If you’re reading this, I assume that you either have had jobs, currently have one, want to get a job, or are trying to quit. Whatever your situation is, I think that this post can help!
I’m going to be discussing my best tips to get a job, how to act when you’re working, and what to do when a job doesn’t work out.
Interviews & Getting the Job
The first step to landing a job is researching and interviewing for it. This is definitely one of the scariest parts. You’re putting yourself out there to possibly be rejected, which is incredibly vulnerable and admirable.
Whenever I’m interviewing for jobs, I like to do my research, which I HIGHLY recommend. Whatever the position is, I can guarantee that you’re going to want to know something about it. This is helpful during an interview because you can tie different concepts of the position in while you’re talking about yourself and your experiences.
For example, let’s say one of the jobs descriptions or motto of the company is being organized. During your interview, you can talk about how you are an organized person, and how you could bring that to the position. You could even say how you saw that organization is very important to their company, and how you could bring your skills in that department to this position.
Another key for interviews is to ASK QUESTIONS. Every interview you go on, the last question you’ll be asked is “do you have any questions for us?” The answer is YES. Come prepared with questions you have for the company. This shows that you’re interested in the position! Some of my favorites are “what does a typical day in the life look like for this position?” Another one could be “what is your favorite part about working for this company?” Prepare ones that work for you!
Professionalism
Alright, let’s say you totally crushed your interview and got the job…congrats! Time for the fun part and where you get to utilize the skills you have.
No matter if you’re working for someone you just met, a huge CEO, or your mom…you need to act professional. Professionalism looks different for each person and position, but what it really comes down to is respect.
Here are some ways you can show professionalism and respect for any position you are in:
1. Do not be late
This is huge. Showing up late is not a good look, and it makes it seem like you don’t respect the time of others. This may not be the case, but always plan to get to work early rather than late!
2. Dress for the part
Each position is going to have different dress requirements. I’ve had jobs with a uniform, and I’ve had positions where I’ve worn leggings and a t-shirt. Find out what your position requires and stick to it!
3. Respect, ALWAYS
It’s so important to show anyone that you work with respect. BUT, there is a fine line between being respectful and being a door mat. Don’t let anyone walk all over you. If something is bothering you, bring it up in a respectful, non-judgmental way.
4. If you’re working with customers, keep the phone away
I used to work in retail where I dealt with customers regularly. It was always a big “no, no” for having our phones out. Yes, it may seem annoying, but it really shows a lot. I can’t tell you how many stores I’ve been in where the employees were on their phones, and I was immediately turned off.
What if it Doesn’t Work Out?
Ah…the dreaded “quit” or “fired” talk. I’ll tell you right now, I’ve been through both.
I worked at a pizza shop during high school while trying to manage dance and school. Not so easy. I was able to manage it for the summer, but during the year it became way too challenging. My boss eventually called me and told me that it just wasn’t working out with my schedule anymore. I knew that it wasn’t a personal reason, so I was okay with it.
I’ve also quit a job, which gave me a lot of anxiety. A few summers ago, I worked as a Specialty Diet Liaison at a summer camp. I won’t explain the whole situation, but pretty much, the position was not meant for me. Being away from home like that in a new culture was extremely overwhelming and too much for my mental health.
I really struggled with walking away. I felt that it made me seem like a failure and that I wasn’t sticking to my word. Leaving a position can be hard because it feels like you’re walking away from something that could potentially be really good for you.
Yes, this position taught me a lot and was great for my career. I was able to still gain benefits from it, without sacrificing my mental health. Quitting DOES NOT equal being a failure. Let me say that again…quitting a position does not make you a failure.
It makes you STRONG. You have the bravery and self-worth to know what’s right and what’s not right for you. We’re not all meant to fit into the same position. If it were that simple, there would only be one job position in the world!
All Experience is Good Experience
Finding and keeping jobs is hard work. It’s okay if a job doesn’t work out that you hoped would. I guarantee that you’re still going to come out with some type of knowledge. Maybe it’s that you now know that you don’t ever want a job like that again, and that’s okay! Life is all a process of learning.
I hope that these tips have helped you and empower you in your next position!
xoxo
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