The first step, then, in a job-hunting campaign is to make up a personal inventory of your assets. This can be done either by memorizing your inventory or by having it in written form. The important thing is to have all pertinent data handy when needed. Not all employers will be interested in the same information about you. Their methods can be as varied as their personalities. What they will want to know depends largely on their experience with other prospective employees.
One employer will regard education as the principal criterion upon which to base a decision and will question you about the courses you have taken, the marks you received and your general interest in school work. Another employer may feel that your previous experience and work record, together with a list of former employers and the kind of work you did, are of more importance. A third may take the view that extra curricular activities and hobbies reveal more about an applicant than any other information and will ask more questions about these. And still another may want to know more about family background and personality.
Since you cannot know until you are at the actual interview what will be required of you, it is best to be prepared with answers to different kinds of questions. It can make the difference between success or failure in securing a position.
Review your assets and liabilities for the work you would like and can do. Remember that your best chance for success is when you select the job that is right for you. Following are some good tips for a systematic campaign for getting and holding a position:
- Take stock of yourself.
- Prepare an effective resume or job summary.
- Consider job requirements and how well you can meet them.
- Know where to look for a position.
- Write a good covering letter.
- Be prepared for the interview.
Although specialized knowledge and skill are a "must" in applying for some jobs, many personnel experts place 75 to 85 percent of the emphasis on such qualifications as appearance, character, intelligence, dependability and attitude, when considering a new applicant. Experience is of course valuable, but it cannot substitute for such personal characteristics as honesty, the ability to work and get along with others, resourcefulness and initiative. There are many people who are experts at their chosen occupations, who &il to advance because they lack one or more of these personal qualities. Employers are very much interested in those who possess these qualities.
Self-Appraisal of Your Potential
Employers are likely to be skeptical about those who claim to be superior or special. A person who claims he can do ''anything" may prejudice a prospective employer adversely. Such an employer wants to know exactly what you can do and how you can fit into the organization.
In evaluating yourself, therefore, it might be an idea to make a detailed, realistic inventory of your qualifications, interests, and even your limitations. You might commit these to memory or writing in the form of some simple, direct questions which you can answer when asked. These are
- What jobs have you held previously?
- What did you like and dislike about them?
- What specific skills do you possess? (For exam ple, the extent of your technical background.)
- What has been your education? How does it qualify you for a particular job?
- What are your interests?
- Have you any special talents or aptitudes? (For example, in music, painting, writing, sports.)
- What physical condition would limit you in any way?
- What kind of job do you really want?
Except in certain instances, specialized skills and prior experience are secondary in considering a new applicant for a job. Orientation periods, on-the-job training programs and apprenticeships are some of the ways in which many businesses and industries provide opportunities for new employees to acquire skills and experience.
Practically all jobs make some physical demands, so that most companies require candidates to pass a physical examination. It results in the certainty that an employee will be placed in a job that is in line with his or her physical capacities. Good health is essential to good work performance, so make sure that you can meet the physical requirements of the job you seek. Personal appearance is important. It is a factor stressed by most employers when considering an applicant. Neatness, cleanliness, good manners and a friendly, cooperative disposition make for a pleasant and presentable personality. The disheveled or "not- quite-put-together" look gives employers a first impression of sloppiness or irresponsibility. They want dignified and responsible people in their businesses and will expect these qualities to be reflected in the appearance and actions of all employees. Employers respect young men and women who show a sense of propriety and good taste in dress and bearing.
