Factual Friday: Summer Job

  I know I keep saying it (because of how excited I am) but the semester is almost over. For a lot of us, the end of school comes with starting a new summer job. While the world is opening up again, getting a job is still hard. Like, a lot harder than I anticipated. But I did it! And you can too! So let’s set ourselves up for a summer of money moves (and fun of course): today’s Factual Friday is all about how to secure that summer job.

(Photo from pixels.com)

First thing’s first, in order to apply to a job, you need a resume. Here's how you make one. Once you have your resume made, here are the things potential employers will want to see on it:

1. Identify keywords in the job listing: When looking at a job listing, glassdoor.com advises to, “Create a list of skills, knowledge, and experience required for the position that match your experience. After you’ve created a list, identify the strongest matches. These will be the keywords you’ll use throughout your resume” (Glassdoor.com). By utilizing the listing’s keywords to talk about your own credentials, you’re much more likely to catch the eye of an employer.

2. Exaggerated skills: Some people might tell you to exaggerate on your resume but employers know to look for that. You want to sell yourself and your skills while still being truthful.

3. Keep it short and to the point: Use a simple format, use a standard font and don’t let your resume get too long. Personally, I don’t let mine exceed one page just due to my own preference but I certainly would not recommend a resume longer than two pages.

4. Use action words: Indeed.com explains, “Employers are interested in what you’ve achieved, not just what you’ve done” (Indeed.com). Indeed goes on to explain that you want to put accomplishments, not tasks, on your resume. An example of a task versus an accomplishment is as follows:

Task: Greeted customers

Accomplishment: Provided friendly and helpful service by greeting customers (Indeed.com)

This is by no means an extensive list of what potential employers are looking for but rather, just some things to get you started!

Once you’ve created your fabulous resume, you might also want to write a few cover letters. A cover letter is a letter you write to potential employers in which you can sell yourself, explain your qualifications in more depth and, most importantly, make a strong first impression. The Harvard Business Review suggests the following tips for writing an eye-catching cover letter:

1. Research first: Much like with your resume, you want to read job descriptions closely so your cover letter can match whatever credentials they are looking for (assuming of course you actually have those credentials, remember you can’t exaggerate, people will call your bluff!)

2. Look towards the future: While your resume is a summary of the past, a cover letter is supposed to explain how you can contribute to a company in the future. This is where you can explain how your skills will transfer to your new job, rather than just stating what those skills are.

3. Start strong: Just like literally anything else you write, you wanna hook your audience with your first sentence. Make your reader care. So don’t start off with “Hi I’m ___ applying for ____.” Tell them why you’re excited about the position and why you’re the right fit. 

4. Sell yourself: This is self explanatory but can sometimes feel uncomfortable the first couple of times. However, I am here to reassure you, this is your time to brag! You’re not being conceited or annoying, talking about your accomplishments and how amazing you are, is the purpose of a cover letter!

Once again, this is by no means an exhaustive list, but here is a good place to start is you need help with a cover letter: How to write a cover letter

As I said before, getting a job is not exactly easy. Things will not always go your way. I applied to literally 30 jobs before I got the one I now have. I am not saying this to scare you, rather to prepare you. The good news is, now after reading this article, you have an advantage. You know what employers are looking for and how to deliver. Now that you know how to create a resume and cover letter, you’re all set to start applying to jobs! And just by virtue of the fact that you are a WRL follower, I can confidently say that you’re an intelligent, capable person who will make a fantastic employee. So go forth! Write your cover letters and resumes! I believe in you!

And with that, I wish you a Factual Friday and a fun weekend!

Xoxo,

        Zoe

Sources: 

https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/4-employers-resumes/

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/how-to-write-a-resume-employers-will-notice

https://hbr.org/2014/02/how-to-write-a-cover-letter