In the job market today, millennials are one of the groups most likely to be unemployed. Last week, ABC Family premiered a new reality TV show to shed light on this issue, “Job or No Job.”
According to ABC, “Job or No Job” follows one young adult per episode on his or her journey to land a first job. Each job seeker will go on three interviews to find out if he or she lands a job offer.
Author and CEO Jane Buckingham guides each of the candidates through the interview process, serving as career expert and job coach.
The first episode features Texan Gabrielle McBey, a recent college graduate. The private chef and aspiring restauranteur flies to Illinois in hopes of landing a job in the Chicago restaurant industry.
The show provided an interesting insider perspective on the job search process and Gabrielle’s interviews demonstrated a number of great lessons that all job seekers can learn from.
In her first interview, Gabrielle forgot to bring copies of her resume. Even when the employer already has your resume, you should always bring printed copies just in case. In addition, the first impression she gave was low confidence and low energy.
It is also interesting to note that in at least one interview, Gabrielle had no questions when the hiring manager asked if she had anything she’d like to ask.
Always do your research on the company and come with questions prepared in advance. Interviews are a two-way street and your future manager wants to know you’re both excited and prepared.
In her interviews, Gabrielle was given multiple tests to quiz her restaurant skills. Even if you’re not planning to go into this career field, tests and quiz questions are a common part of today’s interview process. Do your best to stay calm if you’re put in this situation.
In many of her discussions on the show, Gabrielle focused on a long list of all of her wants and desires from a job. She hoped to make a certain amount of money and to obtain a specific type of position that will allow her to open her own restaurant in five years. Keep in mind when you’re interviewing that you may get some of the things on your wish list, but you’ll rarely get everything. Prioritize what’s most important to you.
In Gabrielle’s last interview, she broke multiple rules of job searching. First, she used curse words during the interview. Second, she cried because she was so excited to be there. And third, she asked about salary.
Most young people know that swearing and crying in an interview are unacceptable. Unfortunately, many don’t realize that asking salary is also off-limits. Your interview is not the time to ask about pay. Wait until you receive an offer.
Overall, “Job or No Job” provided an entertaining view into the life of a young job seeker. I wish Gabrielle all the best in the great job she landed during her third interview in Chicago.
Angela Copeland is CEO and founder of Copeland Coaching and can be reached at CopelandCoaching.com.