advice to student job seekers

This morning's Globe carried a story in which student job-seekers bemoaned the dearth of summer jobs accessible through on-line search and application.

It's hard to empathize with a generation that has grown so accustomed to managing its life from a keyboard in a student residence that it is unaware of the world as it exists off-campus. They just might need to be told - or better, discover for themselves - that employers just might be looking for evidence that the applicant can get out of bed, show up at the employment centre, physically appear at the job-site, dress appropriately, etc.

When I walk around the York U campus, I'm stunned by how many students apparently think pyjamas or sweats are appropriate work attire. Yes kids, being a student is your job and it would behoove you to act and dress accordingly. I'm sure York is not unique and may in fact be better because so many of its students have to get on public transit or in cars and commute to campus. Imagine what it's like where more than half the students live in residence. Perhaps those employers who want you to apply in person just want to ensure you can find your way to their place of business and won't appear wearing flip-flops, a bra-top/beer-stained T and sweat pants slung so low it looks like you're channeling Tony Weiner. Dudes, employers don't want to see your boxer-briefs. Girls, employers don't want to see your navel ring.

I can understand how universities have lulled students into their behaviour. Professors aren't allowed to object to how their students are dressed, Most of the university's services (library, registrar's office, bookstore, financial office, not to mention pizza delivery) are available on-line so students never have to leave their rooms. But, and it's a big-but, the university is selling its services and the student is paying; it behooves the university to make it as easy as possible/cheap as possible for you to access its resources and offices.

Summer employment is quite another thing. Presuming there are not a lot of student summer jobs suited for telecommuting, an employer will want to be satisfied the applicant can and will appear on-time for an interview and has the social skills requisite in the workplace, in addition to the skills and experience listed on the cv. The employer will be paying and has a right to expect these things.

My advice to students; stop complaining to The Globe and Mail about the absence of good jobs advertised on-line, print out a stack of resumés, have a shower and groom carefully, put on your best clothes, get yourself down to the employment office to check the job-boards and then spend the rest of the day delivering your application in-person to prospective employers. Put in that extra effort and you will have distinguished yourself, in a good way, from your competitors.