Because I have a couple years of HR experience (OK, a FEW years), I often get asked for tips on getting a job. Here’s some pointers you may find useful:
Searching for a job
Go look – a job is not going to land in your lap, here’s a few good local resources:
· jobs HQ: you can search for openings that are advertised in the local papers (26 MN & ND Forum affiliates) by company, category, or location.
· Minnesota works.net: (formerly known as Job Service). By completing the free registration information, you can upload a resume and have matches sent to your email.
· White Earth Reservation lists their openings on their website: Indian preference is used at this place of employment as well as the Shooting Star Casino: (go towards the bottom of the page “All Open Positions”)
· State of Minnesota: openings come up throughout the whole state. If you are really serious about looking for a State of MN job, then go to this site where you can create a resume and use their job search agents.
· Federal jobs in your location can be found by typing in a zip code
After browsing awhile, you should have noticed the differences in rates of pay. Some jobs pay much better than others. When you restrict yourself to a specific location it also becomes harder to find a job. Point is: if you are willing to increase your education and/or move, it is going to be easier to find a decent paying job.
Don't forget your networks - Let people know you are looking for a job and what kind of a job you are interested in. If you have ten different people keeping their eyes and ears open, you improve your chances of finding something.
Applying for a job
· Read the job announcement thoroughly. If they say it is required to have a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, then you need to have a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. Pay close attention to the details, sometimes they may say a Degree and/or equivalent experience is required, in which case your applicable work experience will count as well.
· Don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and ask some questions. Call the company, call the HR department, you may also be able to find out who some of the co-workers or the supervisor is of the position – call them too. Do your homework so you have a good understanding of what the job entails. There is nothing wrong with calling and asking questions – you could also ask for the complete JOB DESCRIPTION as a job announcement is usually an abbreviated description.
· Update and proofread your resume. If you need a little help here is an excellent website with examples, formats, tips and hints.
· If an application form is required you must complete that as well. Follow the instructions they have given you on the announcement.
· Remember, your application and/or resume is the first impression of you – here is where you need to start “selling yourself”. Face it, the job market is competitive and only one person will be hired out of maybe 10-40 applicants. Make yours count!
1) Proofread; do not send spelling errors or outdated information.
2) Make sure the qualifications and/or experience they have asked
for can be found easily.
3) It is better to include more information than not enough. There
may be things that you haven’t thought of (i.e. if you went to
cosmetology school, you probably had to learn some customer
service skills which can help in any job).
4) Even places that you may have worked at before (or even work at
now) will usually look over the information on the application
material you have submitted and make a decision based off that.
Don’t skip steps and think “oh, they already know that about
me” because it usually won’t work out in your best interest.
5) Make it all look neat and get it in before the deadline!
Behind the scenes
Typically this is what happens when applicants are reviewed:
· The employer has a pile of applications to review and will skim read each one and sort it into yes, no, or maybe piles (see why it is so important to make sure your qualifications and experience stand out).
· Only the best applicants will be selected to be interviewed.
· Interviews are scheduled to meet the employer’s busy routines, if you are selected for an interview, keep the appointment and be on time.
Going to an Interview
· This is the exciting part! If you have been selected for an interview, then you can guarantee they are interested in hearing more about you and your abilities to perform the job. Your application materials looked good enough that they want to know more about you!
· Make sure and do your homework (if you haven’t already). Make those phone calls, touch base with people to understand what the job is all about. Research similar jobs on the internet, have a good understanding of the company you might work for; don’t sell yourself short after you’ve gotten this far.
· Understand it is normal to be nervous or stressed when you go for a job interview. Because of this, it is important to prepare in advance so you don’t forget anything. Write down notes that you want to be sure to highlight and bring them along with you.
· Practice interview questions. I’ve created a file with sample questions that you can practice with – understand, the one who gives better answers will be the one who gets hired – be sure you answer the questions you are asked. SELL YOURSELF! YOU HAVE TO!
· Ask them questions too – this shows you are particularly interested in working for the employer.
Here's a list of practice questions to help get you ready for the interview