Applying for work
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Applying for Work in-Person
Face to face interaction may be the key to landing a job. Keep in mind, some workplaces may specifically request that your initial interactions are kept digital. Check out the company you’ve been eyeing online to see if they have a preferred application process before popping up at their location. If the workplace you’ve set your sights on doesn’t identify an application preference practice that handshake and begin prepping for applying in person.
Before you venture out, prepare the following:
Copies of your resume and cover letter to bring with you to job sites;
Black or blue ink pens for filling out paper applications;
Copies of a reference info sheet with the names and contact information of your professional and personal references;
Your elevator pitch, quickly introduce yourself, why you are interested in the position, and your soft and hard skills that you’ll bring to the company.
Also, consider looking up the company on their social media pages to get a feel for the companies dress code and dress accordingly when going to apply in person. If you don’t have access to clothing that matches more conservative environments (think business casual or power suit), there are many community clothing banks that will provide professional clothes to you free of charge. For further tips on applying for work in person, check out the videos below.
Sometimes applying in-person is the best way to stand out and land your next job. We'll show you how.
This Howcast video lists the steps for applying to a job in person, from your initial ask to following up for an interview.
Applying for work online
If you have access to a computer and internet, there are numerous websites nowadays where employers post job openings. If you don’t have access to a computer and internet, check out your local library! Most libraries have computers and internet for community members to use and may even offer assistance in your job search. To learn more about libraries, or to find your nearest branch, check out our section on Libraries. If you’re winging it on your own, or working out of the library, try any of the following websites to begin your search:
When applying for a job online you will need
An email address
An uploadable version of your resume and cover letter
A list of your professional and personal references
If you don’t have an email address consider opening a a free email account with Gmail or Outlook.
When applying for jobs online, the process can take days of planning and sometimes take weeks to hear back from a potential employer. Some online processes even require you to take a skills test before you are offered an interview! As difficult as this all sounds, applying for a job online is not impossible. The key is perseverance and patience. Check out these guidelines from The Balance Careers for more detailed guidelines for applying online. The Balance Careers: How to Apply for Jobs Online
QUICK TIP FOR ONLINE JOB SEARCHING
When looking online, you can usually search according to your location, interests, skills, and level of experience. Make sure you have your career and skills tracker sheet handy to write down job descriptions and skill requirements so that you can prepare your Cover Letter and Resume for the jobs you are interested in applying for. For more information on identifying your skills and other tips on career building check out our section on Finding Your Career.