Job Application Advice

When applying for a job, here is a checklist of what to do (from a manager's point of view):

Appearance Advice

- Good personal hygiene which includes deodorant, brushed teeth, and hair combed or styled.

- Professional clothing. Clean and wrinkle free clothing. No stains or rips. If you want to be taken seriously, you need to project the right image from the start.

- Be sure you know the dress code for the job that you are applying for. Not every place of business allows unique color hair, facial piercings, or visible tattoos. Something to think about!

Application Advice

- Have a complete and accurate resume. Even if you have not worked before, your future employer wants to know about you. Make sure that you have the correct phone number and e-mail address on your resume and that your voicemail is set up to receive messages.

- Research the company that you are interviewing with. They will most likely have a website and social media pages. This might give you insight into their company and culture and also might help in your interview.

- Review your own online information. Do you have inappropriate images or words on social media? Do you stir up drama for fun? Your prospective employers are looking at that information to see if you hold the same ideals and values that they require in employees.

Interview Advice

- If you are called for an interview, act like you care that they are contacting you. Smile when you talk. You can hear a smile in someone's voice.

- Be polite by using please, thank you, Sir, or Mam. Manners matter.

- When meeting your interviewer, make eye contact. Shake hands (when not in the middle of COVID) if applicable.

- Do not play on your phone during your interview. If you are asked a question and need to reference the answer on your phone, tell the person what you are doing.

- It is OK to be nervous. Practice speaking slowly and calmly. Be able to have a conversation and not just look at the person you are interviewing with like a deer in the headlights.

- Most often, you will be asked what your strengths and weaknesses are. Think about this beforehand and have an answer to both.

- If your interviewer asks if you have any questions, have a question. That shows that you are prepared.

- Thank the person that you have been speaking with for seeing you. Once again, manners matter.

Follow Up Advice

- If you have not heard back from the job you applied and interview at within 5 business days, call them to check on the status of your application. Don't be rude or pushy.

- Do not agree to an interview (or job position) and not show up without calling and letting them know. "Ghosting" is never ok. Their time is just as valuable as yours. If you decided you don't want the job, have taken another position, or just changed your mind...call and let them know. Do not just not show up.