My youngest child is graduating college in a few weeks and after months of scouring the internet, sending out resumes, and interviewing up the wazoo, landed a full-time job which begins this summer.
Can I hear a hallelujah?!
It’s not easy securing an internship or graduating with a job. I’ve seen it first hand as my kids and my friend’s kids were sweating it out waiting to get thumbs up from potential employers.
Back in my day – a long, long time ago – finding a summer job was easy. My first job practically fell in my lap. I seemed to be in the right place at the right time when someone needed help. During dinner at my friend’s house, her older sister’s boyfriend said the receptionist at his furniture store quit and was anyone of us willing to show up Monday morning to fill her spot?
It was full-time job for the summer and he was paying minimum wage. I wasn’t keen on summer school and hanging at the beach sounded boring, and the extra cash sounded peachy. Also, he looked like a young Omar Sharif.
So my hand shot up.
I still had my driver’s permit so my mom had to drop me off and pick me up every day. Bonus, I got to work in a giant blue building filled with beautiful furniture called the Blue Whale, and stare at my boss. It was a wonderful summer.
A friend of mine mentors young adults and often meets with them so they can pick his brain as to how to find a job. He had a few golden nuggets to share:
When your mentor/potential future employer ask you to meet for breakfast at 7 a.m. because his or her day started hours ago, don’t complain how early that is and ask “Are you for real?” and show up like you just rolled out of bed. By all means, run a comb through your hair and tuck in your shirt. No matter how excellent your rapport or how well you believe you two bonded – do not, I repeat, DO NOT call your mentor/potential employer– Big Jim or any other such nickname unless he or she explicitly asks you to do so.
Other things that stand out as the kiss of death for future employment: being late, dressing inappropriately, poor grooming, an entitled attitude, taking forever to order if you’re out for a meal, not following up after the meeting, being overly familiar, and not turning off your cell phone. Get your act together for God’s sake!
Summer will be here soon and whether you’re child is a brand spanking new or soon-to-be high school or college graduate, or just wants to rake in some extra cash this summer, here are some great posts to help you help your kids navigate the interview process and find a job.
3-Step Job Interview Preparation: What to Do Before, During & After an Interview
29 Words You Should Never Say In A Job Interview
What To Say When The Interviewer Asks, ‘Why Should We Hire You?
Biggest Interview Mistakes Recent College Grads Make
How To Find A First Job After College Graduation
How To Stand Out During A Job Interview
Why You Should Help Your Kid Get A Job
13 Tips For Nailing A Skype Interview
College Seniors, Start Looking For A Job Now
4 Silly Mistakes You’re Making On Your Cover Letter
4 Tweaks To Perfect Your Resume – And Score An Interview
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