by Brittany Emch on April 30, 2010
Part-time jobs at restaurants, department stores and the like all have the same process when it comes to applying for a job. They all ask for applicants to fill out an application. The way in which applicants should dress, act and speak when asking for and bringing back an application adhere to certain preferences. While the way someone walks, talks and dresses make them an individual, I am speaking of a certain attitude one should have in this particular setting. Therefore, when asking for an application and turning in an application, there are some definite rules that aspiring employees should follow, especially when it comes to garb.
Yes please!
It’s important to look nice when asking and turning in an application. These are the employer’s first impressions of you as a hirable employee, so it is important to give them a glimpse into who you are through these first impressions. Men: Wear something decent like khakis and a nice polo or button up shirt, with nice loafers or dress shoes. No suit required. And make sure to trim up that beard, boys… Women: Wear appropriate and business-like clothing such as slacks or a skirt that is at least long enough to hit the knees. Pair this with a blouse and some nice flats or pumps. Men and Women: Stick to dressing in neutral colors—blacks, whites, blues, browns—that aren’t overwhelming, trim finger nails to an appropriate and professional length and comb hair back and out of your face, so that it is tangle free.
No thank you.
The last thing you would want while asking and turning in an application is for the secretary, employee or manager to think you are unprofessional. It’s definitely better to be safe than sorry with your attire when applying for a job. Men: Avoid jeans, t-shirts and cut off shirts. It would show the employer you are unorganized and unprofessional. Women: Avoid stilettos, tank tops and halter tops. Men and Women: Avoid bright colors and crazy patterns, as well as strong cologne or perfume. When it comes to footwear, avoid athletic shoes or any kind of sandal. You should probably avoid mustard stains as well…
With a professional look and a positive attitude, you should have no problem getting that interview.
by Brittany Emch on April 26, 2010
Though we would like to play ultimate Frisbee all day, read books of our choice all night, and make time for eight hours of sleep in between all of that, it isn’t possible while being an employed student. The reality of college life is that there are hours spent daily on textbook readings, writing papers, working so that tuition is paid for, and then class. For some reason I thought I would be much more willing to do work once I was in college. And that is partially true, because what I am learning is applicable to my future career and that glorious diploma.
But overall, there are just a lot more activities cramped into a smaller amount of time. That is the college life, and we are supposed to deal with it somehow. There are some practical things students can do to balance a life of school, work, sleep and play. So why didn’t they tell us these things before we started this kind of life? Because they say we are supposed to learn on our own. They are right in doing this. But now I will tell you some things that have been helpful to me on this journey thus far.
Juggling Work, School and Life
- Addressing procrastination: If I would have realized it was okay to say ‘no’ to friends, then I would have said it a lot earlier and a lot more. But one of the issues (partially) is that there is always a trip to Bubble Tea or another episode of Lost being watched. It’s so easy to make the decision to put off homework until 11 pm. And then when the time comes to do work there is a lack of motivation and an overwhelming presence of drowsiness. For me, the drowsiness usually trumps the little motivation that is there and I submit to defeat once more. The moral of the story is, just say ‘no’ when you know you should go do what needs to be done.
- Having a flexible job is extremely helpful when you are a student. During the weeks when classes are heavier, it is reassuring to be able to reschedule work around big exams and study sessions. The flexibility may rest upon the duties of the job, your employer, and other factors. If working for your school, chances are they are going to be more flexible when it comes to your hours and your schedule around high-stress weeks. Even the fact that you are a student should be proof to your employer that you are a student first, but your job is still important to you. All in all, try to find a job with flexible hours in case school gets too heavy.
- At the beginning of each quarter or semester, create a schedule for classes, work, important events and deadlines. Having this information down in print will be a relief when deadlines are approaching and stress levels start rising. Having a schedule and sticking to it is the goal. If this goal is attained, you have succeeded in self-discipline and organization skills. Juggling classes and work is no easy task, but it is definitely doable.
- Pencil yourself in. Intentionally take time out of your week for yourself. This time should be spent doing whatever it is that you love, or whatever will keep the big picture in mind. Whether it is going for a run, playing a good game of chess or laying in the grass and looking at the clouds, make that time for yourself during the hustle and bustle of the week that requires more work than play.
- Go to bed and wake up at the same time everyday. Doing this will help you get into a groove for your schedule, regardless of what you have planned for the day.
Best of luck to you on balancing the different aspects of your life. Knowing what your priorities are is key. Do this and you will not have to worry about missing deadlines because another area of your life is too overwhelming.
by Brittany Emch on April 23, 2010
It’s 11:45 pm, you’ve got 2 more pages to write, and a grumbling stomach
Do you choose to fight the hunger, or give in to a salty, plastic packaged, artificially flavored Top Ramen? How about neither. A while ago I said it’s time to stop the routine of milk & cereal for dinner—now it’s time to stop the eating Top Ramen late at night. I’ve found some options to fulfill those late night cravings that are fiber-filled and will leave you more satisfied than after eating a Beef-flavored package of Ramen.
When you are craving…
Sweet
Check out 10o calorie VitaBrownies. They’re a great late-night snack, filled with fiber and yummy vitamins that will leave you in satisfaction rather than regret.
Sugary with a Crunch
A delicious bowl of cereal. Avoiding cereals that are high in sugar will be better to eat prior to sleeping, so go for cereals composed of whole grains such as wheat, oats, corn or rice. Add some low-fat milk to your well-portioned bowl (preferably 1 and a half cups of cereal) and you’ve got yourself a great midnight snack.
Salty
Get yourself a snack sized portion of salted popcorn, adding a tablespoon of parmesan cheese to melt on top. Yum! Fat-free popcorn is best for this late night snack.
Fruity
There are tons of fruit options for late night snacks, the most obvious and easy being an apple. But to spice up the traditional apple, cut it into slices and sprinkle some cinnamon on top. Zap it in the microwave for about a minute and you have yourself a fruity, cinnamon treat.
Pizza
Create your own mini-pizza on an English muffin by spreading tomato sauce on one side, melting grated parmesan cheese and a couple tomato slices on top. This is a lot healthier and cheaper than ordering in a greasy pizza.
A Sandwich
The ultimate snack that always satisfies… Who doesn’t love a good sandwich? During one of those late nights, make half of a sandwich with turkey, whole wheat bread, tomato, lettuce and light mayo, creating a satisfying snack.
All of these options are great for late night snacks because they are high in fiber and vitamins that leave you satisfied and not too full. Keeping portions small is key, and also having the ability to recognize when you are actually hungry and when you just think that you are hungry. Have fun with these suggestions! Do you have any of your own late night craving creations?
*Brownie photo by: Dichohecho, popcorn photo by: D3 San Francisco, apple photo by: EverJean, sandwich photo by: WordRidden
by Brittany Emch on April 21, 2010
- Glide in a gondola along Italian canals
- Eat French Fries with a fork in France
- Backpack through Ireland
- Tour the beautiful architecture of Barcelona
- Explore Machu Picchu and “The Lost City of the Incas”
- Learn Arabic in Jordan from native speakers
- Read Tolstoy and Dostoyevsky at a cafe in Moscow
- Hike Mt. Kenya
- Surf the white beaches off the eastern coast of Australia
If these things sound any bit enticing or appealing, then studying abroad is for you! Of course, as you know, earning credits overseas will be more than just surfing and eating crisp and flaky desserts. There are tons of opportunities, whatever your situation, to study abroad. All you have to decide is where on the map you want to go; how far away you want to get. And then decide whether you are up for that country’s food. Vegemite, anyone?
Studying abroad a.k.a. getting the heck out of here!
Why do people study abroad? Because they are thirsty for new culture, life, opportunity and adventure. What do you think? Not only is studying abroad a great way to experience these new things, it actually gives back in return. Here are some ways that studying abroad gives, instead of gets all of our American currency. And also a few reasons why you should study in a foreign country:
- Learn a language. Whether it be Spanish, French, Mandarin, Portuguese or New Zealand slang, studying abroad will give you the opportunity to learn a new language and communicate with a whole new group of people. Be them the many speakers of Spanish, French, Mandarin, etc. Although with Kiwis, you might want to consider keeping the fake accent to a minimum.
- Take those much anticipated adventures during your time off of school. During the weekends take the train to your desirable destination and enjoy yourself. Though in a foreign country, academics can be academics. Meaning redundancy is found on all 7 continents (though Antarctica doesn’t have much going on anyway). Studying abroad encompasses so much more than the academics; it is the atmosphere and setting while studying, and the experience in between studying.
- Understand the life of another culture. This is a lot more broad than the traditional subjects that fall under culture such as food, language and individual habits. It digs deeper into the culture’s thoughts, beliefs and perceptions about life.
- Become globally literate. Understanding a larger scope of the world can be taken advantage of through news, organization efforts, talking to people from other countries and more. But these resources do not compare to going to another country and seeing for yourself what you had previously only heard about. Through education, the high hopes of America are to make students globally literate. And that is why study abroad is so encouraged.
- Develop helpful skills in and outside the classroom. Studying abroad gives students challenges to overcome in the classroom. Whether it be a language barrier, a heavier load or plain discomfort, students receive the opportunity to grow as students and as individuals. Being put into a new setting will challenge study abroad students in a way that forces them to come up with solutions and strategies to overcome difficulties.
- Maximize your hiring eligibility. Since only 4% of US undergraduates study abroad, employers see these individuals as unique, self-motivated and willing to accept challenges. When you are the only applicant who has experience studying abroad, it will set you apart from the rest.
Bon voyage! 一路平安 Buen Viaje! Bon ferð!
*Tso Moriri Lake, India photo by: Prabhu B, Gondola photo by: Gustey Travel
by Brittany Emch on April 19, 2010
Cover letters are the ambiguous white elephants in the room while applying for a position. Especially when most students in college have little experience in writing cover letters, because their jobs have been hardly more than a part-time job at Jamba Juice or Carl’s Jr. So when applying for important positions, it’s important to go into it with a great resume which includes a cover letter. Cover letters introduce you to the employer and help them get a feel for what kind of person you are, while also looking at your writing abilities. While some employers focus on the cover letter, others focus on the resume.
Cover letters should clearly display a person’s strengths and anything else they would like to stress to employers. When you develop a good cover letter, keep it forever. For convenience’s sake, you will be able to change this letter based off the needs of the position you are applying for. This will save time, and will display all of the gifts you have to offer. Here are a few tips to make sure your cover letter is hiring status—introducing and confirming the employer’s good thoughts about you.
-
Write the correct type of cover letter.
There are two types of cover letters: A letter of application and a letter of inquiry. A letter of application is used when applying for a specific position that has been advertised. In this kind of letter, be sure to state the source of the position (i.e. Monster Jobs). A letter of inquiry is written when the applicant has no previous knowledge of the employer and is inquiring about information on what positions are available for employment.
-
Don’t be general.
Address the cover letter to the employee who is making the hiring decision (using the appropriate Mr., Mrs., Miss, Dr. titles). If it doesn’t say who this person is in the ad, call the company and ask them what their name is, how to spell it and what their position is. If you aren’t able to locate this person, address it to “Hiring Manager.”
-
Get to the point.
Employers have hundreds of cover letters to read through, so do them a favor and be concise. Saying something that will catch their attention with all of your abilities, strengths and skills in a small space is challenging—but redraft, reedit, revise—and it will land you a job.
-
Be you.
Use vocabulary that gets your personality across; do not try to impress the reader by using words that you can’t define. Read over the letter aloud to make sure it flows. And while still displaying personality, triple check grammar and spelling errors. Allow a couple different people to read through and make any necessary edits.
-
Show what you know.
Adding into the cover letter what you already know about the company and the position will increase your chances of being hired. This will show the employer that you know something about them, the industry, and it will reiterate the fact that you chose them and want to work for them.
-
Ask for an interview.
You want the interview? Ask for it. This is something that a lot of applicants shy away from. But don’t beat around the bush! Tell them that you are looking forward to meeting them for an interview, with a phone number they can reach you at. This confidence will, again, show the employer that you want the job.
-
Add a P.S.
This last statement is impossible to ignore. By putting an additional comment at the bottom you are forcing the hiring employer’s eyes to the closing words. This can be an additional reiteration of thanks to them, or your phone number letting them know they can call you as soon as possible for the interview.
The cover letter is an employer’s introduction to your life and all you can offer to their company. While this can be overwhelming, knowing your personality will be judged based on grammar and content, let the pressure motivate you to follow these suggestions and write a killer cover letter!
by Brittany Emch on April 16, 2010
Working in retail is a good idea
I think that most of us could agree, as college students, that we are not in college so that we can earn a job in retail sales. Nothing against the industry—it’s huge and there are a ton of great opportunities with great employee benefits—but it is highly probable that students in college are earning a degree to go towards something else. But I want to point out too that there are some great things about folding clothes and working in a fast-paced environment, that will make students more hirable (and also that retail isn’t just folding clothes). First of all, not every one is cut out for a job in retail. I say this because it is not a walk-in-the-park like high school students make it out to be.
Since it does require hard work, it is a job worth considerably taking this summer. And why would we want a job that requires hard work? Because it is helpful to our resume and our future career.
Retail realities
Retailing consists of the sale of goods or merchandise from a very fixed location, such as a department store, boutique or kiosk, or by mail, in small or individual lots for direct consumption by the purchaser.
- Working in retail requires: Hard work (sometimes for little pay), good customer service, problem solving skills
- Retail is the second largest industry in the U.S. Therefore, it’s a huge driving force in the country’s economy and there are a lot of opportunities to receive jobs in the industry.
Rewards of the industry
- Retailers usually offer employee discounts, which are helpful if it is a store that holds a lot of practical items.
- Depending on your status as an employee, whether you are part-time or full-time, retailers offer employee benefits such as vacation time and health insurance
- If it’s a seasonal job, there is no obligation to coming back and you can be up front that you will move on to other opportunities, be them school or a career of your interest.
- The hours are very flexible to change around school schedules (or spontaneous road trips during the summer). Though work is never something that should be blown off, retail is great because it gives employees the opportunity to have a flexible schedule.
*Photo of sign by: sylvar Photo of cash register by: House of Sims
by Brittany Emch on April 14, 2010
“Why should we hire you?”
It is usually the final question during an interview. Past experience and employment and the skills gained from those jobs are important. But if you want someone to hire you, you have got to let them know what distinguishes you from the rest and why you will be great in that particular job setting. And answering this question requires that you know yourself. What are you passionate about, and why will you work hard for this job? There are plenty of questions to consider before going into the interview. And here are some ways to go about answering this one.
Three angles to consider
There are three different angles that you should consider when answering this question: the interviewer, yourself, and the position.
- The interviewer. By answering this question you are giving your opinion and validating the opinion of the person interviewing you, letting them know in summary why you should get the job. The more detail you give to the interviewer, the stronger your answer will be.
- Yourself. This is one of the last opportunities you have to show them your personality and capabilities. Give direct examples of why you are most eligible for the job, and be positive in showing your interest in the position.
- The company and the position. Explain how your past job experience has prepared you for this position and this company. Compare the job description with your abilities, showing the interviewer you are highly eligible for this position.
Some Dos and Don’ts
- Do tell them specifically why your past experience has enabled you to do this job
- Do not say simply, “because I need the money.”
- Do not give them a simple answer such as “because I am a hard worker.” Anyone can say this—but how are you set apart?
- Do make a list of your most admirable traits as a worker before you go into the interview—this list will motivate you to give an in depth answer that will satisfy the interviewer
The question doesn’t have to be infamous. It can actually just be an exciting challenge that gives you an opportunity to show why you are even MORE eligible for the job. By giving a clear and thought out answer you won’t have to worry about missing this job opportunity.
by Brittany Emch on April 9, 2010
If you’ve already checked the cushions…
There is always the option of hand washing and hanging to dry. Which really is not as bad as it sounds. It can’t be worse than an overflowing dirty clothes hamper, weeks overdue of a wash. But this is what happens when our pockets are dry of quarters. There is always the option of begging, too. But here are some more practical options for getting some short-term work and some quick cash.
- Be first in line to sell your books at the end of the semester—that way they sell for more!
- Sell some clothes at a second-hand store
- Offer to babysit for a friend on a Friday or Saturday night, so they can have a break and you can make some quick cash
- File your taxes and get back any income taxes that have been taken out of past paychecks
- Have someone pay you to file their taxes
- Take part in an on-campus research study that pays people to participate
- Offer to do someone’s chores, in return for a small stipend
- Take back cans and bottles
- Are you crafty? Do you know how to crack an egg and mix? Make things and sell them for cheap
- Sell stuff on Craigslist—it’s the easiest way to make known your uselessness for something and then get rid of it, while putting some cash (or quarters) into your pocket
- Wash cars, mow lawns, weed out yards for families in your neighborhood
- Donate plasma
- Participate in online surveys, answering simple questions, to make quick money through Amazon Mechanical Turk
Most of these suggestions probably will not be able to pay for your tuition. But most of them will get you at least one clean load of laundry. Which is what really matters, right?
*Photo by Ingorrr
by Brittany Emch on April 5, 2010
It’s better than a 6 hour shift at the Buy More.
Do you despise retail? Monotonous office work? Being mocked by chicken McNuggets at your friendly neighborhood McDonalds? I have good news! A job that is in high demand is being a nanny. Nannies get paid well, they have the joy and pleasure of taking care of someone else’s children, and they learn some life lessons along the way. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a tough job. But from the little experience I have with taking care of children, and the stories I have heard from friends who are nannies, it is a job that is more than worth the time, money and hard work. And men, know that this job is not limited to women.
Some prerequisites for the job:
-
Being able to withstand long hours with hyper children
-
Minimal knowledge of using an oven, microwave and stove to cook
-
A foundation of trust with the parents, therefore showing them that you are responsible
-
Having the ability to be a disciplinarian when necessary
-
CPR training, or willingness to become trained
-
Previous nanny experience
The experience needed is heavily dependent on your employer’s desires.
Something that is not necessary (but definitely helpful) is being able to connect with children, not only as an authority but as a friend. This can be accomplished by speaking in a tone you would toward peers rather than children, by speaking to them at their height rather than above them as an authority (but knowing when to be the authority), and assigning them tasks so they feel important and trusted. But let us focus on getting the job first.
Nanny resources
There are a ton of nanny networking websites that allow you to set up profiles and submit applications to agencies and resources available for parents in need of a nanny. Here are a few of the top nanny websites:
This is a great job for anyone looking for a full or part-time job during the school year or for this summer. Becoming a nanny is a good opportunity for anyone willing to earn a decent wage and gain some experience that may come in handy in the future with your own children. Remember that there are tons of families in need of someone they can trust with a responsible adult. So if you are up for the challenge, then roll up your sleeves and become a nanny.
by Brittany Emch on April 2, 2010
The changes you should know about
Starting on July 1, 2010 all federal education loans will be made through the new Direct Loan Program. This piece of legislation was the final budget reconciliation bill that carried over into the Democrats’ Health Care Overhaul, when President Obama signed it into place on Tuesday. What does this mean? It means no more mediators between paying for higher education loans and the government. The middle men of private banks and loan companies will be eliminated in dealing with federal student loans. This is being done to expand Pell grants and make it easier for students to pay off loans after graduation, instead of worrying about extra fees to the private loaners. It will save an estimated $60 billion of subsidies that would have otherwise gone to private loaners. Furthermore, there will no longer be private student loans facilitating federal funds, so many more loans will be coming directly from the government.
Where do we fit into all of this?
How does this affect me? The decision has been made to get rid of private student lenders so that more investment can be made towards Pell Grants, which are specifically for low-income families determined by the FAFSA. By 2017 the maximum Pell Grant should go from $5,550 to $5,975, while also dispersing 820,000 more grants by 2020. The new law also invests $2 billion into education and career programs at community colleges for trade adjustment aid, providing training to employees who have been laid off because of foreign competitors. This investment will be made over the next four years.
So what now? Don’t worry. The access to loans is still available, they are just coming from a different place. While the government can partially choose who we lend money from, they cannot (or haven’t yet) implemented a law saying everyone must wear a bow in their hair on Thursdays. That would just be ridiculous. At that point we might need to start worrying, when government control is so deep that it is visible in our appearance. But this, this is an opportunity for underprivileged families to send their kids to college and a way to invest in the future. It’s a way to save more and in turn give more to those in need.
