Getting a Job
Whether you’re looking for your first part-time job while you are in school or if you are looking for full-time employment, finding a job can be one of the most challenging experiences.
Networking
As they always say, who you know is more important than what you know. Networking is a great way to meet people in your field, industry or just other business professionals.
It’s important to have positive interactions with these people and allow them to see your personality. You want them to think of you when they or someone they know is looking to fill a position.
In the meantime you cannot bank on getting a job just based on knowing people. You are still going to have to do job searches.
Job Searching
Depending on what kind of work you are looking for you can look online on places like monster.com, careerbuilder.com or even Craig’s List. Don’t forget there are still classifieds in your local newspaper – try looking there too. If applicable, check with your school — student services/career services departments are often contacted by local businesses looking to hire.
Resume & Cover Letter
Your resume and cover letter are vitally important to a prospective employer even considering you for a position.
Both should be typed on watermarked paper in a professional font no smaller than size 10 but not larger than size 12. They need to be well written with proper spelling and grammar.
Don’t slack on your cover letter. It is just as important as your resume (if not more). The cover letter is the employer’s first impression of you.
Interviewing Skills
There are a number of things you need to know about interviewing. Without getting into too much detail here are some basics:
- Arrive at least 15 minutes early to any interview.
- Make sure you are dressed professionally.
- Be courteous and use good manners with everyone you meet.
- Use correct grammar and avoid using slang.
- When you are first introduced and when you are leaving make sure to give a good firm handshake.
Things you should bring to an interview:
- Resume & job application (unless you’re filling it out when you are there)
- References (At least 3 – include some professional and personal. Be sure to ask the person before you list them as a reference!)
- A portfolio to take notes
- A list of questions in your portfolio that you want to ask the interviewer
Keep to questions about the organization and the position. Do not ask questions about salary, time-off or benefits unless you are offered the position. This interview is not the time for negotiation.
Job Skills
So you’ve gotten the job… now you need to keep it.
First things first, make sure that you follow all of the organizations policies & procedures. This means when you get an employee handbook… read it! Make sure you’re following the dress code and the phone and internet usage policies.
Another important piece to keeping your job is… doing your job. Arrive on time, stay organized, stay on task… show that you've got a good work ethic.
Make sure that you can get along with your co-workers and your supervisors. There may be times that they drive you crazy, but it is important to work through it and do your job to the best of your ability. Make sure to keep a positive attitude and don’t let them see you sweat!
Taxes, Health Insurance, 401(k)s…
W4s
At a new job, one of the first forms you will fill out is a W-4 – this form lets the government know how much they need to take out of your pay for taxes.
The top half of the sheet is the Personal Allowances worksheet. Line 1 asks if you pay your own bills, food, rent, etc. If so, you should write a '1' in there. If you still live with your parents you will write '0'. Line 2 is pretty straight forward – if you are unmarried, you will write a '1'.
The bottom half is where you get to make a choice on your allowances...
- Claim 2: Less taxes will be taken out throughout the year. In April, you will owe the government money.
- Claim 1: Your taxes taken out throughout the year will be pretty accurate. You will likely break even in April.
- Claim 0: You will pay more taxes throughout the year. In April, the government will probably owe you a refund.
Health Insurance
Most companies offer a health insurance plan to their employees. Generally you will have to wait at least 60 to 90 days to be eligible for health insurance. Some companies may offer a few options for your health insurance plan. It is important to read over all of these documents and talk to your employer’s benefits person or even your parents about what is the best option for you.
Usually your employer will pick up some of the monthly cost for your health insurance and you will have to pay a portion as well. They will take this right from your pay, pre-tax, which is good for you as it is lowering your taxable income.
401(k)s
Most companies also offer a 401(k) retirement savings plan to their employees. Generally you will have to wait 6 months to 1 year to be eligible for the 401(k).
401(k) retirement savings plans are a great way to start saving right away for your retirement. Many companies will offer a 401(k) match. For instance, if you put 3% of your annual pay into your account they will put in the same amount.
Another perk of saving for retirement is that you will again be lowering your annual taxable income. (The government likes when you save for your own retirement.)
Most of these 401(k) plans give you a choice of different mutual funds including stocks and bonds. It is important to talk to a financial advisor about what is right for you. You need to consider your age and what kind of risk you are willing to take with your money.
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