Do you want to get a job? Make money? Be a little more independent? Some people don’t know how. Here’s some advice on how to get your first job, and what help is available for you here at school.
Lots of students have jobs, whether it be part time or every day. With the worker shortage it is easier than ever to get a job, but that doesn’t guarantee anything. You still have to fill out the application, make a good impression, and get hired.
You may have seen a big green board in the hall by the office. This is where you take the first leap into getting a job. You can see many restaurants/stores that are hiring. Some may have requirements such as need to be 18 or older or must have experience in a certain aspect, but there are others that will accept workers 16 and older, and even a few who hire younger people.
The next step is to create your resume. There are many templates available online. Think of all the skills you have, all the jobs you have had, and all the relevant classes you have taken. If you need help editing, NHS offers homework tables, or you could probably ask your friendly neighborhood English teacher. Fill out all the information needed and then apply!
Once you complete the third step, which is to apply, the next step is to wait for the restaurant/store to respond. Applications are often turned in online, and can take time to fill out, as they often ask you to fill out all of the information from your resume.
Once the company responds, you can schedule an interview. In an interview you should dress nice, be your best you, always be polite, and show them why they need someone like you to work for them. Consider Googling common interview questions and thinking about strong answers. Seniors have the opportunity for a mock interview, so be sure to take advantage of that.
After you’ve been interviewed all you have to do is wait. Depending on where you have applied you could be hired at the interview, in a week, or even in a month. While you are waiting, you can work on those Membean sessions you’ve been putting off, maybe.
If you are on the fence about if you want a job or can handle a job here’s some advice from your peers. Junior Ashlyn Fuhrmann says “Don’t overwork yourself…at the end of the day it’s just a job and your real life is more important.” Senior Paige Burnett believes “Be able to be assertive… Be able to balance work and life.” Freshman Ella Price says “Make sure you are capable of balancing school and work, and make sure you really want a job before trying to get one because it’s not very easy.”
Easy or not, jobs are going to be part of all of our future plans, and knowing how to get one will help you in life.
