Questions to Ask During Your Alaska Job Search

Both you and your employer will be happiest if you're a good fit for the company. Here are some questions to ask yourself (and potential employers) during your job search.

Ask Yourself…

What kind of summer job do you want? Alaska summer jobs range from typical tourism industry jobs in hospitality, guiding and summer bus driving jobs to seasonal science jobs monitoring animal migration or performing soil surveys. Different jobs have different qualifications; some are more open to entry-level applicants than others.
How flexible are you? Some jobs will have regular day-shift hours, while others may involve overtime, flexible schedules, and/or unusual shifts.
What other skills do you have? Some employers may want you to fill in for a variety of jobs. For example, some resorts prefer summer workers with basic carpentry skills. CPR and First Aid certification can also give you an edge. To be a van or bus driver you'll need a commercial driver's license.
How far from civilization do you really want to live? Some job sites may be over 100 miles from the nearest town. Some people love roughing it; others prefer the option of going to a movie on the weekend.
How do you feel about living in a group environment? Employers in Alaska usually provide housing for summer employees, and this housing is often communal. You may even have a roommate.
Are my priorities a good match with the potential employer's? For example, some companies are strongly committed to environmental ethics, and prefer employees who share the same goals. You'll be happiest with an employer whose passions match yours.

...And Do Your Research

Since every employer is different, look carefully at the websites of companies you're interested. Consider contacting them if you have further questions; you'll save both of you time if you don't apply to a company with which you don't fit. On the next few pages you can read interviews with some different kinds of employers, but keep in mind that they're not representative of all Alaska tourism companies - every company is unique.

INTERVIEW -Alaska River Rafting Jobs >>>