In a struggling economy, there are less jobs available for students, so it is important for students to know what employers are looking for in order to distinguish themselves.
Finder's Records, located at 128 N. Main St., has relied heavily on student employees since opening in 1971. Owner Greg Halamay understands how valuable student employees can be for his business and he looks at several criteria when hiring new employees.
"Students are at least fifty percent of our workforce," Halamay said. "Previous retail experience in general is very, very helpful."
Many students do not have a lot of previous work experience, but previous experience is not the deciding factor in a lot of cases.
"Try to convey to your prospective employer how much you would really enjoy working at that particular position," Halamay said. "That's probably the key element I'm looking for."
Christy Johnson is the founder and general manager of The Cookie Jar, located at 130 E. Court St. Like Halamay, Johnson believes enthusiasm and motivation go a long way in finding a job. Johnson looks for employees who enjoy going to work and are genuinely happy to be there.
"We work really hard, but we play really hard, too," Johnson said. "If you don't have fun at work, why would you want to go?"
Although many area businesses want to have as many quality employees as possible, there is a delicate balance between hiring new employees and making sure current employees get the hours they want.
"We have ten [current employees]," Johnson said. "They basically get the schedules they want. We try not to over-hire so that all of our employees can get the hours they need or want."
Senior Ian Kenyon has been turning in applications to local establishments for several months. Although Kenyon has an abundance of previous work experience, he feels that this time of year is the most difficult to find businesses in need of help.
"It seems that everyone is either cutting back employees or they're already full-staffed," Kenyon said. "A lot of places I've applied to haven't been actively hiring at the time, and it's tough to find places that need help in this economy and at this time of the year especially."
When businesses have a limited number of positions available, it is necessary to stand out from the crowd when applying and interviewing for a job. In many cases, employers want to see individuality, motivation and kindness.
Grounds For Thought, located at 174 S. Main St., is a hotspot for many students to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee and a friendly atmosphere. Owner Kelly Wicks emphasizes the importance of being friendly when applying for a job at the café.
"We try to hire nice people," Wicks said. "You can teach anybody how to sweep or mop a floor, but it's very hard to teach someone how to naturally be friendly."
Finder's Records, located at 128 N. Main St., has relied heavily on student employees since opening in 1971. Owner Greg Halamay understands how valuable student employees can be for his business and he looks at several criteria when hiring new employees.
"Students are at least fifty percent of our workforce," Halamay said. "Previous retail experience in general is very, very helpful."
Many students do not have a lot of previous work experience, but previous experience is not the deciding factor in a lot of cases.
"Try to convey to your prospective employer how much you would really enjoy working at that particular position," Halamay said. "That's probably the key element I'm looking for."
Christy Johnson is the founder and general manager of The Cookie Jar, located at 130 E. Court St. Like Halamay, Johnson believes enthusiasm and motivation go a long way in finding a job. Johnson looks for employees who enjoy going to work and are genuinely happy to be there.
"We work really hard, but we play really hard, too," Johnson said. "If you don't have fun at work, why would you want to go?"
Although many area businesses want to have as many quality employees as possible, there is a delicate balance between hiring new employees and making sure current employees get the hours they want.
"We have ten [current employees]," Johnson said. "They basically get the schedules they want. We try not to over-hire so that all of our employees can get the hours they need or want."
Senior Ian Kenyon has been turning in applications to local establishments for several months. Although Kenyon has an abundance of previous work experience, he feels that this time of year is the most difficult to find businesses in need of help.
"It seems that everyone is either cutting back employees or they're already full-staffed," Kenyon said. "A lot of places I've applied to haven't been actively hiring at the time, and it's tough to find places that need help in this economy and at this time of the year especially."
When businesses have a limited number of positions available, it is necessary to stand out from the crowd when applying and interviewing for a job. In many cases, employers want to see individuality, motivation and kindness.
Grounds For Thought, located at 174 S. Main St., is a hotspot for many students to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee and a friendly atmosphere. Owner Kelly Wicks emphasizes the importance of being friendly when applying for a job at the café.
"We try to hire nice people," Wicks said. "You can teach anybody how to sweep or mop a floor, but it's very hard to teach someone how to naturally be friendly."
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