Hi Dollies!

Ever since I graduated, I've been job hunting like never before, and I thought it would be a good idea to share some things I've learned during this past month and wish I knew earlier. You may wonder why I would talk about getting a job here, especially since many users are quite young and still in school. I do have a reason, and this leads me to my first point.

Start when you're young

I was first employed when I was 15, but some places hire people as young as 14. When you are younger than 18, some employers don't need to pay as much as they would pay an adult for the same job. Although it may seem daunting to enter the workforce and not worth your time to work for a lower pay, this also makes you more employable. Furthermore, being able to put this extra experience on your resume gives you a better edge when job hunting later in your life. Seize this temporary advantage while you have it.

Use your connections

In my experience, many people find jobs because a friend, sibling or parent has a connection to the employer. I myself found my first job because my friend worked there and told me about their job opening. Similarly, my friend found that job because her sister used to work there too. From the employer's standpoint, knowing you personally or hearing about your good qualities from someone they trust is much safer than finding a stranger. When you start job hunting, don't dismiss asking the people you already know.

Cast out a wide net

When I started job hunting again, I made the mistake of sending a small number of applications during the first week. Even if you share your resume extensively, in my stage of life, receiving a reply is rare, especially from smaller businesses. I've probably applied at around 40 places, online and in person, and I only have two upcoming interviews, and this is only for a more casual job. According to my mum, she applied at around 100 places before finding her first professional job.

I understand this may seem intimidating and hard, but I couldn't stress my first point more. More than ever, I wish I hadn't left the workforce because of school, even if it meant going the extra mile to find another job with more flexible shifts.

If you are job hunting right now, I wish you all the best. Remember to walk and speak with confidence, and most of all, don't give up. You can do this!

Take care,

♡ Joanne