Job Etiquette

Getting a job is very important. It shapes what we are able to buy, where we are able to go, and it can affect everything that has to do with us (sadly). Certain jobs can have the ability to make people think they are less than another based on their titles, money, and role at an organization. There is no place

in this world for this type of mentality. There will always be a need for trash men, McDonald's workers, retail sales rep's, plumbers/HVAC, servers, construction, and every other kind of labor workers. There should never be a stigma associated with a job. And to be honest you should never let someone shame you for making money as an HONEST citizen. But just because you started somewhere doesn't mean you have to finish there. What do I always say? Life is about constant growth!

For a handful of months last year (2016) I worked with "at-risk" teen youth girls as a Job Training Coordinator and Youth Counselor. I would teach the girls everything that encompassed job training and professionalism. It wasn't too long after I learned that no one really teaches another how to properly display themselves in a business setting. Also, jobs ASSUME you should know. Every time I work somewhere I hear jokes about a "potential employee" coming in and saying something, doing something, or looking "crazy." Think about it..... How did you learn how present yourself at a job interview? Most likely your parents taught you to dress in raggedy, church slacks and a button down and to go in there and ask how much they're paying you (lol). Or you might have seen on TV or took a college prep class. If you've done a THOUSAND interviews like me you might notice similarities in applications and interviews. There are specifics a job looks for and wants to know when hiring. Also, lucky for me my mom has worked in HR (Human Resources) for almost 20 years. Here are a few tips to help when seeking a new job:

1.) Firstly, applying to the job is the most important. I recommend calling or visiting a location to see their preference in how they like potential employee's to apply. Some prefer online, some you need to drop your resume off and some you apply in person.

Sidenote: NO ONE is too good or too old for a job fair. I've had interviews with phenomenal companies I never would have gotten to sit down with if it wasn't for a job fair. They can be found at college campuses, Eventbrite, or just search online.

2.) ALWAYS PUT A FACE TO THE NAME! Go into the location and press those people out! If you think you're "too good" to harass the manager then you honestly don't need a job. Go introduce yourself, tell them if you've already applied, and that you really would like to work there. Persistence impresses a manager. Thousands of people apply every week and hundreds every day. Just putting in an application doesn't mean you've done enough.

3.) Tailor your resume to every position you apply for. I learned in a Technical Writing class that resume's aren't being checked by a human eye anymore. It's the 21st century people! Your resume's are being ran through a system looking for "keywords" that line up with the job description. If there are no matches, where does your application go? Straight in the trash. Sorry not sorry! In your "skills" area, put some characteristics that are listed on the job description. Extend your resume if need-be. Expand on what you did at every past position, list some things that you seen you will need within the new position. DON'T LIE, no it's not a crime but it's nothing worse than saying you can do something that you cannot.

4.) Now you have an interview, perfect! You are halfway there. Do some research on the company. We all know that famous "why do you want to work here" question. Because you need money of course! Nope, not a valid reason at all. They want to know what you know about them, how did you hear of them, what makes you want to work at their particular location than another, etc. Learn a few things about them. What they do, who are their consumers, what makes them an amazing company (sets them apart from others). A trick I use, because I have rather small memory space available in this brain, is I always make sure to study a businesses mission statement usually located on the companies website on the "About Us" page. It'll wrap up who they are and what they stand for in about 2-3 sentences. You're welcome.

5.)The day of the interview: Get up and get ready at least 2 hours prior, 3 if the business is more than 30 mins away from you. Let me tell you why.... You never want to rush or be late for an interview UNLESS there is an emergency. 2 hours gives you time to eat and get ready and leave out in a reasonable amount of time. You must arrive at the company 15 mins before your interview. You can cut it close but arriving early will show the company you want to be there and have them believe you are a punctual person. Which is always a plus. I always pick my clothes out the night before because I like to wake up and hour and 30 mins before my interview. Don't judge me judge your mother! Any who, Wear something comfortable and no less than business casual.

DO's: Slacks, an A-line/pencil skirt, button down shirts, something with sleeves, nothing see through, tucked in shirts, tie (or not), a belt is a must, suit jacket/blazer or cardigan sweater for women, business professional shoes (closed toe heels, slide on shoes, loafers, classic oxford's) business suits (pants/skirt).

DONT's: Baggy/too loose fitting clothing, too tight/small clothing, un-tucked shirts, wrinkled clothing, jeans, khaki's, any kind of shorts, sneakers, or the opposite of anything I've named in the DO's.

6.) During your interview just try to relax and answer every question as clearly as you can. Show some of your personality. Nobody likes a robot, it's alright to be personable! Reveal only what will help and not harm you. No one wants to hear about how much you hated your other job and how your manager ain't shit and you don't like being told what to do. Give real world examples and explain as best as you can. It's okay to ask how much the position pays but remember to ask at the end if they haven't already told you. If that pay or job doesn't work for you like you thought it is okay to kindly decline. Also, if you are offered the position you do not have to tell them yes right away. You can let them know that you will get back to them with an answer ASAP. Most importantly, present yourself as a professional; like you already have this job in the bag.

7.) Bet you think it's over....... THOUGHT! The follow up is as important as the interview itself. Send a "Thank You Letter", this is a way for an organization to remember who you are after you leave, show professionalism, fix anything you messed up on in the interview, and networking (a potential job offer in the future). This blog is long enough so I'm not going to in depth on how to write a Thank You letter but you can click here to learn more and see samples.

At the end of the day you are important. Everything in your life affects your mental health. We all have to get jobs but I hope this post helps you get a job you want. Put your best foot forward and know nothing comes with ease.

"Stay true to yourself, yet always be open to learn. work hard, and never give up on your dreams, even when nobody else believes they can come true but you. These are not cliches but real tools you need no matter what you do in life to stay focused on your path."

-Phillip Sweet