For all you folks looking for a job this summer:
I have owned and operated my own business for 10 years now. I have had to hire, fire, review, interview, recommend, reprimand, encourage, train, demote, and promote dozens of people. With that experience in mind, and as a service to the many young MAPpers I see asking/posting about jobs and job interviews, I would like to offer a view from the "other" side. Here are some things that business owners will expect and look for, when deciding whether or not they will hire you, promote you, or let you walk....
When to Apply: Apply NOW. (That's NOW, as in right NOW, not later. Today. Instantly.) I have people on my staff now. I have others that I have already trained who are coming back to work for the summer, during their breaks from college. There are only so many good jobs. If you want one, you better start looking.
Where to Apply: Anywhere hiring, as long as you don't have a moral, legal, or health reason for not applying for that specific job. If you consider yourself "too good" to sling burgers at McDonalds, then I consider you "not good enough" to work at my store. I want to hire someone hungry for a job, someone who will appreciate having one, and work hard to keep it. Be assured that I will ask you, during your interview, "Where else have you applied?" This goes for young professionals, as well as summer seasonal hires: when my husband left the military with his Masters degree, he put 185 resume's on the street in two weeks' time. If you don't have a job and you want one, then looking for a job should be your job. Start at 9 am and work at least until 4 each day, as if you were on the clock.
Getting ready to Apply: Even while you are looking for a job, please think about these basic rules:
1. Dress well. Act well. You will never get a second chance to make a first impression. If you are asking for applications, and the owner/manager happens to see you, you might already have given him all he needs to know to decide whether or not your application is worth a second look. I had one young lady stand with her arms folded, back-biting her mother (who was also in the store at the same time), all the while asking about openings. She handed in her application, and I threw it out--if she couldn't respond to her mother's authority, I knew she would never respond to mine. Another young lady came in to apply while I was shorthanded one day. I was working the cash register. She treated me as if I were a lower life form, until she figured out that I would be the one reviewing her application. Needless to say, she wasn't hired. I want to hire people who will treat me, my customers, and my other employees with respect, and who will reflect well on me and my store. Show me that you are this type of individual.
2. Come Prepared: Bring your list of references (at least three, preferably five) with you. Have a driver's license or school ID on hand, along with a Social Security Card, Work Permit, or any other paperwork you might need. You never know....I might offer you an interview on the spot.
3. Learn Something About the Job Before You Apply: Have you ever been in my store before, other than to apply? Do you know what we sell? Where the different sections are? What are our hours? (You should know, because somebody has to work those hours!)
Your Job Application: This is the first real information I'll have about you. I can usually tell just from reading through it, whether or not you are even worth interviewing. I will have a stack of thirty apps on my desk for this month. I have to decide which three to interview, and which 27 to ignore. DON'T MAKE THIS JOB EASY FOR ME. Make me take a second look at your app. For what it's worth, here are some things that I will be looking for...
1. Fill it Our Completely: I designed the application. I wrote it myself. It has questions on it, because I want to know the answers. If something honestly doesn't apply, then put "N/A", so that I know you didn't just ignore it and leave it blank. Don't skip sections.
2. Follow all directions: If you can't follow directions written on the app, I know you'll never follow the directions for how I want my business run.
3. Write Neatly: My business depends on written communications. It is critical that you can write legibly. Plus five points for a very neat, complete application. Minus three points if all the information is there, but it is difficult to read.
4. Past Job History: Fill out the information completely. Answer honestly, even if it isn't that flattering. I will not hire someone who will lie or shade the truth to cover unpleasant facts or circumstances. I will contact any past employers. Don't worry, if they give unfavorable information, I will consider it, but not treat it as gospel. I will always check how long you held each past job. If you have had three jobs, each for two or three months, I won't hire you--this shows me that there is something in your character, and you cannot keep a job. Most jobs have a three-month probationary period. You didn't even last that long, and you expect me to hire you? I don't think so! And I will always ask you, "Why did you leave?" Think about your answers in advance. Beware of saying "Not enough hours". This is the most common answer I've seen written on my apps, and a sure guarantee that I won't hire you. There are more than enough hours for very good employees. I will give my best employees overtime; I will give my slugs less hours. "Not enough hours" was your previous Employer's code for "I really don't want this person working for me any more, but I know someone might sue me if I fire them outright, so I will just drop their hours lower and lower on the schedule until they finally quit." And I don't want to hear how you left because your boss was an idiot. If it was always "your boss's fault", I won't hire you. No, it isn't "your boss's fault" that you lost the last three jobs you've had, all within three months of being hired. It's your fault, because you are a slug, and you desperately need an attitude adjustment. Unfortunately for you, you will be making that attitude adjustment while somewhere else, other than working at my store.
4.a). Past Job History for Those Looking for a First Job: I know what you're thinking: "How can I get experience if no one will hire me, and no one will hire me because I have no experience?" Be encouraged!! Most of my employees are first-time hires. They showed me things, on their applications and in their interviews, that gave me the same information that job experience gives. I look for job experience because it shows me that: a). you can respond well to people in authority over you, b). you are responsible, c). you can manage your time, d). you can manage other peoples' time, supplies, and money, e). you are trust-worthy, f.) you have initiative, and g). you can complete what you start. Take full advantage of any section of your resume/application that can show these same types of qualities, in or out of a past job situation. Examples: Look for any application sections marked "Other Relevant Experience", "Training", or "Other Training", or add such sections to your resume. Type up a list, and attach it to your application. Really, I won't mind, and I'll even read it! Include things such as: Have you done any volunteer work? Have you sponsored or managed an event (school car wash, stage play, charity yard sale). Were you in scouts? Clubs? Have you done any teaching? Ever taught Sunday school or been a school volunteer? What about your martial arts experience? How long have you been doing it?? Having a higher belt rank tells me you can stick with what you start, even if it gets difficult.
4.b). Past Job History for Those in the "Slug" Category in the Above Paragraph: If you really have had three jobs in the last six months, and you left each one because your hours were being cut, do not give up. Your life is not over, but you will have more difficulty getting a job than the person who has never been hired at all. Tell the truth on your app anyway. If you know that your last employer is going to have some unfavorable comments about you when I call them (and I will), then put right on that section of the app, "Please ask me about this." When I ask, don't make excuses. Be up front. I would prefer to hear from you that you were iofftopicture and didn't treat the job with the respect it deserved, rather than hear this from your past employer. Admitting your past failures shows more maturity than covering them up. Be ready to tell me exactly what you will do differently if you work for me, and be aware that I will be watching, to see if you keep your promise to act differently.
5. Your references: Always (always, always, ALWAYS!!!) ask permission to use someone as a reference, before you do. I will ask them, when I call (and I will call your references), if you asked their permission to use them as a reference. You might be surprised: the teacher that you thought would give you a great reference might tell you that they would rather not be a ref for you. Most people will tell you that they would rather not be a reference, rather than agree to be a ref, knowing that they will give unfavorable information when a potential employer calls. You are much better off, knowing in advance if one of your references might give some unfavorable replies.
5.a). Which References to Pick: I don't care how many of your high school buds think that you are a great guy. I want to hear from people who have seen your character. I will ask your references these questions: How long have you known him? In what capacity? Comment on his character? Is he trustworthy? How does he respond to authority? Is he punctual? Does he work well without close supervision? Do you trust him? If your livelihood depended on the people you hired, would you be at all reluctant to hire this person? Think about people who can answer these types of questions, and comment on those qualities that any employer would be looking for. Ask people to be references who are trustworthy themselves, and who have seen you demonstrate initiative, service, trustworthiness, and responsibility. Good candidates are teachers in whose class you have contributed and done well, leaders of any community service organizations to which you belong, and people for whom you have provided babysitting, lawn-mowing, or other services.
5.b). Recommendation Letters: Those employers who require letters of recommendation usually require that they be submitted in sealed envelopes. If needed, get letters of recommendation from people willing to give you copies of the letters that they are sending. The letters they send, and comments they make to me when I call, are confidential: I will not tell you what any individual reference said about you. If someone is unwilling to show you what they are sending in a letter, you can (and probably should) find someone else to give you a more flattering recommendation.
I will add to this thread in a few more sections, to discuss your job interview, your first day on the job, and general work ethics and behavior. Right now, I have to make dinner and help with homework for my most junior "trainees".
How 'bout it, MAPpers? Any other business owners or managers hiring this summer who would care to comment? Anyone have specific questions?
COMING UP NEXT POST: The Job Interview
I have owned and operated my own business for 10 years now. I have had to hire, fire, review, interview, recommend, reprimand, encourage, train, demote, and promote dozens of people. With that experience in mind, and as a service to the many young MAPpers I see asking/posting about jobs and job interviews, I would like to offer a view from the "other" side. Here are some things that business owners will expect and look for, when deciding whether or not they will hire you, promote you, or let you walk....
When to Apply: Apply NOW. (That's NOW, as in right NOW, not later. Today. Instantly.) I have people on my staff now. I have others that I have already trained who are coming back to work for the summer, during their breaks from college. There are only so many good jobs. If you want one, you better start looking.
Where to Apply: Anywhere hiring, as long as you don't have a moral, legal, or health reason for not applying for that specific job. If you consider yourself "too good" to sling burgers at McDonalds, then I consider you "not good enough" to work at my store. I want to hire someone hungry for a job, someone who will appreciate having one, and work hard to keep it. Be assured that I will ask you, during your interview, "Where else have you applied?" This goes for young professionals, as well as summer seasonal hires: when my husband left the military with his Masters degree, he put 185 resume's on the street in two weeks' time. If you don't have a job and you want one, then looking for a job should be your job. Start at 9 am and work at least until 4 each day, as if you were on the clock.
Getting ready to Apply: Even while you are looking for a job, please think about these basic rules:
1. Dress well. Act well. You will never get a second chance to make a first impression. If you are asking for applications, and the owner/manager happens to see you, you might already have given him all he needs to know to decide whether or not your application is worth a second look. I had one young lady stand with her arms folded, back-biting her mother (who was also in the store at the same time), all the while asking about openings. She handed in her application, and I threw it out--if she couldn't respond to her mother's authority, I knew she would never respond to mine. Another young lady came in to apply while I was shorthanded one day. I was working the cash register. She treated me as if I were a lower life form, until she figured out that I would be the one reviewing her application. Needless to say, she wasn't hired. I want to hire people who will treat me, my customers, and my other employees with respect, and who will reflect well on me and my store. Show me that you are this type of individual.
2. Come Prepared: Bring your list of references (at least three, preferably five) with you. Have a driver's license or school ID on hand, along with a Social Security Card, Work Permit, or any other paperwork you might need. You never know....I might offer you an interview on the spot.
3. Learn Something About the Job Before You Apply: Have you ever been in my store before, other than to apply? Do you know what we sell? Where the different sections are? What are our hours? (You should know, because somebody has to work those hours!)
Your Job Application: This is the first real information I'll have about you. I can usually tell just from reading through it, whether or not you are even worth interviewing. I will have a stack of thirty apps on my desk for this month. I have to decide which three to interview, and which 27 to ignore. DON'T MAKE THIS JOB EASY FOR ME. Make me take a second look at your app. For what it's worth, here are some things that I will be looking for...
1. Fill it Our Completely: I designed the application. I wrote it myself. It has questions on it, because I want to know the answers. If something honestly doesn't apply, then put "N/A", so that I know you didn't just ignore it and leave it blank. Don't skip sections.
2. Follow all directions: If you can't follow directions written on the app, I know you'll never follow the directions for how I want my business run.
3. Write Neatly: My business depends on written communications. It is critical that you can write legibly. Plus five points for a very neat, complete application. Minus three points if all the information is there, but it is difficult to read.
4. Past Job History: Fill out the information completely. Answer honestly, even if it isn't that flattering. I will not hire someone who will lie or shade the truth to cover unpleasant facts or circumstances. I will contact any past employers. Don't worry, if they give unfavorable information, I will consider it, but not treat it as gospel. I will always check how long you held each past job. If you have had three jobs, each for two or three months, I won't hire you--this shows me that there is something in your character, and you cannot keep a job. Most jobs have a three-month probationary period. You didn't even last that long, and you expect me to hire you? I don't think so! And I will always ask you, "Why did you leave?" Think about your answers in advance. Beware of saying "Not enough hours". This is the most common answer I've seen written on my apps, and a sure guarantee that I won't hire you. There are more than enough hours for very good employees. I will give my best employees overtime; I will give my slugs less hours. "Not enough hours" was your previous Employer's code for "I really don't want this person working for me any more, but I know someone might sue me if I fire them outright, so I will just drop their hours lower and lower on the schedule until they finally quit." And I don't want to hear how you left because your boss was an idiot. If it was always "your boss's fault", I won't hire you. No, it isn't "your boss's fault" that you lost the last three jobs you've had, all within three months of being hired. It's your fault, because you are a slug, and you desperately need an attitude adjustment. Unfortunately for you, you will be making that attitude adjustment while somewhere else, other than working at my store.
4.a). Past Job History for Those Looking for a First Job: I know what you're thinking: "How can I get experience if no one will hire me, and no one will hire me because I have no experience?" Be encouraged!! Most of my employees are first-time hires. They showed me things, on their applications and in their interviews, that gave me the same information that job experience gives. I look for job experience because it shows me that: a). you can respond well to people in authority over you, b). you are responsible, c). you can manage your time, d). you can manage other peoples' time, supplies, and money, e). you are trust-worthy, f.) you have initiative, and g). you can complete what you start. Take full advantage of any section of your resume/application that can show these same types of qualities, in or out of a past job situation. Examples: Look for any application sections marked "Other Relevant Experience", "Training", or "Other Training", or add such sections to your resume. Type up a list, and attach it to your application. Really, I won't mind, and I'll even read it! Include things such as: Have you done any volunteer work? Have you sponsored or managed an event (school car wash, stage play, charity yard sale). Were you in scouts? Clubs? Have you done any teaching? Ever taught Sunday school or been a school volunteer? What about your martial arts experience? How long have you been doing it?? Having a higher belt rank tells me you can stick with what you start, even if it gets difficult.
4.b). Past Job History for Those in the "Slug" Category in the Above Paragraph: If you really have had three jobs in the last six months, and you left each one because your hours were being cut, do not give up. Your life is not over, but you will have more difficulty getting a job than the person who has never been hired at all. Tell the truth on your app anyway. If you know that your last employer is going to have some unfavorable comments about you when I call them (and I will), then put right on that section of the app, "Please ask me about this." When I ask, don't make excuses. Be up front. I would prefer to hear from you that you were iofftopicture and didn't treat the job with the respect it deserved, rather than hear this from your past employer. Admitting your past failures shows more maturity than covering them up. Be ready to tell me exactly what you will do differently if you work for me, and be aware that I will be watching, to see if you keep your promise to act differently.
5. Your references: Always (always, always, ALWAYS!!!) ask permission to use someone as a reference, before you do. I will ask them, when I call (and I will call your references), if you asked their permission to use them as a reference. You might be surprised: the teacher that you thought would give you a great reference might tell you that they would rather not be a ref for you. Most people will tell you that they would rather not be a reference, rather than agree to be a ref, knowing that they will give unfavorable information when a potential employer calls. You are much better off, knowing in advance if one of your references might give some unfavorable replies.
5.a). Which References to Pick: I don't care how many of your high school buds think that you are a great guy. I want to hear from people who have seen your character. I will ask your references these questions: How long have you known him? In what capacity? Comment on his character? Is he trustworthy? How does he respond to authority? Is he punctual? Does he work well without close supervision? Do you trust him? If your livelihood depended on the people you hired, would you be at all reluctant to hire this person? Think about people who can answer these types of questions, and comment on those qualities that any employer would be looking for. Ask people to be references who are trustworthy themselves, and who have seen you demonstrate initiative, service, trustworthiness, and responsibility. Good candidates are teachers in whose class you have contributed and done well, leaders of any community service organizations to which you belong, and people for whom you have provided babysitting, lawn-mowing, or other services.
5.b). Recommendation Letters: Those employers who require letters of recommendation usually require that they be submitted in sealed envelopes. If needed, get letters of recommendation from people willing to give you copies of the letters that they are sending. The letters they send, and comments they make to me when I call, are confidential: I will not tell you what any individual reference said about you. If someone is unwilling to show you what they are sending in a letter, you can (and probably should) find someone else to give you a more flattering recommendation.
I will add to this thread in a few more sections, to discuss your job interview, your first day on the job, and general work ethics and behavior. Right now, I have to make dinner and help with homework for my most junior "trainees".
How 'bout it, MAPpers? Any other business owners or managers hiring this summer who would care to comment? Anyone have specific questions?
COMING UP NEXT POST: The Job Interview