It’s getting close to the middle of the semester and students are starting to worry about their summer plans. One thing most are thinking about is jobs. Whether it’s for a pizza place down the road or an entry level job after graduation, here are some tips to help you get the job.
Know What it Takes
Different fields have different application requirements, and you need to know what those are for the field you are interested in. Do you need a resume, a cover letter, a writing sample, a portfolio, etc.? You also need to know what these materials look like in your field and which skills and experiences you need to emphasize.
Practice
Practice answering interview questions and practice responses. Think of actual examples you can use to describe your skills. Providing evidence of your successes is a great way to promote your candidacy. Take the time to personalize your responses so they reflect you as a person and as a candidate for employment. If you lack experience or feel uncomfortable with interviews, find someone to do a mock interview with. Communication skills get better with practice.
Be Polite
Have good manners when interviewing. Shake your interviewer’s hand. Don’t slouch in your chair. Don’t use slang or curse. Be polite, positive, and professional throughout the interview.
Know Your Schedule
Know what days and hours you are available to work. The employer will ask. Flexibility is definitely an asset, because the more time you are available, the easier it is for the employer to set a work schedule. Also know how you are going to get to and from work if you don’t drive.
Don’t Treat an Interview as an Interrogation
If you are fortunate enough to land an interview, treat it as an opportunity to establish a professional relationship with the interviewer. Know the employer, and be prepared to ask intelligent questions. Engage with the interviewer, and do not be shy in letting the interviewer know what you know about the employer and how much you want to work there. Be enthusiastic, not desperate.
(Extra-Hint: It’s always a good idea to do a little web research before the interview on the company that will be interviewing you. You’ll make a much better impression when you know what the company is doing and how you might fit in.)
Be Positive
Stay upbeat throughout the interview. Smile—it will register in your voice. Do not assume that a particular answer is wrong or that you blew it. Stay confident. If asked about a perceived negative, do not make excuses or provide elaborate explanations. Give it one sentence and move on. Remember that there is no perfect candidate; just be the best you can be.
Activate Your Network
Tell everyone you know what type of job you are looking for. There is no sin in looking for employment, so you need to get everyone in your network working for you. While the person who does your nails is not a lawyer or management consultant, he or she may know one. If you have a professor who has worked in the industry or does extra field work you’re considering, make sure to try and use their contacts on your behalf. Often, even an informal recommendation from a professor can open doors. Enlist a parent, family friend, or sibling’s help too. You never know who has the contacts that count.
Job interviewing never seems to get any easier—even when you have gone on more interviews than you can count. You are meeting new people, selling yourself and your skills, and often getting the third degree about what you do or don’t know. Proper preparation will help alleviate some of the stress involved in job interviews.
What are some tips that you use to help you get the job?