Review more industry related articles by Chris Stout at CareersandEducation.com. Chris Stout is a feature writer and often covers topics related to Campus degree programs and Career Advice.

When you are a teenager, money is a prominent concern. You need money for the movies, going out with friends, driving a car, and saving for college. It may seem like a simple idea to just go out and get a job, but it typically takes more effort than originally anticipated. For many teenagers facing this predicament, the best course of action is to seek a part time job that can be worked after school and on weekends. Below are some important considerations to bear in mind as a younger person trying to step into a new job.

First, you will likely need to fill out a resume or job application when applying for a position. Even for part time work, it is important to come fully prepared with all your previous work history – if you have any – as well as references from previous employers or co-workers regarding any prior experience, even including babysitting or a paper route. If you don’t yet have any work experience at all, then you can list any school accomplishments or groups to which you have belonged. All your personal strengths should be listed as well as anything that helps you stand out as a student or a reliable worker.

When you are offered an interview, dress appropriately for the position. That simple step demonstrates to the hiring person how important the job is to you, as well as how you can be professional even if you haven’t worked for anyone before. (On the other hand, don’t over-dress for a job that doesn’t call for it. For example, it would be over-kill to wear a suit applying for a construction labor position.)

When heading for the interview, your hair needs to be pulled back, and jewelry kept to a minimum. Boys should wear a polo shirt and khaki pants, while for girls a nice dress or skirt and blouse would be appropriate.

Before coming, practice questions that an interviewer might realistically ask you, such as what benefit you think you can bring to the job and how well you do in school.

Once you initially meet the employer, shake the person’s hand and be polite. Do not use the person’s first name unless invited to do so. Otherwise, Mr. or Ms. LastName would be appropriate. As long as you show you have a good attitude and are willing to work, the hiring person may overlook the fact that you may not have as much experience as someone else.

There will likely be several other applicants interviewed for the same position, so if you do not get your first job, try not to take it personally. Over the years you – like most everyone else – will miss out on some great jobs, but it is important that you continue to try because eventually someone will see your potential and offer you a job.

Part time work is available all around, so it is up to you to pick something that you might enjoy doing and then go for it. The worst that can happen is your request for a position will be denied. However more than likely, if you follow these tips you will be able to land a part time job that you love.

By: Mort Ferguson

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Do your research on the company so you can go in there not only with knowledge of its history, but to show that you are serious about becoming part of the future as well

Make sure your appearance matches the job.  If it is a professional atmosphere, go in clean shaven (or very neatly groomed), without earrings (for men) or excessive jewelry, in a nicely pressed suit with matching tie and shoes for men or an equally pressed shirt suit for women

Have multiple copies of your resume, letters of recommendation, or other supporting documents in a briefcase or folder to show preparedness in case there is more than one interviewer

Get plenty of rest and eat before going into the interview so you can be at your peak performance

Shake all participants’ hands and maintain eye contact during the entire process to show your self-confidence

Never talk poorly about previous employers. If you bad-mouth one, the potential employer will most likely see you as a complainer.

Arrive early to demonstrate your dependability and interest in the position

Do not go in smelling of smoke, or as if you bathed in cologne/perfume and use the restroom beforehand

Speak clearly and properly with an even tone without the use of “big words” which you may not know the true use of.  Nothing makes you sound less intelligent than misusing words, poor grammar, or the use of slang in an interview.

Sit up straight with your feet planted firmly on the floor to show your interest, but not so stiff that you look nervous

Speaking of appearing nervous, keep from fidgeting ie: twirling pens, rolling up papers, playing with your clothes or hair, tapping feet

Do not lie or exaggerate anything; honesty is always the best policy even if it means admitting a shortcoming.  Chances are you will be found out to be a fraud, and word can get around: you do not know who they may know at other companies.

React to their words by nodding and /or smiling.  Do not just sit there like a robot, and do not interrupt the interviewer

Always ask questions if you are not clear.  It is always better to ask for a clarification rather sit there with a blank look on your face–they can tell

Avoid talking about compensation during the first interview.  Simply state that you are more interested in learning about the position and the company.

At the conclusion of the interview, stand and shake everyone’s hand once again

Thank all participants for their time and consideration

If you are not interested in the position after the interview, simply say so.  There is nothing wrong with changing your mind, and they will appreciate your honestly in not wasting their time going forward.

Do not start getting undressed the moment you step out of the office.  Wait until you reach your car

Send a thank you card or e-mail thanking the interviewer(s) once again for their time in meeting with you

Do not fret if you do not hear from anyone right away.  There are likely many candidates that are interested in the same position and it takes times time to make the right choice.

If you were told that a decision would be made within a certain time frame, do not feel afraid to make contact if that time has passed.  Just be pleasant and non-demanding.

Now, I’m not saying that by following these tips you will be guaranteed to be offered the first position you apply for.  What this will do is give you an edge over those competitors who are lazy, or unprepared.  Everyone has intangible qualities which may be more important to a potential employer.  Perhaps someone else is simply a better fit, but you will have at least left a good impression and you never know, there may be someone that the interviewer knows who can use an employee like you and forward your information to them.

By: Eric J. Nisall

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Once you graduate college, it’s time to enter the work force (unless of course you plan to go directly to grad school). When you transition from university life to the real world, their will be a period of adjustment. You will have to find new ways to challenge yourself outside of the comfortable classroom structure. You will most likely have to relocate and secure new housing arrangements. You’ll also have to go out and get a job.

Here are five tips to help you excel in your interview, and score the job you want.

1. Make and maintain eye contact

From the moment the interview starts, make eye contact. Look directly your interviewer’s eyes. Look at it like a staring contest that you can’t lose. No mater what goes down in the interview, your gaze will remain steadfast and self-assured. Read the eyes of the person who’s interviewing you, so that you can gauge the overall atmosphere and respond to questions accordingly.

2. Speak clearly, confidently and in a reasonable volume

Before you speak, clear your throat. Organize your thoughts before you open your mouth. Be confident in your responses. Speak with poise, but keep your voices volume reasonable. Too quiet, you can sound too timid. Too loud, and you sound distracting. Just speak in a reasonable tone and answer every question completely.

3. Ask questions

Job interviews are supposed to be exchanges. You have to interact with your interviewer. Ask for clarification every now and then. Show that you understand the information that’s being presented to you. Ask for more details. You are shopping around just as much as your interviewer. Play hard to get within reason.

4. Find a way to make a connection

Look for common ground. Make a comment about something and build from it. Pick up on details of interest, and refer back to them. Express understanding. Do whatever it takes to leave a good impression. You want to make your interviewer remember who you are, and how easy you were to get along with.

5. Stay positive

Don’t talk smack about anything. Did you absolutely hate your old boss? Well keep that little tidbit of info to yourself. Stay positive and optimistic and all times. You want to leave a lasting impression, but you also want to be certain that the imprint is positive.

Balance the need to promote your abilities with the realization that you have to be humble. Appear willing to help, but make it known that you are a strong-willed individual. Just be yourself. Make eye contact, speak clearly, ask questions, make a connection and always stay positive. Channel your confidence and if something doesn’t feel right to you, then don’t take the job. Always trust your instincts.

By: Chris Stout

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Student Assistant Jobs :

How do I apply to work for the Forest Service or other Federal Government jobs? All permanent federal jobs, including USDA Forest Service jobs, are posted in USAJOBS ( Additional information about working for the Forest Service is available from the national Forest Service website. Temporary positions on the Siuslaw NF are posted on our Employment page. Many of these are also posted on USAJOBS (There is so much information about this area that it would be better to just schedule an appointment to see a career counselor in order to pinpoint you career goals with a particular government agency. The Career Library has a Kiosk with a touch screen computer, which lists employment opportunities with the federal government. There are also websites devoted exclusively to government jobs. Most United States Federal Government agencies require you to be a U.S. citizen. Start with These positions are new jobs with the TSA, an agency of the Federal Government.

Can I apply for jobs in HireMe using my office computer? Yes. Reclamation’s policy permits employees to use their office computers and e-mail to apply for jobs. However, you are reminded that you may use government property/resources to apply for jobs only if it does not interfere with the performance of your regular duties. If you work for another Federal agency or in the private sector, contact your employer’s Human Resources Office for information on whether or not this is acceptable.We anticipate that jobs for Human Resources positions will begin to be filled from outside the government in 2006.

Are the U.S. Embassy Cairo vacancies considered U.S. Government federal jobs? No, all jobs announced for Locally Employed Staff positions at the U.S. Embassy are considered contract positions.USAJOBS is the official job site of the Federal government and the Recruitment One-Stop (ROS) resource where you can search for jobs, create resumes, and access information regarding your individual job search, e.g., the status of your applications and editing your Federal resume.

Are the U.S. Embassy Cairo vacancies considered U.S. Government federal jobs? No, all jobs announced for Locally Employed Staff positions at the U.S. Embassy are considered contract positions.

What is Federal Work-Study? Federal Work-Study is a need-based award that enables eligible students to acquire work-study jobs, the wages for which are largely funded by the federal government. The FAFSA must be filed by the March 1 priority date each year a student is interested in Federal Work-Study. Additional information regarding the eligibility requirements of this award can be found at Work-Study.The FSWEP computerized inventory is designed to search for and randomly select students who meet the job requirements determined by the hiring department. There is an average of 7,000 student jobs and over 90,000 applications in the inventory. Consequently, there is a possibility that you may not receive an interest call. Federal government student jobs are highly sought after and random selection is an equitable and fair method of searching for persons to be assessed.This is where the government has you. There are major consequences for not registering for Selective Service.

Q2: What is USAJOBS? USAJOBS is the official job site of the Federal government and the Recruitment One-Stop (ROS) resource where you can search for jobs, create resumes, and access information regarding your individual job search, e.g., the status of your applications and editing your Federal resume. You may obtain more specific information on the USAJOBS website.No. It is not possible to “pre-apply” for a security clearance. Not all Federal employees/contractors have security clearances. Individuals who are tentatively selected for government jobs (or as Federal contractors) will be investigated as appropriate. If access to National Security Information is required, you will need to complete a security questionnaire and an investigation will be conducted.

By: Boris Tomson

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