There's a reason they call it "job hunting" -- you're aiming for something. Before you shoot for your desired summer employment, you'll need some target practice. Arm yourself with job hunting ammo.

Ready
Depending on the type of job you're looking for, prepare your search accordingly:

• Part-time employment in retail
  Visit stores in your area and ask management if they're hiring, then fill out an application. It's best to have all the information you'll need on hand (Social Security number, references, and past employment contact information); this way, you can fill out the application right there. "When we're hiring, we usually need someone immediately," explains Patrick Feher, manager at Verizon Wireless in Freehold, NJ. "When we see a good applicant, we make the choice quickly."



• Baby-sitting
  Baby sitters are usually hired by referral or word of mouth around the neighborhood. You can also sign up at www.babysitters.com to post an ad offering your services.


• Internship
  Search job sites such as www.monster.com, www.hotjobs.com, and www.careerbuilder.com. It doesn't hurt to know someone at a company who may be calling in interns -- check with family members and friends.

Aim
Employers say you should aim to accomplish the following on your job interview:

• Look the part
  "During the interview or when you inquire about a position, you should look the part," says Anthony Shafer, net branch manager for Liberty Funding Services, a mortgage originators company in Parsippany, NJ. "If you're trying to get a job in an office, you
  should look professional. We only hire employees who present themselves well."


• Be outgoing and confident
  It doesn't hurt to be sure of yourself, either. "Good applicants are the outgoing ones who speak very well," says Feher. "It helps to have confidence, especially when it comes to working in retail. You have to be able to sell the product without hesitation."


• Pay attention
  "I don't know how many times potential applicants have messed up answering my questions," attests Feher. "Don't let nerves get to you." Shafer adds, "If you have questions, don't hesitate to ask. It shows that you're interested."

Fire
If the supervisor contacts you to make an offer, be quick to decide if you want to accept. There are plenty of job hunters vying for the same positions. If you snooze, you may lose.

Hit or Miss
If you miss your target summer job and don't receive any callbacks from employers, call in reinforcements:

• "The Job Search Solution: The Ultimate System for Finding a Great Job Now!" (Amacom, 2006) This guide boasts an effective step-by-step approach to landing the job you're seeking.


• "1,000 Best Job Hunting Secrets" (Sourcebooks, 2004) With 1,000 tips for the job-hunting process, this book lists creative ideas for résumés, key words, and phrases that can make an impact, as well as employers' turn-ons and turn-offs.


• "Don't Blow the Interview: How to Prepare, What to Expect, and How to React" (St. Martin's Griffin, 2006) If you aren't confident about the interview process, this book will keep you from making common mistakes.

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