Getting your first job can be scary. I know I was terrified my first day of work. But I promise that it’s not that bad. The most important thing is that it’s your first job, and your employer will know that, so they will be willing to work with you. Here’s what I did to get a part time job at Firehouse Subs!
The key that I have learned is that you have to be willing to learn and adjust while you work. If you put in your best effort your employer will notice.
The best way to describe what I’ve learned is to take you through the process step-by-step.
1.
The job search. When searching for a job, the most important thing is persistence. You will find a job. You just need to put in some time and effort, even if that means taking a weekend to ask around town and see who is hiring.
It took me the longest time to get the motivation to actively search for a job. But sitting at home on the computer just wasn’t working. I had to go out and look around, which is how I found out that Firehouse was hiring.
Actually, I stumbled upon this job. We were eating at Firehouse one day, and I saw a sign that said they were hiring. I filled out a paper application and turned it in that day. A couple weeks later I got a call to go in for an interview.
2.
The application. It’s your first job. You don’t have much previous work history to give, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have relevant skills. Make sure you tell about those.
I did have some skills to highlight with my writing, but I was also sure to include skills I gained in communication through school activities. After I turned the application in to the general manager she said she would look over it. I did not follow up, but a little over a week later, I got a call and was asked to come in for the interview the next day. Honestly though, most of the time you need to follow up in about a week after you submit the application.
3.
The interview. It’s okay to have questions. You can’t be expected to know everything with no previous experience, but don’t seem unprepared either.
Asking questions about pay, hours, and other policies is important. But be sure you aren’t asking questions that could be answered by taking a moment to read up about the job on the company website.
When it came to answering questions, I was asked about my availability and transportation, as well as my expectations. They then told me what I would be responsible for and confirmed that I would be willing to do these tasks. When you’re answering the questions be honest. You don’t want a lie to come back and bite you.
I was really nervous during the interview but the manager talked about what I would be doing and told me she understood that this was my first job. She let me know a couple of expectations and then told me she would like to hire me.
A couple days later I went in and filled out some paperwork. I got the job!
4.
The first day. Don’t get yourself worked up. Take a deep breath and remember, everyone has to start somewhere.
Of course, that sounds way easier than it is. I was so nervous my first day. But I made the effort to get to know my coworkers a bit, which made it way less stressful. Find someone to relate to and to ask questions, they know where you’ve been.
I was trained as I went, and I watched a couple videos, but the majority of training was watching another cashier and then trying for myself until I got it right.
5.
The first paycheck. Firehouse pays every two weeks (on Wednesdays). When you go to cash your check don’t be afraid to ask for help. You can ask a parent or a friend or the teller at the bank, they will all be willing to help.
I had no clue what I was doing the first time I went to cash a paycheck, but boy did it feel awesome once I was taught how to do it by myself. It felt like a new milestone. Of course I also put money into savings. Ten percent of every check to be exact. This way, you get into a saving habit and you have money for a rainy day.
I know getting your first job can seem like a daunting task, but don’t worry. You have skills, and you’re unique, play to that. As long as you want to work hard and learn, you’ll be amazing!
How many application would you say that you filled out? And did you ever get any calls back from other businesses after you got the job? What were somethings that may have helped you out in your interview, and if you can think of anything what were a few of the ones that you hold onto to this day and why?
I filled out maybe a dozen applications before this one, and I did not get any other calls back. Before my interview I looked up some commonly asked questions and googled things like “How to Answer Interview Questions” so I could be prepared for what kind of things they may ask. I also asked my parents and friedns about how to do interviews and even had my parents aks me questions for practice. This way I was able to have a feel for what the interview would be like even though I had never been to one before.
If you could do your interview over again, is there anything you would do differently? Did you do any preparation (role-playing with family members, online research of the establishment) before you went in for the interview?
I think what you are doing with this blog is really cool. It is really help full to people that are trying to get a job for the first time and i can be scary but its really not that bad. But any way i think what your doing is really cool.
Yeah you have to get out of the house or off your computer to get a job because i had to go around asking people for jobs and felled out application, and i think it helps when you know somebody who works at the company you want to work for. The question i have is how many application did you have to do ?
Very informative, I enjoyed reading your writings. I like that you included that you should follow up after you turn in a job application.
This website is really helpful for me because I haven’t work in any store and I still think that it’s really hard but I have been working in the fields but with a family member because I was scare to be alone and I thought that it was really hard at first but then it was fun.
I really enjoyed your post. There are a lot of helpful things to think about and appreciate your advise. I am considering getting a job this summer, wish me luck!
I agree with you fully on everything that you talked about in your article. The first few days can be pretty intimidating, but once you get the hang of it then it’s all downhill from there.
Interviews have been the hardest part for me to get a job. I always have a hard time keeping eye contact.
This was super helpful. I am looking to apply to get my first part time job, and I really enjoyed what you had to say. I also really liked what you had to say about perseverance. Most people today get upset and give up after only a couple tries, and I like that you’re putting this out into the world so people know not to think too much into it.
I love how you used your life experiences to show how to get a part time job. After reading this, Firehouse Subs sounds like a great place to work!! Sadly there is not a Firehouse Subs in my area. I will use your advice to find a part time job else where. Thanks!!
I got my first job in 2014, I worked at a daycare facility and really enjoyed it. After that I worked at a supermarket for about a year, and to be honest, it wasn’t the greatest working experience. I now work at a Wendys and have been there for 6 or so months. Getting your first job can be really exciting and nerve racking at the same time, but having a money as a teenager is great, you don’t really have to worry about bills yet, or other expenses. And most jobs that teenagers get are entry level jobs, nothing too hard.
After you turned in your application, did you ever end up calling Firehouse to “check in?” Have you had the same job since? If so, how long have you worked there? Since this is a part time job, do you have another job on the side or any hobbies? Also, did you enjoy working here?
These are some very good tips for getting a job. I get easily overwhelmed because it seems like there is so much to do, I will remember this information. Thank you!
Austin
I love that you recommend people staying calm and actually straying away from the computer to locate a job. I know some people get really nervous meeting new people, so I love to see you ensuring people that it’ll be alright. This seems very helpful especially for a teenager getting a new job.
I remember my first job: I was a soccer referree for 9 year old girls. It was still pretty intimidating because all the parents on the sidelines were watching my calls.
I currently work at Firehouse Subs and it is a fun job with lots of useful tips. These tips are very helpful fir anyone that is applying for their first job. You have to be willing to show the hiring manager that you want that job and willing to put in the time for the job you are working towards. Make sure to keep up on contact with them as it shows them you are interested in getting the job. I know when I got my first job I was scared for the interview, I thought I was going to mess up or say something really stupid. The best thing to learn though is to be yourself, smile big, relax your nerves, and don’t be scared to let them know your nervous as it is your first job your applying for.
I love your blog! It makes it easy to identify with you, the way that you are so down to earth about your experiences.
If you could do anything differently in your interview, would you?
Do you enjoy working at Firehouse Subs,Also how many applications did you have to fill out?
thank you this can really help me! i appreciate you telling me the steps of getting my first job thank you.
Why did you end up choosing firehouse subs as a place to work? What is your dream job in place of firehouse subs? Is firehouse subs a good first job?