Life Fright

1. Volunteer

Having volunteer experience will help bolster your resume and provide your prospective employer some insight into your work ethic and how responsible you are. Think of volunteering as a stepping stone towards getting a paid job. Volunteering will also help round out your college applications and is overall a fantastic way to connect with and give back to your community.

2. Ask Your Connections for Prospective Jobs

Your social circle can be useful here. Maybe a family member or family friend knows of open positions available and can get you an interview if only you ask! Most people enjoy helping others they know well and are on good terms with. Don’t be afraid to use your connections! Make sure to return the favor down the line if possible.

3. Think Local & Personal

The easiest way to get a job is to look around your immediate vicinity. It is more convenient and you probably can squeeze the new job into your routine if it is nearby and it is something you are interested in doing. Think outside the box too. It may not be a waiter at a restaurant, but could be a position at your library, animal shelter, or recreation center. Play to your strengths here. Take a look at your interests and see if there are any jobs related to them.

4. Practice Interview Questions

Why Do You Want This Job?

Thinking about this ahead of time will help prevent mind blocks at the time of the interview. Take into consideration the industry the job is in and your personal interests. Do you have a personal connection to the job? Enthusiasm matters here and will help you stand out in the interview process. Do not say you want the money; it is implied. What’s important in the interview is to give the interviewer a peek into your personality and qualifications. Sell and hype yourself up for the job!

5. Dress to Impress

First impressions matter. Do not show up to the interview unkempt and rocking flip flops. Pay attention to the workplace setting and dress accordingly. Err on the side of overdressed rather than underdressed.

6. Polish Your Resume

Show up to the interview with your resume in hand along with writing implements in tow just in case. If you are not yet in the interview stage, then start with crafting your resume and then create a new version, tweaked to bring up attributes that fit the job description. If you are in school, include your school’s name and consider adding your GPA if it is good. In the resume, include volunteer experience, extracurricular activities like clubs and sports, and any job experiences that you can spin to show off how much it aligns with the new job you are after. Do include your name and contact information like your phone number or email address. Make sure the email address is professional and does not raise red flags for being offensive or too casual.

7. Secure References

If possible, ask your references if they can put in good word for you if called. Informing them ahead of time that they may be called will give them time to think of what to say and not be caught off guard. Make sure to thank them!

8. Show Up to the Interview Early

Again, first impressions matter. Take into account the time it takes to get ready, traffic, and the travel time to the place of the interview. Add some buffer time for unexpected delays and try to arrive at least 5 minutes early to get yourself situated, checked in, and presentable for the interview. Good luck!