I can't find a summer job. What should I do?

By Liz Cruger

Q: I've been looking for a summer job, but I haven't been able to find anything. I think it's because of the economy. What should I do?

A: If the resume building, career center advice and job Web sites haven't worked, you still have a few options:

1. Lower your standards

Look and apply for anything and everything related to your future career, but also pursue other available positions. Times are tough, so if that dream job isn't happening, consider working in retail or food service. When the prospective internships and office positions fall through, serving ice cream starts looking pretty good. If you want to be a politician and you spend your summer waiting tables, you've gained some invaluable people skills.

2. Be available to work any hours

If you're having trouble finding a 9-to-5 job, maybe you can fill your time with two part-time jobs. Or consider working night shifts, which are often hard-to-fill positions (and sometimes pay slightly more).

3. Stay on campus

Many universities offer summer positions. And you might have better luck finding a job in a college town since a lot of the students -- and therefore, a lot of the workforce -- will be heading home.

4. Fine-tune your resume

Tailoring your resume to each specific job will have more impact than one blanket resume you give to every hiring manager. Applying to work in a day care center? Go ahead and include your past baby-sitting experience. Looking to get hired at the music store? Let them know how you controlled the soundboard for your buddy's band last summer.

5. Hit the streets

Instead of applying for jobs online, frequent local stores and businesses where you'd like to work. If you build a rapport with the manager of the neighborhood cafe and let him know you're in the job market, you'll be the first to know when there's an opening.

This is Liz Cruger's second year as an R.A. for freshmen at the College of William and Mary. She is also involved in several campus activities, including pep band and the belly dance club.