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how to get a job

C

CaptJoshGrizzly

Mar 28, 2010
7
0
#1
thought talkbass was about due for a thread that actually helped people succeed.

so there's a lot of people who could do a lot more with music if they had the money for it, but in today's world, it's pretty difficult to land even a part time job at McDonalds, at least in my experience, I've tried twice at one location with no avail.

so how about it, share tips on how to land a job.

& no the simple asking someone there for a job doesn't cut it anymore. also it's pretty discouraging filling out a long application and not being called back, but this is where perseverance comes to play.

here's my contribution. i walked into a FYE (For Your Entertainment) store and asked the clerk if I could have a job there, and his co-worker gave me a great tip.

ask for the manager, shake his/her hand and then ask, they're the one's that do the hiring after all.
 
#2
Go in and talk to people, preferably someone who actually has a say in who is hired.

Also, get someone to teach you how to properly fill in applications and have someone at a careers center or job center go over your CV with you.

Never had any problem getting regular work. Walking in and talking is how I managed to get a supermarket job, then a job in a hi--fi shop and then a job in a bar. And that pretty much covers my last 6 years of employment :p .

I know trying to get professional jobs is pretty hellish right now :(
 
#3
Take some interview and resume workshops. They are usually free and you get a lot of helpful information and PRACTICE. When I was doing a lot of hiring, I couldn't believe what people would hand me as a resume. Even of you have little or no experience, put something down!!! Even if it's mostly BS!!! :)

Oh, and wear a belt to interviews. The saggy britches style doesn't cut it in the workplace :D Having people come in to fill out an application, holding the front of their pants up, gets their resume filed in the round bin ;)
 
#5
billhilly66 said:
Improving your written communication skills is never a bad idea. Job applications and cover letters with crappy spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and incoherent or rambling thoughts will get you put at the bottom of the stack.
Click to expand...

^ This is true.

If you get called for an interview, relax. They wouldn't have called if you didn't show promise and they need someone anyway. Look people in the eye and don't be afraid to smile.
 
#9
Look like your interviewer/prospective employer. Generally, your job is not the place to make a visual statement about how "different" you are and, in an interview, consider it the death knell.

There was a thread here a few years back by a guy who was pissed he couldn't land a job with his current haircut. He went on about how it doesn't affect performance, it took so long to grow and that it was part of his identity. In order: true, too bad and sadly pathetic.

If you want a job, LOOK like you want a job. Trim or remove the facial hair (despite what you think, very few can pull it off and still look cleancut), cut the hair to a reasonable length, hide the tats and wear a suit.

Cue the "I got a job without following your advice" posts....

Mike
 
#10
mike_v_s said:
Look like your interviewer/prospective employer. Generally, your job is not the place to make a visual statement about how "different" you are and, in an interview, consider it the death knell.

There was a thread here a few years back by a guy who was pissed he couldn't land a job with his current haircut. He went on about how it doesn't affect performance, it took so long to grow and that it was part of his identity. In order: true, too bad and sadly pathetic.

If you want a job, LOOK like you want a job. Trim or remove the facial hair (despite what you think, very few can pull it off and still look cleancut), cut the hair to a reasonable length, hide the tats and wear a suit.

Cue the "I got a job without following your advice" posts....

Mike
Click to expand...
This is not one of those posts. I have never had an interview where I haven't been offered the job, all I do is follow those interview tips.

lowsound
 
#11
Have a resume that is spotless and technically perfect (I mean not one comma out of place) which presents your background like you're a superstar (no lying, but sell yourself.)

When you meet hiring people, be dressed well and extremely well groomed, smile, be alert and be extremely interested in both them and their work.

Have a superb, friendly attitude that tells people you're open to learning about their work and how you can help them.

Stress your strengths and what you can bring to the job.

When you interview, follow up within 24 hours to see if there are any questions or if there's anything more you can do to help them make a decision.

Get any advice possible from colleges, online references, etc.
 
#12
Before submitting your resume, call and see if you can ask the person who'll be interviewing you a few questions about the role. This lets you tailor your resume to their needs and means that when they see the resume you're not just a piece of paper, you're a human voice on the phone that they've already made some kind of connection with.

Once you get to the interview, ask intelligent questions about the position and the company when you can - interview the interviewer, almost. This shows interest and puts them in the position of selling to you rather than you selling to them. (Don't be too pushy about it though!)
 
#13
mike_v_s said:
Look like your interviewer/prospective employer. Generally, your job is not the place to make a visual statement about how "different" you are and, in an interview, consider it the death knell.

There was a thread here a few years back by a guy who was pissed he couldn't land a job with his current haircut. He went on about how it doesn't affect performance, it took so long to grow and that it was part of his identity. In order: true, too bad and sadly pathetic.

If you want a job, LOOK like you want a job. Trim or remove the facial hair (despite what you think, very few can pull it off and still look cleancut), cut the hair to a reasonable length, hide the tats and wear a suit.

Cue the "I got a job without following your advice" posts....

Mike
Click to expand...

The tattoo thing is a major issue for job seekers, like it or not. I have a full sleave and another one in the works but I work for myself. I see people with tats up on their necks and the backs of their hands coming in for interviews at my friends places of business. While it doesn't bother me, the people (usually women) in the offices, accepting the applications and resumes CRINGE. The last thing someone needs in this job market is a handycap and exposed ink like that IS a handycap.
 
#14
Pilgrim said:
Have a resume that is spotless and technically perfect (I mean not one comma out of place) which presents your background like you're a superstar (no lying, but sell yourself.)

When you meet hiring people, be dressed well and extremely well groomed, smile, be alert and be extremely interested in both them and their work.

Have a superb, friendly attitude that tells people you're open to learning about their work and how you can help them.

Stress your strengths and what you can bring to the job.

When you interview, follow up within 24 hours to see if there are any questions or if there's anything more you can do to help them make a decision.

Get any advice possible from colleges, online references, etc.
Click to expand...

And having a sixpack to share is always a good idea! :D
 
#17
Knowing how to phrase a resume (as well as what points the interviewer might be looking for) is an often overlooked deal, also. Your resume should be fluid to the situation. If you're not sure how your current skill set can be used in the job you're applying for there are few things to consider.
a) you are not qualified for the job
b) you are qualified for the job, but not smart enough to show it (see above)
c) perhaps you should be more open-minded in your approach

Somethings you can't overcome (like a required PhD or military experience, for example), but many things you can. If you're still reading, I'll assume you're not a or b. If you are c, think.

Go and talk to people in the field. Even if they aren't in a hiring position, many people love talking shop. Get a contact and offer to pay for lunch or coffee. Find out what makes the job tick. How did you lunch buddy get the job and advance? what qualities or background does he/she have that mirror your own?

Find similar job postings on the internet. The job description they show will invariably list the skills they value. How many of those cross over?

Many seemingly unrelated fields have a lot in common. You'd be surprised how good retail sales experience looks on a resume when you don't list your responsibilities as "sell as many stereos as required".

Think long and hard about your experience and make it fit the job without bullshitting.

Mike
 
#18
mike_v_s said:
Look like your interviewer/prospective employer. Generally, your job is not the place to make a visual statement about how "different" you are and, in an interview, consider it the death knell.

There was a thread here a few years back by a guy who was pissed he couldn't land a job with his current haircut. He went on about how it doesn't affect performance, it took so long to grow and that it was part of his identity. In order: true, too bad and sadly pathetic.

If you want a job, LOOK like you want a job. Trim or remove the facial hair (despite what you think, very few can pull it off and still look cleancut), cut the hair to a reasonable length, hide the tats and wear a suit.

Cue the "I got a job without following your advice" posts....

Mike
Click to expand...

+1

A razor can be your best friend in the job market.
 
#19
I was the assistant hiring manager at a Mortgage company for some time. Here's my best advice:
Dress nice. No tennis shoes, jeans, etc.
Speak as best as you can. ( No slang.)
Shake a managers hand with a firm grip, signifying confidence.
Offer a resume, even if they're not hiring at that time.
:)
 
#20
It helps if you already have one. Employers hate seeing gaps in employment and are usually more willing to hire someone that already has a job as opposed to someone who hasn't worked in XX months/years. If you can, go work at somewhere you wouldn't even think about working,...telemarketing,...janitorial,...whatever. Fill out an application at every temp agency in your town. Even if you hate it if you treat it with a professional attitude, perspective employers will say,..."hey,...this person is employable and professional". Then in your spare time look for something you'd prefer to do for a living.

If you can't find work that pays,...volunteer. You can put that on your resume and people will say, "oh look this person gets out of their house and helps out those that need. He doesn't sit around posting on internet discussion forums all day long"
 

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