So you’re finally ready to start
working! Great! Let’s get started by creating a checklist, to
make sure you don’t forget anything while you’re looking for a job.
□ What are you interested in doing? One
of the first steps of becoming a client of EmployReward Solutions is taking an
interest profiler. This helps your
career coach determine what jobs to look for, and the results also help you
figure out what you’re interested in too!
If you don’t like talking to people, waiting tables is probably not a
job you’re going to enjoy.
□ Write that resume! Take your time with it, customizing it for
the job openings you’re finding that you’re interested in applying for. Read the job description and use the keywords in the
description.
o
For example, the local Rooms to Go is looking
for an office assistant. The description says “This position will assist sales associates, customers, and managers in
the processing of payments, finance applications, delivery questions as well as
various other office duties as assigned.”
What are the words in that sentence that could make your objective
statement stand out?
o
Try “I possess excellent time management and
basic math skills, which would make me a great candidate for the position of
office assistant with Rooms To Go.”
Using similar keywords will let a hiring manager or recruiter know that
you read the description of the position.
□ A lot of jobs that are posted online require a
cover letter, so it is best to write one of these as well. This will be a
chance for you to explain any gaps in your work history as they show up on your
resume, so you’ll want to reference your resume for those gaps. Were you working for a construction company
in 2008, and then you went on disability?
If you volunteered somewhere, this is a perfect place to explain your
volunteer experience.
□ One of the
most overlooked steps in applying for a job is preparing your references! Who could be a good job reference for
you? Have you asked them to be a
reference for you and prepared them? You
don’t have to include the names and contact information about your references
on your resume (as a matter of fact, it is recommended that you not do this),
but it is just good manners to let someone know they will be used as a
reference on an application.
□ Practice
your interviewing skills. You can
call your ERS career coach and set up a time to practice with one of us, or get
a friend or a family member to practice with you. By practicing with some common interview
questions, you’ll get more comfortable with your responses.
Remember, you’re not going to get
a response from every company you send your resume or application to, and that’s
OK. Focus on the next opening, and if
you need any help, remember, we’re here for you every step of the way!
