The Perfect Guide to your First Job

Hello everyone!

The holidays are coming up and I'm super excited. I have a whole bunch DIYs, big and small, planned for you so stay tuned for those! Today, however, I thought I'd chuck in a little lifestyle tips blog post to switch it up a bit.

I've been working in my current job as a waitress at a cafe for about 3 months now. I am also a volunteer for 2 different businesses. I know lots of people my age are starting to think of getting their first part-time/casual jobs so I thought this would be a really helpful guide :) Not only will getting a job earn you some cash but it will also give you a practical advantage if you re-enter the workforce (like after Uni).

I think a common misconception with getting your first paid job is that it is 'easy' and the first jobs apply for, you can get. It is not as easy to get a job as a teenager because adults tend to have more work experience and flexible hours. So keep that in mind.

So how do we, as teenagers, get started?

Volunteering!

Volunteering not only gives you a step up above other candidates as you gain the credibility of work experience on your resume, but it also teaches you so many valuable skills you can use throughout your life. Most volunteer jobs involve commitment, people skills and communication which can help you get a job in almost any industry. Great places to start searching for a volunteer job are online, going up to businesses or charities, or talking to the careers department at school (if you have one).

Volunteering can also cater to your interests. Both my volunteer jobs involve helping, motivating and interacting with a range of people - which are three things I am really passionate about. For example, you are interested in animals, you could volunteer your time at a local animal shelter. I find that if you volunteer your time at doing something you really enjoy, you barely notice that it's a job at all.

However, depending on your volunteer job, it could involve investing a lot of time. Getting involved in extra-curricular activities at school is a similar method of gaining new skills. This may not be as effective as volunteering in the work force but it will take up less time as most groups at school have lunchtime meetings or short afterschool meet ups etc. School group involvement shows dedication and practical interaction in activities you are passionate about.

Where to Find a Job:
Ask around! Approach local businesses and hand in your CV. If you feel too timid or upfront doing that try searching online.

My favourite NZ websites are:

Seek.co.nz

Indeed nz

Trade me jobs

Student job search

CV/Resume and Cover Letter Prep:

How to set your CV/Resume Apart:

• Alter your CV to suit the business you are applying for. For example. if it is a retail job put emphasis on your interpersonal skills.
• An important thing to note when constructing a CV is to keep it short and simple. Try to write short paragraphs, or even better, bullet points of key skills are extremely effective. A hiring manager probably wouldn't want to read a CV that looks like an essay.
• Play with the aesthetic of your cover letter with shapes, boxes, font or colour (but don't go overboard, keep it professional). This will set your CV apart and add a creative flair.
• If you are applying for a job online and emailing your CV, don't send a word document or other type of document that they can easily edit. Save it as a PDF or XPS so it will look much more put together and official. Another tip is to save your document with an official name that is catered to the business you are applying to. e.g. [Your Name] Resume [business name] 2015. When the hiring manager sees this attachment in their email they will be more drawn to your CV.

If you are applying online it will give you an advantage if you include a cover letter with a brief outline of your skills and why you are applying for the job. This shows that you care about the position you are applying for. If a name is given, use that instead of Dear Sir/Madam or Hiring Manager. Remember to end with a lighthearted message like "Thank you for your consideration" or "I look forward to hearing from you soon".

Top Tips for Interviews:

Congratulations if you got an interview! Just one more step to go! Here are the things you need to know:

• Prepare! Especially if you are nervous. There are a bunch of practice interview questions online for all sorts of jobs (retail, hospitality, office, creative industry etc). You can get a friend or parent to pretend to be an interviewer and ask you these questions to get a sense of possible responses.
• On the day... dress smartly and clean. If it is a job in hospitality or within the food industry tie your hair up if it is long, wear neutral colours and minimal makeup. You can always show off your personal style but keep it professional.
• Act confidently and be assertive. This is something I personally need to work on too. Stop saying "I think I'm good at..." and start saying "I am good at..." Convince your employer that you don't just want the job but that they need you!
• Speak as if you are talking in a normal conversation. Approach them with a smile and shake their hand when introducing yourself. This will demonstrate that you are easy to talk to, professional and get along with others.

If you have any questions feel free to ask me on any of my social media.

Good luck!