Whether you are looking for an internship, part-time, or full time employment, there are some things that you can do to help your chances. Some might be a little more obvious than others but many other things go unrecognized when it comes to applying for a position. These tips are more tailored to more career type jobs, but they couldn’t hurt when applying for a smaller part time job to get you through school.
The Resume
Resumes are one of the first things that are looked at when considering you for employment. They are extremely important. One of the more important things to know is that even though it is very important and it is one of the first things looked at, it is still only looked at for a short period time. Unless you have A LOT of experience relevant to the job you are applying for, keep it to one page. Even then, be wary of making it more than one page. Employers don’t want to flip through a four page resume (I say four pages because I have actually seen someone submit a four page resume), in fact they probably won’t. They don’t have time for that. Keep the more relevant information, remove the extra to make sure that it a single page if you can.
The Cover Letter
If there is an opportunity to attach a cover letter, do it. Not every job application requires you to attach a cover letter. That does not mean that you shouldn’t attach one. A cover letter gives you an opportunity to sell yourself. It lets a you show a little personality before the interview, it allows you to explain some more of your relevant skills, and gives them a clear way to contact you. They are helpful. So, even if they aren’t required for the application, if there is a place to attach one, do it.
The Interview
Dress for success. Unless they tell you to dress a certain way, business casual is very common, make sure you are dressed properly. You do not want to walk into an interview where the interviewer is wearing a suit and you are wearing khakis (not that there is anything wrong with khakis) but being underdressed is not going to help with nerves and appearance can change the interviewer's opinion of you quite quickly.
Treat it like a conversation. Relax, no do not put your feet up on that desk, but try to act relaxed and just speak to the person interviewing you. It's going to allow the interview to flow more smoothly. You want that. If you are sitting there, stick straight in your seat answering like a robot, that's not a good indicator to the interviewer.
Silence is okay. When you are asked a question, don’t feel like you need to jump in with an immediate response. Even if you already have an answer to the question prepared, count to three maybe. Take a break. Give it a second so it seems like your taking time to consider their question. Keep in mind, sometimes they are writing things down. They probably won’t speak in that time. Don’t worry smile, relax and wait for the next question. Don’t feel like you need to keep speaking, or start taking again in order to fill the silence.
Thank You Letters
This is the one that many people don’t consider doing. They apply, get the interview, interview, and then wait to hear back. One very important thing that any applicant can do i send a thank you letter (email) to whoever interviewed you. Something short that briefly reminds them who you were, thanks them for their time, a maybe even says why you think you would be good for the company. Nothing too long. Just enough to get the point across.
