The Omaha guide., 1941-06-28
(by R. O'Hara Lanier)
Dean of instruction, Hampton Insti-
tute, Virginia

For most of you the immediate
problem is to find a job. In seeing you
off to a good start | wish to point out
a few things that will help you, partic-
ularly on your first job. There must
be a willingness on your part to as
sumo, ever under difficulties, a posi-
tive approach to your problems, your
prospective employer, and your job
possibilities.
Because first impressions are ct
great Importance, any applicant
should try to cultivate a cheerful,
friendly approach to prospective en-
ployers. An employer is not likely to
hire an applicant who appears worri-
ed or downcast or bewildered even
though the person may have just cause
to feel that way. The employer can
seldom take the time to investigate the
applicants home life-he is interested
ONLY in filling a vacancy with the
person best fitted for that particular
job. An applicant must take the init
iative in bringing his qualifications to
the attention of the prospective en-
Iployer, and he must sell himself. An
applicant is usually very nervous when
Applying for a job. One reason may
lbe that he needs employment and feels
THAT he must secure the particular job
for which he is applying. Because of
the ever-present feeling that he must
mot fail, he becomes nervous and rest
less. His carefully planned method of
procedure leaves his mind and words
fail him. What car a person do to
regain poise?
One of the best ways Of gaining
Ipoise starts at home with the apple
ant analyzing himself even listing the
things he has to offer an employer.
Now suppose you are the applicant.
Ask yourself: Would | be cooperative?
Do | have the ability to get along we'll
with others? Do | know how to meet
people? Ask yourself what you can
offer an employer in personality, edu-
cation, experience, health, ambition,
any special training, and the know
ledge of the particular job you want.
By preparing yourself in this way for
an interview you are able to answer
the prospective employer with positive
statements concerning your abilities
and interests and specific details Of
your training and experience; You
will know certain important facts a
bout the job for which you are apply
ing, compensation offered, etc. By
having in his possession all the facts
he will need, the applicant will feel
confident and more at ease because he
Twill be anticipating the questions the
prospective employer will ask him.
Job-finding is a business, and
while success in finding the job de-
ponds in large measure upon whole
some and constructive ideas and ap-
proach toward this business of job-
seeking, these ideas and approaches
must be reinforced with accurate in
formation concerning occupational
fields and employment possibilities. 1t
is a good idea for the out-of-work per
son to keep his friends and relatives
informed of his need of a job, Of his
qualifications, training and special a.
bilities, for often they are able to give
information of a vacancy where they
work, or have heard through friends
of openings in various places. Form
er teachers, priests, rabbis Or minis
tiers, business associates, fellow church
members, fellow club members, YWCA