Start by looking at the classified ads in your local paper. Many entry-level jobs, like fast-food worker or sales clerk (售货员), will be listed there. Check the paper every day, especially on Sundays.

   But don't stop there. The yellow pages (黄页电话簿) are another good source of prospective employers. Look for places you might want to work, like movie theaters, restaurants or shopping centers. Visit them (dressed neatly and ready for an interview) and ask politely whether they have any openings and if you can fill out an application.

   Tell everyone -- friends, teachers, neighbors, former employers – you're looking for a job. They may know of something, or they may keep their ears open for opportunities.

   There are always lots of job hunters filling out applications for every position. So how do you get noticed in the crowd? A few extra items to turn in with your application will really make you stand out.

   Make a one-page resume that lists your name, address, phone number, education and previous work experience. Include any awards you've won and special activities you've been involved in, and don't forget special skills such as foreign language ability, typing or computer know-how.

   If you've had other jobs before, get a letter of reference (推荐信) from your former boss that states what a good worker you are. Or make a list of references -- people who can vouch for your abilities, experience and good character.

   Former bosses, teachers, scoutmasters (男童子军团长) and clergy (神职人员) make good references. Relatives don't. Make sure your references know you're using their names -- and that they'll say good things about you.

Know Your Strengths

   If an employer likes your application, he or she may call you in for an interview. Be prepared!

   Think about the kinds of questions an employer might ask you during the interview. Some will be basic: previous work experience, education and skills. Others will need a little more thought. You may be asked things like “What are your strengths?” or “Why do you want to work here?” Practice your answers.

   Dress better than you expect to dress on the job. If you turn up looking sloppy (邋遢的), the interviewer may think you'll be a sloppy (草率马虎的) worker.

The Big Interview

   You only get one chance in a job interview to make a first impression. Make sure it's a good one. Smile. Be polite. Provide detailed answers -- not just yes and no. Tell the interviewer about your motivation and what you can contribute to his or her company.

   If you don't get the job, thank them for their time, and inquire whether they know of any other employers who are hiring. Ask to be contacted if they have an opening in the future.

   You're in competition (竞争) with lots of other job hunters, so don't be discouraged if you get turned down. Finding a job is a job in itself -- and the harder you work at it, the better your chance of getting hired.

(584 words)

为谋生而工作

罗伯特·A·霍尔

    首先看一下你们当地报纸上的分类广告。 那上面会登出许多入门级的工作，如快餐工或售货员。要每天查看报纸，特别是在星期天。

    但不要就此止步。黄页电话号码簿是未来雇主的另一个好来源。在里面查找你可能想去工作的地方，如电影院、餐馆或购物中心。 登门造访(穿戴整齐并作好面试准备)并有礼貌地问他们是否有空缺，你是否能填一张申请表。

    告诉每个人--朋友、老师、邻居、以前的雇主--你正在找工作。他们也许了解些行情，或随时留意其他就业机会。

  要让自己显得很出色

    每个职位总是有很多求职者填写申请表去申请。 那你如何使自己鹤立鸡群引人注目呢-- 连同你的申请表一起交上别的一些东西确实会使你比别人突出。

    准备好一页纸的个人履历，写上你的名字、地址、电话号码、受教育程度以及以前的工作经历。列出你获得过的奖项以及所参与的特别活动，而且不要忘记写上自己的特长如外语能力、打字或电脑技能。

    如果你做过别的工作，那么就让你以前的老板写一封推荐信，说明你是一名多么出色的员工。 或者， 列一份证明人名单--即那些能证明你的能力、经验和良好品德的人士。

    以前的老板、老师、童子军团长和神职人员都是很好的证明人。但亲戚们不是。要确保你的证明人知道你在用他们的名字--并确保他们会为你讲好话。

  了解自己的长处

    如果某个雇主喜欢你的申请表，他或她就可能会打电话让你去面试。一定要作好准备!

    要想一下雇主在面试时可能会问你的各种问题。有些是基本问题：如以前的工作经历、教育程度和技能。有些问题则需要多花一点脑筋。可能会问你“你的长处是什么”或“你为什么想到这儿来工作”这样的问题。要练一下你的回答。

    你的着装要比你上班时的穿着更考究一些。如果你看上去很邋遢，面试者就可能以为你工作上也马马虎虎。

  重大的面试

    在应聘面试中，你只有一次机会给人留下第一印象。要确保这是一次良好的印象。要微笑。 要彬彬有礼。回答要详尽--不要光说是或不是。告诉面试者你的动机是什么，你能为公司作出什么贡献。

    如果你未能得到这份工作，也要为他们花费的时间表示感谢，并问一下他们是否知道别的雇主在招人。请求他们以后有空缺时就与你联系。

    你是在与众多别的求职者进行竞争，所以如果被拒绝也不要泄气。寻找工作本身就是一件工作--在这件工作中你越是努力，你受聘的机会也就越大。