Senior Loghan Taylor who participates in sports medicine has been working at The Gym on Atascocita Road for over a year. Having a job has allowed her to feel a sense of independence and a new perspective in interacting with people of all races, ages and genders. Being her first job and sticking with it for over a year now, she has a good amount of experience.
The job hunt always starts with applications and interviews, which can be a challenge for individuals searching for employment. who often lack experience and may lack a clear plan. By approaching this process strategically, first-time job seekers can overcome these initial obstacles and create great impressions on employers. One key strategy for successful job interviews and applications is thorough preparation. Lack of experience can be a deterrent, however, being well-prepared can compensate for this and demonstrate responsibility.
First-time job seekers should invest time in researching the industry, the company they are applying to and the specific job role. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the employer’s expectations and the job requirements will enable candidates to tailor their application materials and responses accordingly. To some, this may mean lying in order to fit the desired job, but instead, list valuable skills and experience gained through things such as internships, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities. By presenting these experiences in job applications and interviews, first-time job seekers can showcase their potential and ability to adapt to new environments.
“Do not lie on your application,” Taylor said. “If you don’t have experience in a certain field, don’t say you do, but if you have skills you think would be useful, mention them to help make up for that.”
After getting a job, some teens may be faced with issues they were not originally prepared for. Problem-solving skills are crucial at any job, especially for those starting their first job. In this new environment, situations may require quick thinking and creative solutions. Whether it’s addressing customer concerns, troubleshooting technical issues, or finding innovative approaches to streamline processes, problem-solving skills are essential for success.
Different challenges arise with different jobs. Taylor recalls a conflict at her job.
“Sometimes the schedule isn’t correct which irritates me,” Taylor said. “For example, one time this guy came in and told me he was scheduled for court time but he wasn’t on schedule. He showed me proof, so I moved everyone around and got them some space but it’s super inconvenient,” Taylor said.
First-time employees can demonstrate their problem-solving abilities by analyzing situations, gathering relevant information, brainstorming potential solutions and taking decisive action. Cultivating these skills early in one’s career not only helps overcome obstacles but also showcases initiative and adaptability, setting the foundation for future professional growth.
On the flip side, maintaining a job is just as important as getting one. Teen employment is influenced by various factors, and one aspect that hinders its sustainability is time management. In today’s job market, time management has become one of the most highly sought-after skills. A perfect balance between personal life, education, and work can be a challenge for teenagers.
“It’s time-consuming depending on how often you work and sometimes you won’t be able to hang out with friends and family because of your job,” Taylor said.
However, the efforts invested in developing good time management habits during high school can greatly impact how individuals cope with stress in future jobs. A tool for improving time management skills is the creation of a well-structured schedule. Setting aside time in advance allows teens to proactively plan for their commitments and ensure they have ample time for work and education without neglecting their personal life. Learning effective time management skills during high school not only allows those to excel in current jobs and academic endeavors but also prepares for success in future employment opportunities.
On the exciting journey of first jobs, it is good to remember that every experience, good or bad, is only a stepping stone towards self-improvement. Learn, stay resilient, define skills and adapt. Navigating a professional landscape is not just a milestone but a foundation for a flourishing career. Take a step on the right foot with confidence, enthusiasm, and a commitment to betterment.
