Preparing for the job hunt: whether it's a summer job, part-time work, or your first full-time job, you need to have a plan - Getting Hired

Finding that good job isn't about luck; it's about preparation. The more you know about yourself, the job market, and the hiring process, the more likely you are to find a job that's right for you.

Before You Start

Even before you fill out the first application, take some time to think through what you want from the job. Most employment professionals recommend narrowing your focus. Do you just need a paycheck, or are you trying to gain experience in a career field that interests you? Are you the kind of person who wants to be outdoors, or would an office job suit you better? What hours can you work? Do you have your own transportation?

Who's Hiring?

After you've thought through the kind of job you'd like to have, you need to investigate what's available in your local job market. Even if you're looking for part-time or summer work, you'll want to try to direct your job hunt to match your interests and skills.

Most entry-level job openings are advertised-in newspaper ads, hotlines, the employment security office, or on "help wanted" signs. The advertisement will tell you what skills and experience are needed and how to contact the employer.

Many people begin and end their job hunt with a look at the want ads in the local paper. While this usually is a good source for current openings, you'll limit your opportunities if you stop there. Seventy to 80 percent of jobs are not advertised. They are part of what employment professionals call the "hidden" job market.

In Dynamite Networking for Dynamite Jobs, Ronald and Caryl Rae Krannich recommend networking as the way to get into the hidden market. The only way you hear about these jobs is byword of mouth. Networking is just a fancy term for making contacts through people you know. And before you say, "But I don't know anyone who can find me a job," think again. You know more people than you think--your parents; parents of your friends; your teachers; social, religious, and other group members; your friends with jobs; the person who cuts your hair. And they all know people--and so on. The more people who know you're looking, the better. You never know when someone will say, "My second cousin works there. Why don't you call her?"

Fill Out the Paperwork

Some places want you to submit a resume. Others just want you to fill out an application. No matter what they want, the point of the paperwork (as far as you are concerned) is to get an interview.

When you fill out an application, remember that neatness counts. Take a list of key information with you--places and dates of employment, as well as contact information for references--so you can completely fill in the form. Applicants with messy, incomplete forms don't get invited back for interviews.

Be prepared to submit a resume. The format is a little different from that of the application, although they both contain a lot of the same information. (Check pages 18-20 of, the November/December 2002 issue of Career World.) Also, there are many good resume preparation books available with lots of samples. As with the application, you're aiming for a neat, professional product that will impress the employer.

Have references lined up before you start the search process. A good reference would be someone you've worked for before. If this is your first job, have a personal reference who can vouch for your honesty and other good traits (being on time, following directions, and so on). And keep your references informed about your job hunt.

Selling Yourself in Person

Most employers want to meet you before they decide whether they want to hire you. This is your chance to make a good impression and "sell" yourself. Max Messmer, CEO of a national specialized staffing firm and author of Job Hunting for Dummies, recommends you develop a 25-second sales pitch. It includes your name, your specialty, and what sets you apart from the other applicants.

To make a good impression, be sure to arrive on time. Present yourself with confidence--speak up, but listen as well. Prior to the interview, you should prepare answers to typical questions. These often include "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" "Why do you want to work here?" "Why should we hire you?" and the ever-popular "Tell me about yourself." If possible, conduct a mock interview with an adult as practice.

Messmer lists some major no-nos when interviewing:

* Don't chew gum or smoke.

* Don't wear sunglasses or headphones.

* Don't leave your cell phone on.

* If someone brings you, Leave him or her outside.

* Don't bring up money until you're offered the job.

When Can You Start?

Accomplishing anything worth-while takes time, planning, and skill. Searching for a job is no different You almost certainly won't get an offer after every interview, but you will have gained experience in the process that will help you be better prepared for the next time. Before long, you'll be hearing those four magical words: When can you start?

RELATED ARTICLE: Are You Ready?

When looking for a job, keep this checklist handy.

* Resume: Do you have a clean copy of your current resume? Does it look professional? Have you included a phone number and an E-mail address?

* Application: Have you gathered all the information you need to fill out an application? Do you know your Social Security number? The names, addresses, and dates for the places you've worked?

* References: Have you found three people who are willing to act as references? Do you have their names (spelled correctly!), addresses, phone numbers, and E-mail addresses? Have you told them about the jobs you've applied for?

* Interview outfit: Are you and your clothes neat and clean? Have you dressed appropriately for the kind of job you're applying for?

* Directions to the interview: Do you know where to go and how to get there? Do you know how long the trip will take? Do you have the name and phone number of the person you'll be talking to?

* Q&A: Are you calm and confident? Have you practiced the answers to typical questions? Do you have a few intelligent questions of your own to ask?

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