Serious Job hunting

[Captain Squee]

I already know the whole look clean, appropriate attire, speak clearly, don't be too modest but not too cocky part, but I will be job hunting today and any helpful advice from anyone else out there would be really great. This will be my first official job, so I really wanna know what I can do to get me this job. I will be applying at several places, willing to take any job, so there's not much I can say about what I want to go into...

 

[Abstract Debauchery]

First, you need to look clean. Do not dress like a slob, make sure you speak clearly, and try not to be too modest, but not too cocky either.

Other than that, you may want to try calling the place you fill in your application EVERY DAY.

Yes, EVERY. FUCKING. DAY. That'll let them know you're serious. However, now we live in the day of online applications and shit. So, this may not work as well as it used to.

Fucking Scilons.

 

[Sir Kenneth]

Do a little bit of research on the work place before you rock up for an interview and have a couple of questions ready in case they ask if you have any questions. Both make you seem informed and interested and employers like that.

 

[Dee]

It's not just looking clean, but dressing the right way IF you get an interview. When you get that part, never ever wear jeans or any shirt without buttons (and no crazy designs). Always have a nice pair of slacks on and a nice shirt to go with it. If you're just going in to places and picking up applications, I think you can get away with a little less fancy attire, maybe a pair of dark wash jeans, nice shirt and some nice shoes, take a shower, comb your hair back, yadda yadda.

If you're going in to pick up applications, greet yourself and be especially polite to the people you're talking to. Ask them what positions are open, if they know, if any, if they are hiring and always ask if you may speak to the manager (but don't demand it) if they're there. If the manager can spare time, you might score some points...that is, again, if they're there.

When you're done picking up applications, look just as nice turning them in. I'd say be prompt. Turn it back in that day and then give them a week before you call to see if there's been any word on the position. Be adamant, but don't be overbearing. Don't call every day, every hour, kind of stuff. Oh, and if it's a big chain store and they have more than one location, ask if they know if the other ones are hiring. You never know, the GameStop on 58th might not be looking for work, but the one uptown could be.

If you go in for a handshake, don't grasp too hard, don't grasp too faintly and always let their hand be on top (yours should be on the bottom; same with the interview). One other thing, always be available for whatever shift. Just put down anything if you have to. It'll make you look more appealing if you've got time to give. Put down other kinds of things on applications like accomplishments in school (high marks), volunteering, even if it wasn't a real job and you worked, etc). Employers like to see that you are driven. Education is a big plus, too. If you've got a degree or some kind of license or some other credential, put it down.

Anyway, just be yourself, clean it up if you must, and be friendly. Smile, laugh, compliment, don't talk too much, ask questions, ask for the manager, thanks, please, all that good stuff. Just imagine what you'd be looking for in an employee and really work on striving for your best.

 

[GalaxyFlare]

Every industry has its quirks.

Maybe you should learn about the type of work you will be doing?

the more knowledge you have the better you will be able to answer there questions
and they appreciate the effort and interest you will have displayed ahead of other candidates.

Your ability to leave an impression of interest will hold you in good stead for the next round of interviews.

Speak to some people in the the same line of work and see how they feel about what they do!

Edit: I knew I should have read the entire thread b4 posting.
Its still good advice.

 

[Dee]

The learning about the industry thing will come in handy if you get an interview. It's good advice, you just have to make sure you make a good enough impression, good enough to land it first.

 

[Sum1sgruj]

Bend the truth a little in areas they can't find out or disbelieve. Speechcraft is just as important as the other textbook stuff. Nobody gets a job being 100 percent honest. Such is life..

 

[Sullivan0930]

if its your first job then more than likely its gonna be at fast food or something similiar. So when you get the interview id wear nice jeans and a collared shirt. This is what i wear to my interviews and have been hired both times. Just put on a smile and fake confidence if you have to and at the end give a firm handshake.

 

[Tmoo]

be polite but not stiff, etc. dress the part, wear the monkey suit if you have to. most importantly make eye contact and hold it with a smile when you greet them.

now that that's over with: it's a sham. there are some hiring agents who sincerely want to probe you for your qualifications to the job, but most see you as just another object that happens to move and talk like a human, and can't wait to get home to their families or their games or their drugs or whatever. they'll ask you inane, irrelevant questions like 'what do you see yourself doing in five years' and 'why do you wish to work here?'. What a crock. Here's a nice tip if you're ever in an interview and you decide the job's not worth the act: look them in the eye with a big smile that lets them know you can see right through them. You won't get hired, guaranteed, but it will end the interview more quickly, and you will have some of your dignity back.