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How To Get and Keep a Job –Stefan 11/12/99

    Some people these days are not prepared to succeed in today’s "World of Work." I want to say thank you to my mother and the other adults in the past that helped to teach me how to survive and make it in what is now my present. Unfortunately, it has been my observation that many of my contemporaries have not had the same opportunities. This writing is not just aimed at my fellow college students trying to get out into the world, but also to the younger people who do not know where to start and the adults who will hopefully be able to share this with someone who needs to know.

    The first area I am going to address is the interview. This is, in my opinion, the most important part of the entire success process. The first thing to remember is to be on time. As a matter of fact, show up early. It is better to be 15 minutes early than 5 minutes late. Make sure you know how long it takes to get to the interview, just to be safe.

    Also, in this situation, how you look is of utmost importance. Even though I advocate and practice the "look how I want, when I want" policy, there are times when you have to swallow your pride and to what you have to do. This means it’s time to pull the suit out of the mothballs. Khakis, although considered "dressed-up" by some, are not appropriate for the interview. Ladies too, even though you can get away with a lot in other situations, the skirt-suits are what needs to be worn. Don’t forget the stockings. Everyone should try to have a suit/skirt-suit in his or her wardrobe if for no other reason than the situation discussed here.

    The next part if the interview is the presentation of yourself. Your presentation includes your posture, diction (the way you speak), and the organization of your resume. Sit straight up, no slouching. Gentlemen, keep your feet on the floor and hands together on your lap (reduces fidgeting and the look of nervousness). Ladies, it would be nice if you crossed your legs and did the same with your hands (I’ve observed that that’s how people think ‘ladies’ are supposed to look). Your diction should be clear and concise, avoid the use of slang at all costs. I have included another section about resume writing, including a sample.

    Good, if all went as expected, you should now be employed. Now comes the easy part. Keeping a job is not difficult at all. I do not really have a master plan or set of steps for this because each job has it’s own responsibilities and nuances. However, I can share a few tips that helped me through my employment experiences and a few mistakes that I’ve learned from:

1. Always be on time. As a matter of fact, be early if you can. It leaves a very good impression on your employer.
2. Dress nice. Khakis and a button-up shirt at least. Unless it is specifically stated in the dress code that you can wear something else.
3. Leave all personal problems at home and all work problems at the job. It can help reduce overall stress by not adding stress where it doesn’t need to be
4. If something is wrong, or you’re going to be out, always let your boss know. Disappearing is not the best way to keep your job, trust me.
5. Listen to your boss. Try to be good at what you do no matter how little or inconsequential it may seem to you. That’s the best and fastest way to gain more responsibility and move up.

    These recommendations are based upon my experiences and what I have learned over the years. So far, they have worked for me. I’ve been working since I was 14, I’ve only not gotten the job once, and as far as I know all the people I worked for would hire me again. I hope you, the reader, found this essay informative and it helps you, or someone you know in the future. Thank you for taking the time out to read this.