Part Time Job

[Gorjira]

So its now summer, and I have a good few weeks with nothing to do. I've played all my games best I can and right now I've gone back to halo 3. I've decided to get a job for the holidays, and a few places at my local shopping center are up. But the thing is...What the hell do I do? I've only ever worked once, and that was with the school. That was ok, because I knew what to expect. But this time its different, its real.

So does anyone know what to say/do to make good impressions? I dont want to make a fool of myself, and end up not getting it. Heres whats in my head right now:

You enter the shop.
Go up to the guy behind the till or what ever else
Say "Im interested in working here for the holidays"

To me, that sounds pathetic. I guess he'll then tell me no because Im to young (Im 16), or because they are looking for experience.

So basicly, does anyone have any tips? Anything that might help me get a part time job?

Thanks!

[Sanction]

Go in looking good, clean cut and shaved and just straight up ask if there are any open positions. I've done that and have gotten 2 jobs, but then again I've only gone in to 2 different places. :p

But if you want him to you seriously you have to act serious.

[exo-apollo]

Type up a resume and hand that into as many places as you can, even if they are not hiring. That's how I got the job i have now, handed around a bunch and got a call from a few, some interviews and then you are in. Or find a friend that has a job and get him to try and get in you in there as well, thats how I got my first job.

[Gorjira]

Thanks guys, Im away down now to hand in a CV and ask about it. I hate doing this, but I need to. Which sucks even more.

Wish me luck :P

[[Waggly Bean]]

Good luck :)

Another thing to remember is that you will get a lot more rejections than offers.

It will feel horrible, but you have to just keep trying.


It often is who you know though that helps you get a foot in the door, so bear that in mind! :)

[AllThePenguins]

I don't think that your age will be an issue, because you are only 16 places are allowed to pay you a reduced wage, I know it sucks, I have been there! So the way they look at it they get an extra pair of hands for less, try places like DIY stores they love teenage emplyees. Other than that go in and ask for application forms or hand in CVs. Good luck

[Korix]

You're worried that you're not up to standards, but just think about how everyone has their first job, most in their teens. Many, many jobs will take you in, and they may be the less lucrative ones. Image and intelligence is important, though: I've worked at a GameStop for over 2 1/2 years now and the manager's told me more than once that, when hiring new/seasonal guys, he has to go through way too many candidates to get just a couple people to work at a game store.

[Santa]

Go to the 'Job center' if you have one in Americas.

Just ask, the worst they can say is No, i'm sure they won't ban you from the shop.

[Chojin]

Don't worry about what you look like when you ask for an application form - it wont matter.

Just walk up to the customer services and ask if they're looking for people. hopefully they'll give you an application pack

for your interview just wear shirt/tie etc. i wouldnt say to wear a suit for a shopping center job but if you'd prefer that then go for it.

these are questions to prepare for in the interview (going from past experience of working at tesco for two-three years)

'Give an example of when you have recieved great customer service, and what you think great customer service involves'

'Give an example of when you have had to be sensitive of other peoples feelings' (im not kidding)


but the old memories getting a bit fuzzy here but they're the ones i remember. As long as you chat for ages, and you come across as friendly it doesn't matter what bollocks you come out with - the main thing they're looking for is your ability to string together a coherent thought and come out with an understandable story.

first question I answered that I like the personal things like remembering peoples names and stuff like that that my local newsagents does and not just seeing me as another customer and treating me as an individual. and i wont say what i said for the second ;) i got a bit personal.

I wouldn't do what a lot of people are saying and even bother with a CV - at your age it doesn't matter, it's what you put on your application form that matters

[Gorjira]

Go to the 'Job center' if you have one in Americas.

Just ask, the worst they can say is No, i'm sure they won't ban you from the shop.

We dont have one.


Don't worry about what you look like when you ask for an application form - it wont matter.

Just walk up to the customer services and ask if they're looking for people. hopefully they'll give you an application pack

for your interview just wear shirt/tie etc. i wouldnt say to wear a suit for a shopping center job but if you'd prefer that then go for it.

these are questions to prepare for in the interview (going from past experience of working at tesco for two-three years)

'Give an example of when you have recieved great customer service, and what you think great customer service involves'

'Give an example of when you have had to be sensitive of other peoples feelings' (im not kidding)


but the old memories getting a bit fuzzy here but they're the ones i remember. As long as you chat for ages, and you come across as friendly it doesn't matter what bollocks you come out with - the main thing they're looking for is your ability to string together a coherent thought and come out with an understandable story.

first question I answered that I like the personal things like remembering peoples names and stuff like that that my local newsagents does and not just seeing me as another customer and treating me as an individual. and i wont say what i said for the second ;) i got a bit personal.

I wouldn't do what a lot of people are saying and even bother with a CV - at your age it doesn't matter, it's what you put on your application form that matters

I made up a CV and took it down today, they were going to give me loads to do but it was all on the CV. I've now got to wait for a phone call to see if I've been accepted in or not.

Thanks for the replys! Im not looking forward to an interview any time soon :(

[Chojin]

it's a rite of passage, don't worry even at 23 I still shit myself for them.

just remember for a part time job all they're looking for is your ability to present yourself and how you come across.

all they see is a 16 year old with no exp in front of them. come across friendly and the jobs yours :) you can be as shite as you like after that...

[Pez]

Supermarkets are always good for part-time jobs.

There's 9 part-time jobs going in the department I work on at my local Tesco 'cause I was full-time and recently handed in my notice, along with a few co-workers too.

The jobs are all like 8-11 contracted hours a week, with the opportunity of overtime if you ever want it.

I'm not entirely sure, but maybe supermarkets near you do the same thing? It's a perfect job for the summer holidays, and it's still a decent job while you're in school too. :)

Part-time jobs never really get posted onto the internet. The only kind of jobs I ever see posted on the internet are usually high-paying jobs that require you to have training/specific qualifications/past experience, so your best bet is to actually go out and look.

You could even search through the phonebook for your local area and ring up a few you're interested in.

Whatever happens, ALWAYS give them your CV, regardless of whether they have jobs or not. Usually more often than not, they keep your CV and if it appeals to them, they contact you when a vacancy does come up. :)

[Chojin]

Tesco FTW!

it gives you a new found respect for shop workers. I hate when old people complain because the person serving them doesn't smile or is cheerful. Like I overheard someone say last weekend:

'he had a face like a slapped arse!'

I don't take the piss because I've been there and feel their pain.

[Pez]

Haha yeah the only reason I'm leaving is 'cause gradually over the past few months I've been treated like dirt off the managers, so I slapped a big fat notice in their face and told 'em I'm jumping ship, see ya later. :p

[Gorjira]

Well I dropped a CV into Domino's and Morrisons. They both said if they are interested, Ill be contacted. Cleaning surfaces and sweeping the floor, perhaps making some pizza's and getting free pizza's at the end of the day doesnt sound to bad. Not sure about the supermarkets pro's though :P

[FoxRacing1234]

Call first and see if they're hiring. If not, don't go. If so, then just go ask for an application at the store. Fill that out at the store or bring it back quick. Really, there really isn't much of an impression to be had when getting the application. Usually, employees give out the applications, not the managers. Just act professional at all times and you'll be fine.

[Tussell]

I usually go in with a cigarette in my ear, half shaven, a ripped shirt, and a bottle of Wolfschmidt Vodka in my hand. I usually don't get the job, I don't know why.

Don't sweat it man. It's not hard. Just be honest about EVERYTHING.