How To Sell Yourself and Win Employer Overs



A Job Fair for Young People Ages 16 to 21 Sponsored by the Montgomery County Workforce Investment Board s Youth Council and LAYC

School Registration! Business Registration! Tips: Ready, Set GO...How to prepare for a job fair Job Applications The Resume Interviewing Do's and Don'ts Frequently asked Interview Questions How to sell yourself and Win over Employers		How to Sell Yourself and Win Over Employers When you begin applying for jobs, you'll no doubt face competition. Here are some strategies to help you learn: How to build up your work experience How to gain work experience and job references, Know what employers are looking for, and The top reasons people are hired Building Up Your Work Experience When you begin applying for jobs, employers will likely ask What work experience do you have? Employers are more likely to hire someone with work experience and a proven track record - someone who can provide references the employer can contact for information regarding your work performance. Quite simply, employers don't like to gamble. They want to lower their risk as much as possible. And quite honestly, an applicant with no prior work experience or job references is viewed as a gamble. If you're a student or person with no prior work history, you may be asking: How can I get work experience and references employers want for entry-level jobs if no one will hire me without experience? How can I possibly gain a competitive edge over other applicants? By being creative, you'll be surprised to discover the number of ways you can gain work experience to increase your chances of getting hired. Following is just a partial list of possible ways. As you look over the following list, keep in mind experience doesn't have to be paid experience. Non-paid experience can be just as valuable to employers. It's the experience and work record that counts. And references. Good references. back to top Ways to Gain Work Experience and Job References What You Can Do on Your Own: Yard work for others Housework for others Babysitting Pet-sitting or providing dog walking services for others House-sitting or caring for neighbors' homes while they're away Running errands or providing assistance to an elderly neighbor, friend, or family member Providing typing services to others Assisting others with computer training needs Tutoring a neighbor's child Helping a neighbor plant and maintain a garden Assisting a neighbor on a home project What You Can Do Through Your School or College: Volunteering to help with school or college events Volunteering to assist school or college employees Participating in a school- or college-sponsored work experience program Participating in an internship related to your major Participating in a major-related Cooperative Work Experience program offered through the college Serving on a committee Providing tutoring assistance or instructional support at your school or college Providing clerical assistance Volunteering to answer phones, greet and direct visitors, run errands, or copy and collate paperwork What You Can Do Through a Club, Church or Organization: Volunteering to help with an event or fund-raising activity Volunteering to help work on a newsletter - stapling, folding, stuffing envelopes, and labeling Volunteering to provide office help and support - typing, answering phones, copying, and filing Volunteering to work on a phone bank by making calls What You Can Do in the Community: Volunteering at an animal shelter or animal rescue organization Volunteering in a library or school-sponsored children's reading program Volunteering at a nursing care facility Volunteering at a local food bank or homeless shelter Volunteering at a thrift store operated by a nonprofit organization Volunteering to work on a political campaign - phone calling, distributing leaflets, and preparing mailings Volunteering to work on an environmental clean-up or restoration activity Serving on a committee As you can see, there are many ways to get experience! This is just a sample list, and no doubt you can think of many other ideas. No matter what type of work you do, you'll be able to build a list of references. Be sure to ask each person you work with if you can use his or her name as a possible reference. Make note and file the person's name, address, and phone number so you'll have contact information you'll need when you apply for a job. back to top What Employers Look For As you get ready to prepare applications, write your resume, and get ready for interviews, you may be wondering - What are employers looking for? What do employers want? Quite simply, the answer is low-risk employees. Not only are employers looking for workers with needed qualifications, employers are looking for workers who demonstrate the following characteristics: Commitment Employers desire workers who are more likely to stay on the job for a period of time to avoid the time and expense of having to retrain new workers. Employers look closely at the length of time an applicant has worked for other employers, and how frequently the applicant has changed jobs in the past. If you show a steady long-term track record, you'll have an added "edge" among applicants. Reliability Employers desire workers they can depend on to get the work done. Employers look for signs of responsibility. If you have a track record of achieving accomplishments in school, extracurricular activities, volunteer assignments, or previous paid jobs, you'll have an advantage over other applicants. If you're punctual and arrive to interviews on time, you'll have an advantage as well. Employers will only hire applicants they feel will be responsible and reliable on the job. Interest Employers desire workers who have an interest in the job and the company. Employees who enjoy what they do and are well-matched for the job will experience far greater job satisfaction - and will more likely stay with the company for a longer period of time. You'll have an advantage if you display genuine enthusiasm and interest in the job and the company. Compatibility Employers desire workers who are likable and will be compatible team players. Employers look for applicants who get along well with others, and whose working styles, methods, and personal traits seem well-suited for the company. Simply stated, employers look for applicants who will fit in and work well with an established team. You'll have an advantage if you appear friendly, cooperative, and likable - and you project a positive team spirit. Professionalism Employers desire workers who adhere to workplace standards in their communication, dress, and conduct. Employers look for applicants who present themselves professionally in applications, resumes, and interviews. Professional appearance and conduct are a must at all times. You'll have an advantage if you consistently look and act professional. Confidence Employers desire workers who feel confident in their ability to do the work. Employers are attracted to applicants who project a "can-do" attitude, and project confidence in their ability to meet job demands. You'll have an advantage if you project inner confidence in your abilities to get the job done. Perseverance Employers desire workers who can complete job tasks in a timely manner. Employers look for applicants who demonstrate an ability to stick to tasks and complete work assignments by set deadlines. You'll have an advantage if you can demonstrate an ability to stick to tasks and achieve goals through your accomplishments and achievements. Coping Employers desire workers who can work under pressure and manage stress. Employers look for workers who can perform effectively under stressful conditions and maintain professionalism. You'll have an advantage if you can cite examples demonstrating how you absorb and cope with stress, and how you effectively handle stressful situations in a professional manner. Attitude Employers desire workers who help create and build a positive work environment. Employers look for applicants who display a positive attitude toward work and appear to be positive by nature. Simply stated, positive-minded people create a more positive and healthy work environment. You'll have an advantage if you project a positive attitude and spirit! back to top Reasons Why People are Hired According to employers, the following are reasons why employers select and hire applicants: Professional and neat personal appearance Likable; friendly Shows ability to be a good team player Possesses required skills and training Expresses information clearly Has good awareness of strengths and abilities Shows interest and enthusiasm Has clear career goals Demonstrates confidence and poise Does not emphasize money and benefits Shows willingness to start at entry-level Shows tact and courtesy Shows maturity Shows a positive attitude Shows an ability to solve problems Shows respect for the interviewer Displays positive attitude about past employers Displays genuine interest in the company and job Is well-informed about the company and job Makes eye contact with the interviewer Application form is complete and neat Shows sense of humor Arrives promptly for interview Expresses appreciation for interviewer's time Asks questions about the job Gives clear and direct responses to questions Shares things in common with the interviewer Has realistic salary expectations Shows responsibility Has a good work record Shows willingness to learn and upgrade skills Shows flexibility Displays a strong work ethic back to top
		The 2nd Annual Let's Get it Started Youth Job Fair is sponsored by: LAYC, Shapiro & Duncan, Maryland State Department of Labor, Licensing & Regulation, StateFarm (Ray Mensah), Montgomery County's Workforce Investment Board & Youth Council, TransCen, Inc., Montgomery County Department of Recreation, YMCA, Montgomery County Collaboration Council, and MontgomeryWorks
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