Getting your first job can be nerve-wracking. So many things about “official jobs” are unknown to teenagers. We might not have all of the perfect skills right away, but we do have a few basic ones that can help. Here are three skills that can help teens in their pursuit of finding their first “real” job.
The first and most important skill is communication. Even in unofficial jobs, it is a very important skill. I babysit for people sometimes, and a very fundamental task is knowing what the child needs. You need to know what the child can and can’t eat, when bedtime is and what you can or can’t do. The only way you can figure these things out is by communicating. Having a sit-down conversation is a great way to figure out what is expected of you and what tasks you will be performing. If you have questions, ask! Employers want to know that you care enough about what you are doing to do it right. Communication is a skill that will help you in official and unofficial jobs, not to mention the real world.
Another very important tool in getting a job is people skills. People skills are a basic part of working in any job. When I was a server at my grandparents’ bowling alley, not only did customer service skills come into play but also getting along with coworkers. Being able to talk to customers is what makes a good customer service worker. Having a bright smile and a good attitude will make things more enjoyable for the client. Being a problem solver and making your customers feel that their needs are being put first is a must. Being on good terms with your coworkers is also a necessity. The people you work with every day might determine if you enjoy the job, so it is better to be friends than enemies.
The third skill every teen needs when entering the workforce is confidence. Whether it is in the interview or doing the actual job, YOU’VE GOT THIS! Confidence is something that employers are looking for no matter what job it is. When you have confidence in yourself, you are showing that you are capable, and even if you make mistakes, you are willing to learn and do it right next time. When you are speaking to people, be assertive. Show the employers that you are the best fit for the job.
So even though you might not have past job experience, now you know some skills that can help you land a job. Communication, people skills and confidence are three skills that everyone can learn and practice. As well as being useful for landing a job, these skills can also come in handy in life outside of work. Now that you know some good tools, good luck finding your first job!
