Once you have completed your education, the next step is to get a job. It certainly takes time to build a career you believe you will enjoy the most. Never forget, there are ways to receive assistance from mentors who will support you in thriving with the rigorous procedures of preparing and succeeding in the workplace.
The OASIS program at Pace University, where I received extra support during college, established a work readiness model that trains students with learning differences in the process of getting employed and maintaining a job. I participated in employment readiness workshops when I was an upper sophomore and senior. There are programs outside of a school setting that will assist you in preparing for entering the workforce. I would recommend enrolling in one, as the training I received from my internship/career counselor and employment skills coordinators has greatly benefited my success. Below are some of the lessons I soaked up:
Job Searching
Indeed and LinkedIn are two websites I have frequently exploited. LinkedIn is my favorite because it enables people to connect with innumerable employers from all over the world. Like other social media platforms, you can direct message peers with similar career goals, and employers who work for companies that might interest you. I would recommend including all of your positions even as you update your actual resume. While searching, read the guidelines thoroughly to ensure you are a good fit and that you have fulfilled the job’s requirements. Apply for jobs you think you will have fun with. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, I encourage you to build one. Many applicants are advised to include their LinkedIn profiles on their resume.
Resume Building
Resumes are one-page documents demonstrating the candidates’ background, skills, and accomplishments. They can be formatted in multiple ways. Always put your name, and contact information on top of your resume. Describe your work history in the middle of your document. Make sure your explanations are concise. Additional things to include elsewhere are your accomplishments, education, and skills. It is important to refresh your resume when applying for new jobs. If you are employed, it is advised to review your resume at least twice a year. You can view mine here as an example.
Cover Letter Writing
Similar to resumes, cover letters are one-page documents that allow you to write in further detail your interpersonal skills, proudest accomplishments and work experience, correlating it to the job you are applying for. Here is a template that explains how to draft a cover letter. It is useful to keep cover letters you have written in the past. You can refer to them when you apply for other jobs that require a cover letter.
Interviewing
Interviews are the opportunity for you to learn about the company’s environment and mission, as well as for your potential employer to know more about you. It can definitely be nerve-racking, but I encourage you to approach it like having a conversation with somebody. Over the course of my participation in the work readiness program, I did mock interviews. Considered to be practice interviews, they enable you to be ready for the real one. Another strategy that I have developed when getting ready for interviews is the Computer Interview Practice (CIP). I open a compiled list of questions that are generally asked by an interviewer as well as a list of questions you can ask at the end. One question at a time, I practice verbally communicating concise answers. The PDFs that I attached are the same list of common interview questions that my career counselor distributed to me. When you go to the interview, you should dress in business attire. While speaking and listening, try to make eye contact and have good posture. If you look away and slouch, it can tell the interviewer you don’t have interest in the job.
Accepting rejections
Getting rejected happens and it is irritating. After it eats at you, the only option is to move on and keep following the same steps you have done before. Taking a walk is a helpful way to persevere with the frustration. If you wish to treat yourself to a pizza party or tasty meal, go for it. Celebrating all of the hard work you put in to get this far can potentially lighten you up when something does not go the way you expect.
Internship/Part Time/Full Time Employment
CONGRATULATIONS! You are now getting work experience. Your new job could be paid or unpaid. Either way, this is an opportunity that can help you enhance your work ethic, administrative, time management, and adaptability skills. When I interned for my grandfather’s organization, I had to do a lot of documenting and data charting. Despite it being boring most of the time, this was a chance for me to improve my skills with Microsoft pages. Regardless of what job level you are in, you will be asked to do assignments that may seem tedious. Treat it as if it is your passion and you are working on mastering a skill that will improve your ability. Practice makes perfect.
Maintaining the job
These are my top favorite tips to perform your job successfully:
- § Be punctual. Your colleagues will feel appreciated when you show up on time. Tardiness is a common problem and every organization will have a different tolerance policy about it. If you are running late because of unpredictable circumstances, do what you can to notify your supervisor.
- § Be disciplined. Issues come up that can possibly prevent you from completing a task. It is annoying and nobody likes it. I firmly believe that if you are assertive about your approach to these outcomes, those around you would be more than happy to succor you and change the due dates for your assignments.
- § Be a good teammate. Being a good team player means actively listening, adapting to different perspectives, asking for clarification if you don’t understand something, and being ready to help when needed. Being a good team player shows you have the ability to work with others. It can lead to building friendships, and new career opportunities. When I was working at Camp Havaya as a counselor, I utilized the insight my colleagues and supervisor gave me when planning evening activities and accompanying campers to other locations.
- § It is natural to feel tired when you have had trouble sleeping or felt nervous. Staying hydrated is helpful. I like to squeeze a ball in my hand and stretch my arms occasionally.
- § Most importantly, HAVE FUN. Every day that you have in your job is a precious day. In the blink of an eye, you will feel regretful if you don’t enjoy the work you have signed up for.
I hope that these guidelines have given you a stronger idea of what to expect when you walk into the world of employment. I encourage you to do your best to find and get involved with a work readiness program that you believe will give you the most support with your career goals and future endeavors. There is a business out there that will be more than lucky to have you to be a part of their team because you have a lot to offer.
David Sharif 