Getting the Job

So now that you've found the perfect job, how do you get it?

You can start by putting together a simple resume, which is a document listing all your job-related accomplishments so far. Even if you think you don't have any job experience, you might be surprised. Include babysitting, lawn-mowing, lemonade stands, volunteer activities, extracurricular activities at school... anything you can think of that seems to fit the bill. This will help you in two ways — it'll show your future employer that you're willing to make an effort, and it'll prepare you to talk about yourself in the job interview.

Your resume should also include 2-3 adult references who can vouch for you — your parents don't count, but you can ask a counselor, coach, church leader, or any other adult who's willing to say good things about what an upstanding citizen you are.

Expect that you'll be asked to fill out a standard employment application. You can either copy the information from your resume to this form, or ask to attach it. Your future employer will probably look over your qualifications and call you back at a later date for an in-person interview. But always be prepared — you never know when you might get interviewed on the spot!

Job Interview Do's and Don'ts

You're down to the last trial of job-hunting — the successful interview. If you follow these tips, you're sure to make a good impression!

1. Do your homework. Do a web search on the company you're applying to and make sure you can talk about it intelligently in the interview: How long has the company existed? What sorts of items do they sell? Find out everything you can.
2. Practice. Standard interview questions that come up over and over again include "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" and "Why should we hire you for this position?" Having an answer ready for these questions (and any others you can think of) will put you ahead of the pack. Practice in front of a mirror, or with a friend, until you're comfortable talking about yourself.
3. Be on time. Or, be early. Whatever you do, just don't be late, if you expect to get the job!
4. Be neat and dress professionally. This is a good time to pull out your special-occasion clothes. Even if you won't be dressed-up for work every day, doing so for the interview shows that you want to make a good impression. So leave the ripped-up jeans at home, take off the black nail polish, tone down the eyeliner, don't douse yourself in cologne, and save the crazy fashion statements for hanging out with your friends.
5. Be mature and polite. When you arrive for your interview, shake hands with your future employer, look him or her in the eye, stand up straight and don't mumble. Don't chew gum. Don't slouch in your chair. Turn your cell phone off. Don't fidget with your clothes.
6. Don't be negative. Don't say negative things about previous jobs you may have had, or about people you know — this just reflects poorly on you. If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all! Also, avoid complaining — saying, "I don't really like working outside when it's hot," for example, won't convince your future employer you should have a nice, cool, indoor cash-register job — it'll just convince them to hire someone else.
7. Relax! Sure, this all sounds like a lot to think about, but just relax and try to enjoy yourself. Don't be nervous. Your winning personality will shine through.
8. Have questions. When you finish your interview, your future employer will probably ask you, "Do you have any questions?" This is a great time to show interest and enthusiasm. If you think you've already got all the info you need, ask what the other employees seem to like most about the company, or about the most common qualities people display to get promoted. Just don't ask too many questions... that can get weird. One or two will do.
9. Follow up. Be sure to write down the name of the person (or people) you interview with, and jot down the address of the business as you leave. As soon as you get home, send a short, polite thank-you note. Don't call, and don't send an email — unless you were asked to. This is a seriously classy move, and it can put you ahead of the other candidates! State that you enjoyed meeting with them, and that you're available for further questions at any time. Include your phone number.
10. Remember that there are other jobs. If for some reason you don't get the position, don't be upset about it — politely thank the person who interviewed you, then let them know they may contact you in the future if they're hiring again. Being gracious at this stage in the game can leave a good impression, and help you out down the road!