How To find A First Job...
Whether you're a young person just starting out, or and adult being forced to go to work due to economice pressure, you will find one thing you have in common; lack of experience.
Dont fret yet. This isn't always such a bad thing. It's better to have no experience sometimes. But you must understand that any position you apply for is entry level. This is your chance to learn from your employer and become a better employee.
When it comes to a job, you should find that you get out of it what you put into it. By this I mean, those who work the hardest and smartest, usually make the most money. So in order to work hard and really get something out of your first job, you really need to figure out what you want to do. What would you be happy doing?
I can tell you this. I have worked a couple of jobs when i was younger. These jobs didnt pay much. But i had so much fun on these jobs that i didnt want to leave. I worked for a major retailer as a stocker on the floor. It was a blast. We were mainly getting paid to socialize. Delivering pizzas is also very fun to me. I love interacting with people in an environment inwhich everyone is happy. I love to work with people who have a great attitude on the job.
Learn from my mistake. Early on, I left those fun jobs to make more money and slave away in a factory. I made a little more money but I was miserable. I hated my job and it was hard work. It took me years to learn that you must love what you do if you're gonna get anywhere. So first of all...I want you...YES!, I mean YOU!...to close your eyes and think of some places you know of that you could easily apply for a job. I mean places that you know are probably hiring. This could be retail stores, food service, anything you can think of. I want you to picture yourself doing each of these jobs. Now ask yourself; "which of these jobs would really make me happy?" If you're honest with yourself, you'll figure out what type of work you would like to do. This is the first step in finding a first job.
The second step to finding a first job is to research employment opportunities in your area. You can do this by searching through classified ads in newspapers and online to see what types of jobs are available in your area. Try to find jobs that fit into what you imagine you would like to do. I'm gonna be honest with you. There are times when you must take a job you dont care so much about. Maybe you have bills piling up or something. But if this is the case, then take what you can get, but stay focused on what you know you would really love to do. Use it as a motivator to get you on track to persue your "happy job". Now i call the job that you would like to do a "happy job." The reason is because when you find that particular job, you'll not only be happy at work, but you'll be happy all the time because you never have to dread going to work. When you like your job, going to work is like going to a party. Anyway, if you must take a job you dont like, then use all the free time you can to persue a job you will like.
If you have an idea of what you would like to do, then the next step would be to start networking to persue your "happy job." If you cant find any relating positions available through classifieds etc, then it's time to get out the phone book. Yeah, thats right...dont give up just yet. This is a little trick to getting ahead of other applicants. So pay attention here!...lol...We all know that every employer has to have employees. They all hire at some point. If theyre not posting positions available in the newspaper or online, then dont assume this is a bad thing yet. You see, you now have an opportunity. You have the opportunity to get out that phone book, call the prospective employers, ask to speak to the person in charge of human resources, a manager, or who ever does the hiring. Be sure to give them your name, tell them you're interested in working for their company as a part of the team. Be sure to ask if they are currently hiring, and if not, then when would be a good time to check back with them.
If you call everyone in the phonebook which pertains to the industry you're trying to get into, someone is going to be interested in you. If you dont get any invitiations to apply, then make sure you call these employers every week untill you get an application. Most usually, after a call or two, you can show up in person and they'll gladly give you an application.
The application is a great start. Once you have completed it and returned it to the employer, it is important to realize the persuit isn't over. It is highly recommended that you call the employer every week to check on the status of your application. If you do this, your odds of getting hired are very good. At this point they will know your name when you call. They'll feel as if they know you. If you do this with multiple employers, you will get hired. Make finding a job, your job untill you get one. You see what I mean? Think of yourself as your own employee. You're working for yourself and your job is to find a job. Just like an employment agent, but you're acting as your own agent.
Its not a bad idea to start out on a very entry level basis. By this I mean taking a job at any fast food or retail company that will hire you. This gives you the opportunity to develope some work experience to use on your applications. These jobs can be so easy to get just by visiting the location and asking to speak to the manager or whoever does the hiring. Explain to them you are interested in working for them and you have no work experience. These people are usually willing to hire you because they deal with entry level employees all the time. They understand you need a job but have no experience.
Tips to developing experience prior to work:
If you have no work experience but want something you can put on your application that will help get your foot in the door, then maybe you should consider volunteering with a nonprofit group. I've known people who did this and got some great jobs from it. You simply volunteer at your local homeless shelter, soup kitchen, charitable mission, and it gives you some work experience to use on your applications. Be sure to tell everyone you talk to durring your volunteer service that your looking for a job. You never know when someone may know someone who is hiring. The people who volunteer at these places really take care of each other. They're good people trying to help people. You cant go wrong there.
Well folks I've been writing for hours now and my fingers are getting sore. ugh. I will be updating the content on this blog very soon. I have more information on this subject that I would like to share with you. Keep following for more information on How To Find A First Job.
Thanks,
Mark
