You’ve just finished filling out an application but what next? This How-To is to tell you what should be done and what is to come when getting a job is an issue.
There are many things that must be done for successfully getting a job. If you’ve taken Mr. Ogens’ Principles of Business class, then you may already know the steps. For others, this is a refresher.
First, you want to look for a job ideal for you and research it. Books such as the OOH (Occupational Outlook Handbook) give you details about any profession you may want to look into. Researching a business furthers your knowledge of that business and what they do. It also allows you to answer any questions you may be asked in an interview, which will be covered later in this article.
After getting some information about a business you would like to work in, start getting a résumé together. A résumé is a compilation of your goal, education, prior jobs, skills relating to the job, personal skills, and achievements and accomplishments. These things help an employer better know you and also gives some qualifications that may help an employer make his or her decision.
Once you have a résumé set up, go to the business and see if they are hiring. If they are, the secretary typically gives you an application to fill out. Usually you have to complete it there. Also, write in blue or black ink. If you write in pencil, they more than likely won’t even give it a second glance.
When filling out an application, you first want to read it through. After doing so, fill out everything indicated for you to fill out (usually at the very end of it there is a section that the employer fills out—DON’T FILL OUT THAT SECTION). Where “Salary Requested” is listed write the word “OPEN” because if you fill it out any other way, you may be asking too much (they won’t hire you) or too little where they may hire you and pay exactly the amount you asked for.
Ask three friends (who aren’t your buddies), if you can use them as references. That way they can be prepared if the employer calls them up to get a feel for who you are.
Once the application has been filled out accordingly, hand it back in. The employer may call you to set a time for an interview. If so, you need to prepare.
When preparing for an interview, it’s a good idea to pick out what you will be wearing the night before. Make sure your attire is appropriate (aka clothing that looks professional or appropriate for the job you’re interviewing for). Be clean. Make sure there are no stains, dirt or any other grime on your clothing or person. If so, it gives a bad impression. Don’t chew gum. When you chew gum, it takes the employer's attention away from what you are saying to the sound and motion of your chewing.
Bring pencil and pad for any information that seems important to you (such as benefits, vacation and sick time, the number of hours to be worked, duties to be performed, etc). The pad should also contain any questions you may ask. If your questions aren’t answered in the interview by what the employer says, then ask your questions.
Bring your résumé. Sometimes it is in a folder not at hand for the employer and by having it with you it saves time and energy on the employer’s behalf. It also lets him or her know that you are prepared and he or she may want to look at it once more.
Be there no more than 15 minutes early and be on time. If you know you’re not going to be on time, call them up so they know you’re running late or so they can reschedule the interview.
When meeting your possible employer give a firm handshake, look directly at the employer, smile, introduce yourself and sit down when asked to.
If the employer gives a specific time period about when he will get back to you, call them at the appropriate time. Call the employer if you hear no news. A setback may have occurred and the decision could not have been made. This also lets the employer know that you really want the job.
Congrats, you now know how to get a job!