Everywhere you look you will see help wanted signs this summer. Unemployment is at an all-time low and employers appear desperate to find staff. If you are considering a summer position, this could be the best season for you. But take heed, competition is still stiff and employers are not necessarily relaxing their qualifications.

Who is your competition? There are ten high schools in Brevard County, each with several hundred students. Add to this all the college students coming home for the summer and you have several hundred more individuals who just might be considering a summer paycheck. If only a few hundred of these individuals look for jobs, the competition will be staggering. Because of this number of job seekers, it will be important to position yourself as the one for the job. How can you do this? Let's look at some ideas:

1. Go the extra mile to have a resume. Even if the job does not require a resume you should still submit one. You can classify your skills on a resume in a way that is impossible to do within the structure of a job application. We have seen job seekers earn more than the current company salary because the employer was impressed that the job seeker wanted to make such a professional presentation for an entry-level or temporary position.

2. Dress for success. It is as easy to be under-dressed as it to be over-dressed. If the attire is casual in the company, dress a step or two up. Never wear jeans. Do not make the mistake of one young job seeker who was told it was okay to dress casually for the interview. She showed up in a bikini top and shorts because she was on her way to the beach. She did not get the job. Respect the employer by selecting conservative clothing in-line with the company's dress code.

3. Make the extra effort when applying for the job. Go in person, go alone, and go dressed for the interview. Treat everyone you meet in the company with respect because you never know who can make an impact on the hiring decision. Be prepared with a pen, list of references and a written employment history so that you can fill out job applications on the spot, if required.

4. Try to get to the hiring manager. Simply leaving your application or resume and never checking back will not get you remembered. If an employer receives a hundred applications/resumes, then you need to work hard to be remembered. Stop by regularly and follow-up with courtesy to keep your name in their mind. Do not ever lose your cool. Remember, employers are busy people with companies to run. You are not their first priority.

5. Be enthusiastic, smile and make eye contact in the interview. Employers want friendly employees who can get along with their co-workers, customers and management. Over 75% of applicants get jobs based on the employer liking them, feeling they will be a good fit in the organization, and recognizing that they can learn to do the job. Do not worry that you are not 100% qualified for a job. Personality, perseverance and a positive attitude can go a long way toward an employer's hiring decision.

6. Always say thank you and send thank you letters. Do not forget this important courtesy. A thank you letter will remind an employer of your qualifications, express your interest in the company, and make a positive impression. Even if you do not get the job, it could lead to future opportunities.

Finding solid summer employment will help you build a positive work history, develop teamwork and customer service skills, and put money in your pocket. Take advantage of the great job market and all its opportunities by presenting yourself as the perfect applicant for the job.