Summer job season is in full swing, and the tourism market is vibrant again. Many countries are rejoicing about the return to or near pre-COVID levels—a boon for foreigners seeking part-time jobs to explore the local job market while boosting their income. Here are tips for finding a summer job and practical advice to avoid scams.
Summer season returns: A record-breaking year
All eyes are on Japan. The country has finally surpassed its pre-pandemic record, with 17.78 million foreign tourists visiting in the first half of 2024, up from 16.63 million in 2019. The government proudly acknowledges that a weaker yen has helped boost tourism numbers. It aims to attract 60 million foreign tourists by 2030, doubling the count from 2019. Meanwhile, locals are increasingly concerned about overtourism.
Spain shares similar concerns as it also experiences a record tourism year, expecting 41 million tourists. It ranks as the second most visited country after France. The Spanish government prefers to highlight the revenue from summer tourism, up 13% from summer 2023, potentially generating nearly 59 billion euros—22% more in revenue thanks to summer tourism. France, with its sights set on the Olympics, hopes to surpass 70 billion euros in revenue, expecting 100 million foreign tourists this year.
The United States, ranked the top tourist destination by the World Economic Forum, continues to thrive above Spain, Japan, France, and others. Australia ranks as the fifth-best tourist destination worldwide, followed by Germany, the UK, China, Italy, and Switzerland. Canada, a favorite among expatriates, ranks eleventh. Tourism is also booming in South Korea, ranked fourteenth, partly due to the export of its pop culture. The UAE, driven by Dubai, has welcomed 5.18 million foreign visitors in the first quarter of 2024.
For expatriates, it's a unique opportunity to explore their host country's job market differently.
Practical tips for finding a summer job while avoiding scams
Get ahead of the game
It's advisable to apply early in the year (first quarter) for summer jobs. If you're reading this article in the midst of summer, don't worry; you're not too late. In some countries, the summer season extends into August and even starts in September. Summer jobs often mean high turnover and short-term assignments. The needs of tourism-sector businesses continuously adjust based on demand. New job offers are regularly posted, keeping your chances of finding a part-time job high.
Be mobile
If you're not finding any opportunities in your host city, consider packing your bags and moving to a different city. Not surprisingly, there are more opportunities in tourist cities. Get the most out of the summer to discover your host country in a new light. However, make sure to do the math before you leave. Whether you're an international student or a temporary worker looking to save money for your studies, rent, or move to a new city, or you want to explore various job opportunities to test different professions in the tourism sector for a potential career change, plan accordingly. If your goal is to save money, ensure your relocation allows you to actually keep some of your earnings. Your summer job wages shouldn't be swallowed up by expenses (accommodation, food, etc.).
Target seasonal jobs that are hiring
Many sectors hire in the summer, including agriculture, hospitality, food processing, and personal services. Target industries hiring in your city of expatriation. If you're studying or considering working in tourism, take this opportunity to test-drive your future industry. Don't let lack of experience hold you back: summer jobs are often open to beginners and can also serve as an excellent first professional experience. Hence, it might help to choose a key sector if you plan to work long-term in your host country.
Craft a 'summer job' resume
You might have heard stories of expats landing a waitperson, kitchen assistant, or camp counselor job in five minutes, armed only with their charm and no resume. You might get lucky and find the perfect employer who offers you the ideal summer job contract on the spot. However, don't rely solely on luck; prepare your resume. Remember to adhere to the norms prevalent in your country of residence. Again, don't hesitate to apply in sectors where you have no technical skills. The same advice applies to young people with no professional experience. Highlight everything useful for your summer job: teamwork, autonomy, curiosity, empathy, communication skills, etc. Draw on your past experiences (school, university, volunteer work, sports, etc.) to showcase the soft skills employers are looking for.
Search effectively online
Apply on websites dedicated to summer jobs, seasonal work, and student jobs. Also, register on general job sites. Don't forget institutional websites (city halls, regional councils). Apply directly on the websites of the companies you are interested in. Consider supermarkets and big-box stores, which often hire seasonal workers during the summer. Participate in job fairs in your region, whether in person or online. Leverage your network. Have your expat or local friends found a summer job? Their company might still be hiring. If you're a student, your university might also offer summer jobs.
How to ensure you're not being exploited
Stay vigilant during the summer period. While many reliable job offers exist, some only look tempting on paper. Before jumping on the first offer, take some precautions.
Beware of too-good-to-be-true job offers
An employer offers you a golden summer job with matching pay. Are you living far from a tourist zone? No problem: the company promises to accommodate you at its expense in the best housing. You'll earn an executive's salary while working part-time, allowing you to enjoy the summer holidays even more. Sounds too good to be true? Yes, and many expatriates fall for these scams each year. They find enticing offers on social media and contact a supposed recruiter, only to discover that the dream job is a scam. While summer jobs are accessible to beginners, be wary of unrealistic ads. A salary significantly higher than industry standards should raise a red flag.
Check your employment contract
Your future employer promises to send you a work contract but keeps you waiting. Be aware that a written work contract isn't always mandatory—it depends on the country's legislation. So, do your research before applying. If you plan to apply in another country, ensure you understand the language or at least the language used in your company. In case of problems, you'll be better equipped to defend yourself. Be cautious of abusive clauses. A company asking for your bank details, address, and ID documents before you're hired, or requiring a "trial period" without pay, are red flags. Do not let yourself be exploited, and do not share any sensitive information without verifying the employer's credibility.
Accommodated by the employer? Watch out for surprises
Your recruiter promises you accommodation at or near your workplace. The photos are appealing, but you end up in a tiny room without water or sanitation. What does your employment contract say? Some companies play with words and vaguely mention "decent housing" without a clear description. But it's not always possible to ensure that you'll be well accommodated. If in doubt, it's better to look for another job. Some unscrupulous employers take advantage of expatriates' lack of local knowledge to make them work in precarious conditions.
More tips for finding a summer job abroad
Highlight your expat experience: you might speak several languages, interact with diverse audiences daily, and have a variety of professional or academic experiences—these are all valuable assets for your CV and cover letter.
Be patient. While the tourism sector is recovering, it remains weakened by an ongoing economic crisis. Expatriates and locals might compete for the same positions. Competition can also arise between candidates applying just for summer experience and those who wish to stay longer. Enjoy your summer job to explore the labor market of your host country and/or discover a new professional sector. Make connections. Whether you continue in this industry or not, build and enrich your network.
