By Kym Kostos

Copyright

© 2014 by Kym Kostos

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

ISBN: 978-0000000000

Chapter 1 – When to Start Looking?

When should you start looking for a job? Some may think it’s while you are a senior in college. Some think it should be before that. It is wise to look at the job market in the field you wish to get your degree in to make sure it is a smart decision on your part. For example, if you want to get your degree in Archeology and there isn’t that much of a job market for an Archeologist, then maybe you should change your major.

Look and see what qualifications are required for the career you want to study for. That way when you do graduate you are all set to send out your resume or fill out those job applications.

When you are a senior you are going to be busy with finishing college, taking finals, writing reports, etc… By then, you should already have an idea of where to apply for a job.

Your senior year will be very stressful and exciting. All that hard work and studying will finally pay off after graduation. That is, if you play your cards right. You need to start thinking about life after college as soon as possible. That way, you will get a jump start on the career of your choice!

Searching For a Job

Begin searching for a job before entering your senior year of college. You don’t need to start putting job applications in just yet though. Job searching for now will suffice. You want to get an idea of what is out there and what to expect when you are ready to start applying. This will also give you time to study and research on the companies that are out there in the field you are preparing for while in college.

This will also give you an idea of what requirements are needed from you in order to obtain the position you desire. You can do your research on the internet, newspaper want ads and even by word of mouth. You can also schedule a tour of the company if you want to really get into your research. Sometimes college libraries have research materials and information on companies who hire. This is more geared towards colleges that specialize in certain fields. Also, look into the career center at your college, if they have one.

Your Cover Letter and Resume

It’s time to polish up that cover letter and update your resume. Always include essential information that pertains to the field you want to get into. Include your skills, work experience, activities, schooling, your personal accomplishments and any memberships of associations that will impress a potential employer. If you’re not sure how to deliver a resume and cover letter that stands out, research on the internet for tips and ideas or stop by your college career center and have it looked at. That is what they are there for.

Your References

When filling out a job application you are almost always asked for business references. Be prepared for this. You are usually required to have at least three of these. This is where you being to choose the people that would most likely give you a glowing reference.

If at all possible, try to choose those in your field of work, whether it’s a professor from your college, your boss at an internship you worked at, etc… You want them to speak highly of your work and give you great references. Some mistakes novices make is in choosing friends and family as their references.

Always make sure your references are either individuals who appreciate your skill set or professionals in your field, mentors, etc…

Applying for a Job

Don’t apply for a job if the start date is before you graduate. Make sure that the start date is after graduation. You don’t want the pressure of starting a new job and studying and taking your finals and writing any reports or essays while still in college. Finals week is stressful enough without having the stress added to starting a new job.

Check and see if your college hosts a job fair. This is a good way to get in touch with an assortment of companies in one place and to save you some footwork. Always bring enough copies of your resume to hand out to potential employers. Attending a job fair is a wonderful way to apply for jobs and meet the hiring personnel from many companies in one place. Sometimes, you may even get an interview right on the spot.

Graduated and Jobless

So, what if you can’t find a job after graduation? There is a chance that might happen. But, don’t panic. Try considering taking an internship at a company you would like to work for. This could lead to a job in that company. There are a lot of paid internships in larger companies.

You can also contact a staffing agency or temporary agency and they can place in you a company in your field temporarily which can possibly lead to permanent employment.

Chapter 2 – How to Successfully Complete a Job Application

Now that you have successfully graduated from college, it is time to get out in that job market and do some job hunting. But, what if you have never hunted for a job before? This is all so new to you and possibly overwhelming!

In this chapter, I will guide you through how to successfully fill out a job application. Always remember that filling out a job application shouldn’t be stressful. Look at it as a rewarding experience. If you already have a resume filled out and you show up at a job and they want you to fill out an application, keep in mind some employers prefer job applications filled out over resumes because many times they want you to sign a paper for a background check, etc. If you don't have a resume, now is the time to create one.

If you are going into part-time work, entry level work, blue collar work, these are times when a potential employer uses a job application to pre-screen their potential employees.

The potential employer will use the information on the application to determine if they want to call the potential employee in for an interview or a pre-interview, like a phone interview.

For some companies, a job application is paperwork that the Human Resources department requires to have on file.

So, why on earth would potential employers use job applications instead of just accepting resumes?

Good question! A lot of employers use job applications as a way of obtaining standard information from potential employees such as things you would not normally put on a resume.

Since it is your goal is to complete the application as honestly and completely as you can, keeping in mind that the application is a major marketing tool for you in the job hunting search. Also keep in mind that some employers will use your application as a basis, determining the information you have provided them on your application, for deciding whether to call you for an interview.

So, now that you are armed with this knowledge, here are tips for job hunters for successfully completing job applications.

-Always arrive prepared with the information you need. Remember to bring your social security card, driver's license, resume, references, etc. Don’t forget names, phone numbers and addresses of previous employers, also starting and ending salaries for each job you have held. It's always better to have too much information than not enough at all.

-Always read over and follow instructions very carefully. Always make sure you take a few minutes to look over the whole application from beginning to end. Some job applications may ask for information differently and all of them have specific spaces in which you are expected to answer certain questions. Think of the application as a test in following directions. If you pass the test, your potential employer will be very pleased with you and you will have made their hiring you a lot more plausible.

-Always complete the application as thoroughly and as neat as you possibly can. Remember how your teacher emphasized how important handwriting was in school? Neatness and legibility really do count! Your completed application is a reflection of not only your experience, but of you as a person as well. If you have a typewriter or access to one, consider typing out your application. Always remember to use a black or blue pen with an erasure if possible, when completing your application by hand. Never bend, fold, bend, or mangle the application.

-Use specific answers to the job you are looking for. You want to focus on your education and job experience, just as you would with your cover letter and resume. Give specific details of your skills and highlight your achievements and avoid any framing of your experiences in terms of mere and simple responsibilities and duties. Always show why you are the most qualified personal than other applicants for that job title. Don’t forget to include experiences from every source possible, including all previous jobs, clubs, organizations, any volunteer work and schooling. Also check to see if some your skills you have are transferable to the skills you need for your position that you are applying for. Such as any foreign languages that may come in handy for the job position.

-Never leave any blanks on your application. One of the important reasons potential employers have you fully complete an application is because they want and need the same information from all job applicants who are also filling out the job application. On the other hand, if there are questions that you can’t answer or that do not pertain to you or the position you are applying for, just simply write in the section "not applicable" or "N/A". Never ever write "see resume" when completing a job application. Instead, you can attach your cover letter and resume to the job application for added material.

-Never give any negative information. Because your goal with your application is to get an interview. If you provide negative information, like being fired from a job, just gives your potential employer a reason not to give you an interview or even consider you as a potential employee.

-Be honest! Always answer all questions as truthfully as possible. Because the fastest way for your application to be tossed into the trash can is to have a lie put on it. On the other hand, that doesn't mean you need to give out complete answers though. For example, many employers on an application ask your reason for leaving your last place of employment. If you were downsized or laid off, you should always try to be as positive as you possibly can and then leave the longer explanations for your interview. Some experts even recommend writing down on your application that your "job ended" as the reason why you left your last job.

-Never ever include your specific salary requirements. It is definitely way too early in the job hunting process to allow yourself to be pigeonholed by a specific salary requirement. You never want to give any potential employers too much information way too soon. Also, employers often use this question as a way to pre-screen applicants and you don't want to be eliminated so soon from the hiring pool and being considered based on your answer. It's better to say "negotiable" or "open". You can be vague and give your potential employer something to work with.

-Always provide business references. Potential employers always want to see that there are people who will vouch for you and provide objective, yet positive, information about you to them. Remember to pick your references very carefully and always make sure you ask them if they are willing to be a reference for you before you use them as a reference. So, now where do you get your references from? You get them from past employers, professors, anyone you interned for. Try not to use friends or family members, unless the application asks for personal references, in which cases, they sometimes do. If you are a young applicant, most likely you will have a mix of professional and character references, if you are a more experienced applicant, your focus is more on professional references who can talk and give out information of your accomplishments and skills.

-Always keep your application accurate and consistent with your resume. Make sure all names, dates, titles, etc., that are on your application always coincide with the information that you provide on your resume. Even if the application is based on employment in chronological order, while your resume is a functional resume. This shouldn’t be any worry. If you’re not sure between the two different types of resumes, ask a resume expert or visit your career center at college or even do your research online.

-It is very important for you to proofread your application before submitting it in. After you are done completing your application, sit back and take some time to look it over and to thoroughly proofread it, always check for any and all errors, especially grammar, misspellings and typos. You don’t want your potential employer to think that even though you are a college graduate, that an elementary school child filled your application out for you!

One last word. Make sure you are prepared for all kinds of job applications. There are simple one page applications to multiple page applications. There are also some that will be clean and crisp copies, while on the other hand, some others will appear to be photocopied a few too many times and might be hard to read. Either way, always take your time, always do the best you can, always keep the goal of the application, getting that interview and job!

If for some reason, you have not heard back from the employer within a week of filling out and submitting your application, you should always follow up with a call to the employer. There is truth to the "squeaky wheel gets the oil" saying. When you call, ask if it’s possible to schedule an interview. If they are not scheduling interviews, as when a good time is it to call back. Also ask to have your application kept for future us, on file.

Chapter 3 - How to Get a Job

Whether you are looking for your very first job, re-entering the job market after having an extended absence or changing careers, finding a job requires two main tasks at hand. First is understanding yourself and second is understanding the job market. Assuming you have already looked into and picked out a career and are currently searching for a job, listed here are some ways to actually get that job you desire.

-Remember to revise your resume to make sure it is perfect. But, before you start looking for a job, always make sure that your resume is as up to date and complete as possible. You must realize that your resume is an important representation of who you are and have become, where you have come from, and what skills and experience you can offer.

Here are a few tips to consider:

-Always be as honest as you can and never lie in your resume because it can and will come back to haunt you later on.

-Make sure that you use active verbs. When you are describing what you did at your last position, make sure your sentence is as active and tight as it possibly can be.

-Always remember to proofread. Review and look over your resume a few times for spelling and grammatical errors. Even a little mistake such as a typo could possibly negatively impact your ability to land an interview. So paying close attention is very critical as to what you have left on the page. Have a couple of people look at it as well.

-Keep the format clean. When you go in for a job interview, you always look nice and neat, well at least I sure do hope you do! Why wouldn’t you want your resume looking neat and tidy as well? How your resume looks is as important as how it reads. Use black ink on white paper, use a simple, classic font and wide margins that are about 1" on each side. Remember to use bold or italic lettering sparingly if at all, and ensure that your contact information as well as your name are prominently displayed.

-Always have a personal elevator pitch that you have developed. A lot of structured interviews, especially those conducted at large companies, usually start off with a question like, What can you tell me about yourself? The employer interviewing really does not want you to go back to your childhood and begin to start talking about it. This type of question is a certain question that has a right answer. The goal of this question, from the interviewer, is that in a few minutes or so, they want you to relax and loosen up your vocal cords, understand what your background is, learn about what your accomplishments are, why would you want to work at their company and learn what your future goals are in your life. Always keep your answers short, like between thirty seconds and two minutes. Remember to have the basic answers memorized so that you don't stutter, hesitate or even stammer when you are asked to briefly describe yourself. You never want to sound like you’ve answered the questions a thousand times before, for example, like a robot. Just get the basic idea of what your answers will be and then learn to improvise the rest according to who you are talking to. Practice your answers either out loud or to anyone who can give you constructive criticism. This is also useful for when you are just networking as well.

-Remember to make a list of skills that are related to work and also skills you would like to learn more about. Your potential employer will more than likely be interested in hearing more about how you want to become a better employee if you end up working for them. Think about your skills that will make you a lot more competent in the position in which you are applying for. You can always find some books and some up and coming local conferences that would definitely improve your capabilities. In your interview, make sure you tell your potential employer what you have been reading and learning about and also that you would like to continue learning and doing so.

Some of the most important job skills that are wanted by employers that all job hunters must possess in order to land a good job and keep those skills are:

-The ability of logical thinking and how you handle information. A lot of businesses regard the ability to organize and handle information to produce very effective solutions as one of the top skills they want in an employee. They want to value the ability to make very sensible solutions in regards to a spending proposal, for example.

-An employer wants technological ability as well. Most job openings that you apply for will require their employees operate other machines or the have the knowledge of how to operate other machinery. For example, those who are in IT. Whether it's a PC or Macintosh computer, or even a multi-purpose copier and scanner. It doesn't mean that employers need or want employees who are technical graduates. They just want them knowing what the basic principles of using the current technology is sufficient enough.

-Employers have a tendency to hire and value employees who are able to express and share their thoughts thoroughly and efficiently through written and verbal communication. Those who land good jobs easily are usually those who are great communicators in speaking and writing.

-Those who possess very strong interpersonal skills. Because every working environment does consist of various kinds of people with different personalities and backgrounds, it is very pertinent and essential to have the skill of working and communicating with people from different walks of life.

It is a good idea to prepare for a behavioral interview. During an interview, you might possibly be asked to describe problems you have encountered in the past and how you handled the situation. There is also a chance that you might be given a hypothetical situation and asked what you would do in that situation. The potential employer basically wants to know how you will perform when faced with stressful situations and with obstacles in the position you are interviewing for. Also be able to give honest and detailed examples from your past, even if it is a hypothetical question. There is a high possibility that you might find yourself listing facts. If this happens, remember that in this kind of interview, you must tell a story.

Some questions that you might be asked:

-When was a time you had to work with someone that you didn't like very much?

-When was a time when you had to stick by a decision that you had to make, even though the outcome of it made you a very unpopular person?

-What have you done that was very innovative that you made a significant difference in the workplace?

-How would you handle an employee who's consistently late for work on a daily basis?

Before you apply and attend an interview, make sure you research the company. Don't just do an Internet search either, memorize their company’s mission and goals. Remember, while you are interviewing for jobs, you are competing with lots of other candidates who want the same position as you do. There is a chance that you may not be able to change your surface knowledge or even the skills that you present at your interview, but you can always change your work ethics. You can work harder by researching the company or companies you wish to apply and work for, like it was the last job on the planet.

If you are applying for a retail company, visit some of their store chains. You will want to observe the customers and possibly strike up a few conversations to see how they like the store and its merchandise, for example, the quality and price are good topics. But don’t make it too obvious. Just act natural like you are a first time customer in the store. You don’t want to scare the customers or make anyone feel uncomfortable. Also, talk to some of the existing employees who are working and ask them what it is like working there, how long the position has been open, if there is a large turn over rate and what you can do to increase your chances of being hired. You want to become familiar with the history of the company and how it started and who runs it.

Information interviews are a great way to network! What is an information interview, you are probably wondering? An informational interview is when you invite someone, usually a professional out to coffee or lunch and ask them questions without having the expectation of getting a job from them. These types of interviews are a great way to network, find out tricks and tips from professionals and expand your list of contacts in the industry you wish to work in.

When you go to an interview, not only should you be prepared to answer questions, but also be prepared to ask them too! Some questions to ask might be:

-What is a typical day like for you?

-What are the disadvantages and advantages of your job?

- What job related event in your life might you have done differently?

When your interview is complete, ask them very politely for three contacts that you could speak to. Chances are, if you impress them enough, they just could hire you on the spot or even refer you to someone who would hire you.

Network is essential. Take not that some of the best companies out there to work for have a tendency to rely heavily on employee referrals.

Sit down and make a list of all of your relatives, friends and acquaintances. Contact each and every one of them and ask them if they know of any openings or upcoming job openings that could recommend for you. Never be too apologetic or humble to ask them. Just let them know what you are looking for, but also let them know you are open and flexible to any suggestions. This is not the time to be picky about jobs! The right connection can get your foot in the door to the opportunity of where you can negotiate your salary or even switch positions once you've gained experience and established your reputation within the company.

Keep in contact and touch base with all of your references that you will be using. There are two purposes for this. One, you can always ask them for leads. Two, you will also be refreshing who you are to them. Just hope that their memories of you are good ones, because if they are not, you should not be listing them as a reference! So, if a potential employer does end up calling them, there won’t be any hesitation as much when remembering who you are.

If you haven’t already, start volunteering for an organization that focuses on an interest that you are passionate about. Even though, you may start out by doing boring or very easy work, but if you stick around and show them how committed you are, you just may be given more responsibilities.

And the brighter side is that not only will you be helping others, but you will also be gaining some references. Remember to always emphasize and accentuate your volunteer work and experience on your resume. Why you ask? Because you will learn that companies who treat their employees very well have a tendency to favor candidates who help the community out in many ways.

Keep in mind that internships may possibly fall into this category. Paid or unpaid internships are great ways to get your foot in the door! Many companies out there prefer to hire from within. So, even if you are older than your twenties or your college days were decades ago, bear in mind that the willingness to work for little or no money shows those companies that you are very serious about putting in the hard work, learning and mastering the skills, and most important of all… getting ahead.

Whether you may believe it or not, volunteer positions and internships can lead to a future job. In today's economy, there are many companies that are turning to internships as a very cost effective way to weed and sort out potential future employees. This is because many of the companies simply do not have the money or resources to take a chance and offer a job to someone who has not been tested. If you demonstrate your ability to solve problems, you put in hard work and keep your chin up, your value to the company might be too much for them to pass up on and you just may be hired!

If you are doing a thorough job search, chances are that you will get rejected sometimes. If you are not getting rejected then more than likely you are not putting yourself out there enough. If you do not learn to accept rejection as a chance to improve the way you are approaching potential employers, then you will have a very difficult time landing a job.

Chapter 4 – Closing

It is a great achievement and milestone when you graduate from college and have your college diploma in your hand. A lot of us are scared once we complete that chapter in our life and then we wonder where we go from there.

Your future now hangs on your next move. Now, that isn’t too much pressure isn’t it? Before you panic or hyperventilate, take a deep breath and come to the realization that graduating college isn’t your final goal in life. In reality, it’s just a mere stepping stone towards your bright future.

Now that you have graduated from college, you are taking a step into adulthood and responsibility and taking over your life and what direction it will be headed in. You are now ready to embark on an adventure that could lead you anywhere.

Now what’s next? There is life after college. A lot of it too! Here are some of the critical issues that you will need to face and deal with as you transition your life from college to the workplace.

Life Decisions: This Career or that Career?

There is a high percentage of college students who have graduated who still aren’t sure of what career choice to make. And even those who know, will more than likely change their career at some point. Not change jobs, mind you, but actually change their career choice, not just once ether, but several times. Career experts predict the average person will change careers four to five times over their lifetime.

Now, don’t be discouraged. Over time our passions, goals and maturity will change. So, it’s no wonder our choices in careers change as well. It could be the economy, which is a big factor and other factors as well, such as marriage, relocation, starting a family, etc… Priorities change with time and personal growth.

Keep focused on what your career goals are and always keep moving forward to better yourself and to improve your quality of life. After all, you didn’t spend all that time studying and achieving your degree or graduating from a vocational college to sit around and do nothing with your life!

Good luck in job hunting!