12 Ways Young Adults of All Abilities Can Prepare for Successful Employment

1. Get Experience

Anyone looking for employment needs to come with, at least, some experience related to the type of job that they are seeking. The more experience one has, the more desirable they become to a potential employer. Try contacting your local community groups or school authority and asking about employment and volunteer opportunities. Related volunteer experience can be very valuable to an employer; it looks great on any resume.

2. Explore New Things

Jobs fall under many different categories, and within each category, there are many different types of jobs. It is likely that many of your jobs will eventually come to an agreed-upon end, such as in the case of summer employment, seasonal employment, and other short-term employment opportunities. The ending of these jobs will likely mean the beginning of your next job search. Explore your options to gather new knowledge, skills, abilities, and other talents along the way. Not only will you have more confidence in yourself as an employee, but you’ll also be sure to gain your boss’s admiration. They will be impressed by your capability and quality of work.

3. Walk Through Your Fears

Nervousness and fearfulness are common reactions to gaining new employment, especially when the type of job that you are working is one that you’ve never experienced. Don’t let fear or nerves keep you from getting your experience. When you are uncertain or nervous or fearful, ask for assistance from more experienced staff. Support from your supervisor and other staff members is a resource that will often be readily available to you; utilize this resource whenever you can. However, remember, that you must speak up to receive the help that you need. Everyone needs time to learn their new job. In time, the unfamiliar will become routine, and you’ll beco

me a knowledgeable and skilled employee.

4. Let People Know That You are Looking for a Job

It can take a lot of effort to find the job that is right for you. One of the best ways to make this process a little bit easier is to let those around you know that you are looking for a job. Friends, family members, neighbors, and, even acquaintances can be excellent job resources. These individual tend to have large social networks, and, within those social networks, are people who may be able to connect you to the type of job that you are seeking. Don’t keep your job search a secret; tell everyone.

5. Get Informed

After you’ve finally settled on the type of job that you want to become employed in, make an effort to talk to those who are working the job that you want to work. Utilize your network of friends, family, neighbors, and acquaintances. Maybe someone in your social network is employed in the type of job that you want, or maybe they know someone who is employed in the type of job that you want. Contact the type of place that you would like to work, introduce yourself, state your interests, and ask about the possibility of sitting in with someone who would be willing to tell you more about the ins and outs of the position that you are seeking. This type of information gathering is good for many reasons, mainly 1) it will give you a clearer understanding of what the job is actually like 2) it will give you a better idea of whether or not you really want to work the type of job that you are seeking and 3) it could lead you to gaining resume-building volunteer experience or even a new job.

6. Focus On One Job At A Time

Attempting to explore and pursue many different types of jobs at one time is one of the biggest mistakes that people make when searching for a new job. This can be both overwhelming and frustrating. As this strategy tends to pull your attention into too many differing directions at once, it may ultimately weaken your ability to land the job that you really want. Get focused. Do your research. Become familiar with both the things that you like to do and the things that you are good at. Use this guideline as your starting point; explore and narrow your search down to one specific type of job. Always look for one type of job at a time.

7. Volunteer

Depending on where you are in your job search, volunteering may be a good option. If you do not have a lot of job experience, consider giving up some of your time to an organization that can both utilize the skills that you already have and provide you with new knowledge, skills, and abilities. While any type of volunteer experience is generally good experience, give some thought to the organizations that you choose to volunteer your time to; it can be beneficial to volunteer at places that will prepare you, directly or indirectly, for the type of job that you are hoping to acquire. This newly gained experience combined with your newly acquired skill set will make you better suited to the job that you seek, thereby, increasing your chances of becoming employed in your desired position. Volunteering is also a great way to explore new things.

8. Build Your Resume

A resume is a one or two page document that gives your potential supervisor a snapshot of who you are, what you’ve done, and what you’re capable of. Because almost all employers will ask you to provide them with a resume, it is important that you have one prepared when searching for a new job. Remember that a potential employer will, more often than not, view your resume before meeting you in person. In fact, a potential employer will utilize your resume to help them determine whether or not they would like to meet with you via interview. Sending off your resume is, thus, your first opportunity to show that you are well suited to the job that you are seeking. It is, therefore, important that you have certifications, experiences, and education on your resume; these will demonstrate your degree of preparedness for the job. Start building your resume as soon as possible by volunteering, exploring entry-level jobs, and/or pursing academic advancement. The more varied and extensive your experiences are in a given area, the more employable you become in that area.

9. Act With Confidence

Confidence, whether on an interview or on the job, can be a game changer. Having and showing confidence may mean the difference between being picked and being picked over for an available position. It can also mean the difference between being trusted with few responsibilities and being given a lot of responsibility on the job. If you’ve made it to an interview, something about you suggests that you possess the potential to perform the job well. If you’ve been offered the job, then something about you suggests that you will perform the job well. You’ve got what it takes to be successful; own your potential! A job done to the best of your ability is always a job well done.

10. Be Courteous and Cooperative

When interviewing and when on the job, be courteous and cooperative. Not only will this contribute to a more pleasant work environment for everyone, but it will also help you to develop healthy relationships with your supervisors and coworkers. Healthy professional relationships are a key contributor to advancement in the workplace.

11. Do The Extra

Many employees opt to do as least as possible on the job. Set yourself apart from the average employee by opting to do more. Once you’ve completed your assigned tasks, ask your boss if there is anything else that you can assist with. If your boss asks you to contribute to the job in a way that you usually aren’t required to contribute, utilize this opportunity to obtain a new skill or ability. If you see something that needs to be done and it is within the scope of your training to do it, make the effort to complete the task instead of hoping that someone else will pick up the slack. Doing extra on the job will provide you with knowledge of different areas of the job that you may not have, otherwise, gotten the opportunity to gain; this will increase your value as an employee and set the stage for your future advancement.

12. Own Your Mistakes

Where there is learning to be done, there are mistakes to be made. You’re going to make mistakes, and it is okay to admit that you’ve made them. Mistakes are a part of every learning process. Many times you’re going to know when you’ve made a mistake, and, at other times, someone will have to bring the mistake to your attention. In either instance, own your mistakes by openly acknowledging them when you recognize them and accepting them when they are brought to your attention. Seek out help from your boss and fellow employees; allow them to help you to understand and correct your mistakes. You will not only have become a better employee by doing this, but you will also gain trust and respect from your supervisors and fellow coworkers.