How Students Can Apply for and Land a Great Part-Time Job

How Students Can Apply for and Land a Great Part-Time Job Pixabay.com The first step in beginning your job hunt is to have a resume prepped and ready to go. In order to get started on the process of making your resume a wonderful one, you can go on your schools website or call and see if your school offers resume workshops and critiques at their career center. If so, bring in a printed copy of your resume and ask for help in making it as great as it can be. Make sure your resume contains all of the required elements, such as your current address, a working phone number that you’d like potential employers to call you on, a list of any previous employers, education, and any skills and accomplishments that will set you apart from the other applicants. For more tips on how to build a standout resume, Monster.com offers a helpful list on their website. After you’ve prepared your resume, it’s time to start doing the fun part: searching for the job! You might find that you prefer the old-school way of finding a job: going into the business and inquiring if they’re in need of help. This is a good way to go about finding a job. The employers will have a chance to pair a name with your face and it gives you time to leave a great first impression. Dont be downhearted if the employees there simply hand you their business card and tell you to apply online. Its often easier for employers to sort through electronic applications versus paper applications. There are those few rare stores, however, that will hand you a paper application and allow you to start filling it out right then and there. So, if you think it’s a waste of time going into the business, don’t be too quick to discard the idea. There’s also the online path of finding a job. Here is a list of free online job boards where you can search through dozens of jobs in your area: • Monster.com • Indeed.com • Snagajob.com • SimplyHired.com All of these websites offer an easy way to search through job listings that companies post. You can narrow your search by selecting that you only wish to browse through part-time postings. You can also type in a search term after that to specify what kind of job you’re looking for (ex: waiter, hotel, tech, etc.). Once you’ve found a job that you’re interested in, click on the “apply” link and then follow the instructions that the company posted on how to fill out their applications. Most times, you’ll be linked directly to the company’s website where you can apply online. Don’t forget to attach that shiny resume to your application! The last step is the interview process. If you receive a phone call or an email back from an employer that says theyre interested in hiring you, the next step will be to work out a day where you can meet with them for an interview. Choose a day where you’re not going to have to rush either before or after the scheduled time of meeting. Arrive 15 minutes early, dressed in your best business attire and with printed resume in hand. To avoid wrinkling, a manila file can be used to carry your resume in. Pexels.com During your interview, make sure to relax and be yourself. Smile, be honest, and maintain eye contact. You’ll be asked questions that allow the employer to find out more about you. Some examples of these questions are: • What do you consider to be your greatest strength? • What do you consider your biggest weaknesses? • What’s your dream job? • What would you do if you had an angry customer? • Do you consider yourself a leader? • Why do you want this job? • Why should we hire you? Answer questions like these to the best of your ability. Remember: remain humble and honest but avoid putting yourself in a bad light. Avoid saying your “greatest weakness” is anything that will make employers second-guess if you’re the right choice for the position you are wanting. It usually takes a few days to hear back from the business after the interview. Don’t be nervous; wait patiently and you’ll get that phone call you’re waiting for. If a week or more has passed, it’s alright to call and check on where they’re at in the hiring process. Most employers will appreciate your excitement about the position. After you land a job, pat yourself on the back! You did a lot of work to secure your new job! Happy job-hunting, everyone!