Tips When Applying For a Job
At Choco le`a, we’re now hiring for the holidays and YOU might be the person we are looking for!
We understand that sometimes, it can be nerve-wracking to apply for something new, so we wanted to provide some tips for applying from the employer’s perspective to help you! Disclaimer: This is our tips based on 11 years of holding interviews, hiring, and training in our small business.
Preparation
Learn about the position and company you are applying for and make sure it’s the right fit.
Keep track of work and volunteer experiences, awards, collect potential references, and continuously updating your resume so it doesn’t become one overwhelming project later.
Let family, friends, and others know that you are searching for a job so they can help be on the lookout for you!
Resume
Be honest and be proud of your experiences. Even if you don’t have much or any work experience yet, list volunteer work you have done, or even your weekly responsibilities/chores at home. Employers are looking at your experience…paid or not. What have you tried? Learned? Are you taking initiative to help others?
Read the job description of the position you are applying for and if you have any skillset in particular that you can contribute to the organization, make sure to highlight that!
References
Make sure you contact your references FIRST before listing them to see if they would be willing to answer a quick phone call to answer questions or emails on your behalf.
Give them a heads up of the job you are applying for so they know to possibly expect being contacted and will respond.
List references who will return a voicemail or email. Preferred references are those you had a professional relationship with like a supervisor, manager, professor, or coach.
Interview Prep
Put your preparation time into learning about the organization by reviewing their website, social media pages, or best yet…visit their actual location prior.
List out any questions you have for the employer if you need clarification at the interview.
Video / Video Interview / In-Person Interview
Be yourself. Everyone wants to see the real you, not a fake version that you think they will like.
Dress appropriately for the position you are applying for so they can visualize you in the position.
When meeting your interviewee, smile, be respectful, and listen to questions carefully before answering.
Demonstrate your knowledge about the organization and the research you did prior and how you can contribute to the organization’s goals and mission.
Follow Up
Immediately after your interview, follow up with a thank you email. Someone gave you their time to give you the opportunity so be sure to say, “thank you.”
Applying for a job?
Have peace in knowing that as you prepare piece by piece, and do the best you can, trust the results to God.