Tips: Applying for Jobs

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As an about-to-be-college-grad, there are a lot of things that I have to start thinking about. Like money, and how I'm going to get it. The solution is obviously a job. I mean come on, I went to college for 4 years, might as well put that education to some kind of use. So let me tell you what I did...

1. Resume.

• You might not have much of any experience, or even past jobs. But what you do have, you have to make it look worth wile. So you babysat all four summers of your college career? Cool, you managed small people and time, organized events. So you worked at McDonald's? Perfect! You got experience working in customer service and you operated the cash register. Use interesting words, and reword phrases to make them sound more business like.
•  I was an RA (residential adviser) for a dorm my junior year of college. As a program, I had the Career Services staff come in and look over our resumes. I had them see what I had, make comments and corrections, and make sure that it was ready for the business world. This has REALLY helped me so far. I have gotten lots of comments from prospective employers about the quality of my resume. 

2, Connections. 

When I started thinking about applying to places, I emailed a lot of people through my university: Career Services, my adviser, one of my professors, and a university employee that I used to work with. I asked them if they knew of any companies in the area that would be hiring. A lot of businesses will give internship or job information to Universities, because newly graduated students are a huge target for prospective employees. I had also asked my parents and others who I had previously conversed with about possible opportunities.

3. Applying. 

• When applying, apply anywhere and everywhere. You might not be very interested in a position, but you don't know who will be interested (or not) in you. Like, it could end up being your only option. If not, at least you have some experience going through interviews and getting your name out there. 
• Also, make sure that you save information on the job that you are applying for. You can use the points that they are looking for, in your interview. It shows that you paid attention and if you can prove you have certain qualities, they will be more likely to hire you. It's what they are looking for and its something you have. 
• When you hear back from a company, in either an email or a phone call, make sure that you respond as quickly as possible. Most places will be getting multiple people applying, and they will beat you to the punch. You have to show them that you are serious about wanting to work with them, and that you are a timely individual. 

4. Interviews. 

• When you go in to an interview, always take a copy of your resume, you never know if they will have a copy of yours printed, or if they will ask for one.
•  A tip I have heard a few times is to wear the same outfit to all of your first interviews, especially if you are a girl. This way, you don't get confused on what you wore, where, and accidentally repeat outfits to the same place. In the beginning, if you're like me, you don't have a whole lot of options to choose from anyways. But wearing the same dress twice would be embarrassing, and it might seem like you (and your closet) are not prepared for the job world. 
• Before you go in to an interview, look up as much information about the company as you can...and use that information in the interview! Make sure that they know you know what you're talking about, and that you were interested enough in the company to go out of your way to look into what they do. This will also help you to think of questions to ask while in the interview. Which leads me to my next point...
• Ask questions. A lot of them. This is another way to let the employer know that you are interested. What's the average work day like? Whats the starting salary? Would I be working in this office? What are some projects you are currently working on? Anything you can think of, ask it!