Summer (or temporary) jobs are the perfect place to make a few new friends. Whether you're hoping to stay on after the summer, or you're just in your job for a few months, you'll have an easier time making new friends if you keep these things in mind.

Initiate Conversation

If you're a summer employee, other folks at work might not go out of their way to talk to you. That's because you're only there for a short time and people naturally shy away from getting to know temporary and summer help.

That just means you'll have to take the first steps when it comes to making conversation. Good things to start with include:

• Introductions. If your boss doesn't take you around and introduce you, do it yourself. If you're working at a bigger firm, focus on the people in your area only.

 

• Small talk. Starting conversations is much easier when you're comfortable with small talk. If you're an introvert (and naturally inclined to dislike small talk) or someone socially awkward, practice a bit with people before you start your new job. That way you'll be comfortable moving from small talk to "big talk" (more meaningful conversation) with ease.

 

• Questions about the job. Ask people how they got started in their line of work, what they enjoy best about working there, or interesting events coming up within the company. Keep all talk positive, and avoid sharing gossip or talking about the more negative parts of the job.

 

Invite a Coworker Out for Coffee or Lunch

Don't wait for a coworker to invite you to lunch.

Instead, take the first step by asking for restaurant or fast food recommendations and then asking if they'd like to come with. Even if you only have a short time for lunch, see if a coworker wants to go with you to the break room.

Coffee before or after work is another way to get to know a coworker. Offer to buy someone a drink at a coffee shop near work. Coffee places have a variety of snacks and beverages available (with alternatives like juice or tea for those who don't like coffee) and the atmosphere is perfect for new friends who are trying to get to know each other.

Be a Good Worker

The better employee you are, the more people will want to be friends with you. By contrast, if you're someone that slacks off, it will make others angry and they'll avoid getting to know you on a personal basis.

Offer to help out if you see another person at work struggling, or ask for additional work if you're done early. It will give a positive impression that will extend to friendship. Do all you can to be likeable at work and it will pay off with new friends.

Think Like a Military Brat

Military Brats had to get used to traveling from city to city as kids, and as a result they know a thing or two about making friends quickly. Make each moment count when you're with new people. This means resolving squabbles quickly and going with the flow on choosing activities. Also, be yourself even if you're desperate to make friends. Never be something you're not just to get people to like you. This is good advice for folks in summer jobs as well. You'll need to be quicker about initiating friendships, but that doesn't mean you should compromise who you are. (Here's more about military brats, including an explanation for why they're called that.)

Ask Your Coworkers to Do Things

There is usually a lot going on in summer, so it's easy to invite coworkers along when you go to picnics or parties. Even if you haven't spent a great deal of time with them, you can still ask them to meet you out somewhere.

One caveat, however, is to keep things professional, even when you're out. Sure, you can get more personal with folks in order to get to know them, but refrain from drinking too much, swearing, or behaving badly. How you act when you're out with work friends can still impact your job, so have fun but don't embarrass yourself.

Get Contact Info From People by Summer's End

Before the final days of your summer job, be proactive about contact information. Don't let the hard work of getting to know people go to waste. Instead, a few days before you're set to leave, ask for emails or send Facebook friend requests.

If you're unable to get contact information from people, send a handwritten note after you leave thanking people you met and offering your phone number and email so they can keep in touch.