Job seeking skills vital

It never ceases to amaze me how few job-seeking employees know how to prepare for a job interview. Many people walk into a company and simply say, ” You got a job?” Little do they realize they are selling their services to an employer. An employer is a buyer with a need and is seeking someone to fulfill that need. The prospective employee is a seller and as such must prepare himself to put forth his best efforts. First impressions are difficult to erase.

I bring up this important subject because in a few weeks many high school seniors and college students will be graduating and will become prospective employees. Unless they know how to look for a job and prepare properly for the job interview, they will be passed over and never realize why.

I came across this letter in an article about job hunting which is written to let seekers see themselves as they are seen. Hopefully it will motivate job seekers to understand what is at stake.

“Dear Kid: Today you came to me for a Job. From the look on your shoulders as you walked out, I suspect you’ve been turned down before, and maybe you believe by now that kids your age can’t find jobs. But I hired a teenager today. You saw him. What was so special about him? Not experience; neither of you had any.
Attitude, son. ATTITUDE. He did his best to impress me. That is where he edged you out.

He wasn’t dressed like a fashion model, but then that wasn’t necessary. His clothes were clean, and he had gotten a haircut. He filled out the application form neatly and completely. He did not ask to borrow a pen. He carried his Social Security card, had basic identification and did not ask, ‘What’s a reference?’

He didn’t have two friends waiting for him by the pop machine. He didn’t start to chew gum or smoke while being interviewed. He took the time to find out how we operate here and what his tasks would be. I think he’ll work for me like he’d work for himself.

Maybe jobs aren’t plentiful right now, but there are jobs. All around you employers are looking for young men and women smart enough to go after a job in the old-fashioned way. If you have even the vaguest idea of what I’m trying to say, let it show when you ask for a job. For both our sakes, get eager, get an attitude, will you?”

As an employer for many years, I will mention what I feel are two of the most important traits that will greatly assist anyone in getting a job. The first is personal appearance. All of us are attracted by cleanliness. And equally we are repelled by an unkempt appearance. The quality of one’s appearance reveals not only his physical attitude towards himself, but his mental attitude towards himself and people that he will associate with.

The second most important quality most employers look for is proper attitude. When a job-seeker walks into my office, I study his attitude, not so much the job skills he brings. Those he can learn. But when he brings in a positive attitude-one that says, ” I am teachable and eager to learn.” He will score many points over a more “skilled” prospective employee.

Remember, you are a seller and the employer is a buyer. Before applying for an interview get assistance either from someone familiar with interviews or read a book on job interviewing techniques. That help may just get you the job you are seeking. Happy hunting!