The art of finding and getting a job

Good morning! Today let’s discuss how to go about seeking a job and doing a good interview. As our nonresident workers begin to exit, we must prepare ourselves to take over. So I wish to share some basic tips on how to snag that job.

Consider the word JOB. It should stand for Joy Of Being. It should be an activity in which we enjoy our creativity. However, for too many of us, it represents a hell or a purgatory, and we cannot wait to get away from it. How sad to waste the most precious hours and days in such a condition! But you know, it doesn’t have to be so. We can change it.

There are several reasons why we look for a job. We want to earn money to pay for our living expenses and to buy the things we want. In a job we meet and mingle with other people. We make new friends and enjoy other people’s company. Also when we do a good job we create a sense of self-worth and feel pride. But if we are going to get a good job we must plan for it.

Are we going for a job that requires skills? Many jobs require formal education or special training. Or are we applying for a job that does not require any special skill? Whatever job we seek we must be serious enough to try to keep it and grow in it. If not, step back and think about what we really want to do.

Why is a job application important to an employer? The application forms are designed to help an employer spot an applicant’s experience or lack of it and other flaws. It is designed to also eliminate all but the most qualified applicants. It’s called “screening out applicants.”

If you have an opportunity, visit the company and learn what it does and other things about it before going on an interview. Here are some rules to follow in ensuring a good impression application:

1. BE NEAT AND COMPLETE AS POSSIBLE. Neatness makes a positive impression while a messy application makes a negative one. It shows that we pay attention to details, are careful with our work, follow directions and are willing to make an extra effort. Read and follow all instructions carefully, fill each section completely and do not leave blank spaces.

2. BE POSITIVE. Positive attitude serves us well in every aspect of our job search. Make sure we include positive things that we have done or can do. If negative things seem unavoidable, include the positive things that we have acquired. Make sure we show or explain our skills to employers to make them want to meet us.

3. BE CREATIVE. Look at each space on our application form as an opportunity to present our skills and abilities. Avoid wasting words. Make each word count.

Some of the items we should consider as we fill out our application form is to specify the position we desire. State our salary expectation. Indicate future goals. Put in our education background. However, minimize health problems, school problems, marital problems, legal problems, and any financial problems. Be positive! Never say: “I will do anything.” That is a big NO, NO!

Most employers desire employees that possess the following basic skills:

1. Knowing how to learn: This is known as the concept of lifelong learning. Employers spend a lot of money in training on the job. Take advantage of this opportunity by a willing attitude for learning while on the job.

2. Reading, writing and computation skills: If we are weak in these skills we will have trouble learning and will not function well in most jobs. Employers are constantly increasing their demands on employees to improve their education.

3. Listening and oral communication skills. According to a recent poll: The average person spends 8.4 percent of his time in writing communications, 13.3 percent reading, and 23.3 percent of his time speaking, but he spends 55 percent listening. Employers will promote employees who improve these skills.

4. Adaptability: Be flexible and adapt to situations. Keep pace with advances made because of modern technology.

5. Personal management: You must develop and maintain a high standard of self-esteem, goal setting, motivation, personal and career development. It is important and necessary so that we take pride in what we do and our work.

6. Goal setting: This helps motivate us to achieve the employer’s objectives.

7. Group effectiveness: This is the ability to understand and practice teamwork, negotiation and interpersonal skills. Knowing how to work effectively in groups is the foundation of successful and modern organizations or enterprises

If you are currently employed take a minute to do a “workplace basic skills” self-analysis. You will be surprised what you may already have and also see how to improve yourself. Getting and holding a job requires a lot of self-discipline.

If we wish to get a promotion and earn a higher wage, we must prove ourselves to the employer. He is always looking for better and higher performance and will pay for it. Think about it. Why do some of our friends get ahead and we don’t?

Here are some “killer interview questions.” These pose the most trouble for the majority of hob seekers. I strongly advise that we develop answers to these questions and practice them until we feel comfortable:

1. Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?
2. Why should I hire you?
3. What are your strengths?
4. What do you consider to be your major weakness?
5. Why do you have interest on this field?
6. Why did you select this company?
7. What are your future plans?
8. How much do you expect to be paid?
9. Why did you leave your last job?
10. How much related experience do you have?
11. What will your reference say about you?
12. What do you like the best/least about your last job or schooling?

What does an employer expect from us as job seekers?

A. Do we present ourselves well during the interview? How we look and how we act tells an interviewer about our self-respect. Dress and groom well but not lavishly as though we were going to a party. The best rule to follow is to dress as you think your supervisor would dress. Practice a firm handshake. And look the employer in the eye with confidence.

B. Have good posture and personal habits. Posture is another way to give a positive clue about ourselves. If we sit in an interview, sit up straight or lean forward a little. Don’t slouch in the chair or put your legs up. Look interested.

C. Try to keep our hands still. Don’t gesture a lot, or use nervous habits. Smile when we get the chance. Don’t chew gum or betel nut. Don’t smoke even if the employer says it is okay to so do.

The above suggestions are useful to anyone whether presently employed or looking for a job. Trust me, jobs are available but we must sell ourselves when we apply for one. Competition is extremely keen, and we will lose if we don’t prepare ourselves.

The above suggestions if applied will also get us promotions and an increase in wages. Look for opportunities in your present workplace. Volunteer to go beyond what is required of you. It is rare that an employer doesn’t recognize positive actions.

As an employer for over 48 years, I have seen many of my employees advance because they practiced positive attitudes. And sadly, I have also had to let go employees who stagnated in their jobs and stopped progressing. Remember change is constant and unless we change with it, we slip and become replaceable. Consider the above suggestions in your present job and measure your performance against them.

Successful job interviews are studied and when preformed well will get you the job of your choice. Have a great day!

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