"I've got to find a job and I just don't know how to look for one," Bob complained. "Every time I think about it, I get all nervous."
Sandra grinned. "You mean the captain of the football team is scared to go job hunting? That's a laugh!"
"Not so funny. You'll find out some day," the other retorted.
"I've got a job," Sandra informed him. "Nothing to it, it's a snap," and she snapped her fingers in Bob's face to emphasize her assertion.
"What do you mean? How did you do it?" he demanded.
"Easy. I walked into Mrs. Park's fabric shop and told her I would like to work in her store this summer, that I could sew, and that I was sure I could help her customers pick out and measure off the fabrics."
"You mean it was that easy?"
"Sure, but I'll admit I was just lucky. You could do it, too."
"I doubt that, I don't have anything to sell," Bob lamented. "I sure wish there were some way to find an opening."
"Maybe if you talked with Mr. Roberts, the guidance counselor, he could give you some tips. Look, Bob, you're as good as the next guy. Remember, you'll be doing an employer a favor if he has an opening. You're offering him your services. Perhaps he'll offer you ajob. Both of you benefit. If there is no position open, all he can say is no. He's not insulting you, he's just telling you he doesn't have ajob. What's so bad about that?"
"I guess you're right," Bob admitted. "Thanks for your support."
Before you speak to your guidance counselor, read ahead and see what steps you should take to locate employment opportunities. You may be ready to roll up your sleeves and go to work, but first you have to dig up a position. If you study the suggestions in this chapter and look upon your search as a fun experience, you should not find it too difficult to land a job.
FIVE WAYS TO FIND A JOB
There are five ways you can find a job:
- through newspaper advertisements
- Through relatives or friends
- through an employment agency
- through a "Help Wanted" sign in a store window
- by writing to or calling on businesses
The easiest way to find a job is to watch the "Help Wanted" columns in the classified ads of your local newspaper. You should read each advertisement carefully all the way through. Don't be fooled by the first few words, which are often set in bold type and may be misleading. Sometimes help wanted advertisements appear in "display ads," which are larger regular advertisements. These are used as a rule when several employees are sought.
It is unfortunate that all openings are not advertised in the newspaper, for that would make job hunting so much easier for you. A number of storekeepers and other business people do not like to advertise for help because they would be pestered by too many applicants. This would take time and make for confusion, unless there were many vacancies to be filled. Therefore, it is easier for a small merchant who needs a helper to put a sign in the window, tell friends, or ask an employment office to send applicants. You will note, however, that many supermarkets, fast-food stores, restaurants, and chain stores display signs outside the buildings when they need help. Keep your eyes open for signs!
We do not recommend that you advertise in the newspaper unless it carries a special section devoted to ads placed by young people seeking employment. Some newspapers do this in the spring so that those eager for a summer job can advertise at little or no cost. This is worth doing because adults who need temporary workers will read the columns. Usually such ads bring results. On the other hand, placing an ad in the regular "Help Wanted" section will be of doubtful value because few employers look there when they need part-time help.
The "shopper" papers distributed to every household free of cost sometimes carry free ads or are so inexpensive to advertise in that it might pay to place an ad in one of these if you do not find a job after conducting a thorough search.
Relatives and Friends
One of the best ways of finding a job is to tell all your relatives and friends that you are seeking employment and would appreciate being told about any job opportunity that may come to their attention.
A business owner will be more interested in an applicant who is sent by a friend or a customer than one who comes from an employment agency or in answer to an advertisement. Ask your friends and relatives to be on the lookout and don't be bashful about asking them to do this. They will be only too glad to help.
Frank Parks obtained his job at the service station through his aunt, who knew he was looking for a summer job. One day she drove up to the row of pumps, waited for several minutes, and then honked her horn.
"Coming, Mrs. Parks," the owner called, and a moment later he ran out of the garage. "Sorry to keep you waiting," he apologized. "I'm so busy, and it's impossible to get help."
"You're looking for a helper?" Frank's aunt said.
"Yes, indeed. Know anyone?"
"My nephew Frank wants to find a summer job," she said. "Do you think you could use him?"
"Send him down, I'll talk with him and see what I think."
Two hours later Frank was pumping gas, thanks to his aunt's remembering his desire to find work. In somewhat the same way one of your relatives or acquaintances may tell you about a job opening.
Employment Agencies
In most cities and larger towns you will find employment agencies that can help you find a summer job.
An employer who is seeking a worker can call the local employment agencies and they will try to find a suitable employee. This service usually costs the employer nothing because it has been customary for the employee to pay the employment agency after he or she has been hired. However, of late many employers have been paying the fee because they have been so anxious to find help. This has started a new trend, but it is possible that if you obtain a position through an agency, you will have to pay the fee.
When you call at an employment agency, you will be told first of all to fill out a form that asks for certain personal information and the type of job you are seeking. Probably it will ask for the names and addresses of two or three references. Before you visit any agencies, prepare a list of references, two or three adult businesspeople or friends of your parents who will be glad to vouch for your honesty and good character. Be sure to obtain their permission first, so that they will be prepared in the event someone contacts them about you.
When you have completed the application, you will be asked to sign a statement which provides that if you obtain a position through the agency, you agree to pay a fee. Before you sign, make certain you understand how much it will be, when you will have to pay it, and any other requirements. Naturally if the employer has offered to pay the fee, you are not obligated to pay the agency.
In some cities there are special organizations that persuade businesses to provide summer jobs for teenagers. Ask your guidance counselor or librarian for information. Remember that your state office of employment security operates a free employment service. Your principal or librarian can tell you the address of the nearest office if you cannot find it in your telephone directory under the listing of state offices. If you are unable to call in person, write the local office and ask to be notified of any suitable job openings for which you might qualify. Give the following information in your letter:
Planning Your Job Search 123
Name, address, and phone
Age
Sex
School you attend and grade
Height
Weight
Jobs you have held (if any)
Type of work desired
Places where you will accept employment.
Sign in the Window
We have already mentioned that many supermarkets, restaurants, fast-food places, and chain stores advertise for help by placing large signs in their windows. Watch other stores, too, and keep your eyes open lest you overlook such a sign. The minute you spot one, don't waste a moment getting inside.
Writing To or Calling on Prospective Employers
You will have to adopt this last method of finding a job if the others fail to produce or if it is not practical for you to follow any of them. If possible, by all means make a personal call on a prospective employer. It takes a bit of courage, but you will have better success selling yourself in person than by letter.
Whom should you call or write? Your best prospects are retail stores-grocery, supermarket, hardware, drug, variety, and others- bakeries, gas stations, hotels, restaurants, golf courses, swimming pools, libraries, recreation centers, day-care centers, in fact any organization that employs people.
YOUR LETTER OF APPLICATION
"You must receive lots of letters from applicants," we said to the manager of a large apartment building. "What advice would you have for a young man or woman applying for a first job?"
"Be brief and neat," said the manager without hesitation, "and let the prospective employer know that you're interested in helping her or him improve the business.
'Too many applicants think only of themselves," he went on to explain, "and that's only natural because a young man or woman wants to make money and get ahead in the world. But what they usually over-look is the fact that the employer will hire an applicant only if what he or she plans to do will help the business make more money. The smart applicant tries to show the prospective boss how he or she will help increase the company's profits. Otherwise there probably wouldn't be money to pay this extra salary."
"But just how can the average young person do this?" we asked. "Most of them have had no business experience."
"It's not difficult," he said. Then he turned to a filing cabinet. "If I receive a letter that indicates that the applicant has the right attitude toward the job, I know he or she will work out well. This letter shows what I mean." He handed us the following letter, which he had received recently.
547 Richards Avenue Evansville, IN 47703
March 5, 1997
Mr. Bernard Hammons, Manager Beverly Arms Apartments Evansville, IN 47702
Dear Mr. Hammons,
Could you use an alert, polite boy as relief custodian during July and August? I have had no previous business experience but am confident that I could quickly learn to do the work required in a satisfactory manner. Furthermore, I know how important it is to treat each resident courteously.
I shall be a senior in high school next fall. I am sixteen, 6' 1" tall, 180 pounds. I enclose a snapshot. May I hear from you? My phone number is 555-7835.
Sincerely yours,
Harold Tait
"One thing more," Mr. Hammons added, as he folded up the letter and put it into his pocket, "it's wise for a young man or woman to apply for a definite job if they can. I realize, however, that this is not always possible. Young people may write to a department store, for example, and not know what openings there might be for which they could qualify. In such a case their best bet is to write brief letters to indicate their desire to obtain a job and at the same time try to show that they have the proper attitude toward business. By that I mean they should indicate they are aware of the importance of doing the best possible job. Here's another letter from a young woman that illustrates what I'm talking about."
11 North Avon Street Evansville, IN 47705
February 25, 1997
Mr. Bernard Hammons, Manager Beverly Arms Apartments Evansville, IN 47702
Dear Mr. Hammons,
Do you have an opening on your staff for a young woman who will be sixteen this May? I am seeking a summer vacation job between sessions at Avondale High School, where I will enter the junior class next fall.
I am 5' 10" tall, weigh 160 pounds, am in good physical condition, and am not afraid of hard work. If hired, I will do my best to please you and save you money wherever possible. I can sew, clean, and paint if that type of work is available.
I shall be glad to furnish references and any other information you may desire. My phone number is 555-1121.
Sincerely yours, Grace Buxton
YOUR INTERVIEW
Hank Abrams entered Pierce's Service Station, leaned against the wall, and looked up at the ceiling. "Don't need a boy for odd jobs, do you?" he asked.
Mr. Pierce was busy changing a tire and did not even look up. "Can't say I do." As he pounded the rim, Hank left.
That same afternoon Roderico Jamez found the garage man busy cleaning a car.
"Hello, Mr. Pierce," he said. "Did it ever occur to you that you could use some help around here? I could clean that car for you and make it shine like new."
Mr. Pierce barely grunted as he continued to rub the fender.
"I'm looking for a part-time job after school and on Saturdays," Roderico went on. "I'd like a chance to show what I could do for you. I'd more than earn my money because I could pump gas, change oil, clean cars, keep the garage clean, and give you a chance to work at the really profitable motor jobs. May I work a couple of hours for nothing just to show what a help I could be? No obligation, of course."
Mr. Pierce put the can of polish on the floor and stared at the boy. "By golly," he said at last, "that's a great idea! Never thought of hiring anyone, but you could be a real help." He picked up the can of polish. "Want to start now?"
Why did Mr. Pierce hire Roderico when that very same morning he had told Hank he didn't need any help? If you will reread what each said to
Mr. Pierce, you will notice the following:
- Hank did not start out wisely. He used what is called a negative approach. "You don't need a boy for odd jobs, do you?" He spoke as if he wanted Mr. Pierce to say, "No." Had Hank said, "Do you need a boy who can clean cars, pump gas, and help around the garage?" it would have made Mr. Pierce stop and think. It is common for many people to use a negative approach when they expect to be turned down. Somehow it lessens their fear of being refused, but at the same time it invites a turndown. Always take a positive approach when asking for a job, a raise, a promotion-anything, in fact.
- Hank gave no idea of what he could do. "Odd jobs" can mean anything, and a business owner is not likely to hire you just to do odd jobs. An owner needs to be shown why he or she would be better off paying you a salary. You will note that Roderico told Mr. Pierce that if he hired him, it would then be possible for Mr. Pierce to make more money by concentrating on the profitable motor jobs.
- If possible, ask for a definite job or tell the employer exactly what you would like to do.
- Point out how the company can save money or make more money by hiring you.
- Avoid negative phrases such as "You don't," "You can't," or "You wouldn't want."
- At the end of your brief talk, don't hesitate to ask for the job or a chance to show what you can do. This forces the employer to come to some decision and shows that you mean business.
- Don't be afraid to offer your services free on a trial basis. Few people will take advantage of your offer, but it will show that you have confidence in yourself and are eager for a job. Furthermore, it will make it more difficult for the employer to say no.
- If you see that a prospective employer is busy with a customer, wait until he or she has finished or call back later. An employer won't want to talk with you if it means that a customer must be kept waiting.
- Plan what you are going to say ahead of time. Pretend you are the employer. In what ways could a young person like you be helpful? What could you do? How could you save an employer time and money?
- Practice your talk before a mirror and then before your mother or father or some other adult. Ask the other person to make believe that he or she is the employer interviewing you and asking you questions. Doing this will give you confidence and then you will not find that your voice sounds so strange and frightening when you actually have to talk with the employer. Also you will be ready to answer questions without hesitation and with greater self-confidence.
- Don't be afraid when you go out on your first interview. You will find a surprising number of employers who are glad to talk with you even though they may not have an opening. Some may even suggest where you might look elsewhere. Today in many communities it is getting more and more difficult to find people who want to work. Therefore, you have an advantage. You want to work, you're not afraid of hard work, and you are eager to learn. Remember the positive approach.
On the other hand, owners of small establishments may think they do not need additional help until someone like you comes along and shows them how valuable a part-time or summer worker can be.
ABOUT SALARY
Salaries and wages vary so widely throughout the country that it is impossible to state how much you should expect to earn in the area where you live. The federal minimum wage law applies to all workers in those industries that do business in more than one state. Some state legislatures have passed minimum wage laws requiring certain employers to pay every employee, regardless of age and sex, no less than a certain amount for each hour of work. By consulting friends who have part-time jobs, you will learn what the going wage is in your town.
Most employers will tell you how much they will pay. A few may ask how much you want. In that case, don't hesitate to request what you believe is a fair wage. You might explain that the figure you mentioned is the salary that most of your friends receive for similar work.
The federal minimum wage of $5.15 an hour (effective September 1, 1996) applies only to companies doing interstate business. If a company conducts its business entirely within the state, the minimum wage does not apply, although your state legislature may have established a minimum wage for companies doing intrastate business.
WORK PAPERS
Before you look for a job, be sure to check with the principal or nearest state employment security office and find out how to obtain working papers if you need them.
Child labor laws, which have been enacted in many states, do not permit young people to accept employment until they reach a certain age. (They may, however, work for themselves in jobs such as babysitting, cutting lawns, selling various items, delivering newspapers, cleaning cars, and so on.) Because state laws differ and can change from time to time, we urge you to look into this important matter before you start your job hunting. In most states, it is illegal to work under fourteen years of age, and you may find that sixteen is the minimum age where you live. Even though you are old enough to obtain working papers, you may be barred from entering certain types of businesses. For example, in one state it is legal for young people age fifteen to work in a restaurant as long as they do not have anything to do with the food preparation. Most of the jobs described in Chapter 4 should be open to you if you have working papers where they are required.
Some states permit you to work no more than three hours a day or eighteen hours a week while attending school. During school vacations, eight hours a day and forty hours a week is the usual limit set by state law, and you can work only between 7:00 A.M. and 7:00 P.M. In some states, work on a farm, in a home, in a business owned by your parents, or in school if it is part of an educational program, is permitted for younger boys and girls. Because of the variety of laws, you can appre-ciate the importance of checking to find out exactly what you can and cannot do in the employment field. For further information about working papers and working hours, ask your guidance counselor for help or inquire at your school or public library.
If you are in business for yourself, no working papers are needed and there are no restrictions on the number of hours you may work.
KEEP A JOB SCRAPBOOK
From time to time you will read interesting articles in newspapers and magazines regarding jobs, careers, or unusual ways that young people have earned money. It is a good idea to clip such news items and keep them together in a scrapbook so you may refer to them. Don't trust your memory. Whenever you see anything of interest relating to jobs and careers, clip it and paste it in your book. One idea often leads to another.
If you have worked for someone over a fairly long period of time, you might ask for a letter of reference. Put this in your scrapbook where it will be safe. When you need it, it will be there. If you are written up in the school or local newspaper, clip the article and keep it. Someday you might want to show it to a prospective employer.
You should keep report cards; programs of church, synagogue, school, or community events in which you have participated; samples of your art, writing, or other original work-in fact, anything that might help a prospective employer form a better judgment of you. You may never need these souvenirs of your high school days; on the other hand, you never can tell when one or more of them might come in handy when you are applying for a job long after you have left school behind.
