More often than not, when you hit the introductory section to any category, the paragraph usually starts off by saying, “Congratulations, you are on your way to your job,” or “So you want get a job.” Let’s be honest. If we all had our way, we would be doing anything but work. Heck, if you could, you would rather watch wet paint dry than work. Unless you actually had to do that for a job.
You may need a job for various reasons. Perhaps, you have huge credit card debts from one night of indiscretion at a strip club. Or you have to make rent, eat and pay bills. Maybe you want to build your resume so that you can get a good job down the road so that one day you can retire and watch wet paint dry. Like that New Kids On The Block song, you should take the job approach “Step by Step.” Follow this journey as Jordan Knight (okay, he was the Justin Timberlake before there was Justin Timberlake) and I give you the five steps.
Step 1: We Can Have Lots Of Fun.
If you see the job search as a necessary evil, you will obviously make the job search itself into a job. What you have to realize is that you are most likely qualified and interested in jobs that will be fun for you. For example, if you have a strong interest in art, there might be internships or full-time job opportunities in graphics design. If you are the violent frat boy type who likes to smash beer cans, perhaps you will find your calling with a demolition firm. The point is that you need to know what you enjoy and value (qualities that are important and desirable). Do you enjoy working independently or as part of a team?? Do you enjoy the mental challenges of a job (hmm, was the Number One value meal a quarter-pounder or six-piece)? Do you enjoy a pleasant and peaceful environment or the frenetic and dynamic zoo? These are issues that you should think about as you think about job opportunities. You need to realize that the unemployment rate is at its all-time low and this really is the employee’s market. Rather than settle for a job that you have to get, do some self-analysis and get a job that is fun.
Step 2: There’s So Much We Can Do
When you get a job (part-time, internship, co-op, full-time, or temp), ask yourself what you plan on getting out of this job. Do you see a growth potential with the job? For example, if your passion is to direct movies and you start as a key grip, you can see how this job could provide great learning experience. Even at McDonald’s, you may view your tenure as the “Fries Guy” as the first step towards restaurant management. Think of your job search as a road map. If your goal is to get the highest paying job, then think of a path that would help you reach that destination. If you want to run your own business, pursue an internship with a smaller firm where you can work closely with the founder. The point is that you are young. Unlike laid-off and disgruntled middle-aged workers, you have a whole career in front of you. Just remember step 2.
Step 3: It’s Just You And Me
Okay, step 3 is where we hit a snag because the NKOTB song doesn’t quite fit in. Well, with a little determination, we can make step 3 work. Okay…I got it. All too often, people are influenced by others (family, friends, significant others) and are only seeing a narrow path towards a few career options. Ultimately, this might be the right path for you but that is a decision for you to decide. There are plenty of online resources on our site (coming soon!) and on other sites such as www.wetfeet.com, www.jobtrak.com, and www.vault.com that can give you the inside scoop from other people who have been there and done that. So take all of this advice with a grain of salt and realize that it still comes down to just you. I guess since you are reading this column and following my advice, it’s just you and me. See how this all works?
Step 4: I Can Give You More
One thing that you shouldn’t bring up during the job interview process is the starting salary. That being said, you should have an understanding of what you think you should get paid for your efforts. Why do you not want to ask your prospective employer? The reasons are many but there are two major ones. First, you don’t want to come off as being only interested in money (you may be, but that shouldn’t be the message). Second, you are making an assumption that you already have the job and will come off as being arrogant. Some basic research will let you know what you should be getting paid for your efforts. So if you are given an offer that is less, you can tell your employer that this is not market salary or you can look elsewhere. And in some cases, they can give you more.
Step 5: Don’t You Know That The Time Is Right
Whether you are in high school, college or out of college, you need to get a job. First, you can probably use the money. If you are in high school, any money that you can earn may allow you to buy CDs, go to movies, and buy clothes. If you are in college, you need to pay for books, food, and some illegal habits. And when you are out of college, you will eventually get your financial umbilical cord cut off from your parents and have to move on your own. In all three insistences, the time is right.
The time is right for other reasons as well. Right now, there is such a shortage of young talent that more firms are willing to provide perks, higher pay, and benefits to people with high enthusiasm and less experience. In fact, many firms prefer to hire younger people than those who are decades older as we understand technology, grew up with computers (word processing, net research, some programming), and are cheaper than those who grew up to the Beatles as opposed to those who grew up to NKOTB. For a quick search, go to www.jobtrak.com, www.monster.com, www.jobdirect.com, and www.hotjobs.com. So get your fanny off the couch and start looking.
Final Note:
For my next job related articles, I may title the Job Interview Process as “It’s Gonna Be Me” and Your First Job as “Like A Virgin.” And of course, Life at CampusNut.com as the “Humpty Dance.”
