JOB SEARCHING TIPS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Many of our residents have graduated and some are looking for their very first job.As a young person, looking for your first part time job can seem like a daunting task. Finding a job is hard to begin with. But when you haven't had any experience in a workplace, have never been through an interview, and don't know where to start in writing a resume, the task can seem impossible. Here are some tips that may help:

1. Preparing for the Job Hunt 
The most important steps in going to get your first job take place before you even head out the front door. You need to prepare for what you're about to do.

2. Put together a simple resume
Many first time or part time job seekers don't believe they need a resume, or think that "well, I don't really have anything to put on a resume, so why bother?" Two reasons. First, having a resume to give to the prospective employer shows you've put some effort into finding a job (read: you will put some effort into the job you do for them...). Secondly, it allows you to showcase those things about you that you want the employer to remember. Having a printed resume sets you apart from the crowd. Even if you have no work experience, you can still give the employer an idea of who you are, and what your strengths are. If all you've done is baby-sit your kid brother, put it down in writing. Emphasize the skills you learned while baby-sitting, the challenges you overcame, and so on.

3. Get a list of places to apply 
There are many other ways to find employers. You can get a list of places looking for people from a variety of sources. You can pick up a local newspaper, go to the library to look at help wanted listings, or walk through town looking for Help Wanted signs. But remember, not every business looking for an employee will have a Help Wanted sign in the front window. Put on your list of places anywhere that you think would be fun to work, and go get that job. Walking in and asking for a job isn't illegal, and it shows the manager that you are interested and ambitious if you ask for a job even when one isn't advertised.

4. Appearance matters 
Make sure when you head out the door, that you are well groomed and well dressed. You don't need to be in a suit, just make sure you look presentable. 

5. Prepare for "No" 

Before you go apply anywhere, you need to prepare yourself for rejection. That's right. Nobody, and I mean, nobody, gets accepted every single place they apply for a job. As a first time job seeker, you need to mentally prepare for someone to say, "No". There's nothing wrong with a store owner saying to you, "I'm sorry, we don't need anyone right now." However, there is a right and a wrong way to respond to a business owner or manager who says they have no need for you. If you get a "No, I'm sorry" (and everyone will!), respond by saying, "Well, if you do need someone in the future, please give me a call. I'll leave you a copy of my resume. Thanks for your time."

6. Be Confident

Go to each of the employers on your list, walk in the door, and ask for that job. Keep you head up, maintain eye contact, have a firm handshake, and be confident. Employers look for certain qualities when a jobseeker walks in the door. Foremost of those qualities is the candidate's ability to communicate. If you are meek, shy, and unable to show the employer that you are serious about getting a job, you probably won't get one. When communicating to a manager, demonstrate that you are eager to get the job.

7. Follow Up
This is probably the most important part of getting a job. Employers look for candidates who have the ability to follow up with customers, because it shows a willingness to get involved and be responsible. Always make a follow up call or get in touch with the potential employer. Usually, it's best to wait about a week to make a call, and when you do, make sure to get on the phone with the person who will be hiring. Don't rely on someone else to leave the right message for you.

TIPS FOR COPING WITH LIFE'S CHANGES

Some of our residents are moving across the country to attend school and some are preparing to move out for the first time in the near future. We will miss them but we know that they have the skills needed and are 100% capable of being self-sustained and successful young adults. Even with all the life skills they have learned to be independent, adjusting to life's changes can be difficult. Suddenly you're moving away from everything familiar to you- family, friends, home, community- and beginning to make your way as a young adult in entirely new surroundings. You may feel that everything is on the line: your ability to succeed at work or school, to build adult relationships, and adapt to a lot of change all at once. Here are some tips to help with coping with life's changes:

1. Plan better use of your time. 

Make time every day to prioritize your work. Prioritizing can give you a sense of control over what you must do, and a sense that you can do it.

2. Plan your work and sleep schedules.

 Too many students defer doing important class work until late at night, work through much of the night, and start each new day exhausted. Constant fatigue can be a critical trigger for depression. Seven or eight hours of sleep a night is important to your well-being.

3. Join an extracurricular activity. 

Sports, theater, Greek life, the student newspaper - whatever interests you - can bring opportunities to meet people interested in the same things you are, and it provides a welcome change from class work.

4. Make a friend. 

Sometimes this may be a roommate or someone you meet in class or in the cafeteria. Friendships can help make a strange place feel more friendly and comfortable.

5. Try relaxation methods. 

These include meditation, deep breathing, warm baths, long walks, exercise - whatever you enjoy that lessens your feelings of stress or discomfort.

6. Take time for yourself each day. 

Make this special time - even if it's only 15 minutes by yourself - a period where you think about your feelings and dreams. Focusing on yourself can be energizing and gives a feeling of purposefulness and control over your life.

7. Make time to visit.

 Remember that NYEP, your friends and family are still here to cheer you on. When you are feeling lonely call, text or email. When you have time visit and share stories of your new life!! We are excited to see you grow and succeed!!