As college students, many of us spend a lot of time stressing about jobs. Whether preparing to quit a job, skimming listings for new positions or attending interviews and meeting with employers, the stress of finding the right job is daunting. As I reflect on my own employment history, I’ve thought about what has worked for me in my past. This pointed me toward the realization that most of what has brought me success in my own job hunting experience is rarely discussed. With that being said, I thought it would be nice to compile a list of my uncommon career advice, and I hope readers can benefit from my guidance.
- Remember that hiring managers are people, too
It’s easy to forget that hiring managers and interviewers are people with their own personalities, morals and emotions. When people go in for an interview and then later get rejected, they may take it to heart. But sometimes a rejection isn’t about your performance, it’s about the person on the other side of the desk. Human beings have biases and past experiences that help guide them to make decisions. Maybe something about your outfit reminded them of a negative experience. Maybe you seemed too reserved or too eager. I’ve learned rejection doesn’t always mean you did something wrong. Sometimes, your personality or skills just aren’t the right fit for that particular job or staff.
- Just like people, every business is different, so do your research
Businesses, like people, have their own personality, sets of rules and customs. Standard advice says to “do your research before the interview,” so you’re not caught off guard by questions, and to prove you know about the company. But the research you do shouldn’t solely be to impress the person interviewing you; you should be benefiting from it as well. Understanding a company’s culture helps you decide how to present yourself, and helps you get a sense of whether or not the job will be the right fit for you.
My friend and I applied to a Hot Topic together and scheduled our interviews for the same day. She dressed very business casual and approached the job like any other retail job, despite the store’s unique, alternative style. While risky, instead of dressing business casual, I decided to wear the only clothes I owned from Hot Topic. The manager noticed and struck up a conversation about my favorite bands and shows. I ended up getting the job, and my friend didn’t. Matching your approach to the company’s style can make a big difference.
- Don’t focus too much about your clubs, hobbies and activities
Being a well-rounded student is important; it shows you have a strong work ethic and are an active member of your community. But if you make your side activities seem like your top priority, employers might hesitate to hire you. Having a busy schedule and seeking out a job may cause a collision. Most employers want you to be able to work a minimum number of hours a week. So, if you do have a busy schedule but need to make money, I suggest keeping the amount of time you spend on your leisure activities to yourself.
- It’s okay to lie, within reason
This may be my most controversial piece of advice, but sometimes it is necessary to bend the truth during interviews or on applications. Many employers value honesty, and I believe you can stretch the truth while remaining fundamentally honest. Claiming qualifications that can be easily disproven is dishonest and could get you fired. But, when asked if you’re a people-person or not, it’s acceptable to avoid a direct yes-or-no answer, and instead give examples that show how you can be perceived as a people-person. If you intend to do your job to the best of your ability and know you can succeed in a role requiring people skills, it’s okay to exaggerate certain “natural traits” without being untruthful about your capabilities.
- Come to the interview well rested and prepared
One of the most neglected yet useful pieces of interview advice is to get a full eight hours of sleep and have a healthy, energizing meal before your interview. While giving critical interview advice, people normally skip over the fact that eating a filling meal and getting a good night’s rest before an interview can impact how the experience goes. I’ve been sleep deprived and hungry during interviews before, and it’s not a great feeling. Usually, I find myself thinking about my bed or a good meal instead of focusing fully on the conversation, which can make me rush through the interview and not give it my all.
Although the advice I gave may be uncommon and even controversial, I have found these tactics to be really helpful during my own job searches. I hope those reading benefit from this advice, and can use it as guidance for their future job-hunting endeavors.
