Let’s Get To Work

I have had 6 different part-time jobs since I was 15 years old. I find I am more productive when I have a lot to do, and I honestly enjoy being busy. Who doesn’t love making money and being able to save and spend?I once was told every person needs to have a job in retail and in a restaurant at some point in their life. Understanding the other side of customer service is so important to being a good customer, and arguably

a good person. I have a few tips & tricks on how to get a job, balance a job in your hectic life, and be great at your job!

How to Get a Job

1. Have a strong resume!

Having a strong resume does not mean you need to have a ton of work experience, or any! If you have none, maybe include less professional work you have done. For example, babysitting, interning at a community center, or even coaching a sports team. To construct a resume I included photos of example resumes I found online.

★ Include skills! Your skills can vary as much as you prefer, but it is nice to tailor your skillset to the job you are applying for. For example, if you want to work in a restaurant, perhaps include foreign languages, organization, and “quick-learning” skills. For a retail job you could include photography, design, or even art. If you are familiar with technological platforms like Adobe Photoshop, you could include that. Volunteer work looks great, as well.

★ Presentation is key. I have always printed my resumes on thick cardstock paper. Bonus points if you print your resume on a color that isn’t white. I have had my employers tell me they called me for an interview because my light blue paper stood out!

2. Be proactive!

This step is by far the most important, and the final! Be. Proactive. If you want a job, walk into the establishment in person . Applying online doesn’t show the manager your confidence, or put a face to your name. When you arrive, ask to speak with a manager. Give them your resume and ask if they are hiring. If they ARE, say you would love to arrange an interview and they can reach you via the information you provided on the resume. If NOT, give them your resume ask them to let you know when they are hiring in the future. Oftentimes they will tell you the season they are generally looking to hire and then follow up when that season arrives. The final step is to follow up! If you drop off a resume, wait a few days for the manager to contact you. If they don’t, call the location and ask to speak to the manager and explain you dropped off your resume and would love to schedule an interview. 9/10 times they set up a date, and you are set! If they say no, move on!

OK, so I got the job. Now what?

Time management is one of the most common struggles that everyone has to deal with. Combining a part-time job, schoolwork, social life, sports, family, alone time; you name it. It’s overwhelming.

I suggest a job that gives you a weekly schedule that doesn’t change week to week. Consistency is key to balance. Ranking your commitments from most to least important will also allow you to prioritize your responsibilities. Put your homework/studying first. If you have a shift on Sunday night and an exam you are not prepared for the next day, you may need to get it covered. Missing a party or a social event is okay when your other responsibilities need to come first. At the same time, try not to spread yourself too thin and allow yourself time to have fun.

The reality is time management is hard to master. My best recommendation is to use a planner to balance out your time. If you want to get really meticulous, writing out your week ahead every Sunday can be incredibly helpful! Include school, work shifts, and blocks of time for friends!

How to be GREAT at what you do!

Being great at your job almost entirely comes from experience. Once you are familiar with your job, you will pick it up easily.

1. Be able to identify if you are comfortable.

The most important part of any job is that you are happy and comfortable when going to work. At my first job my manager was so mean to his employees, and it caused me anxiety going to work every shift. At another job I had a manager that made many girls uncomfortable. It’s important to know when a situation is not right for you. If you are unhappy where you are, leave!

2. Dress the part!

No matter where you work, you want to wear the appropriate attire for that location. Check out my post with photos of work outfits I have created for all types of jobs. Wear something that embodies the company you are working with, and something you feel confident wearing! It will reflect in your attitude at work. It sounds funny, but it’s so true for me.

3. Give it your all

So simple, but so important. Find a part-time job you enjoy. If that means testing out a few, that’s OK! I did it! It was so worth it, plus you gain tons of experience with different people. When you truly enjoy your job, you will find yourself wanting to invest your best work into it. With that you will be a strong employee and love what you do :)