The university students have been home for almost two weeks now. That means recruiters are getting calls from friends who are also parents desperate to get their kids out of the house and earning some of their tuition.

While some of these kids are going to be prime candidates in a few years, summer jobs for the inexperienced aren't where most recruiters make their bread and butter. Still, it's probably better to help a kid out with some good advice to get the good feelings started for when they are excellent candidates for the kind of positions you do fill.

The tools recruiters use do offer great resources for students and recent grads looking for their work.

Service Canada has special listings for students seeking work.

Eluta.ca has a search section devoted to positions for new grads.  

Monster.ca has articles and postings with valuable advice for students looking to launch their careers.

Workopolis lists summer jobs for students too.

As for advice, students should be confident enough to work their parents' networks, among other contacts, themselvs. It shows initiative. 

A resume and a home printed business card with a keen statement of interest are tools every student job seeker needs.

Even more important, though, is a knowledge of what you can do for an employer. Sure, a summer job will help you begin to blaze a career path, but what do you bring to the table? Energy, a willingness to learn, keen attention to details, a special interest in a key industry that sets you apart from others, a willingness to ask for help or seek out answers on your own are all qualities that you should use in selling yourself to potential employers during an interview.