The Dreary Job Hunt

In today's market, applying for the opportunity to be the next CEO, the next sales associate, the next anything proves to be more difficult than ever before.

      After having graduated Utah Valley University with a BA degree in Journalism, I thought finding a job that runs alongside my degree would be a snap, but the job market is far more competitive than I had originally thought. It seriously is a series of applying, interviewing, revising and repeating. 

     Over the course of the past three months, I have applied for over 15 different positions. Some have come back requesting phone interviews, personal interviews, writing/editing tests, but all of them have come back with a response that another candidate had been chosen. Why? 

     Although I am still currently looking for a career in writing and editing, I would like to offer up some advice to those who are in the same boat as me: Don't give up. There is always more you can do to create a stronger resume, to stand out in an interview, and to eventually get that dream job of yours. 

    Despite my four years of education at a university, employers are looking for experience over education to appear on your resume and in you. Experience is what will land you the job in the end over any high GPA or award so make sure you are taking advantage of the opportunities you have. 

1.  Do internships while you are in school to gain the experience that will directly correlate to your field of study. 
• Internships are a fantastic way to develop very specific skills tailored to what you are studying. Often times internships will even turn into a job of their own as they train you as an intern and then hire you when they discover what an asset you are to their company. 
2. Volunteer
• Gain experience in multiple fields. You don't have to just get experience in your one declared field of study. Many people never even use their degree after graduation. Developing different skills allows you to be marketable in any avenue you happen to pursue in the future. You can develop thousands of different skills in any given job/volunteer opportunity. Just make the decision to learn from every opportunity/experience that comes your way and  those skills will follow you into the workplace.  
3. Network
• A huge part of your success after graduation can be dependent on the networks you create during your educational years. Those in your same program will end up being your coworkers or even your boss. As you network with classmates, you develop a strong relationship with others who might be able to help you find a job or develop specific skills you need. 

     No matter what, the job hunt is difficult and the race is on for all those seeking employment in our society. Your experience and what you have achieved are more beneficial than what you plan to do. Remember, never give up. 

“Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.”                                                                                                –Winston Churchill

How to STAND OUT in an Interview

When applicants seek new employment, countless hours go into preparation, research and interviews before finding out, once again, the job was offered to someone else.

Kimberlee Carlile, senior and a resident engagement coordinator at UVU, went through this same process when applying at the school. She understood what employers looked for and found a way to succeed, standing out from the crowd.

Carlile focused her interview on the skills and traits that she has and presented them in a way that would highlight how they could benefit the program she was applying for.

With the competitive market of employees seeking jobs, it is important to know how to stand out from the typical blur of applications and interviews that barely touch an employer’s desk.

“Most employers can afford to be selective,” said Lei Pakalani, the assistant director of the Career Development Center.

 “[They] are looking to see that students not only have the knowledge, skills and abilities, but that they also can demonstrate a good fit.”

Fitting the needs of the company is one of the most crucial elements when it comes to interviews.  Employers look for applicants who have a positive outlook, lots of energy, and endurance, according to Pakalani. They want someone who knows about the company and has a desire to be there.

Pakalani mentions that applicants should spend time extensively researching the company-- its culture, the salary ranges and work environment. They need to seek out information that is not on the job description.

 “Make sure you know what you are applying for and what the company does,” Carlile said. “It’s important so you can get across why they should hire you.”

One important area to note about a company is the standard of dress that the company holds. “In an interview you should dress a step up than the company you’re applying for,” said Terra Stanton, manager and recruiter of a local retail store.

If the open position is for a mechanic, wearing a business suit might be inappropriate; however, if the position is with a fashion designer, the clothes may be held in higher regard.

Interview attire shows the company the attitude aimed towards the position, the perception of how the interview will go and how important the applicant considers the job. “When you are dressed like you mean business, you typically come across that way. Dressing for the job does something to your demeanor, attitude, poise and confidence,” Pakalani said.

The interview is the applicant’s opportunity to prove to the company why they are different from the rest.  They should speak clearly and confidently, prepared for whatever questions are asked of them, according to Carlile.

“They really should be using every single minute, moment, second to showcase their relevant knowledge, skills, abilities and fit,” Pakalani said.

Typical mistakes are made when applicants are unprepared, lack professionalism and take the interview lightheartedly.

Carlile, Pakalani and Stanton all agree that in the end remember to be personable so the interviewer can get to know their future employee.

Carlile prepared for her interview by researching the position and talking with current employees, dressing in a suit and reviewing the information she wanted the company to know about herself. When it came down to it, her preparation paid off, putting her nerves far behind and helping her succeed in standing out in the interview.

Preparation, in every aspect, is the key to standing out.