Young
hey guys im um i dont know if this is the right place for me to find ajob i mean im only 16 but im trying to think outside the box with lifeand how everyone looks so instead of going to retail stores andrestaurants asking for applications im wondering if it was possible forme to find a job. I was juss seing what u guys have to say about it b.ci know im young and i guess its gonna be really hard for me to find ajob, but ur comments and tips will really help. Feel free toconstructivly critisize me, i dont take it well but i guess i have tolearn to b.c its part of life. If you are serious and this is a real post, then fine. It really does raise red flags for me, but good for you for taking control of your life, learning how to better yourself and setting realistic goals. First thing for you to consider is your style of writing. Everyone gets sloppy on internet boards, but you can't let it get out of hand. Practice your spelling, grammar, capitalization, punctuation. Don't shorten or abbreviate words. Don't use slang. Practice these things on the boards. Type out a paragraph or two in a Word or WordPerfect document, critique it on your own and then hit the spelling and grammar tools to confirm what you have chosen as your errors. Practice your speech, also. Don't slur your words or mumble. Cut your usage of "um", "uh", "like" and the rest of the filler words that are popular with kids. Watch you level of voice to make sure it isn't too loud or too soft or has an element of bad attitude in it. The first, second and sometimes even third job you get will be retail/restaurant and the like. This is so you can get work experience. The majority of companies are not going to hire someone with no experience. Your first "real job" in the "real world" in your chosen field is going to be entry level. Again, the majority of companies are not going to hire someone for a management, supervisory or above level position when they have no experience. This is the reality of it and regardless of your like or dislike for criticism, you have to take it. Your boss is going to give it to you and he will not be nice about it. Show your contempt at being told what to do, how to do it and when to do it, you will be out of a job faster than you can roll your eyes.
OK, here are a few tips. Presentation is everything. If you only have one suit, keep it clean and pressed for each interview, groom yourself (hair is brushed, nails and shoes are clean) sit up straight, speak clearly with proper pronunciation and grammar, and smile. Fake it till you make it. Be confident, even if you are not (they won't know unless you let it show). Now, as far as types of positions, I started out in grocery stores and waiting tables at your age. I think it is very important to work with the public. You learn alot about people, youself and the world when you are in customer service - you also appreciate those workers more once you have been there. If your goal is to make an early move into "Corporate America", I would recommend an internship with an established company. You can send a "Student Resume" (coursework, skills, etc.) with letters of recommendation from teachers, church members and other members of the community to the HR department of companies you choose - and you can find internships on Careerbuilder as well. As for your not taking criticism well, GET OVER IT! You will be criticized many times during the course of your career, get used to it - the important thing is what you do with it, the ability to take criticism well is a sign of professionalism and maturity. It is never easy and no one likes to be criticized - but getting angry or hurt will only make you look emotional and unable to handle the responsibilities of the position. Regardless of how you feel inside - you smile, say thank you (and mean it) and use that criticism as an opportunity to improve yourself. | |
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Career Tips
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