First, decide on the type of job search website you want to use. Are you looking for a teen friendly website search engine? Do you mind setting up a user profile? Do you want to be able to contact employers directly (instead of making contact through the website)? We outline all of those things, and more, about each job search website.

Once you navigate to the job search website you will want to select the area where you live (usually by zip code or city). If transportation is going to be a problem then you’ll want to search as close to your home as possible.

Once you’ve established your geographic area, you may search by job or simply scan through all the jobs available in your area.

Try to get an understanding about each job from the job description. Do you understand all of it? Ask yourself whether you have the skills the job requires.

In most cases you will submit either an application, resume and cover letter or sometimes just send an email. A simple one page resume is sufficient but also include references and any volunteer work you have performed. Be sure to ask the person before you list them as a reference.

One of the most important factors employers look at is consistency with past jobs. Employers don’t want to see that you’ve had a lot of jobs for short periods of time.

Preparing for an interview will reduce your nervousness and also shows the interviewer you will be a conscientious worker. Below are some suggestions that will point you in the right direction.

• Be sure you know the exact location for the interview. Print out a map and even make a practice run to the location to estimate the time it will take to get to the interview.
• Google the company to learn as much as you can about what the business does. This will help you with asking questions about the company.
• Be prepared to answer questions about yourself. For instance, the interviewer may ask about your interests, past experience and your academic history.
• Make a list of questions to ask the interviewer.  You should ask questions about the company, customers of the company, requirements of the job and the current employees of the company.
• Sit down with friends and family (or use a video recorder) to practice your interviewing techniques. Ask for constructive criticism about your interviewing style. Also, note your posture and body language during the test session.
• Decide when you are available to start the job. Interviewers often ask when you are available to start your new job.
• Decide before the interview your minimum pay requirements.
• You may be given a drug test or written test before the interview so be prepared.

There may be many applicants for the job so you should do your best to stand out in your interview. Here’s how:

• Provide real examples of success at your current job, school or extracurricular activity.
• A firm handshake is always preferred.
• If you don’t have any experience, be creative! Use school projects, extracurricular activities (drama, sports, etc.) or even hobbies. You can also list areas where you had experience in:
  • Teamwork.
  • Organization.
  • Problem solving
  • Persistence.
• Smile.
• Be willing to work odd hours and weekends.
• Cover visible tattoos and remove body piercing jewelry, except for earrings, and be prepared for a “no visible tattoo policy.”
• Dress for success by dressing well for interviews:
  • Girls: A clean pressed skirt and blouse or top, with a small flat shoe — no flip-flops! Make sure your outfit is not too skimpy or too tight. No cleavage in any direction. Less is more in jewelry. No tank tops, exposed shoulders, cleavage or midriff.
  • Boys: Pressed khaki pants and a clean pressed shirt, if a coat and tie is not required for the job. If you are applying in a traditional office work environment, a shirt and tie and a blazer if you have one. Be sure to check your shoes. Never wear a t-shirt or jeans.
• Have a seat only when someone offers you one. Also sit upright but try not to appear too stiff. Be formal in your greetings (i.e. “Hello, it’s very nice meeting you.”).
• Research the company you are interviewing with. One of the most common questions you will hear is “Why do you want to work for ABC Company?” and “What do you know about ABC Company?” Show the interviewer that you understand the company inside and out. Here are some examples of what might be helpful to know about the company:
  • Its motto.
  • Its product and what makes them stand out.
  • Its competitors.
• Prepare some questions in advance for the interview like:
  • What is your favorite part of working here?
  • What type of training is offered by this job?
  • What do you think is most important for someone to succeed at this job?
  • What is the most difficult part of this job?

Once you start the interview process follow these tips and you’ll be sure to stand out over the other candidates.

• Use the restroom before the interview. There’s no telling how long the interview may last.
• Always arrive at least 10 minutes before the interview.
• Make eye contact with everyone you encounter at the company; from the receptionist to the CEO. Also, be sure to be equally friendly to everyone. Many times the person you least expect will have a great deal of input into hiring decisions.
• Shake hands with the person/people you are interviewing with.
• Have a seat only when someone offers you one. Also sit upright but try not to appear too stiff.
• Be formal in your greetings (i.e. “Hello, it’s very nice meeting you.”).
• Keep appropriate distances between yourself and the person you are meeting.
• Be sure to smile and nod your head at times so you appear interested.
• Speak confidently.
• Try to avoid “uh” and “um” when you answer questions.
• You may use your hands at times but don’t become too animated.
• When multiple people are interviewing you, try to maintain equal eye contact with everyone in the room.
• If you have been offered a beverage during the interview, limit consumption to sips.
• When interviewing, never bring your own beverage or chew gum.
• Go to interviews alone. Don’t bring parents or friends.
• If you brought your cell phone to the interview, turn it off.
• Be conscious of your voice volume level. Speak in conversational tones.
• Always appear to be very interested in the conversation.
• Ask questions but don’t interrogate. Your interviewer expects questions. It indicates interest in the job.
• Don’t watch the clock or your watch during the interview. It will show that you don’t want to be there.
• There may be a camera in the room. If you are left alone, be sure to be on your best behavior.
• Always be professional even if it seems to be a very casual environment.
• Let the employer know when you can start the job.
• Never flirt with anyone during the process.

After the interview is over, take these extra steps to stand out among the other candidates.

• Shake hands with everyone and thank them for their time.
• If the job doesn’t interest you, let the interviewer know the reasons why. They may be able to work around any problems that you have.
• If the job sounds great, let the interviewer know it. It will show you’re interested and motivated.
• If the interviewer doesn’t give a time frame for their decision making process, always ask if it would be okay to follow up with them in the near future.
• Write a thank you email when you get home from the interview. The email should include:
  • Whether you are interested in taking the job.
  • Thanking them for their time in interviewing you.
  • Thanking anyone else who was helpful during the interviewing process.
• Evaluate how you think you did on the interview. Make notes about improvements you could make for future interviews.
• Feel free to follow up with your interviewer at a later date (as long as the interviewer gave you the ok).
• An example email:

 

September 19, 2017

Mr. Adam Burk
Human Resources Director
Magestic Supplies
125 East 5th Avenue
Westfield, NJ 07208

Dear Mr. Burk,

Thank you for taking the time to interview me today. It was very interesting and informative to hear about Magestic Supplies. Meeting with you today reaffirmed my interest in working for your Company. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Linda Miller

Check your emails daily. You have to be able to communicate the way hiring managers communicate. If it’s hard to track you down or get in touch with you then employers won’t go out of their way to do so. So, you have to show you are eager and interested in getting the job. When writing emails:

• Use the subject line.
• Use full sentences, correct grammar, full spelling of words and also punctuation.
• Use a professional email address (not a slang email address).

Be sure to check your voicemail and respond quickly. Be sure the voicemail is professional (no music or comedy)

Please realize that employers use the internet to screen applicants. So be sure to Google yourself. Also check your Facebook, Twitter, etc. and be sure it is professional (don’t post things on Facebook you wouldn’t want an employer to see).

Great, you got the job. Here are some tips for handling your new job.

• Be as friendly and outgoing as possible. A positive attitude is critical.
• Review employee manuals and follow the guidelines carefully.
• Be early for work.
• Do more than your share of work.
• Be polite and respectful to co-workers and the public.
• Show your employer that you are motivated to work.
• Be responsible and dependable.
• Always act maturely.
• Don’t have conversations with co-workers when customers are present.
• Always be enthusiastic, eager and open to learning new things.