You know how in movies there is the main character who finds himself far away from civilization with only the clothes on his back? Usually, he spends a few days being hungry and scared, but then he reaches a point where hunger is overwhelming and fear is replaced by survival instincts. He might have been a picky eater when the movie began, but after a few weeks by himself, bugs become a tasty snack and small animals cooked over a fire become a gourmet banquet.
Slowly, we realize that the main character has changed because he had to learn to adapt. He had to take a situation and do the best he could with what he had. Each of us at some point in our lives find ourselves in similar situations where the game is the same while the pieces have changed: Zack joins the army, Trisha gets pregnant, Jordan starts college with the hopes of becoming a doctor.. They all play the same game with their own personalized pieces, and then there’s you...just trying to find the perfect job while waiting for your dream job.
Finding a job is harder than you might think. Convincing people that you’re honest and hardworking isn’t as simple as it seems. Finger prints? Background check? Why does it feel like you’ve committed a crime? This is only the beginning, though. Finding a job is the easy part. Getting hired for it, less so.
You know what you want to do, but it takes time to get the job you really want, so you decide to look for something you might not love, but that still pays well. The applications go out, yet no one responds, so you try applying to jobs that don’t pay as well. Once again, nothing. It’s not long before you find yourself willing to work anywhere for any amount of money. Desperation kicks in, and working at that call center become more and more appealing.
It truly is a crazy world we live in. Once you have a job, it becomes easy to find another. It’s just getting the first one that has you ripping the hair out that has already started turning white from stress.
So, here you go: The top three “DOs” while job searching.
Number One: The Resume
When applying to lots of different kinds of jobs, it’s actually good to know how to do things in multiple areas of work. Starting between 14 and 16-years-old is a good time to get some experience. You still live at home, you don’t have much that needs to be paid for, and minimum wage sounds like a million dollars! Plus, you have a better chance of getting hired in your home town because people know you. If you’re a hard worker and trustworthy, your neighbors might come and ask you to work for them, then bam! You have another thing to add to your resume!
If you don’t get lots of experience while you’re younger, put your work experience and skills and format it so that it stands out! Focus on what you are good at, even if you haven’t done it professionally. If you end up paying someone who knows their stuff to help you write your resume, you won't regret it when you get your first interview.
Number Two: Search for job openings EVERYWHERE!
You shouldn’t apply for jobs you won’t feel comfortable in, but look at everything offered. Get on all the social media sites: Facebook pages, community pages, school pages. Go around town and talk to people about possible openings in their company, give them your resume and ask them to contact you about any job opportunities. Here’s the key, be persistent. It’s ok to be a little annoying until you get the job.
Number Three: Dress to Impress
Believe it or not, the way you dress will get you the job you dress for! If you get an interview, dress like you’ve already got it. If you feel good and stylish, you present yourself better. Now, I’m not saying that if you apply for cleaning crews or construction work, show up in an old t-shirt with jeans that are more holy than righteous. Dress like you have that job, but still know how to clean up well!
If you’re doing all of these things, just remember to keep an open mind and not give up! Be patient, but make sure you get your name out there. If you get the interview, make sure you know about the company. You might be desperate for a job, but if you present yourself well in the interview and even just in everyday life, the first job will come, and then maybe even better ones will follow because, let's face it, eating bugs is only fun for so long.
