Finding a Job This presentation has some discussion items in it. It may take longer than one period to go through all of the points so that everyone understands their rights and opportunities.

First: Start early If you want a summer job, don’t wait until summer to start looking. You should start looking for jobs, then apply, then wait for an interview, maybe try again, go to some interviews, and finally start working. This takes time. Consider applying a month before you actually want to work somewhere. If you get hired, you can always tell your new boss that you can’t start until a certain date.

When looking for a job: Think about jobs you could easily be trained to do, not what you already know how to do. Think about what might be a fun job, what might give you useful skills that lead you to a career you might like, what might give you something in addition to wages (e.g. free food or discounts on something you normally buy anyway, etc.) “Employers aren't looking for someone who already knows how to make a double soy latte with caramel and whipped cream; they're looking for workers who have the ability to learn how to make anything on the menu and to problem solve when things go wrong.”

Consider what you would enjoy doing. *Are you super friendly and great with people? *Are you detail-oriented and good with paperwork and filing? *What would you be excited to learn about while working?

Consider what would lead you to even better things. Entry-level jobs aren’t super glamorous, but they can put you in contact with people you might want to know and teach you skills you want: Working in an art gallery might put you in touch with artists and teach you how artists earn a living. Assisting with a kids soccer team might teach you about coaching and about child development. Working in a fast food kitchen might teach you about efficiency and organization. Working at the flea market could teach you about sales strategies. Whatever you do, your first job is just your first job. You’ll eventually move to something else. Consider what would lead you to even better things.

Ask friends and family for leads. The easiest way to get a job is often word of mouth. Where do your friends work? Do your parents, teachers, neighbors, or coaches know someone who might hire you? Is there a shop you go to frequently where you might want to work? Is there a restaurant you like where you could see yourself working? Is there a business, art gallery, theater, sports court/field that you spend a lot of time at already? Ask friends and family for leads.

Take some time to share in class: *Who already has a job while in high school? *How did you find out about this job and get started? *What was your first day on the job like? *What tips would you give to peers who might want a job like yours? *What are some things that surprised you about working?

Asking for an application. One very easy way to get started is to visit the shop or website of a shop you’d like to work at and get an application. Take the application to a quiet place where you can really focus and take your time filling it out. Your application could be the first impression you make on your new manager. They should see you as a smart person who takes the time to do things correctly and neatly. Bring it back and pass it to the manager or ask an employee to pass it to a manager. Dress and speak appropriately when you are anywhere near a future employer. Again, they should see you as a responsible and respectful person. Asking for an application.

Look over sample retail applications online like this one. (Any questions?)

Note: Some questions are no longer legal in California Asking if you are an adult (over 18) is legal. Asking for your exact age may not be. Asking for past salaries, your religion, your race, medical or disability information, sexual orientation are all prohibited in California. If an employer asks you for these, you are not required to answer, but if you want the job, you should have a tactful way of responding. There is a chance the employer hasn’t kept up to date on every change to laws. Some positions require more in-depth checks, e.g. if you’ll work with children or with law enforcement, your drug history and criminal record may be checked.

Know your references. It is VERY likely you will be asked for references and those people will be called to vouch for your trustworthiness and work ethic. Be prepared with 3 personal references--non-family people who know you well enough to talk about how awesome you are on the phone. Have their name and phone number ready and tell them to expect the call. “Yes, I know she’d be honest. One time I saw her make sure everything was fair….” “Well, he interrupted everyone and insulted people all the time. He got straight A’s but people didn’t feel comfortable around him. I wouldn’t hire him, personally.”

In San Jose, CA...

10 x $13.50 = $135.00 ...right? Except, we have things like roads and police and a military and those things are paid for through income taxes...so your paycheck will be reduced and you won’t see all of that $135.00. (Don’t be surprised. Plan ahead if you are paying bills!) If you work 10 hours one week and your pay is $13.50 per hour, how much money will you take home?

Remember that everything about legal employment is online and public. You can look up information on taxes, overtime pay, legal hiring and firing, etc. Ask questions. You’re not supposed to know everything! Good luck!!