From school to the “real world.” These few years fly by and before you know it you are “adulting.” No more can you rely on your mum’s after school snacks and home cooked meals. You are released into the wild. And although that means freedom, the nasty situation of financial independence is one slightly less exciting. College is expensive and before you know it you will have no choice but to get a job. Whether you love working or are just doing it to pay the bills, I am going to give you my rundown on how to ace your job application process. Although I am no expert, I have recently been through a rather strenuous 3 stage process (with success) so I hope I can at least give some guidance!
Research
Obviously every job application process is different, but I assume there will be some sort of interview process involved. The company will want to get to know you and to see if you are a good fit for what they are looking for. Researching the company is integral to your application. You want to come across as well read and also that you are genuinely passionate about the institution you are applying to work at (even if you are not). This way when asked about favorite products, or things associated with the company you will have your answer at hand ready to go. The more specific the better. Don’t be afraid to show off. Being keen is a positive in these kinds of situations!
Ask Questions
Don’t forget that the interview should be two ways! Yes, you are being interviewed to see if you are a good fit, but they also want to know whether they are a good fit for you. You should be prepared to ask questions about: the company, the employees, the hours, wages, products, etc. Not only does it show initiative, but you also don’t want to start the job not knowing certain aspects—potentially caught in a situation you might not have wanted to have landed in! Also, the employers want you to ask questions. I was in a group interview at the beginning of my application process and we almost reversed the interview onto the crew members! It was actually really insightful to hear about their experiences and why they had worked there and for how long. All in all, it is beneficial because not only will you give a better impression by being engaging and proactive, you also will find out information that may make or break whether you take the job!
Be Authentic
The thing that will set you apart from others the most, is being your most authentic self. Although this sounds cliche, it really is true. The people who are hiring have to rifle through various different resumes and may hear the same 5 things over and over again. The best thing you can do for yourself is to stand out. Don’t be afraid to not always act “professionally robotic,” that will not show off the best part of you. Tell stories, make them laugh, be self deprecating and silly. It will make everyone in the room feel more at ease (including yourself) and will make them remember you much more than your competitors. This also means that at the end of the process, you can find peace in the thought that you were not fake, that you were 100% yourself, and that maybe this wasn’t the best job for you. And that is OK!
The pressure of finding a job and making money can feel claustrophobic at times. Don’t let it get you down. You do not need to overwhelm yourself or base your worth on whether or not you are hired! Although it may be hard not to compare yourself to your competitors, try and not lose focus of who you are. Remember: every rejection is redirection. The right job for you will be right around the corner.