Get a job

How badly do you want a job?
Maybe it's true that you are one of the most competent people for the job, but you have to work at convincing them.	They won't come and knock on your door the moment you decide to work.

Make sure your resume is free of errors and has up to date contact information on it. It should be clean, wrinkle-free, short and outlines your most recent experience. List your Work experience from most recent to past experience, education, special courses, and personal interests. Open this resume example (pdf/rtf), change the name and information and print it.
Write a cover letter to go with your resume for each location you are interested in. Make it short and to the point. Introduce yourself, your positive qualities/experience, and why you are interested in the job. (Here is an example of a cover letter for a job at a sandwich making outlet) Open this cover letter (pdf/rtf), change the names and the information to suit the job you are applying for, and print it.
Drop your resume off personally, and ask to see the manager. When you introduce yourself, put your best foot forward. Be courteous but don't overdo it. It makes a real difference if you are able to meet the person doing the hiring. Suddenly you become a known quantity.
Follow up with a phone call to each location you have taken your resume. Ask if they have had an opportunity to review your resume. A polite reminder that you are interested in working there with at least one positive thing you would bring to the workplace will let the manager know that you are motivated.

If you get an interview, make sure you are prepared.
Arrive on time, dressed appropriately. (No Chains, unnatural hair color, belly-button rings, or tight tank tops.) Try to anticipate the sort of questions the employer might ask. Be honest about what you think your capabilities are, but don't sell yourself short. Have a solid idea about when you are available for work. You might be asked to start right away. Have a few questions of your own prepared. You may want to know about the working conditions, what shifts are available, what breaks are provided. Once again, don't overdo it, but get the information you need.

If you get an interview, make sure you are prepared.

Arrive on time, dressed appropriately. (No Chains, unnatural hair color, belly-button rings, or tight tank tops.)

Try to anticipate the sort of questions the employer might ask. Be honest about what you think your capabilities are, but don't sell yourself short. Have a solid idea about when you are available for work. You might be asked to start right away.

Have a few questions of your own prepared. You may want to know about the working conditions, what shifts are available, what breaks are provided. Once again, don't overdo it, but get the information you need.

If you get the job, don't blow it right away!
Be on time, try your best to do what is required for the job, be polite and positive with co-workers. Be sure to clarify what you are expected to do. Ask questions if you are unsure how to complete a task. Employers depend on you being there. If you are sick, call the workplace as soon as you can before your shift. Missing work usually means that a replacement will have to be found. This will turn off an employer very quickly.

If you get the job, don't blow it right away!

Be on time, try your best to do what is required for the job, be polite and positive with co-workers.
Be sure to clarify what you are expected to do. Ask questions if you are unsure how to complete a task.
Employers depend on you being there. If you are sick, call the workplace as soon as you can before your shift. Missing work usually means that a replacement will have to be found. This will turn off an employer very quickly.

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Page Last Updated: April 12, 2006 9:58 AM

Skills for the 21st Century