Advice: Getting a Job
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If you’ve just turned 16 and you’re eager to get a job then ensure that you actually want one first, or you may be disappointed once you start. So, make sure you know all of the facts.
You have to be able to deal with giving up a certain amount of hours of your spare time a week. You have to be flexible and be able to work shifts even when you don’t necessarily feel like in the mood. You may even have to stop doing something that you love in order to make space for school and work.
But of course there are benefits. You will meet new people and become more independent and confident. You will gain new skills and be able to apply them in other areas. Not forgetting, you will get paid. The more experience you have, the better equipped you will be in the future to progress into other careers and it would look great on a college or university application too.
If you’re under 18 then the NMW (National Minimum Wage) for you is £3.72 per hour – some companies will offer just this but others will offer more depending on the job role. If you are between 18 and 20 the NMW is £5.03 an hour.
If that hasn’t put you off and you’re still desperate to get earning then these tips may help.
Look online for example CVs and try to make your own stand out from the crowd. Employees go through hundreds or even thousands of CVs for just one job so you can’t just hand in a short, uninteresting one. Make sure you write a short paragraph about yourself, summing up your personality traits and proving why you would be suitable for this job role. Try not to say the same old thing, like that you’re confident and friendly. It’s much better to apply your attributes to the job you’re applying for, so that the employee knows you understand what they want from you.
If you get an interview, make sure you are prepared and know exactly what you want to say before you go. You will find plenty more advice on interview etiquette here.
Getting a job can be difficult, but if you really want one then you shouldn’t give up. Good luck!
If you have a specific question you want answering, or a topic that you would like advice on, then don’t hesitate to contact B**P at lauren.h@nebeep.com– you can remain anonymous or we can publish your name, just let us know what you would prefer.