Did you work during the summer? Check these things to get the most out of it
Article
Topics
- Employment contract
- Labour law
- Legal assistance
- Salary
Many people gain valuable experience and extra income through sommer jobs during their studies. When your employment ends, you should make sure you have received all the wages and holiday compensation you have earned and ask for a certificate of employment.
1. Check your final salary and holiday compensation
Make sure you are paid all the wages and holiday compensation you have earned at the end of your employment. You should look over your final pay slip carefully as soon as you receive it. Are all your hourly rates correct?
In principle, every employee accrues annual leave during their employment. This is often the case for summer jobs. However, annual leave is not usually taken during the summer job, but is paid as holiday compensation when the employment relationship ends. Check these in your latest payslip. In some sectors, holiday compensation may be paid with each salary. In this case, the holiday compensation paid should be reflected in each of your payslips.
If you notice any errors in your pay, raise the matter with your employer immediately. It is always easier to correct errors and ambiguities as soon as possible.
Find out more about pay matters >>
Read more about annual leave >>
2. Keep employment documents
Keep all pay slips and documents related to your employment relationship. You may need them for tax purposes, for example, or if you apply for student allowance or unemployment benefit.
3. Keep your unemployment fund membership valid
If you joined the unemployment fund when you started your summer job, keep your membership even if your summer job ends and you continue studying. During your summer job, you will have accumulated a working condition, which is one of the conditions for receiving income-related daily allowance. During your future employment, such as part-time work or your next summer job, you will continue to build up your working condition. Once you are a member of the unemployment fund, you will count all the work you have done towards the working condition and will be eligible for income support.
In autumn 2024, the working condition will be extended due to the current change in the law. It is therefore even more important than before to keep the membership you have started.
Read more from the YTK Unemployment fund website >>
4. Save wages if possible
If you’ve earned well over the summer, consider saving some of your income for future expenses or unexpected costs. This can help you manage your finances during your studies.
5. Ask for feedback and certificate of employment
Ask for a feedback discussion with your employer at the end of your summer job. This will give you valuable insight into your work, your skills and your strengths. It will also help you develop your skills for the future.
When the employment relationship ends, the employee is also entitled to a written certificate of employment on request. It’s always worth asking for it, as it will certainly be useful when you apply for other jobs in the future.
The so-called short certificate of employment only states the duration of the employment relationship and the duties involved. The full certificate also gives the reason for the termination and the employer’s assessment of the employee’s work skills and behaviour. An employer may not issue a long service certificate to an employee unless the employee specifically requests it.
The assessments to be recorded in the certificate must be truthful. Please note, however, that you are not entitled to a different certificate, even if the employer’s assessment is not to your liking.
6. Ask a reference for your future job search
If your employment relationship has been going well, you can ask your supervisor if he or she could be your reference in the future. A referrer is someone you can inform a potential new employer about. At the recruitment stage, with your consent, they can call your referrer and ask what kind of employee you are. The referrer can tell you about your skills, your strengths and the jobs you have done.
Thank your employer and colleagues for the summer job. Good relationships can open doors to future job opportunities and references.
7. Reflect on and make use of what you learn at work
The skills and experience you gain from your summer job will certainly be useful for your studies and your future career. Make a note of the tasks you have completed and the positive feedback you have received. At the latest, dig them out the next time you apply for a job and write a job application.
8. Give yourself time to recover
Combining summer work and studies can be overwhelming. If possible, give yourself time to rest and recover before starting your studies. Rested, you can start the new semester refreshed and motivated.
Secure a working life that looks like you
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