PREPARE FOR THE JOB
As you prepare to apply for a job, there are a few things to consider. It is important to be familiar with skills employers like. It is also important to have a good resume that shows your history in employment, education, qualification and others categories. As part of your preparation for the job interview, it is a good idea to review interview questions employers typically ask. If you get the job, congratulations! There will be one last thing you will need if you are between the ages of 14-17, and that is a work permit. Lastly, as with any job, if you are not close to the job site, transportation is important and critical to maintaining employment.
SKILLS EMPLOYERS LIKE
Quality of Work Employers evaluate employees’ performance based on several criteria. Quality of work is one of the criteria. Take pride in your work and make every effort to ensure it is the highest quality possible.
Quantity of Work Employers expect a day’s work for a day’s pay from their employees. Motivate yourself to complete assignments accurately to establish good work habits.
Working Relationships Job survival is dependent on one’s ability to work well with others. Employees are evaluated on their ability to get along with others and to solve problems.
Attendance Good attendance is critical to keeping a job. It costs employers when their workers are absent from work. Your employer depends on you to be present
Call In Procedures If you are absent from work, it is important to notify your employer. Try to give the employer as much advance notice as possible. This common courtesy will give the employer a chance to call another worker to cover your shift.
Positive Attitude Employees who excel have a positive attitude and remain professional in challenging situations. Fellow colleagues will respect and appreciate you if you focus on your work and not engage in office gossip. Employers will notice your hard work, which could lead to simple things like attendance at a conference and/or further training within or outside the company. Eventually you may receive a promotion and a positive employee review.
Prior to the interview, learn as much as you can about the company and the job; it shows you are interested.
Go over your answers to common interview questions:
- Tell me about yourself.
- Why do you want to work here?
- Have you done this type of work before?
- What are your strengths?
- Why did you leave your last job?
- When can you start?
- What hours can you work?
- Can you work overtime?
- How much are you expecting to be paid?
- Do you have references?
It is okay to ask the interviewer questions of interest to you, such as:
- How many people work here?
- What are some challenges of this job?
- What opportunities are there for advancement?
- Will I receive training to do the job?
Youth between the ages of 14-17 are required to obtain a work permit.
How Do I Get a Work Permit?
Work permits are issued by your school district. You can obtain a work permit at your local high school. Over the summer or when school is not in session, the work permit may be obtained from the superintendent of schools office in the district where you live.
Youth ages 14-17 must obtain a work permit before starting a new job. A Physicians Certificate of Health is required only for 14 and 15 year olds.
When Do I Get a Work Permit?
You must first receive a job offer from an employer.
Ask the employer to complete the Promise of Employment section.
If you are 14-15 years of age, ask the physician to complete the Certificate of Health.
For further information about work permits or to learn about Child Labor Laws, please visit the Mass.gov website.
Before
- Dress to be successful! Select clothes in advance that are comfortable and presentable.
- Bring several copies of your resume (if you have a typed resume. If not, view our tips on how to complete one).
- Practice your 20-30 second commercial (tell them about your skills).
- Plan child care in advance (if needed).
- Eat before.
- Research company websites (if in advance you are aware of the companies attending).
Avoid
- Calling employers.
- Waiting until the last minute to pull your resume/clothing together.
During
- Arrive during the first half of the event. Why? Some employers leave early.
- Turn off your cell phone.
- Be polite to everyone. You never know who you are speaking to at the event.
- Remember, first impressions count.
- Look directly at people and maintain good eye contact.
- Repeat the recruiter’s (employer representative) name during the conversation.
- Ask recruiters for their business cards.
- Hand recruiters your resume.
- Take notes. Your notes will remind you of important information after the event.
- Maintain a professional demeanor.
- Ask intelligent and appropriate questions.
- Smile and shake hands with each new recruiter you approach.
- Act confident.
Avoid
- Wearing jeans, club wear or flashy/noisy jewelry.
- Handing out ripped, crumpled or scribbled resumes.
- Exaggerating your skills, knowledge or experience.
- Asking employers, “Do you have any jobs?”
- Being intimidated.
- Showing up at the last hour with high expectations. Why? Some employers leave early.
- Talking negatively about former employers.
- “Dropping off” your resume. Guess where they’ll drop it next?!
- Chewing gum.
- Words like, “ummm” or, “ya know.”
- Monopolizing the recruiter’s time when others are waiting.
- Interrupting a recruiter’s conversation while someone is talking with them. Wait your turn.
After
- Follow up. Contact the recruiter by email, send your resume or submit an application online.
Avoid
- Assuming the employer will call you. Be proactive and send an email, resume or complete an application online.
- Repeatedly contacting the recruiter.
Appropriate Questions for Recruiters
- Does your company hire on a continual basis or at certain times of year?
- What entry-level positions exist within your organization?
- What percent of applicants are hired?
- What skills or experience do you require for the job?
- What is the hiring process and how long does it take?
- Is there career mobility at your company?
Arriving on time is important to employers. Limited travel methods could affect your ability to arrive on time. It is best to prepare in advance especially if you have no car and rely on others for transportation. It is recommended that you have a back-up plan especially on bad weather days, which causes delays.
Things to consider:
- Drive your route ahead of time. This will give you an idea as to the amount of time it will take to get to your job.
- If you have to take the bus. Review the bus schedule and become familiar with drop-off and pick-up locations.
- Depend on a reliable friend, relative, other…
- Call your ride the day before.
Didn’t Find Your Answer?
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