especially popular among students who have time off from studies and want to make good use of it.
Why get a summer job?
Besides the obvious – money – there are many other good reasons to get a summer job:
- Experience: Even a short job is experience on your CV
- Networking: You meet people who might be useful later
- Skills: You learn something new and develop yourself
- References: You get someone who can vouch for you
- Routine: A job gives structure to the summer
- Savings: Money for the next semester
A summer job can also be a way to test an industry or company before committing to a longer student position.
When should you start looking?
The short answer: earlier than you think.
Many companies start recruiting summer staff in February-March. The most attractive jobs go quickly, and if you wait until May, many positions are already filled.
Timeline for summer job searching
- January-February: Update your CV and start looking
- February-March: Send applications to attractive companies
- March-April: Interviews and negotiations
- April-May: Last minute applications to positions that haven't been filled
- June: Start your summer job
For Christmas jobs, start looking in October. For Easter jobs, start in February.
Where do you find summer jobs?
Job portals
Most job portals have their own categories for summer jobs in spring:
- Jobindex (sommerjob section)
- StudentJob.dk
- Indeed
Company websites
Many large companies publish their summer jobs on their own websites. Check the career sections of companies you're interested in.
Recruitment agencies
Agencies like Randstad, Moment, and Academic Work often have temporary summer positions.
Unsolicited applications
Contact companies directly. Many companies don't advertise their summer jobs but are happy to receive unsolicited applications from motivated students.
Network
Ask family, friends, and acquaintances. Many summer jobs go to people who "know someone."
Types of summer jobs
Relevant summer jobs
Some summer jobs are directly related to your field of study:
- Student assistant (who continues through summer)
- Summer internship
- Project-based work in a company
- Research assistant
These are often harder to find but provide greater value for your CV.
Classic summer jobs
Traditional summer jobs are often easier to get:
- Warehouse and logistics
- Retail and customer service
- Café and restaurant
- Festival staff
- Amusement parks
- Cleaning and facility services
- Call center
- Agricultural and garden work
Even if these jobs aren't directly relevant to your studies, they give you experience with work, collaboration, and responsibility.
Holiday replacements
Many companies need staff to cover for employees on vacation. This can be everything from office work to production.
How to write a summer job application
An application for a summer job is largely like any other application, but with a few differences:
Be clear about your availability
State clearly which period you're available. "June 15 – August 15" is better than "during summer."
Explain why you want this specific job
Even if it's "just" a summer job, you need to show motivation. Why this company? Why this job?
Highlight relevant skills
What can you offer? Previous experience, personal qualities, education – whatever is relevant.
Show flexibility
Employers appreciate flexibility on hours, tasks, and start date. If you can be flexible, mention it.
Tip: If you apply early, mention that you're willing to wait for an answer. This shows that you've planned ahead and are seriously interested.
What to consider
Pay and conditions
Check that pay is reasonable for the work. Student jobs typically follow collective agreements that set minimum pay.
Working hours
How many hours per week? Is there flexibility? Can you have days off for planned holidays?
Location
Is the job close to where you live, or do you need to commute? Consider transport time and costs.
Physically demanding?
Some summer jobs are physically demanding. Consider if you're up for that and if you're physically prepared.
Learning opportunities
What can you learn from this job? Even if it's not directly relevant, there's always something to be gained.
Maximize your summer job
When you have a summer job, make the most of it:
- Be proactive: Ask for more tasks if you have capacity
- Be curious: Learn about the company and industry
- Build relationships: Network with colleagues
- Ask for feedback: Learn from your experiences
- Ask for a reference: Before you leave, ask if you can use them as a reference
- Stay in touch: Connect on LinkedIn and send a thank you
A good impression can lead to future opportunities – both at that company and through your new network.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Starting too late: Start in February, not May
- Being too picky: A "less perfect" summer job is better than no job
- Forgetting to network: The people you meet are valuable
- Not asking for a reference: Do it before you leave
- Not reading the contract: Know your rights and duties
- Giving up too easily: Keep applying even if you get rejections
Practical tips
- Create a job alert for "summer job" on relevant portals
- Follow companies you're interested in on LinkedIn
- Have your CV ready before you start applying
- Apply to several jobs – don't put all your eggs in one basket
- Follow up on applications after 1-2 weeks
- Be flexible with dates if possible
- Consider jobs in a different city if you can stay there
Try it yourself
Take 15 minutes and do the following:
- Write down which period you're available this summer
- List 5 companies or industries you'd like to work in
- Set up a job alert on 1-2 job portals
- Find one summer job posting and save it
Now you're ready to start your summer job search. Remember: it's easier to find a job when you start early.
FAQ
When should I start looking for a summer job?
Start early – ideally in February-March for summer jobs in June-August. Many companies hire well in advance, and popular jobs fill up quickly. The earlier you start, the more options you have.
Can I get a relevant summer job even without experience?
Yes, but it can be harder. Focus on your education, motivation, and personal qualities. Many companies are happy to take on motivated students who want to learn. Consider applying to smaller companies or less obvious industries.
What should I do if I can't find a summer job?
Expand your search. Consider different industries, geographical areas, or job types than you originally considered. You can also consider volunteer work or a project that you can do yourself. Something is better than nothing on your CV.
Congratulations!
You've completed the entire Student Jobs module. Now you know how to:
- Find student jobs and summer jobs
- Write a CV as a student
- Gain relevant experience
- Find balance between study and work
Use this knowledge to find a job that gives you experience, money, and a head start in your career. Good luck!
Explore our other modules in the Job Academy for more guides on applications, CVs, interviews, and more.