Week 9// How to land yourself a sweet Job that you might actually enjoy—A complete Beginner’s guide
As much as I wish I could’ve been born a trust-fund baby, I have accepted the fact that I am—and always will be—an average Joe(sephina) who, just like most of the world’s inhabitants, needs a stable career to make an honest living. Not that a job(s) should ever consume the entirety of your existence, acquiring one is a very important aspect of life and the ability to do so with polish and vigor is a skill every working-class citizen should refine.
That being said, I curated an in-depth guide explaining the basic necessities required to land the job you desire
I have organized each section for different levels of preparedness. You may skip to the sections that are most relevant to your current informational needs:
Section 1: Where to begin?
Section 2: Creating a Resume & Cover letter
Section 3: Job Hunting Tools
Section 4: Interview Prepping & Tips.
Section 1. Where to begin, you ask? If you don’t know what career area you want to pursue yet, start here:
1. Make a list of your strengths. If that doesn’t come naturally to you, ask a friend or trusted co-worker their opinion.
2. Evaluate Your Past to Avoid a Dead End. Ask yourself some questions help you clarify your feelings about previous jobs or other professional experiences so you can look for similar or different characteristics in the future.
3. Talk to People to Learn What Your Dream Job Is. Start taking some time to request and schedule informational interviews with people in the fields you’re interested in to learn about their career paths and get advice. Ask about their job, their professional past and aspirations, and the industry. Be sure to prepare questions ahead of time.
4. Take Classes First, Figure Out What Career You Want Later. Try something new whenever the opportunity presents itself. Take online classes, attend workshops, read books, and watch YouTube tutorials. By taking these chances, you may find out that you’re really into UX design, digital marketing, Python programming—or something else entirely!
5. Consider What Work Environment You Need. Are people in the workplace you’re considering competitive with one another or collaborative? Are they friends outside of the office? Do they work as a team or on their own? Can people work remotely or are they expected to work in the office? What is the work-life balance like? What are the salary expectations?
6. Do What Makes You Happy (Even If You Don’t Know What That Means for a Career Yet). Think about what truly interests you, not what necessarily sounds the most lucrative or high-powered on paper. Try to pin down those things that engage you in a such a way that you’re always able to muster at least a spark of passion about them and use those interests to guide you toward an applicable career path.
Section 2. Ready to start applying? First thing’s first—create a RESUME! (and cover letter)
1. Start by choosing the right resume format. There are 3 commonly used formats depending on which is right for you: Chronological, Functional, or a combination.
A chronological resume format places the professional history section first and is a good option if you have a rich professional work history with no gaps in employment.
The functional resume format emphasizes the skills section and is a good option if you are switching industries or have some gaps in your work history.
The combination resume format is a good option if you have some professional experience, where both skills and work history are equally important.
2. Include name and contact information. Your resume should begin with your name and contact information including your email address and phone number. You have a choice about whether or not to include your mailing address. Your name should be highly visible at the top of your resume with a bolded or larger font than the rest of the document, but no more than a 14-point size. You might also include a link to your online portfolio if you are applying to creative positions, for example.
3. Add a resume summary or objective. After your contact information, you have the option to include either a resume summary or objective statement. An objective statement quickly explains your career goals and is a good choice for those with limited professional experience, such as recent college or high school graduates. A resume summary is a short statement that uses active language to describe your relevant work experience and skills.
4. List your soft and hard skills. Take a moment to consider which skills make you a great fit for the job. Review the job description and highlight keywords that you have had proven success with in the past. Consider both hard (technical) and soft (interpersonal) skills, as well as transferable skills you can use when changing careers or industries. Create a skills section with the keywords that are relevant to the employer. List any required skills like certifications or licenses first.
5. List your professional history with KEYWORDS. Write your professional history section in reverse-chronological order. Start with your most recent job and provide a short description including the company name, time period in which you were employed, your job title and a few key achievements during your time at the company. You might also include relevant learnings or growth opportunities you experienced while employed there. Use keywords from the job description. Similar to your skills section, you should also include information from the job description in your job history bullets. This is pretty important given auto-filtering many companies now use to sort through resumes. Be brief in your summaries. Only like key achievements. Use action verbs. Some examples include “developed,” “saved,” “drove” and “managed.”
6. Include an education section. An education section will be especially valuable if you have limited work experience (such as recent college or high school graduates) or if you are transferring to a new industry. You can include information such as:
Grade point average (if above 3.5)
Participation in clubs or organizations
Leadership positions held
Awards, achievements or certifications
When writing your education section, you should include the name of the institution, dates of attendance and your degree or area of study.
7. Consider adding optional sections. If you have significant white space on your resume, consider adding an “achievements” or interests section. This can help supplement a shorter resume, especially for those with limited work and educational experience. Makes sure that the achievements and interests you list support your career goals and are relevant to potential employers.
Make your font between 10 and 12-point size.
Select a font that is clean and easy to read like Arial or Helvetica; avoid stylized fonts.
Make sure your margins are 1 to 1.5 inches.
Make your name and section headers bold or slightly bigger in font size (no more than 14 points).
Use bullet points when listing several different pieces of information, like under your education and professional history sections.
9. Proofread your resume!!
10. Tailor your resume for each position you apply for. It’s important to revise your resume to tailor it to each position you apply for. For each job, adjust the keywords in the skills section so that it’s a great fit for what the employer needs. You should also change what you emphasize in the professional history and educational experiences sections depending on what’s listed in the job description.
11. Create a Cover Letter! A cover letter is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information on your skills and experience. The letter provides detailed information on why you are qualified for the job you are applying for. Don’t simply repeat what’s on your resume -- rather, include specific information on why you’re a strong match for the employer’s job requirements. Think of your cover letter as a sales pitch that will market your credentials and help you get the interview. As such, you want to make sure your cover letter makes the best impression on the person who is reviewing it. A cover letter typically accompanies each resume you send out. Employers use cover letters as a way to screen applicants for available jobs and to determine which candidates they would like to interview. If an employer requires a cover letter, it will be listed in the job posting. Even if the company doesn’t ask for one, you may want to include one anyway.
Section 3. Let the HUNT begin!
Some useful tools for finding job opportunities:
1. Networking. It's known as the hidden job market: Many of the best jobs are never advertised. They are filled by candidates who learn of them by word of mouth from friends, former colleagues, and ex-bosses. You can join professional associations, attend events for graduates of your school, connect with professionals who work in your field, and take every chance you get to meet up, in person or online, with others in your field. Various online sites such as LinkedIn allow you to broaden your network to include friends of friends. The bigger your network, the more likely you'll find out about new opportunities.
2. Referrals. Some employers offer incentives to their employees for referring a successful candidate to the company. It's a win-win situation for everyone. You get a new job, and your contact gets a finder's fee for attracting a top-notch employee.
3. Job Boards and Career Websites. Many state governments provide job boards and job banks that can be accessed by all. You can also use job search engines or any of a vast number of career-related websites that post job openings, such as Monster.com, Google for Jobs, CareerBuilder, and Indeed. Many other databases specialize in freelance and contract work, including People Per Hour, Upwork, Simply Hired, and Crowded.
4. Job Fairs. Job fairs are often targeted toward specific industries, although some job or recruitment fairs are more generalized. The promotional material will include a list of the organizations that will be represented. Investigate any companies that interest you, bring a batch of resumes and business cards, and get ready to sell yourself. Consider any conversations with recruiters as mini-interviews that can set you apart from other applicants. Some organizations may even offer on-site interviews to candidates that match their requirements.
5. Company Websites. If you already have your dream employer in mind, go directly to the career section of the company's website. If you track openings on its site, there's a chance you'll find just the opportunity that you've been waiting for. Create a list of employers that you'd like to work for and visit their websites often.
6. Headhunters and Recruiters. If you're looking for some professional help in your job search, headhunters and recruitment agencies can help. Many organizations hire through recruitment agencies to streamline the hiring process. Headhunters actively recruit individuals to fill specific vacancies. Payment is based on commission. Make sure you know up front whether you or the company is paying it.\
7. Temping or Internships. Temporary employment and short-term contracts often lead to permanent positions. It's a great way to get a foot in the door or at the very least provide you with useful business contacts to call upon in the future. Many recruitment agencies can assist with locating temporary or casual positions and contract work.
Internships are a great choice for students who are just graduating from college. The job placement services of many schools connect their students with opportunities. If you're just starting out and you can afford it, volunteering can be a great way to gain valuable industry contacts.
Section 4. Lions and Tigers and INTERVIEWS, Oh My!
Here are some tips for how to prepare for a job interview:
1. Carefully examine the job description. During your prep work, you should use the employer’s posted job description as a guide. The job description is a list of the qualifications, qualities and background the employer is looking for in an ideal candidate. The more you can align yourself with these details, the more the employer will be able to see that you are qualified. The job description may also give you ideas about questions the employer may ask throughout the interview.
2. Consider why you are interviewing and your qualifications. Before your interview, you should have a good understanding of why you want the job and why you’re qualified. You should be prepared to explain your interest in the opportunity and why you’re the best person for the role.
3. Do your research on the company and the selected position. Researching the company you’re applying to is an important part of preparing for an interview. Not only will it help provide context for your interview conversations, but it will also help you when preparing thoughtful questions for your interviewers. Researching the company and role as much as possible will give you an edge over the competition. Not only that, but fully preparing for an interview will help you remain calm so that you can be at your best. Here are a few things you should know before you walk into your interview:
Research the product or service the company offers
Research the job position and understand all the requirements and responsibilities that go with it.
Research the company culture.
4. Consider your answers to common interview questions. While you won’t be able to predict every question you’ll be asked in an interview, there are a few common questions you can plan answers for. You might also consider developing an elevator pitch that quickly describes who you are, what you do and what you want. You should also prepare to discuss your salary expectations, just in case. Common interview questions include:
“why do you want to work here?”
“what interests you about this role?”
“what are your greatest strengths/weaknesses?”
5. Practice your speaking voice and body language. It’s important to make a positive and lasting impression during the interview process. You can do this by practicing a confident, strong speaking voice and friendly, open body language. While these might come naturally to you, you might also want to spend time performing them with trusted friends or family or in front of a mirror. Pay special attention to your smile, handshake and stride. If you need to, search up some resources on how to deliver a proper handshake, how to introduce yourself properly, and proper interview etiquette for more information. The internet is littered with tons of great information on these subjects.
6. Prepare several thoughtful questions for the interviewer(s). Many employers feel confident about candidates who ask thoughtful questions about the company and the position. You should take time before the interview to prepare several questions for your interviewer(s) that show you've researched the company and are well-versed about the position. Some examples of questions you could ask include:
“What does a typical day look like for a person in this position?”
“Why do you enjoy working here?”
“What qualities do your most successful employees have?”
“I've really enjoyed learning more about this opportunity. What are the next steps in the hiring process?”
7. Conduct mock interviews. Just like public speaking, practicing interviews is the best way to relieve anxiety and improve your confidence. Practice may be tedious, but repeatedly experiencing the interview process will make you more comfortable and help you give the right impression. If you have friends or family to help, conduct mock interviews as much as you can. If you don't have another person, practice your questions and answers out loud.
8. Print hard copies of your resume. Most employers ask for digital copies of your resume with the application, but they may not have easy access to it during the interview itself. Having copies to present to multiple interviewers shows that you're prepared and organized. You should have at least three copies to provide for multiple interviewers, plus one for yourself to follow along.
9. Prepare travel arrangements. Allow plenty of time to arrive for the interview, even if it means arriving much earlier than needed. Save the interview contact information just in case something happens out of your control that is causing you to be late. Search the interview location in advance to avoid hiccups.
10. Sell Yourself. One of the biggest challenges in an interview is selling yourself. Most people are uncomfortable with this idea, but presenting yourself accurately and positively doesn't have to feel like a sale. The truth is that you do have professional skills and experiences that may set you apart from other applicants, so it's acceptable and expected for you to acknowledge them to your potential employer. When you prepare for a job interview, make note of your skills that relate to the role and think of how your experiences and abilities can contribute to the overall goals of the department and company. If you have metrics or stats to show your accomplishments or growth during your previous roles, they're a great help in selling yourself during the interview. For example, you may have increased sales by a certain percentage or increased social media engagement in your last position. Whatever accomplishments you have, don't be modest about sharing them during your interview. Your potential employer wants to know that you'll be the right fit and that you can deliver something special to the company.
11. Get ready to follow up after the interview. After your interview, you should prepare to follow up with the employer. Doing so reminds the employer of your conversation, shows them you are genuinely interested in the position and gives you the opportunity to bring up points you forgot to mention. Here are a few steps you can follow when crafting a follow-up note:
In the first paragraph, mention the specific job title and thank your interviewer.
In the second paragraph, note the company's name as well as a conversation point and/or goal that seemed especially important to the person you spoke with. Connect that point to your experience and interests.
In the final paragraph, invite them to ask you any additional questions and close by saying you're looking forward to hearing back.
The process of getting a job may seem…yes, overwhelming, sure. It is tedious, but it’s also a fluid process that through practice and usage becomes like second nature. The most important focuses come down to having a strong resume & cover letter, networking, being calculated with your job searches, and presenting yourself confidently, professionally, and personably. Most of these things are already ingrained in us, we just need to take the time to hone them in and polish them up. Doing so only serves to benefit our own wellbeing in the long term.
