HOW TO GET THE JOB YOU WANT

Crystal Mendez is a career counselor at Reading University. She helps students learn about job opportunities and get a good job when they graduate. Jeremy Scoot interviewed Crystal for the school newspaper and asked her to share advice with the readers.

Jeremy: Hi Crystal. You help a lot of students every year. What is your most important advice for them?

Crystal: What I tell all the students is that they have to do what they like. They need to look for the right job. People spend most of their time at work during the day so you need to make sure that you like what you do and also the place you work at.

Jeremy: What should people consider when they are looking for a job?

Crystal: They should think about what their interests and skills are. A person may think that being an architect is a great thing, but if he is not patient enough and if he doesn’t want to work indoors all the time that won’t be the right job for him. So I suggest them thinking about their skills and interests. Talking with people who do that job can also be beneficial for them. Visit their workplaces. I think people should have a clear idea about what they want to do for all their lives.

Jeremy: What should young people like us do during a job interview?

Crystal: Well, that is the most difficult part. Most employers make their decisions in the first five minutes of the interview. You need to make a good impression if you want to get the job. Be there on time and make sure you look good. I don’t mean that you should put on a lot of make up or perfume but nobody would like to work with someone who isn’t ready for an interview. Your body language is also very important. Try to sit up straight while waiting for the interview. You should also try to stay relaxed because when you are too nervous you may not be able to express your ideas or feelings clearly. A “dead fish” handshake is the worst. Hold the other person’s hand firmly and shake hands. Always look in the eyes of the person who is interviewing you. Never forget that your body language says more than the words that come out of your mouth.