As a Business Coach, from research and experience, these are my top tips for for the young person who needs a job, or anyone looking for employment:

- Do not be afraid to ask for help – wise people accept assistance!
- Do not give up – the right job will present itself to you if you keep searching.
- Complete my job-fit assessment form, and find out what you are best suited for.
- Send out as many speculative letters, resume’s, and apply for as many jobs as possible. Determination is the key to success. Follow up with phone calls to check on your application weekly. Persistence will turn some off, but for the right employer, it will impress them.
- Be willing to take a position you don’t believe you want in order to learn, grow, and be challenged. Doing things we don’t want can equip us for what we do want.
- Ask for feedback after an interview. This will help you improve on areas you’re lacking in.
- Believe in yourself.
- Google terms like, “Best places to find jobs in St. Louis,” or “Whose hiring in St. Louis.”
- When you go to job search sites, do not shortcut. Take your time and go through each listing page by page. You have to dig to find the gold!
- Research the company. Prospective employers are often impressed when they can tell you’ve researched their business.
- Read and follow instructions carefully.
- Complete the application as neatly as possible.
- Tailor your answers to the job you are seeking.
- Don’t leave any blanks – fill in every part of the application form. Even if you must write N/A — not applicable.
- Don’t fail to see the value in things you’ve done as a volunteer. Work experience isn’t always tied to pay.
- Get someone else to review your application before turning it in. A fresh pair of eyes can spot things you miss.
- Proofread your application before submitting it.
- I’m not just saying this because I wrote it, but read, First Hired, Last Fired — How to Become Irreplaceable in Any Job Market. The principles are true keys to success in getting a job, and in living a happier life in general.
If you want to know how to get a job, keep looking for the answers. You can’t experience a miracle without first having a problem — turn your thinking upside down. Dare to be different, and you can become irreplaceable.
It’s never too late for a fresh start with fresh faith!
Anita Fresh Faith