Applying for a Job

Once you have decided that getting a job is the next step you want to take in life, there are numerous resources available to help you prepare to apply, interview, self-advocate for your needs, and be hired for a job. Applying for a job can be stressful, but don’t worry! Just breathe and look through the rest of the webpages to help you build a checklist and prepare for things you may need. Your first step will be to create a resume. Below are more instructions on how to create a resume that reflects your knowledge, skills and experience.

How to Build a Resume

Below is all the information that should be on your resume.

• Contact information
  • Name (First and Last)
  • Phone number
  • Email

• Summary
  • This is an “About me” section. You want to include information that will “sell yourself” to the potential employer. It is best to include information for the specific place that you are applying. For example: Enthusiastic and detail-oriented high school student with experience in customer service at a coffee shop. Searching for a fast-paced work environment to grow as a coffee barista.

• Education
  • Where you went to school and graduation date

• Previous work or volunteer experience
  • For this section, you will want to include:
    • Name of the place you worked at or volunteered at. For example: Arusha’s Coffee
    • Phone number
    • Job title and time worked there. For example: cashier, April 2022-Present
    • Job duties. for example: taking cash and card payments, taking drink orders
• List skills to include that may apply to job you are applying for:
  • Examples of this can be if you are applying for a job at a coffee shop:
    • Multitasking skills, team player

• Key words to include:
  • For example: Hard worker, passionate, fast learner, energetic

• References - This is someone that the employer can contact to ask different questions about your work experience, work ethic, attitude, and more
  • For this section, you will want to include the person’s:
    • Name
    • Phone number
    • Email
    • Name of the company they work for and job title

Storing/Saving a Resume

1. Save it on the desktop of your computer or a computer you have access to regularly
2. Save it on a flash drive
3. Upload it to a Google drive to access it from any device

Applying for a Job

Make sure you have the following items before you start a job application:

• Driver’s License or State Identification.
• Social Security Card
• Any recommendation letters you may have

Applying for a Job Online

• Find a job location where you are interested in working and apply online.
• Go to their website.
• Find the job application tab. This tab could say, "Join Our Team," "Apply Now," or "Apply."
  
• Get out your driver’s license or another type of identification.
• Get out your social security card or use the number for your application if you have memorized it.
• Have your resume saved on a flash drive or the computer you are using to complete your application so you can upload it with the application.
• Fill out the application and ask a friend or guardian for help if needed.

Applying for a Job with a Paper Application

• Find a location that is hiring and that you are interested in.
• Speak to the manager or another employee and request an application.
• Fill out the application at home and ask your guardian or friend to help you if you have questions.
• Get out your driver’s license or another type of identification.
• Get out your social security card or use the number for your application if you have memorized it.
• Print a copy of your resume to include with your application.
• Return application to the location to give them the complete application and your identification and social security card in case they ask to make copies of them.
• View this sample application.