AHS Gig Slides
AHS Summer
Gig Guide
Your Path to a Local Paycheck & Professional Growth
Arlington High School
Ready for Summer 2026?
The Summer Advantage
Build Your Resume
Colleges and future employers look for "soft skills": responsibility, teamwork, and reliability.
Expand Your Network
It's not just who you know, it's who knows you can do a great job.
Financial Freedom
Whether saving for a car, college, or just weekend fun—it starts with a consistent paycheck.
Arlington's Hiring Hub
Arlington Rec
Camp counselors, lifeguards, and park staff.
Gardens & Farms
Wilson’s Farm & Mahoney’s Garden Shop.
Community Orgs
Boys & Girls Club & Arlington Center for the Arts.
Food & Dining
Arlington Center & Heights eateries + D'Agostino's Deli.
Supermarkets
Market Basket, Stop & Shop, & local food markets.
Lexington Rec
Great nearby option for summer pool & camp staff.
Pro Tip: "Check the 'Arlington List' on Facebook and Town Website!"
The Scouting Strategy
01
The "Walk and Talk"
Walk through Arlington Center or Heights. Many places put "Now Hiring" signs in the window before posting online.
02
The Alumni Network
Ask older siblings or friends where they worked last year. Most student-heavy jobs rely on referrals.
Online Portals to Check:
- ArlingtonMA.gov (Jobs tab)
- Indeed & Glassdoor
- Direct business websites
The Application Arsenal
Essentials
- A simple 1-page Resume
- A professional email address
- References (Teachers/Coaches)
- Working Papers (for under 18)
Professional Tip
If you walk into a shop to ask for a job, go during "off-peak" hours. (e.g., 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM for restaurants). Ask to speak to the Hiring Manager.
Check Your Socials!
If your Instagram or TikTok is public, assume your future boss will see it. Keep it clean or keep it private.
Performance: The Interview
Common Questions:
"Tell me about a time you worked in a group."
"Why do you want to work here specifically?"
"What is your summer availability?"
Day-of Checklist:
- Arrive 5-10 minutes early
- Dress "one step" above the job
- Eye contact & a firm handshake
Don't Forget the Follow-Up
Send a brief "Thank You" email within 24 hours of your interview. It separates the pros from the amateurs.
AHS Resources
Visit the Guidance Office for help with Working Permits and Resume reviews.
Go Get 'Em, Ponders!
The best time to apply is RIGHT NOW. Most local summer spots hire in March and April.
Summer Search Worksheet
Summer Search Checklist
Arlington High School Student Resource
NAME:
DATE:
1. TARGET EMPLOYERS
Identify which local spots you are interested in. Check off the ones you plan to research this week.
Arlington Recreation Camp counselor, lifeguards, beach staff
Mahoney's / Wilson's Farm Retail, yard work, farm stand support
Boys & Girls Club Summer program assistants
Arlington Center for the Arts Creative camp assistants
Food & Grocery D'Agostino's, Market Basket, local cafes
Lexington Rec Neighboring town pool & camp jobs
2. THE ELEVATOR PITCH
If you walk into a store to ask for a job, what do you say? Practice your 30-second introduction below.
Tip: Include your name, grade at AHS, why you want to work there, and your general availability.
3. INTERVIEW POWER ANSWERS
Why should we hire you instead of someone else?
What is a challenge you've overcome (at school or in sports)?
4. APPLICATION TRACKER
| Employer | Date Applied | Method (Walk-in/Online) | Follow-up Date |
|---|
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MA Work Permit Quick Facts
If you are under 18, you need a work permit. 1) Get a job offer. 2) Download the MA Work Permit Application. 3) Have the employer sign it. 4) Take it to the AHS Main Office/Guidance for final processing.
Career Coach Teacher Guide
Facilitation Guide
AHS Summer Gig Guide
15-Minute Overview Presentation
Objective
To empower Arlington High School students with specific, local job-searching knowledge and basic professional communication skills required to secure summer employment in the Arlington/Lexington area.
Key Terms
- • Soft Skills
- • Referral
- • Working Papers
- • Off-Peak Hours
- • Follow-up
Pacing & Facilitation
1-2
The Hook & Motivation (3 mins)
Start by asking how many students have had a job before. Emphasize that "Summer Gigs" are the foundation of a resume. Connect the idea of "Financial Freedom" to their personal goals (cars, hobbies, travel).
3
Local Legends (4 mins)
Arlington Rec: Mention that they hire early (Jan/Feb/March).
Mahoney's/Wilson's: Heavy weekend work, great for students who like being outside.
D'Agostino's Deli: A local favorite with high visibility in the Heights and Center; great for learning customer service.
4-5
The Search Strategy (4 mins)
Explain the "Hidden Market"—many local shops in Arlington Center don't use Indeed. They use signs. Challenge: Tell students to take a photo of a "Now Hiring" sign this weekend. Discuss professional voicemail greetings; many students lose jobs because their voicemail is full or unprofessional.
6-7
Closing the Deal (4 mins)
Roleplay a 10-second introduction. Use the "Handout" to let them draft their "Pitch." Briefly touch on Working Papers—this is a common hurdle for freshman/sophomores. Remind them the AHS Guidance office is the primary hub for these.
Pro Tips for Success
-
March is Peak: Most summer hiring in MA happens before April vacation.
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Email Check: Check that students aren't using "fortnitepro123@email.com".
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Follow-up: Emphasize that persistence is seen as "initiative" by managers.
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Work Permits: Print out 5-10 MA Permit apps to have on hand.
