Hey ladies,
As the spring semester comes to a close...the hunt for the summer job begins. After working every summer since I was fifteen, I can tell you it is not always easy to find a job, much less a job you like. The competition becomes fierce when high school lets out, so start applying immediately. If you're applying for an internship, I really hope you've already done it. Here are some lessons I've learned from the hunt.
The Importance of the Resume
No matter what job you apply for, you must turn in your resume. The resume is often the first impression a hiring professional gets to have of you because they see it it even if they do not interview you.
Tips:
- Tailor your resume for the job you are applying for. For example, if you want a job that includes community service, mention where you have volunteered. If you are looking for a retail job, share what skills you have that sets you apart.
- Find a resume template online or through the career services center at your school. Do not blindly guess what a resume should look like!
- Talk to your parents or other professionals that you know. Ask them how they have shaped their resume over the past few years and ask them to critique yours.
- Include a cover letter. The cover letter tells the hiring staff that you really are interested in their position specifically and is a way of expressing your personality to them. Many applications require a cover letter. There are many sources available for helping you write a cover letter, like this article from Forbes.
- Carry extra copies! You never know how many copies you will be handing out (if you are applying on foot) and some professionals may ask for an additional copy to give to other staff members. Bring one to your interview too.
Additional application faux pauxs here.
Nailing the Interview
Getting an interview is a great opportunity for a company to know you beyond your resume. Sometimes the interview is immediate and informal, so be prepared for one at all times. Also, some interviews are conducted in groups. Account for this by making comments that separate you from the other applicants, but do not over power them to the point where the employer does not think you can cooperate! Do not be surprised if you have a second interview.
Tips:
- Practice. Job interviews can be very intimidating and you only have a short amount of time to sell yourself, so every word counts.
- Be early. You can never be sure of what tragic fate could try to make sure you are late to an interview, so leave early! Employers are looking for reliability, demonstrate how you can reliably be where you need to.
- Visit the site before you interview (if you can). It is important to know the work environment you are trying to become a part of. When hiring, the interviewer is trying to judge how well you will fit into the dynamic of the work place.
- Dress the part. When applying for a job, dress the way the employees do. This makes it easier for the interviewer to imagine you as a member of the team. Note that it is always better to be overdressed than under. If the environment is more traditional, take out your piercings and cover your tattoos. You do not know how the interviewer feels about bodily expression, so it is better to be safe. THIS IS CONTEXTUAL. Retailers like Urban Outfitters actually really like tattoos and piercings and encourage you not to cover them. According to social psychology, the majority of people stick to the first impression they have you and one of the largest factors is appearance, so make a good one!
- Prepare questions. An interview is your opportunity to learn about the company as well. Coming with questions makes you appear more interested in the position and company. MAKE SURE THEY ARE THE RIGHT QUESTIONS. Do NOT ask about salary during the interview. Ask the interviewer personal questions about their involvement with the company. Most people love to talk about themselves and your interest in them enhances their opinion of you.
Again, talk to people you know in the working world and ask them about their experiences with job interviews. Remember that career services is always available to help you with your interviewing skills.
Interview Friendly Looks
Your appearance sends many subliminal messages to your interviewer. For example, read about the significance of color. Dressing for an interview is a thoughtful science and do not assume that you know what you are doing. Do some research! I really like these tips from the Huffington Post, for example.
Inspiration:
Glamour Magazine
FashionMagazine.Com
LaurenMessiah.com
J.Crew
My Ideas:
Where are you guys applying?
