Getting a j-o-b in B-town

The holidays are coming, and for those with long lists of gifts to buy for friends and family, landing a job might be the key to getting through the season without going broke. But with a limited number of jobs in Bloomington, how can students make sure they're hired instead of the competition? \nSome businesses have a clear criteria for judging a respected employee, including personality, availability and an excellent work ethic. \nDoug Peterson, proprietor of White Mountain Ice Creamery, said it is important for the worker to actually work even when there is not a line outside of the door. \n"I look for people who will continue to work even if my back is turned or when I am out of the store," he said. "There is always something to do here, things to clean. It is nice when the job actually gets done. Those are the people that advance in this company." \nHe stressed that a good worker is constantly proactive in his or her work and is never idle. \nSarah Harvey, manager of Vintage Costumes, agreed and said she looks for people "to do what I tell them to do." \nThough many employers are flexible with hours, it's crucial for an employee to be reliable with the hours they provide as "able to work." \nKrista Schultz, manager of Aeropostale in College Mall, said she posts her schedule every week to ensure cooperation from her team. But there is more to being a player on Schultz's team than just hours. \n"You need to be able to want to work with people," she said. "If during an interview, the individual is not looking at me in the eye and does not exhibit an ability to be outgoing, it is unlikely they will be hired." \nThe necessity for outgoing, customer service-focused employees was also reiterated by Barry Keaton, owner of both Cold Stone Creamery facilities in Bloomington. But he also stressed the importance of enjoying the job. \n"The basic premise is to have fun. I look for smiling, eager and generally happy people," he said. \nCold Stone holds auditions rather than interviews, because employees are required to sing when they receive a tip from customers.\n"I look for people who are willing to sing in front of others," Keaton said. "We do not require good singers, but we do require singers." \nLater in the interview when no one in the store was waiting for service, Keaton pointed to one of his employees as an example of the kind of person he is looking for when he holds job auditions. \n"I am sure he is in the back washing dishes rather than just standing around," Keaton said. "That is the kind of person I hire." \nSo how does one get a job in Bloomington? If an individual is willing to do the dirty work, like cleaning the grime in a corner that's been there for six weeks, is reliable with hours provided and can sing a tune full of personality, he or she will most likely be one of the people hired in this town.