Last autumn, it happened. All of my fear, excitement, trepidation, dreaming, praying, hoping, and searching ended.
I got my first job.
It was a momentous occasion. A first job usually is. Ask almost any adult what their first job was and they’ll grin and tell you a dozen stories about it.
As I look back on that experience, there are twelve things I learned about looking for a job (first, or otherwise) as a teenager.
1. Don’t make it about money.
Sure, you may need the job for money – and that’s okay. I got my first job because I needed to pay for car insurance. But don’t let money be your focus or you’ll miss out on unexpected and potentially rich opportunities.
Instead of asking where you can make the most money, ask, “Is this where God is calling me to work diligently and serve?”
2. Keep your convictions.
There are many workplaces that I avoided simply because I couldn’t stand behind their products. Their clothes were desperately immodest. Or they sold pornography. Or they advocated organizations or items that simply opposed my convictions. Don’t compromise your standards.
No number on a pay check is worth sacrificing what you believe.
3. Communicate with your parents.
If this is your first job and you’re still living in your parents’ home, keep the communication lines open with them. My mom actually drove me to my first interview. She edited my resume. We prayed with my dad. They always knew exactly what was going on with the job search, what my feelings were, and how to counsel me.
4. Think outside the box.
Look at the classifieds and the help wanted pages, but don’t be afraid to drop off a resume at a place that isn’t publicly looking for help. That’s what I did, and my initiative won me an interview and, later, the job. The assistant manager was so surprised. “How did you know we were hiring?” she asked. My ever so eloquent answer: “I didn’t.” I simply knew that I wanted to work there.
5. Pursue the impossible.
Don’t be afraid to go after the job that you really want – even if you seem unqualified. Even if it seems unattainable. Even if they laugh at you. Even if you don’t get it. Teenagers can do incredible, inexplicable things. We can take responsibility and do big, hard, exciting jobs. You and I both know it.
So apply for one.
Read the rest here.
Photo Coutesy of Ben Raynal and Flickr Creative Commons.