How to get a job
How I did it: After getting off of maternity leave and getting my Dr's OK to go back to work in March, I continued my search for a job whole heartedly that I had started in February. I applied to several jobs online and went looking around the neighborhood. After a good start in March, I got four interviews and I got two job offers. I had to turn one offer down because the work schedule was not possible with established day care hours-- I should have looked into daycare at home-- but I didn't have that set up so I turned the job down.
My second job offer was in the beginning of April and I found out that I had to move to a new state. Well, obviously, I couldn't accept a job offer in one state when I was moving five hours away.
I moved in May, and started looking for a job at the end of June. I applied for dozens of jobs, made dozens of calls, got dozens of NO RESPONSES, and finally managed to snag an Interview.
Well, I had two interviews, a drug test, and a background test later to find out that I was not getting the Shift Leader possition, but rather just a team associate position. It was still a job, but not what I wanted, and it didn't start until November, so I kept looking.
It turned out that the lady I interviewed with liked me, and passed my application on to another department in the company that was hiring, and after one interview, I got hired as a assistant manager.
Anything is possible, if you try.
Lessons & tips:
- Online applications are great, but you need to make follow-up.
- Go into stores that you applied online.
- Go into stores that you need to fill out a paper application.
- Call ahead to see if they are hiring.
- Call ahead to see if the manager is in today
- SPEAK to the Manager - do not leave a NOTE with your name and number
- After you submit an application, call back (after 3-7 days) and ask to speak to the MANAGER.
- Refer to manager by FIRST NAME.
- Be confident, and forthcoming with information
- Be calm.
Resources: Careerbuilder, Craiglist, local newspapers, local recruiting agencies.
