Wow, it's been a while since I've written anything for the Times! In fact, it's been since December of 2006 -- almost an entire year. But I'm back, writing another article for you to enjoy.
Since I've written my last, I've gotten a summer job and I've kept it, too. I actually work for my parents at their UPS Store. I get seven dollars an hour and since I work for my parents, I don't have to pay taxes. Sure, the job isn't easy, but it's worth it when you get that paycheck.
Why in the world would anyone who wasn't living on their own get a job? Personally, my parents make me pay for my clothes, school supplies and anything else I would want to teach me money management. Since my allowance, 15 dollars a week, isn't a lot for a girl like me, I decided to get a job. Over the past three months, I've gotten close to five hundred dollars!
So how do you find a job? First look at what you enjoy and what you like to do. If hanging out with little kids is your idea of a good time, try babysitting for some parents down the street. If stocking shelves and helping people find their way to what their looking for, working in a grocery store would be perfect. If sports are your thing, working at the local rec center would help roll in the cash.
After you've figured out a job you'd enjoy, find where an application would be. It may be on the company's website or you may have to go to the location to find it. Either way, find the application and fill it out. Do not lie on the application! If you lose your patience quickly, don't say "Getting impatient is something I rarely do" on the application. If your future employer finds out that you've lied, you'll be fired on the spot.
Once your application is filled out, turn it in. You'll probably want to speak to the manager if you have any question while you turn it in. Make sure you've given the manager your phone number that they'll be able to reach you at. If they like your application and what you have to offer, chances are they'll call you back for an interview.
The interview always seems like the scariest part of getting a job. The employer will want to sit down with you and talk to you one on one. They'll ask you a series of questions and you'll answer them. If may seem easy, but it takes a lot to impress someone while you're trying to find a job. You'll need to look professional during the interview, since first impressions are everything. Do not wear ripped up blue jeans and a t-shirt from Hollister. Instead, try wearing some nice dress pants and a nice shirt. A jacket and tie isn't necessary.
During the interview, avoid words that you use all the time, like "uh," "um," and "like." Also try to avoid "wishy-washy" answers like "I dunno" or "Sure." Talk in complete sentences. The interviewer will ask questions like "Why do you want to work here?" and "Will you be able to find your own reliable transportation?" Answer all the questions truthfully. If you want a job to be able to buy a car, then say that. If you can only get rides on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, then say that.
After the interview, you may or may not be notified if you'll be working there on the spot. Chances are, the employer will want to review your application and the notes they took during the interview another time. They'll call you back and let you know what your first day is if you get the job.
Make sure that you follow all the rules that the job has. If you have to wear a uniform, come in wearing the uniform. Don't come in wearing some shorts and a t-shirt and expect to be able to go to the bathroom and change before your shift. Don't forget to clock in and clock out, because that determines how much you get paid. Also don't forget to ask questions if you need to or don't understand something. If may take a while to understand the concept of the cash register and giving back change, but you'll get the hang of it.
If after a while you don't enjoy the job as much as you thought you would, give your boss or manager a two weeks notice. If you don't know what means, it's the last two weeks you'll be working there, giving your employer enough time to find a replacement for you. If you would still like a job, try finding another, but don't submit your application until after you're done working at the first job, or you'll be stuck working two jobs at the same time!
This is bluebag, going to get ready for Homecoming!
(And if you like, and if you like, and if you like some other time...)
