Job Advice For Young Adults

Posted on November 8, 2010 
Filed Under Fathering, Parenting

Just last night our 14 year-old daughter expressed her desire to find work – not yet, but maybe in the next year. We’re not pushing that, but she has developed some financial goals and I’m certainly agreeable if she gets the right job. She’s got a terrific personality, a lot of energy and enthusiasm – I’d hire her!

Of course, the current economic environment has left many unemployed, and that is also adversely  affecting the job market for young adults. It takes a lot of hard work and competition, especially for entry-level work, is rather fierce. That’s what one of our boys is presently up against. Off an an adventure to Portland, Oregon, our second son has been actively looking for a job. As he put in applications and went through interviews these past weeks, I collected some thoughts on paper to help him understand the process and have a better chance of success. Here’s some of that advice; I’ll post more later. For now, quick perspectives on preparing for an interview:

• Know what your past jobs have been, and think through what you liked about each – and how you grew through the experiences (job interviewers want to hire individuals who grow and learn, who adapt, who are positive thinkers).

• Know what your previous employers thought of your work.

• Know what you want in a job (room to advance, flexible hours, a chance to contribute).

• Have some ideas about how you’ll answer some of the standard interview questions.

• Know when, if hired, you can start.

• Also, have two or three questions ready – ask about the future potential of the job/company, what the employer values most in an employee, or perhaps how long folks who have this position usually stay in that role.

• Be ready to answer a question about your future goals. This could very well come up, and you’ll want to give a reply that shows you have plans, but that this job fits into them (somehow).

• Research the company and the job. Find out (from the company’s website, current or past employees, news stories) what the organization is all about, what it values, how it measures success.

• Learn anything you can about the job – what does it require, entail and encompass?

This is a short list, and I’d welcome your additions.

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