Essay Lab

I need to write a persuasive essay on why I should be selected for a summer job. What's a good way to start the essay and really grab people's attention?

You want to "sell" yourself when you are trying to get a job, so the first thing you normally want to do when writing an essay or job letter, you want to introduce yourself and how you heard about the job opening.  Then, you might state that you are qualified for the job and list a few main reasons why.  This is imperative because you want to point out right off the bat why you might be better than someone else for that particular job. Then, in the body of the letter or essay, describe in detail the skills you have that are directly related to the job you're trying to obtain.  You want to list any experience that you have in that particular field, etc.  If you don't have direct experience in that field, you might list general skills that are applicable to the job.  In the conclusion or last paragraph, always thank the person and request an interview and your telephone number and days/times you can be reached.

As the assignment is an essay, as opposed to a cover letter, you have leniency to be more creative.  You might start with a personal anecdote that shows the audience what skills you have in an interesting manner, without having to "announce" the details.  Then you could go into depth on what previous experience you have had to demonstrate those skills.