First Jobs

Republican_Man · **Fri Sep 22, 2006 3:05 am First Jobs**

Tomorrow I'm most likely going to apply for my very first "true" job at a brand new Barnes and Noble opening up next month. Don't know quite what job I'm going to apply for, but my dad will most likely be driving me over tomorrow, with my finished application.

So I was wondering a few things. First, where and what was your first job? Second, what was it like, starting it up? Third, what tips might you have towards being in an interview, starting a first job, and so forth?

Ziona · **Fri Sep 22, 2006 3:09 am**

1) First job was technically a floral designer at a local floral shop. I also had been working for my dad for quite a few years but I dno't really count that.

2) I liked my job, both of them. I haven't had a job I haven't liked, mostly because I'm really picky about where I apply and such. But that's just my experience. It's hard work but it's money. You have to start somewhere.

3) For an interview, my middle school did alot of training on what to do and how to act in an interview. I always bring resumes since I have experience. But, if you don't have experience, just act really aimable and courteous. Courtesy is always good! And friendliness! And dress nicely, that's another plus.

It depends on where you're applying as well. But for somewhere like Barnes and Noble, I say a nice dress shirt and khakis should suffice. Always greet the interviewer with a nice warm handshake, they always like that . And thank them after you're done with your interview. I usually also send a thank you note to the store about a week after my interview, just to add an extra touch.

Republican_Man · **Fri Sep 22, 2006 3:15 am**

Interesting how your middle school did all that work, first of all. Secondly, I like the thank you card thing

Thanks for the tips, and sounds like you had a good first "true" job!

Starbuck · **Fri Sep 22, 2006 7:25 am**

1. My first "real" job was as a florist in a small shop.

2. I enjoyed it until the lady who owned it went psycho because she realized she was going to have to buy certain product

3. Just be yourself in an interview. Smile, shake hands, be personable (you don't want a cranky butt on the sales floor), don't act too nervous, ask questions. etc.

As for dress. I have to agree with Zi, khakis or black pants and a nicer shirt. But don't over do it. A full out suit including tie wouldn't be appropriate for Barns and Noble.

webtaz99 · **Fri Sep 22, 2006 11:32 am**

My first "real" job was ---- too horrible to contemplate. Thanks a lot for dredging up that memory.

TrekkieMage · **Fri Sep 22, 2006 2:55 pm**

My first "real" job was at Ann Talyor Loft this past summer.

1. Have all of your info together. Bring a resume, completed application (unless you're only going to pick it up), picture ID, SSN, etc. This way if they ask for it, you'll have it.

Also, if they have direct deposit you're going to need a bank account number an you bank info. But since you're underage, you're probably going to need your parents signature on them as well. So you can get them to explain everything

2. The interview. Be relaxed. Be yourself. Smile. They know that at your age you don't have all the experience in the world - just be willing to do what they need you to do. Dress in kind of a casual-office way. Khakis or nice pants and a clean shirt (polo, short sleaved button up) will do. If you wear khakis I'd suggest a darker shirt. Comb your hair, etc. Just look like you care about your appearence without looking stiff.

Side note: my sis is applying at B&N as well this fall

Good luck, and you'll be fine

Defiant · **Fri Sep 22, 2006 3:19 pm**

1. My first real job was working as a grillsperson at Burgerville.

2. Starting up isnt so bad really. The worst part is learning the job and having to be taught everything. Once you get used to your job and start getting other responsibilities, its pretty awesome.

3. In an interview, just be professional and overall, just be real. If you are just another person and not all nervous and quiet, youll do fine. I have always done really well in interviews because I just went in without any preparation and just talked like the interviewer was just someone I knew.

Republican_Man · **Fri Sep 22, 2006 3:29 pm**

I just submitted my application. I pretty much have to wait until after October 20th, which is when the store opens, because they're not ready to hire people specifically for weekends or something yet. So I gotta wait to contact them until then, so it's up in the air.

Defiant · **Fri Sep 22, 2006 3:51 pm**

Best of luck with your potential chance at employment.

Republican_Man · **Fri Sep 22, 2006 3:59 pm**

Thanks, my...friend?

Puck · The Texan Joined: 05 Jan 2004 Posts: 5596

Untitled · **Fri Sep 22, 2006 10:34 pm**

Captain Patrick · Commodore Joined: 06 Mar 2005 Posts: 2421

My first job was at a Local Store, then a Starbucks, then the barnes and noble attached to the starbucks and now with the USA AF.

Republican_Man · **Fri Sep 22, 2006 10:41 pm**

Oh, so you worked at Barnes and Noble, Cap'n? What was that like?

Captain Patrick · Commodore Joined: 06 Mar 2005 Posts: 2421

Republican_Man · **Fri Sep 22, 2006 10:46 pm**

What, exactly, was it that you did? In case you didn't read it all, I just applied to Barnes and Noble today, so any info you have regarding a job at that business would be most appreciated.

Captain Patrick · Commodore Joined: 06 Mar 2005 Posts: 2421

i did customer service desk, not the check out, i helped people order books and find authors, find the books on the shelf. that sort of stuff mainly.

Republican_Man · **Fri Sep 22, 2006 10:48 pm**

Ah, cool. How much did you get paid, roughly?

Captain Patrick · Commodore Joined: 06 Mar 2005 Posts: 2421

like $7.30 an hour i think it was

Republican_Man · **Fri Sep 22, 2006 10:58 pm**

Good pay indeed.

Ziona · **Sat Sep 23, 2006 12:58 am**

A few of my friends work at Barnes and Noble and they say it's a good job.

Hitchhiker · **Sat Sep 23, 2006 1:23 am**

My first job was technically working as a sort of filing clerk in the dingy, low-ceilinged basement of the law firm where my dad works. However, I never really had to do an interview with a proper resume or anything, because nepotism rocks.

Last summer I got my first actual "job" job, in which I actually dropped off a resume, got called in for a job interview, got the job, and worked for the summer under typical part-time working conditions, basically. It was at our local art gallery, and it was really fun. In fact, I still work there now, and it's a good source of income compared to the other jobs out there for adolescents.

Starting up? Well, I'm a "gallery attendant". My duties involve looking after the front desk (answering the phone, using the cash register, attending to the gift shop and people in the lobby, etc.). I work with three other gallery attendants, two people each to a shift, but all three of them are fourth-year art majors who are six years older than me.

That being said, they were quite nice to me starting out, and we've developed a great comraderie; I consider them friends. The full-time staff are nice to me as well, although there isn't the same level of bonding as we gallery attendants have (I will admit that we gallery attendants conspire to avoid actual "work" occasionally

).

Interview? Er, it was okay. Try to avoid getting trapped with trick questions. For example, my employer asked me what I would do if I were at the front desk and there was apparently nothing to do. The right answer was "there is never nothing to do" (yay for double negatives). I passed by saying I'd find something to do, which is basically the same thing, but it's a good example of how they evaluate one's characteristics by the way one says something, not necessarily what someone says.

Hey, I'm not an outgoing person at all, but I got the job, and I actually talk to people, handle their money and sell them things, and answer the phone. So if I can do it, you can do it.

During the interview, just be yourself. Be honest, but put a positive spin on things. It's like politics, RM, and you want them to elect you.

Best of luck!

Sam Kenobi · **Sat Sep 23, 2006 12:50 pm**

1. When I was 18 I worked for about a year on weekends and sometimes Thursdays and Fridays at the Expo Center doing food service.... I loved it, it was a very cool environment, different shows were always coming so there were always lots and lots of different people there, and I really liked everyone I worked with.

2. Starting up was alright, but I agree that the most annoying thing is getting trained in everything.

3. Make sure you call them a lot before you get that interview. Kust be all.... "Hey, I was just wondering if you were looking at applications yet. I'm really excited to come work for you guys and blah blah blah." Let them know you're alive and responsible. I've got a few friends who work at B&N in my hometown.. you know. The one says that they're always looking for people to work in the Cafe.

TrekkieMage · **Sat Sep 23, 2006 12:54 pm**

Pan13 · **Sat Sep 23, 2006 3:34 pm**

i've never actually worked....

i don't know if you can consider that as a "real job", but next week i'll start to help kids with their homework...i'll do that twice a week and i get 9� per hour