For young people, showing up in person to look for a job can offer several advantages, especially in a job market that is increasingly dominated by online applications.
1. Making a Personal Connection
- Standing out from the crowd: Online applications can feel impersonal, and it’s easy for a resume to get lost among hundreds of others. By showing up in person, you can make a direct connection with a hiring manager or owner, which helps them put a face to the name and resume. This can give you a significant advantage, especially for entry-level positions or jobs in smaller businesses.
- Demonstrating soft skills: A face-to-face interaction allows you to immediately demonstrate valuable soft skills that are difficult to convey on a resume. Things like a positive attitude, good communication, and enthusiasm can be instantly apparent when you meet someone in person.
- Showing initiative: Walking in to apply for a job shows that you are proactive and genuinely interested in the position. This demonstrates a level of initiative and “go-getter” attitude that many employers appreciate.
2. Getting a Feel for the Workplace
- Assessing the company culture: A visit to the workplace gives you an immediate sense of the company culture and environment. You can observe how employees interact with each other and with customers, and get a feel for the overall atmosphere. This can help you determine if the job and company are a good fit for you.
- Gathering more information: You may be able to have a brief chat with an employee or a receptionist to get more details about the job and the company that you might not find in an online job description.
3. Networking and Career Development
- Building a professional network: Even if you don’t get the job on the spot, the in-person visit is an opportunity to start building your professional network. You might be remembered for future opportunities, or you might get advice or leads on other jobs from the people you meet.
- Practice and skill-building: The process of preparing for and going on an in-person job search helps you develop crucial real-world skills. You learn to make a good first impression, practice your communication skills, and build confidence for future interviews.
