Hello, Clammy-Handed! Obtaining a job is a large step in adulting, gaining work experience, and confidence for the future. Having a job can help develop skills such as communication, critical thinking, task management, work ethic, time management, flexibility, and initiative. However, the modern job market may appear intimidating to young individuals especially those who have never been employed. It is important to remember that your emotions are valid and that there are stable methods of adapting for your job journey. The advice below can provide helpful insight!
- Searching for a job: The search for a job can be hectic but there are multiple methods of job seeking that allow individuals to increase their chances of finding a good job. It is valid to feel nervous, worried, scared, or confused about the process, but a positive mindset can work sparkly magic. The tips below can help in the process:
- Use online websites/ apps such as Indeed, Linkden, etc: These websites are specifically designed to cater to your experience, build connections with different individuals, get you noticed by hiring managers, provide job descriptions, and show jobs according to your location/ preference. These websites also allow you to follow and research different businesses/corporations. Businesses and Corporations also have the ability to offer, communicate, and converse with people who need jobs.
- Reach out to businesses: Reaching out towards corporations and businesses shows initiative and interest. You do not have to wait for a job to explicitly state that it currently seeks new employees, but instead ask if help is needed or offering useful skills which is often perceived as a green flag. Reaching out to businesses signals proactive, transparent, and emotionally intelligent communication. Psychologically, this behavior reduces anxiety, builds trust via openness, and demonstrates commitment to a healthy and mutually beneficial relationship.
- Find a job you love but be open: Finding a job you love is crucial for long-term fulfillment, mental health, and high performance. Inner passion naturally allows individuals to preform better at tasks, increase engagement, and prevent burnout. However ,being open is important because it can increase opportunities for career growth, flexibility, and lead to unexpected passions. Nonetheless, it is important to note that a job should never come at the cost of mental health.
- Read the job description: This step is extremely important when finding a job. Certain jobs have specific age requirements, skill requirements, and educational requirements that can differ. It is important to be aware of your qualifications for your job. If it is an entry level position, or if a certain amount of work experience is required, take note. The description also lists basic tasks of the job you are expected to follow through. If in doubt, refer to to the company email or phone number for more information. Loose ends should be tied up.
2. Applying for a specific job and talking with a hiring manager : Hurray! At this stage you either took the initiative to apply for a job, or a hiring representative took interest in you. This takes you a step closer towards obtaining one. This is a perfect opportunity to express yourself professionally and explain what valuable skills you can demonstrate. Here is some advice.
- Prepare any necessary documents/information: Businesses/managers may require legal ID such as licenses, passports, Social Security Numbers, etc. Businesses will often do this to inspect your legal status, records, and residency/citizenship status in the US. Having these important documents readily available will allow the hiring process on the interview day or first training to go smoother. Additional information may also be required to receive pay. Thus, organization is crucial.
- Utilize a strong Resume: Resumes can help hiring managers view what you as an individual can offer to the corporation. Resumes often include work experience, skills, achievements, level of education, age, and forms of contact. Resumes not limited to people with job experience and listing school activities, nonprofit aid, sports, and hobbies can help your resume especially pair with stated skills you received from the activity (ex: receiving leadership skills from being in the Student Council). Resumes should also lack spelling errors (because they are often distracting), be concise, lack clutter, and should be clear.
- Prepare for any interviews: Interviews are a large factor in first impressions and how an individual can be perceived. Interviewers will ask specific questions to try and see certain responses or use claims against you. Prepping accordingly can help boost confidence and be better perceived. Body language can psychologically affect the interviewer causing certain assumptions (sometimes unwanted) despite the responses (example: If a person being interviewed makes good responses, but looks away, gives weak handshakes, and hides their hands instead of having them open, they may look uninterested or shy which can lower your chances of receiving an offer).
3.Interview/job results: When the result of job interviews are shown, it is important to remember that it is okay to not get the job especially if it is your first job because most first-time applicants do not get hired. It is important to remind yourself that it is ok to be flawed and to process these emotions. However, do not allow one job to deter you from applying to other jobs because everyone has a start somewhere and you are worthy enough.
4. Red Flags in a job: Unfortunately, many corporations carry out unethical practices and behaviors. This can lead to mass dissatisfaction, distrust, reduced morale, self esteem issues, blackmail, and overall self esteem damage. Toxic and unethical behaviors may also entail wage theft, inconsistent pay, unpredictable schedules, forced overtime, insufficient workflow, lack of safety resources, etc. Below are several signs of concerning behaviors:
- A High Turnover status: (high rate of employees leaving): A high turnover status is common in today’s job market because many individuals spend their time moving from one job to another especially in larger corporations (this is normal). However, a turnover status that is high between all ages is a red flag because this signifies a lack of structure in the workplace. The issue may also stem from a toxic company culture, a lack of trust in senior management, a lack of career development opportunities, and reduced productivity.
- Not Discussing Compensation/Pay: When a company barely discusses pay or avoids discussing pay, it is a sign they are looking to exploit their employees. This is especially evident if labor is more discussed than pay. If a company offers to pay you (excluding some internships, externships, and nonprofits because some don’t give pay) they are legally required to pay you in accordance with the Federal Labor Standards Act (FLSA). In the scenario a boss does not pay their employee in the state of Florida, you may contact the Florida Department Of Labor to report the individual responsible for pay. It is also a red flag if hidden fees are included.
- Rushing to fill papers: When a company rushes new employees to sign fine print immediately under pressure, it can signify a large turnover rate. This is especially true if the company provides a consequence for not signing it or refuses to let you properly evaluate your offer.
- Refusing to show you a schedule: Refusing to allow employees to pick a time or provide a solid schedule can demonstrate a lack of respect for the employee. Signs can include being told what time to go to work the day before, being unsure of work hours, and noticing bosses avoid questions about schedules. It can cause financial instability (due to erratic hours) and a lack of respect for the personal life of the employee.
Jobs are life changing for intellectual development. They can help build character, ethic, teamwork, and other valuable skills. However it is important to remember you are a human being with feeling and not some cold machine. You should come first over your job and tasks. It is alright to feel emotions deep within and do everything one step at a time. Stay kind and believe in yourself, Royal!
-Extra love,
Lucy
