Visit the Office of Career Development
If this is your first time applying for a job, you might need a little guidance to get you interview-ready. Career Development can help you write a cover letter, beef up your resume or fill out applications, or just offer you tips on how to make yourself more marketable.
Don’t get tunnel vision
If you’re just starting college, chances are you’re looking for a job, not a career. Even if you really want a specific on or off-campus job, sometimes, things just don’t work out — you get a rejection, you don’t get called back or they fill the spot with someone else. Don’t fret. Almost everyone will get denied a job at some point in their life. It’s better to apply to more jobs all at once instead of applying to one, getting denied and starting from square one again.
Prepare yourself for an interview
Getting a call or email back about a job you’ve applied for is equal parts exciting and nerve-wracking because now you most likely have to prepare for an interview. It’s smart to ready yourself for this beforehand. Look up commonly asked interview questions and think about how you might respond to them. On the day of, make sure you have your resume and cover letter printed out, as the interviewer may reference them. Also, portray yourself as a professional. If your interview is in person, be sure to dress well and appear clean, calm and collected. The same goes for a video call, but just make sure you’re in a quiet room — you don’t want your roommates to be walking around in a bathrobe behind you listening to punk music while you’re trying to land a job.
Know what is expected of you
Congratulations. You got the job. The learning doesn’t stop here, however, because you still have to keep it. Upon employment, communicate with your boss. Ask them exactly what they expect of you and adhere to it. Be sure to read over an employee handbook if you’re given one as it can offer valuable information about dress codes, attendance, off or sick day policies and much more. And, of course, show up on time, be polite and professional to your coworkers and do your job.
Want some advice about professional development, specifically during a pandemic? Check out this article by The Current.
