Three Tips to Help You Find & Keep Your First Job

IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU!

In this very short article, you will find straight talk and three tips on how to successfully find and keep your first job. It is always nerve racking to go to an interview and to start a new job. Keep in mind that we have all been through it, even your boss. ALWAYS stay true to who you are. You can be anything you set your mind to, if you have the will and courage to go for it

Tip 1: Set a Goal

Have you considered why or if you should get a job? In a few easy steps you can set a goal for yourself to help you find and then keep your first job. Writing out your goals on paper will help you set them and reach them.

Why should you want a job? If you have not figured out why you need or should want a job, you need to. If you don't have this in mind, you'll probably end up like a bunch of other workers, young and old who jump from one job to the next. You might think this does not matter, but it does as your future employers will wonder if you are difficult. Knowing why you are looking for a job will make it easier to find one you actually like and hopefully stick with.

Maybe you just feel peer pressure because all your friends work. Whatever your motivation or obligation, it is NOT the end of the world. Working can actually be quite fulfilling and fun... and you will be earning your own money! Imagine being able to buy your own clothes, go to the movies or buy something you really want without having to beg your parents for cash! Consider what you can do with your own money. You can blow every single paycheck on stuff like going out, junk food, clothes, jewelry, shoes, the latest music, electronics, MP3s or whatever else you think you can't live without pr save up for a trip or college!

Tip 2: Sit or Stand

Should you sit down or stand up? Should you shake hands or not? Can you eat and drink on the job? Are you allowed to lean on the furniture, displays, shelves, etc? Can you use the public restrooms or are there designated employee restrooms?

As soon as you start your new job, on the very first day, ask them if they have an employee rule book or handbook? Read it, learn the rules and stick to them. If they don't have one, simply ask your boss what the rules are. Here are a few basics to get you started and look professional.

Tip 3: Five Minute Rule

This tip is the easiest one. One of the chief complaints from employers who hire first time workers is that they show up when their shift is supposed to start, but they still have to clock in, go to their locker, use the restroom, wash their hands, etc. which really means they start working 5-10 minutes late. That is NOT being on time.

Employees who show up early and leave late have a higher chance of getting promoted.

Basically acting responsibly and showing you are willing to do a little extra work always pays off. When you leave this first job for a bigger better opportunity, this employer will give you a great referral because of your extra efforts.

Just remember that to find and keep your first job can be a great challenge but it is also extremely rewarding and these three tips are easy to follow and apply. Good luck!

Danielle Lavallee Wasson, mother and step mom, has created a book to help teens, find and keep their first job It was created after watching the challenges and stress teenagers go through when trying to find their first job. Purchase this book today in ebook or physical book formats. For schools or bulk purchases please contact the author.