Tips & FAQs

How to Sell Yourself and Win Over Employers

When you begin applying for jobs, you'll no doubt face competition. Here are some strategies to help you learn:

How to build up your work experience
How to gain work experience and job references
Know what employers are looking for, and
The top reasons people are hired

Building Up Your Work Experience

When you begin applying for jobs, employers will likely ask What work experience do you have?

Employers are more likely to hire someone with work experience and a proven track record - someone who can provide references the employer can contact for information regarding your work performance. Quite simply, employers don't like to gamble. They want to lower their risk as much as possible. And quite honestly, an applicant with no prior work experience or job references is viewed as a gamble.

If you're a student or person with no prior work history, you may be asking: How can I get work experience and references employers want for entry-level jobs if no one will hire me without experience? How can I possibly gain a competitive edge over other applicants?

By being creative, you'll be surprised to discover the number of ways you can gain work experience to increase your chances of getting hired. Following is just a partial list of possible ways.

As you look over the following list, keep in mind experience doesn't have to be paid experience. Non-paid experience can be just as valuable to employers. It's the experience and work record that counts. And references. Good references.

Ways to Gain Work Experience and Job References

What You Can Do on Your Own:

Yard work for others
Housework for others
Babysitting
Pet-sitting or providing dog walking services for others
House-sitting or caring for neighbors' homes while they're away
Running errands or providing assistance to an elderly neighbor, friend, or family member
Providing typing services to others
Assisting others with computer training needs
Tutoring a neighbor's child
Helping a neighbor plant and maintain a garden
Assisting a neighbor on a home project

What You Can Do Through Your School or College:

Volunteering to help with school or college events
Volunteering to assist school or college employees
Participating in a school- or college-sponsored work experience program
Participating in an internship related to your major
Participating in a major-related Cooperative Work Experience program offered through the college
Serving on a committee
Providing tutoring assistance or instructional support at your school or college
Providing clerical assistance
Volunteering to answer phones, greet and direct visitors, run errands, or copy and collate paperwork.

What You Can Do Through a Club, Church or Organization:

Volunteering to help with an event or fund-raising activity
Volunteering to help work on a newsletter - stapling, folding, stuffing envelopes, and labeling
Volunteering to provide office help and support - typing, answering phones, copying, and filing
Volunteering to work on a phone bank by making calls

What You Can Do in the Community:

Volunteering at an animal shelter or animal rescue organization
Volunteering in a library or school-sponsored children's reading program
Volunteering at a nursing care facility
Volunteering at a local food bank or homeless shelter
Volunteering at a thrift store operated by a nonprofit organization
Volunteering to work on a political campaign - phone calling, distributing leaflets, and preparing mailings
Volunteering to work on an environmental clean-up or restoration activity
Serving on a committee

As you can see, there are many ways to get experience! This is just a sample list, and no doubt you can think of many other ideas.

No matter what type of work you do, you'll be able to build a list of references. Be sure to ask each person you work with if you can use his or her name as a possible reference. Make note and file the person's name, address, and phone number so you'll have contact information you'll need when you apply for a job.

What Employers Look For

As you get ready to prepare applications, write your resume, and get ready for interviews, you may be wondering - What are employers looking for? What do employers want?

Quite simply, the answer is low-risk employees.

Not only are employers looking for workers with needed qualifications, employers are looking for workers who demonstrate the following characteristics:

Commitment
Employers desire workers who are more likely to stay on the job for a period of time to avoid the time and expense of having to retrain new workers. Employers look closely at the length of time an applicant has worked for other employers, and how frequently the applicant has changed jobs in the past.

If you show a steady long-term track record, you'll have an added "edge" among applicants.

Reliability
Employers desire workers they can depend on to get the work done. Employers look for signs of responsibility. If you have a track record of achieving accomplishments in school, extracurricular activities, volunteer assignments, or previous paid jobs, you'll have an advantage over other applicants.

If you're punctual and arrive to interviews on time, you'll have an advantage as well. Employers will only hire applicants they feel will be responsible and reliable on the job.

Interest
Employers desire workers who have an interest in the job and the company. Employees who enjoy what they do and are well-matched for the job will experience far greater job satisfaction - and will more likely stay with the company for a longer period of time.

You'll have an advantage if you display genuine enthusiasm and interest in the job and the company.

Compatibility
Employers desire workers who are likable and will be compatible team players. Employers look for applicants who get along well with others, and whose working styles, methods, and personal traits seem well-suited for the company. Simply stated, employers look for applicants who will fit in and work well with an established team.

You'll have an advantage if you appear friendly, cooperative, and likable - and you project a positive team spirit.

Professionalism
Employers desire workers who adhere to workplace standards in their communication, dress, and conduct. Employers look for applicants who present themselves professionally in applications, resumes, and interviews. Professional appearance and conduct are a must at all times.

You'll have an advantage if you consistently look and act professional.

Confidence
Employers desire workers who feel confident in their ability to do the work. Employers are attracted to applicants who project a "can-do" attitude, and project confidence in their ability to meet job demands.

You'll have an advantage if you project inner confidence in your abilities to get the job done.

Perseverance
Employers desire workers who can complete job tasks in a timely manner. Employers look for applicants who demonstrate an ability to stick to tasks and complete work assignments by set deadlines.

You'll have an advantage if you can demonstrate an ability to stick to tasks and achieve goals through your accomplishments and achievements.

Coping
Employers desire workers who can work under pressure and manage stress. Employers look for workers who can perform effectively under stressful conditions and maintain professionalism.

You'll have an advantage if you can cite examples demonstrating how you absorb and cope with stress, and how you effectively handle stressful situations in a professional manner.

Attitude
Employers desire workers who help create and build a positive work environment. Employers look for applicants who display a positive attitude toward work and appear to be positive by nature. Simply stated, positive-minded people create a more positive and healthy work environment.

You'll have an advantage if you project a positive attitude and spirit!

Reasons Why People are Hired

According to employers, the following are reasons why employers select and hire applicants:

Professional and neat personal appearance
Likable; friendly
Shows ability to be a good team player
Possesses required skills and training
Expresses information clearly
Has good awareness of strengths and abilities
Shows interest and enthusiasm
Has clear career goals
Demonstrates confidence and poise
Does not emphasize money and benefits
Shows willingness to start at entry-level
Shows tact and courtesy
Shows maturity
Shows a positive attitude
Shows an ability to solve problems
Shows respect for the interviewer
Displays positive attitude about past employers
Displays genuine interest in the company and job
Is well-informed about the company and job
Makes eye contact with the interviewer
Application form is complete and neat
Shows sense of humor
Arrives promptly for interview
Expresses appreciation for interviewer's time
Asks questions about the job
Gives clear and direct responses to questions
Shares things in common with the interviewer
Has realistic salary expectations
Shows responsibility
Has a good work record
Shows willingness to learn and upgrade skills
Shows flexibility
Displays a strong work ethic