Becca posted on Snagajob’s Facebook asking for advice on a tough situation:
“I am seventeen almost eighteen next month. i have a five month old son who i am trying my best to take care of but for some reason nobody wants to hire me. So i come to yu guys i try and fill out as many applications as possible but nothing ever happens can you guys please help me out? I am so desperate for a job.”
Balancing your job search with your family definitely is challenging – but here are some tips that can help you improve your job search:
Find the right jobs
Since you’ll be juggling work with raising your son, you may not be as flexible as others when it comes to scheduling. Make sure you keep your availability in mind when you consider applying to jobs and apply to those you would actually be able to handle – availability matters to employers.
Check your spelling
Make sure that you and a friend or family member proofread all your applications carefully. The job market is extremely competitive right now, and hiring managers ignore applications having spelling and grammatical errors.
Check your Facebook
Hiring managers absolutely are checking up on candidates via Facebook, Twitter and any other social profile they can find. Make sure that your privacy filters are set to show only the information that you want everyone to see. While you’re at it, search your name on Google along with your email address; this kind of search can turn up forum memberships, blog posts and all sorts of information that may surprise you and turn potential employers off. Using a professional email address created specifically for use in your job hunt is a very good idea.
Follow up
Once you’re submitting great applications, make sure you follow up on them. Snagajob member Ashley shared a lot of great tips on following up without annoying your potential employer, and you can check out how to follow up on job applications here.
Interview to impress
An interview is a chance to make a great impression and prove yourself, so don’t waste it by showing up late or dressed unprofessionally. Hiring managers assume that you are putting your best foot forward when you meet them during an interview, so use these four steps to make sure you wow them and nail your interview!
Follow up
It’s not a mistake — follow up is listed here twice. After every interview, send a thank-you note to the interviewer. Even if they offer you a job on the spot, go home and send them a thank-you note. If you are still hoping for a job offer, the note will keep you fresh in the hiring manager’s mind. And if you’ve accepted a job, the note will create a great foundation for your new job. You’ve put in the hard work so far, so send a carefully written thank-you note and leave a lasting impression.
Following these steps can give you a great shot at getting an entry-level job, even in a competitive market.
About Amy White
