Applications, interviews, phone calls…many students are experiencing the “job hunt” for the first time.
If you are a student looking for a job, there are a few things about the application process that you may want to know.
“You need connections. That’s the best way to get a job, if you have connections and you know people,” said Andrew Berka, senior.
Berka knew the manager personally before applying for his job at Safeway.
Berka said to try and find a job that keeps you busy. He said that you do not want a job with a lot of downtime, because it ends up being boring.
Once you find a job worth applying for, you must complete an application and sometimes submit a resume.
The Youth Transition Program (YTP) at OHS helps students prepare for future careers through creating resumes and preparing for interviews.
Leslie Borsuk, YTP Tech, said that a student’s resume needs to “pop.”
According to Amy Hendershot, teacher and YTP coordinator, volunteer work is important for students looking for a job who do not have work experience.
Borsuk said that students should list the skills that they have acquired while volunteering on a resume.
Borsuk also said that employers only have about 30 seconds to look at an application. The number one thing they look for is the misspelling of words.
Jenee Campa, senior, recommends attaching a cover letter, telling the employer a little something about yourself and why you are applying for the job.
Campa has been working at Red Lobster for over six months. She said that you need to be consistent and keep up with applications even though it may seem tedious at times.
Once you secure an interview, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
Borsuk said that it is a good idea to research the company before an interview.
The person who is hiring you will usually ask you a series of questions.
“Try to be comfortable with it and try to answer the questions in a way that you think [the employer] would want to hear, but don’t lie,” Berka said.
Berka said that you want to leave an impression and make them remember you. Ask yourself the question “why should they pick me over the next guy or girl”?
Campa said that the interviewer wants to see that you are friendly and good with people. She said to be mature and professional as possible.
“Openly talk to them. They really appreciate that,” Campa said.
Kory Green, YTP Tech, said to be confident during the interview.
“Start with a handshake, end with a handshake,” Green said.
And what happens if they don’t call you back?
“Don’t be discouraged when you don’t get a job. There are a thousand jobs out there. Be persistent and know where to look,” Campa said.