I wanted to pass along a few pointers to the LW community who may be seeking entry-level jobs that I have gleaned from first-hand experience as an interviewer, rather than stuff paraphrased from various Web sites.

The Application

1. Fill out every field.  I mean everything, even if it asks for today's date at the top of the page.  Don't rush.  Leaving out a field, even the date, will show that you do not have attention to detail and do not follow directions.  

2. Write something that will make you stand out.  Most of an application is personal information, but there should be some sort of field somewhere to list experience, skills, etc.  Put anything, even if its being involved in a school club or typing well.  With so many applications, you don't really have a chance if all we know about you is your name.

3. If this is not your first job, be careful what you write in the "Reason for Leaving" or "Reason for Termination" fields.  Things like "didn't like management" or "too difficult job" are red flags.  Think about if you would want someone who left or got fired from a job for the reason that you are writing.

4. Think about your availability.  Don't lie, but make yourself as available as possible.  Seriously, if you can only work from 6-10pm two days a week don't even waste my paper.

5. Use good handwriting.  It stands out.

6. LIST REFERENCES.  Think about who you are going to use as references before you even set out to apply to places.  On a resumé, it is acceptable to put "References Available Upon Request," but if a job application asks for specific names of references, it looks bad if you cannot come up with any.

NOTE: Even though you have heard that its good to call to check on the status of your application, this is not always true.  If you are applying for a very large company, they may receive hundreds of applications, and they do not have time to give you status updates, especially since the hiring manager is also a floor manager with other responsibilities when you are calling.  Consider the nature of the business, and do not call during busy periods.

The Interview.

1. Dress appropriately.  I don't need you to be in a suit (thought it does impress me) but if you look like you are swinging by in the middle of your day to get interviewed rather than something you actually planned for or care about you're going in the "NO" pile unless you really impressed me verbally.  In which case you'll get a "MAYBE."

2. Show personality.  Chances are your job will involve interacting with customers, and we are looking for how you speak and how you carry yourself more than we are evaluating the actual answers to your questions (though some questions are very important).

3. If you are asked how you would deal with seeing a co-worker violate company policy, say "tell a manager."  You will get NO-piled for saying you don't like being a snitch.

4. There is such a thing as being too honest.  "My boss didn't really like me becuase I didn't show up for work sometimes" is not an acceptable answer to how you performed in your last job.  And yes, I have gotten that.

5. Read up about the company beforehand.  It is not uncommon to be asked "What do you know about our company?"  While you will not necessarily be faulted for not knowing much, it is impressive when we see that you did your homework.

6. Be respectful.  I realize that employees become exponentially worse after they are hired, so if you can't even call me 'sir' during the interview I pretty have no chance afterwards of you being a compliant subordinate.

7. Think about what words you are going to use to describe yourself, because you will probably have to.  Also, your strengths and weaknesses.  You could be the tenth person I'm interviewing this day that is "responsible" and "outgoing."

8. Do not be nervous, be natural, be fluid and outgoing, and use common sense.

Good luck!  Feel free to message me with any specific questions.

Post edited at 11:06 pm on Oct. 12, 2007 by penguincube

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this is helpful if you are actually going for a certain job, but not when you're desperate for any job, what are you suppose to do if you can only work 2 days a week from 6-10? just not get a job even if you are desperate for a job? I don't think so I'd still try.

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Just trying to say that you should make yourself as available as possible, even if it means giving up a non-school activity or routine that decreases your availability, because your job hunt will be much more difficult the less available you are.

If you really only can work during such a time slot, look for a type of business that would find that most useful.  A business that closes at 10 may want someone that can work 6-10, but one that closes later generally wouldn't like having someone who can't stay until close unless they have another redeeming factor, such as being able to work mornings.

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one thing that i can say, confidence gets you a lot further than credentials. it's a great thing to have all the experience in the world, but if you go for an interview, you've got to make them feel as if they need you. if you think and believe it, and show it, they will feel the same.

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These are really good tips! But what if you're applying for a job at a small town music store where it's pretty casual and you've known the director for years? Does the dressing formal thing still matter?

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