first jobs 101

If your all like me and getting to that age when you want to start working and getting money, then listen up. I am not sure about other countries, but in Australia when you are around 14, you can start working. So over the past year and even weeks, I have been gathering my information on first jobs and I thought that I should share it with you all. It is also getting closer to Christmas so if you aren't going away, there will be plenty of jobs becoming available. Now before I begin, I would just like to say that most of this information is based on personal experience, as well as from friends and family so some of it may be different from what you experience/find out.

Applying for the job

- Finding the job: Okay, there are a few ways you can go about this one. First of all, I would recommend going online and seeing which companies are offering positions and also see if you fit what they want. For example, if you are a school student, you will probably want a casual position.  Once you have found some available jobs, it will most likely allow you to submit your resume or fill out a form. Of course, the other way to go about it is to personally go up to the store/shop and hand in your resume. Remember to act confident, friendly and polite if you choose this option. 

- Resume: Your resume is a massive part of your application. If you are struggling with what to put on it, a simple google search should do the trick. Also, if it is possible, try to make your resume something they will remember. You can even do this by including a photo of yourself. It is also important to tailor your resume to the types of companies you are applying to. You don't want to be talking all about how you are great at teamwork when the job is significantly you working alone. 

- Availability: This is a bit of a weird thing to include but I really learnt the importance of it. When you are applying for a job, the company is going to be looking for someone who is available and free for most of the time. If they see a girl who is free every afternoon and on the weekends, compared to another who can't work Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday. It is clear who they are going to pick. I know this may be hard for you if you do participate in after-school sports etc. However, it is something to consider. 

2. The Interview: You have now reached the interview stage. Most companies will host something like an interview to meet you in person and just have a talk. The interview can either be one-on-one or in a group. 

- Preparation: It is important to prepare for your interview. Do a bit of research on the company and be ready to tackle the question: "why do you want to work here". Also it is good to find some common interview questions and practice answering them. However, it is also important to not sound like you have completely memorised every answer. Remember to be yourself when answering and try not to sound too mature/old for your age. 

- Punctuality: "By being on time, you are late and by being early you are on time". Punctuality is very important for an interview, it shows the company you are reliable. As the quote above says, you should actually arrive before you have been told.  I would recommend arriving around 10 minutes before. Remember to give yourself enough time to drive there too, you don't want traffic to affect you!

- Personality: Doing an interview can be daunting, especially if it is your first one. However, most of the time the interviewer will be really nice and understand how you are feeling. Although you may feel nervous, it is important to look confident and friendly. Keep your back straight and remember to always smile!! Overall, just be yourself and stay calm. Don't work yourself up over a small conversation, because that is what it is. 

- Outfit: The saying 'don't judge a book by its cover' doesn't apply to an interview. What you wear is the first thing the interviewer will notice about you so it is important to plan ahead. The type of company you are applying to should determine what you wear. However, if you are a teenager and this is your first job, make sure you aren't dressing too mature and not too young. Overall, you want to look sophisticated but show your personality. I would recommend some nice dress/work pants, a nice blouse/top and ballet flats for girls. I can't speak much for boys. Also make sure your hair is neat and tidy (it may be best to put it up girls) and it can't help to put a hint of makeup on. 

So if you were successful for your interview you will probably go through training until you can work! So congratulations you have your first job! 

However, I do want to say that at any stage if you are unsuccessful, don't take it personally. I know that it can be really tough, especially if it is your first interview but take it as a learning experience. I went through quite a few 'unsuccessfuls' so I know how difficult it can be. However, it is important to remind yourself that every no is one step closer to a yes. Learn from what you did wrong and improve on it for future job opportunities. So stay persistent because you will get there!

I'm really intrigued to hear some of your first job stories, so comment them down below

Talk to you all soon and happy job hunting!

O xx