Being a college student looking for a summer job, I didn’t know where to begin. Like many other people, I decided it would be best if I asked my mom what I should do. Being an avid Dave Ramsey fan, she recommended that I watch her Financial Peace University DVD – Working Your Strengths. Dave had some good things to say, so I figured I would share them with the world! Here they are, Dave’s tips on how to get a job:
In this economy, there are hundreds of people looking for jobs. Be different from the other people sending out resumés. The following steps outline how to set yourself apart from the crowd:
1. Before sending out your resume, send an introduction letter. Say this: Hey, you guys are awesome and I want to develop a dialogue with you. One step in developing this dialogue is that you’ll be seeing a letter in a few days with an attached resume. You can toss the resume, but keep the letter because I will be following up. I will be following up on “friday the 28th” and actually DO IT!
2. When you follow up, one of two things will happen. You will be asked to come in for an interview or you will be turned down. If you are turned down, start over. However, if they ask you for an interview, pull out your dress clothes. Know that you are the product! Sell yourself! Present yourself well. Look sharp. Believe it or not, your appearance affects your ability to get a job!
3. Be on time. Keep eye contact. Give a firm handshake. Women, don’t dress too sexy – it might make your potential employer uncomfortable. Be sure to put on deodorant and to carry breath mints. Do all the things that you would think you should do in a job interview. You potential employer is likely to decide whether or not to hire you within the first 30 seconds.
4. Before you leave the interview, set a followup time. Ask them if it would be OK if you follow up on ___ date at ___ time. Ex: “Would it be OK if I follow up on next Thursday? Morning or afternoon? Ok, I’ll call at 10:00.” This way, you have no excuse to call them back. They’re now expecting your call!
5. As soon as you leave, send a thank you note! Stop by a drug store and get some stationary, hand-write them a letter thanking them for having you, and drop it in the mail. That way, they get it the next morning and say ‘hey, this one is a little different.’
If anyone does this and has great success, let me know!
