Common Mistakes of Teens&

Good Job Offer or Not?

Mistakes Teens Make When asking for applications

• Do not wear clothing appropriate for the job• Do not look clean • Sloppy, wrinkled and saggy clothes• Chew gum• Too many tattoos, body piercing and tongue

ring• Not using good eye contact • Unclean hair and nails

When filling out applications

• Don’t fill it out completely• Not following directions• Not asking for help• Application is unreadable• Misspelled words• Go with friends to ask for an application• Have someone else ask for an application for

you

During interviews • Do not check back for job openings when told to

do so• Late for interview• Not knowing what skills they have• Disrespectful attitude • Too casual attitude• Not knowing what job they are applying for• Saying “I need the money”• Use slang language such as; Debo, about a

minute, swagger• Not smiling

Mistakes working in first job• Don’t read schedule correctly• Rude behavior to guests/customers• Showing up late to work• Don’t take job seriously• Lazy• Absent too often• Don’t follow directions• Personal phone calls at work• Have to be told do something, no initiative • Come to work with no uniform• Give friends discounts

How to succeed in first job• Learn about the business• Be on time• Be a team player with other coworkers & bosses• Look sharp and professional • Listen and ask questions• Do more than is expected of you• Always look busy• Follow directions• Be polite, helpful and act mature• Dress to empress

How to leave a job correctly• Give 2 week notice and thank employer for the

opportunity of working• Explain why you are leaving (schooling, career

change, family reasons, moving….)• Finish your scheduled hours • Leave on good terms• Do not have a “I don’t care” attitude• Don’t leave the manager in a bad position

Good Job offer or Not?Is this a good place to work?

• Most companies give you one day to one week to make up your mind

• Get informed about the company • Ask friends and family if they know anything

about the company• Will your personality work in this job setting?

Is a large or small company best for me?

• Large companies offer specialized jobs (one task areas) with, training programs, promotions opportunities, career paths, better benefits and more advanced technology

• Small companies allow you to become involved in many different task areas, have close relationships with management and see allows you to see how your work helps the company succeed

Where is the job located?

• Is it across town? Do you have transportation? Can you afford the gas money?

• Is it out of town– In the country?– In another town?

Will I enjoy the work?Even if everything else about a job is good, askyourself these five questions:

1.Will I be doing work that matches my interests and skills?2.Do I like the supervisor?3.Are the other employees friendly?4.Will I be required to work irregular hours?5.How long do most people who enter this job stay with the company? What is the turnover rate?

Advancement or Promotions

• A good job offers opportunities to learn new skills, earn raises and advance to positions of greater responsibility.

• A lack of opportunities can lower your interest in the job and result in frustration and boredom

Is the pay good?• The job offer should include the amount of pay• To see if the pay is fair, compare with others

hired, ask your careers teacher, look on the internet or look at classifieds in the newspaper

• Does it include benefits such as; sick days, vacations, insurance, retirement?

• You may find these answers by politely asking the person who offered you the job or contacting the personnel office