Tips for Job Hunting ♡

 Since I've started my new job as a keyholder at a retail store, I've learned and noticed a lot of things people do when trying to find jobs and applying. I've given a few tips on my Tumblr blog and to some followers who have asked me, so I thought I'd make a little official Blogspot post about it.

♡ always have your resume up to date
♡ try to avoid putting education information and work experience later than four years
♡ if you do volunteer work, always put that in your resume (it's a bonus)
♡ always have reliable references
♡ never put your parents, siblings, significant other, etc. as a reference
♡ if you don't have a former employer, use your teacher
♡ if you aren't doing well in any classes, use your best friend's parent and list them as character reference, not 'my besties mom'
♡ if you've never had a job, applying for a fast food place should be one of your first options; three months at a McDonalds will open a lot of job opportunities because you learn customer service and other skills needed in retail (my very first job was at a Wendy's (ick!) but you have to start somewhere)
♡ make a day out of job hunting, don't go to the mall with your friends and just ask for application
♡ dress professionally as if you were ready to work if you were hired on the spot
♡ do not wear sweats; do not look like you just rolled out of bed
♡ have references and your resume on hand (be prepared)
♡ be ready to answer any questions if given a mini-interview
♡ don't go job hunting with your friends
♡ do not ask for an application with your friend, boyfriend, girlfriend, etc.
♡ don't walk in with a friend, split up so you can ask for a job application, and meet back up as you leave the store (employees notice this)
♡ if you and your friend want to apply for the same place, you both need to make your own day of job hunting (the chances of you two getting a job while job hunting together will really slim your chances)
♡ employees can tell who's just hanging out at the mall vs. someone determined to get a job
♡ ask what job positions are available so you know what to apply for
♡ if a job application is done online, bring in your resume/references in store and let the manager know that you've applied and wanted to leave them your resume, just in case (that way you can leave a good impression and they'll know who you are when reviewing online applications vs. anonymous applicants)