how do you find a job?

My first job was a summer intern with a tech company when I was a grad student. I got that job by posting my resume on the company's career website . My resume had a college project which the company was interested in. I looked at things studied in college and school and how companies could benefit from it.

Network with people with similar interests as this will lead you to more opportunities. Referrals are also a great way to get interviews. Also get involved in events which are hosted by different employers which interests you.

That is a great question!

I found my first job through a friend, he referred me to the company. My friend found the job through another friend. Basically, talk to people and see if there is an opening.

Finding the job opening is just the first step. Putting yourself out there in the right light is the next. Seizing the opportunity is the most vulnerable part, putting yourself out there to be accepted or rejected can seem like a daunting action, but the benefits and rewards will make it worth it.

Whether you get it or not, wear it with pride and learn what worked, what didn't, what you liked, and what you didn't like.

Have fun with it. Get experience through all types of jobs. I found what I liked by having jobs I didn't like.

I think the key to getting your first job or a job when you are currently without one is to be able to express on a job application or in an interview that you have the necessary skills in order to be successful in the role.   There are a lot of skills in a job that can be learned outside of a job.  For example, communication skills are key in almost any job.  If you are able to illustrate that you have communicated well in school with your teachers/professors and other students through school projects or student organizations, then you likely will present those same skills in a job.  In addition, discipline and hard work will take you far in any career.  If you can show on your application that there is an activity you have worked hard at and succeeded, you will also illustrate discipline and that character trait will be very appealing to a future employer.   Lastly, in order to actually procure a position, I recommend asking friends and friends of friends if their current employers are hiring.  You can also look at job sites online for your local area or create a LinkedIn profile if you're looking for a professional position.  A LinkedIn profile is free and will allow you to view available positions and connect with those in the field you are interested in.

Hi Lily!

Welcome to the group!

Are you looking for a job as a student, or are you talking about trying to get your first professional position?

Take pride in yourself! Dress appropriately, make sure there are no mistakes on the application/resume. If you are filling out an application in person (yes, there are still a few places that do this!) have a pen, and all the addresses and phone numbers for your references. You should not have to ask to borrow anything to complete the application!

Go to job fairs. It gives you a chance to get face to face with the recruiters. Take their business cards. Follow up with an e-mail afterwards. This talking is good practice for later interviews.

Identify your skills! Don't just say you were a member of an organization, explain what you did. Did you work a soda stand? (cash handling and customer service) Organize a car wash, scheduling workers for different time slots? (planning and organization) Participate in sports? (dependability - showing up for practice; commitment - staying with it till the end; teamwork ). Ask yourself, which is more convincing, saying " I am dependable" or "Very dependable - showed up for band practice every morning throughout summer vacation"? You never want to lie, but you do want to learn the art of spinning words in such a way as to showcase what it is you have to offer!

On your resume, once you create a "master" one, you will want to "tweak" it when applying to jobs. For example, if a job description calls for record-keeping or data entry skills, and you didn't mention this in your resume, try to find a way to work it in (if you have done it) . I recommend the site resumebuilder.org for building a resume. It is very versatile, and free if you have a student ID or library card.

On a professional level, cultivate positive relations with your professors. You will likely need them as references. Try to get an internship. Join professional organizations. I'm not sure what kind of work you are looking for, but you will meet people from all different types of jobs if you join Toastmistress organization. In it, people meet to practice their public speaking skills!

Hope this has some useful tips. Feel free to come back with more questions!

Kim