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Young Adult Resources

Job Search Tools

Learn how to prepare for your job search, from application to interview.

YOUNG ADULTS

The Job Application

Most entry-level jobs require you to complete a paper or online application. Explore our list below for useful information about this process. Start by gathering your important information on a Master Application for easy reference throughout your job search.

Online Application Tips

1. Bring a master application with you.

A master application is a sample application you complete ahead of time with all of your current information correctly spelled. Excellent references include two or three people like teachers, supervisors, coaches or adult family friends who can say great things about you!

2. Ask for two (2) application forms

Use the second one as back up in case you make any mistakes on the original.

3. Read the application all the way through before filling it out.

Know exactly what is being asked before you give your final answer.

4. Neatly print or type your application.

Take time to carefully copy the information from your Master Application so it’s legible.

5. Use blue or black ink on your final application.

These are the only two colors considered appropriate for a legal document.

6. Check the application before you sign it.

Re-read the application to make sure the information you provided is accurate. Misinformation can be cause for termination.

7. Complete the entire application.

Leave nothing blank!
If you have a problem with answering any of the questions, you can use the
following responses:

  • Prior
  • N/A
  • ASAP
  • Open/Negotiable
  • Willing to provide
  • Flexible
  • Anticipated graduation

Use “Green Light Words” to describe your reasons for leaving a current or previous job.

Green Light Words

  • Resigned
  • Discharged
  • Personality conflict
  • Financial considerations
  • Relocated
  • Completed

Red Light Words

  • Quit
  • Fired
  • Boss didn’t like me
  • Not enough money
  • Moved or Left
  • Ended
Use “Green Light Words” to describe your reasons for leaving a current or previous job.

Financial

Balance, calculate, compute, market, project.

Creative

Create, design, develop, illustrate, perform.

Helping

Assist, coach, counsel, facilitate, refer, interact.

Management

Administer, coordinate, improve, plan, supervise.

Communication

Author, direct, edit, interpret, motivate, recruit.

Research

Evaluate, identify, inspect, interview, summarize.

Technical

Assemble, build, design, operate, remodel, repair.

Completing an online job application can be very challenging. The following steps can help make the process a little easier.

Bring a Master Application

Copy the relevant information from your master application to the online application. This will save you valuable time and frustration, as some online applications are only accessible on kiosks at the worksite. Some may assign a grade based on how long you take to complete them.

Set Aside Enough Time

Give yourself plenty of time to answer all the questions in order to prevent employers from passing your application over for leaving answers blank. More time and effort may be necessary to consistently answer extra questions about your personality and character. As you answer the questions, imagine what qualities the employer may desire in the person who will occupy the position you are seeking. Keep in mind: some on-line applications are timed for completion.

Double Check Answers

You may not be allowed to change your answers once you have gone to the next page or hit the submit button, so watch for mistakes before you get too far into the application. 

Do Your Research

Many online applications do not allow alternative answers such as flexiblenegotiable, or open. You may be forced to provide actual data, such as dates and salary information. That’s why it’s important for you to put as much detailed information on your master application as possible, so you can refer to it when necessary.

Want a Paper Application?

Specifically ask the employer for a paper application or check to see if there’s a printable copy online that you can submit to the employer.

Contacting Employers & Following Up

Drop in during off-peak hours

Try to job search weekdays between 2 and 4 p.m. Avoid the busiest times of the day like lunch (11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) and dinner (5:30 to 7:30 p.m.).

Go alone

Show your maturity and independence by approaching employers on your own. Don’t let them think you need someone with you! Friends and parents should stay home or outside.

Dress to impress

This is your first impression: Make an effort to look your best. Employers are likely to remember you for making an effort, knowing that you just came in to pick up an

Speak with the manager about job openings

Ask questions like: “Are you hiring?” “How old do I have to be to work here?” “What positions and shifts do you have available?” “May I have an application?” “What’s your name?” And introduce yourself: “My name is” You’re trying to determine if this job will be a good match and the manager will be a good indication of that.

Turn in your application to the manager only

It’s much more impressive to deliver your application directly to the manager you met previously. It also personalizes your application by putting a face to it. Plus, you don’t have to worry about someone losing it or accidentally throwing it away.

Ask the manager if there is time to discuss your application

It’s much more impressive to deliver your application directly to the manager you met previously. It also personalizes your application by putting a face to it. Plus, you don’t have to worry about someone losing it or accidentally throwing it away.

Follow up with the same manager 3-5 days later

Call or drop in and say something like, “Hi, this is I turned in my application on (give exact date) and wanted to know what’s the hiring status for the job opening?

Resumé Building

It’s never too early to start building your resume, and some employers will request one.​

Use our resume worksheet and samples to get started.

Be sure to include relevant classwork, volunteer experience and school clubs/activities to paint a full picture of who you are.

Interviewing Tips

Prepare

Practice. Rehearse answers to possible questions by saying them aloud and or writing them down. Research! Know something about the company before you go to the interview.

Be Punctual

Arrive 10 or 15 minutes early.

Go Alone

Go by yourself to the interview. Don’t bring friends or parents with you.

Appearance

Come to the interview neat, clean, and wearing proper interview attire. Avoid being overly made-up. Dress conservatively, but comfortably.

Body Language

Give a firm handshake. Sit up straight and lean forward in your chair. Show you are confident and paying attention. Look the interviewer in their eyes to demonstrate you are interested in the job. Then Relax!

Enthusiasm

Bring a positive attitude to the interview. Sell yourself by giving reasons why you should be hired?

Thank You

Say Thank You for your time to the interviewer when the interview is over. (Make sure you get their business card). Follow up with a Thank You note as soon as possible.

Don’t Forget to SMILE!

In the first moments of the interview, the interviewer will evaluate you (for good or for bad) based upon your appearance.

In the first moments of the interview, the interviewer will evaluate you (for good or for bad) based upon your appearance. Simply put: You should be well groomed! In addition, try to create a more conservative image by wearing clothes with darker, subdued colors. Avoid all-black, if possible. Make sure you feel comfortable in your clothes, so that you have confidence during the interview.

Interview Attire: Young Men

  • Slacks (Dockers style), or jeans
(preferably black). Avoid overly baggy pants
  • Polo shirt, white collared shirt (tie
optional) or light-colored sweater
  • Black or brown shoes with matching belt and socks
  • Shave and neatly comb hair

Interview Attire: Young Women

  • Knee length skirt or dress
  • Professional pant-suit or slacks
  • Blouse or sweater
Not low cut, see through, or too tight.
No tank or halter tops or exposed mid-riff
  • Moderate heels or other comfortable,
professional shoes
  • Conservative hair-style
preferably not flowing into the face

Body language is what you communicate without saying word. Employers often presume positive or negative characteristics about you based on the way you carry yourself, so be conscious of the way you act.

Do:

✔ Give a firm handshake, smile, and direct eye contact 
When you greet the interviewer say, “Hi, nice to meet you.”

✔ Sit up straight and lean slightly forward in your chair

✔ Nod your head in agreement, as appropriate

✔ Give another firm handshake and a smile

✔ When you exit the interview say, “Goodbye, thank you for your time.”

Don't

✘ Stare blankly into space

✘ Slouch or rock back in your seat

✘ Sit with your arms crossed

✘ Rub, scratch, or fidget nervously

✘ Touch or play with your hair

Qualities Employers Want When They Hire

  1. Learn the job
  2. Reliable
  3. Honest
  4. Works well alone and with others
  5. Good communication skills (written & verbal)
  6. Enthusiastic
  7. Has goals
  8. Takes responsibility
  9. Flexible
  10. Follows instructions

What You Can Offer to Employers

  • Artistic
  • Manual Dexterity
  • Computer
  • Mechanical
  • Physical Strength
  • Creative
  • Numerical
  • Research
  • Investigative
  • Organizational
  • Supervisory
  • Strong Work Ethic
  • Friendly
  • Reliable
  • Flexible
  • Have Goals
  • Enthusiastic
  • Takes Initiative
  • Works with others
  • Communication
  • Verbal
  • Writing

Job Description = What Employers Want

SAMPLE: Customer Service Team Member

  • Provide fast, fun and friendly checkout service.
  • Resolve guest concerns in a positive, helpful manner.
  • Work as a part of a team.
  • Resolve guest concerns quickly and accurately.
  • Neatly stock items on shelves and process transactions.
  • Identify and report safety concerns promptly.

Create “stories” or examples for the interview around your strengths (i.e. teamwork)

Problem – describe the situation
(You’ve worked on a challenging team science project with 3 teammates.)

Solution – what you did about it
(You delegated tasks and lead the research.)

Result – a positive outcome
(You presented the project to the class and received an A grade.)

How to Follow Up?

Get the interviewer’s business card before exiting the interview. Send a Thank You note via email or typed letter, on the same day or immediately thereafter. Call the interviewer about (5) days after sending the Thank You note. Ask if a hiring decision has been made? Leave a voicemail if necessary. Include your name, contact phone, and say you look forward to hearing from them soon.

The Thank You Note

Contact Us

Our team is available Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call or E-mail us for more information or to make an appointment.

Contact

info@novaworks.org

Sunnyvale
456 West Olive Ave
408-730-7232

Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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NOVAworks is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. TTY: 711 (CA Relay Service)​

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