Finding and applying for a job

[Storyteller.]

Finding and applying for a job
By Lydia (Nostalgia)

Given the current recession, finding a job has been incredibly difficult. Many countries all across the world have high numbers of unemployment; unfortunately, unemployment affects all ages and walks of life. This means that there is a lot of competition for jobs, and that you will be competing against adults who may have more experience than you. However, employers won't just be looking for experience. Employers will also look or other factors such as enthusiasm and a willingness to work hard. After applying for the job, your potential employer may invite you for an interview. An interview is where your potential employer will get a first impression of what you are like as a person, and from that, they will decide whether or not they want you as a part of their team.

What can I do to a find a job?

• Volunteer at an organization that you feel could give you some experience in the job field you are looking to enter. Volunteering also looks really good on your CV or resume.
• Get yourself out there. Hand out your CV/resume to local shops and businesses. It comes across as professional if you put your CV/resume in an addressed envelope and ask if you can personally give it to the manager of the place you're applying to.
• Advertise yourself. Put adverts in local newspapers and in local circulars. This will let others know that you are looking for work. Include details such as what sort of job you are looking for, and your qualities and skills. You may wish to include personal details - though there may be a risk in doing this, so it would be okay if you prefer to just put an email address on the advert. The email address should be professional. An example of what a good email address would include is your first or last initial, followed by your first or last name. Using an e-mail address that is any more complex than that can come across as unprofessional and may give employers the wrong impression.
• In the United Kingdom, you could use sites such as Reed or Jobcentre Plus. While in Australia, a couple of sites you could use are Seek and Job Search Australia. An internet search for the country you are in may be helpful, as well. If you have limited access to the internet there are other options available to you, such as: looking in local circulars and newspapers for job advertisements.
• If you do not wish to volunteer unemployed, you could take up a college course. This will show employers that you are productive and goal orientated. This will also give you a wider choice of careers. Ask local businesses for part time work, as this will help you get a feel of the working world - it is very different from school. Sometimes it is best to start off part time and build yourself up to full time work.

Applying for a job

• Fill out everything on the form. By filling out the entire form you are showing employers that you really want the job. If you come across a question you don't know how to answer, ask a parent or a close friend for help. If there is a question that doesn't apply to you, simply write "Does not apply" or "Not applicable".
• Check the form to make sure that you have not left anything out. Leaving things out may cost you the job.
• If relevant, include your interests and hobbies; this will give employers a nice, rounded view of your personality and what you are like as a person. Do not give false information in your application.
• When obtaining references, check that the people you are requesting these from are happy to be one for you. You could ask a teacher or a tutor for a reference, as well as any previous employers. Previous employers are good sources for references, because they can give your new employer an idea of what you are like in a working environment. Teachers and tutors can be a good source because they can give employers an idea of what you were like in school. It is always a good idea to ask people if they are willing to be a reference for you. Often times, employers will contact your references, so it is important that your references are notified ahead of time. Also remember that family cannot be used as a reference, so no putting your parents' names down!
• Dress suitably for the interview. A good first impression can go a long way. It's also a good idea that you feel comfortable and confident in the clothes you are planning to wear. Limit the amount of jewellery, body piercings, and tattoos that you have on show.
• Learn about the organization or business that you are applying to; if employers can see that you have done research prior to the interview, it will not only show how willing you are, but it will also show that you have good preparation skills. Bring any relevant paperwork you have with you, such as your CV/resume, certificates of qualifications, and references. Ask questions - this will show that you are genuinely interested in learning more about the company you want to work for. When the interview comes to an end, don't rush off; instead, wait to be dismissed.
• Be on time. Arriving early for the interview shows that you are reliable and are good at managing your time; most jobs require you to show up 15-20 minutes early for shifts anyway.
• Some work places will have multiple interviews, or "trial" phases to test out potential employees. In some cases, the supervisor will interview you, and then invite you back for a sample day. This is where you spend a day at the work place interacting with your potential colleagues. This gives the other colleagues a chance to 'interview' you as well, and you may be invited back for a second interview after the trial day. However, every application process will be different.
• During the interview speak clearly and pronounce your words properly. Don't chew gum during the interview. Chewing gum while talking not only looks and sounds awful, it also looks unprofessional.
• Make the employer aware of any disabilities or health problems you may have. Making the employer aware of this in the interview will allow them to work your hours and shift patterns around hospital visits and other necessary appointments. This also means that they can adjust and adapt the work place to suit your needs and abilities. Never be ashamed or afraid to inform an employer about any disabilities you may have. You don't always have to tell employers, but it is good to make the employer aware if there is a chance that these may affect the way you perform daily.

Finally, remember to smile, and good luck!