Getting a Job

This post will go step by step to get a job, not just for the unemployed but for anyone wanting a better job. It can be hard to land an interview with a potential employer let alone get the job you’re striving for. I used to have difficulty getting jobs when I was first applying for jobs with no experience or education. I’ve been working since I was in grade 9. I have had multiple jobs in a variety of industries from IT project management to line cook. Getting a job is a skill like any other. I got an interview at 5 car dealerships, and 5 called me back. I’m not perfect, but I’ve figured out crucial steps to getting any job. 

Step #1 LOOKS MATTER: You don't have to become a model, but first impressions last a lifetime. Make sure that you look put together and presentable. Dress professionally and hygienically. 

Proof: I landed an interview with Mcdonald's. I took this very seriously. I bussed 1 hour to the Mcdonald's in a full dress shirt, tucked in, with a brand new belt and the dress shoes polished up. I showed up 30 mins early, partially because I didn’t know if I could count on the bus being on time. There was 1 other candidate, in a T-shirt and shorts. I knew I was in, long as I follow through with everything I practiced in the mock interview with myself in the mirror. The interview started, and I got nervous, but when he said “You look sharp as fuck”, I calmed down and proceeded with the plan, GOT THE JOB.

Step #2: GO IN PERSON: Print out 20 resumes, and go to every company you want to go to. When you go in SMILE, it signals to them that you are a happy and healthy guy. Ask for the manager or hiring manager, if they say they are busy, then ask for a time when you can come back. If you can see the manager then shake their hand, and smile tell them that you are looking for a job. Point out the things in your resume that make you a good fit. If this is your first job then talk about how you help in school, if you can't then say something about supporting your parents, friends, or community. You can also talk about your ambition and how you would like to start working on it at that company by putting your best foot forward. Try your best to leave a good impression, now take everything you learned and take it to the next company.

Proof: My very first job in grade 9 was just because I came in person without notice. I emailed a couple of web development companies for a job. One of them got back to me. They said they would let me know when I could come in. A couple of days passed no response. I thought it was just a dead-end. My dad said GO IN PERSON, I resisted saying they didn't want a kid to work for them and that I didn't want to inconvenience them. He urged me to go. This was when I was new to Canada. Me, my brother My mom, got on a bus. After about 2 hours of travel, we got to the building. The company was surprised we came and decided to give me an interview. They weren't really in need of developers but ended up getting the job and getting contract work from them for the next 4 years. 

Step #3 THE INTERVIEW. Prepare for the interview, and think about the questions they might ask. Where are you going to be in 5 years? What are some of your strengths and weaknesses? Why would you be a better fit than other candidates? If they ask those questions, have an answer prepared.If you stutter, practice in front of your family and friends, or in front of the mirror. Keep repeating this until you KNOW you are prepared. They will always hit you with a weird question, just answer the question best as you can. If you mess up one interview, the next one will be better. Fake it until you make it.

Proof: Practice makes Perfect. Before my very first interview, I researched questions and wrote answers down. When the employers asked me questions I already knew the answer, I didn’t have to even think. Nowadays, I don’t really prepare for interviews, because I’ve prepared for many interviews over the years, which has built up my confidence, and question-answering capabilities. I used to get nervous and stutter so I practiced out loud in the car by myself, people looked at me like I was a lunatic, but it worked. 

There is a substantial amount of young people with no jobs, with no guidance on how to get a job. In this article, I've illustrated the steps I have personally taken to get a job. Don’t get discouraged if you get rejected, just keep doing it, that's what separates you from the others. Thank you for reading : )