Preparing your teenager for his or her first job is no easy task. No matter how much work we put in teaching them the principles and habits they will need at a job, they are going to have to learn as they go on some level. That said, we still should do what we can as parents. Fortunately, there are some basics that we can teach them to help them navigate the working world a bit easier.
Six Tips for Your Teens First Job
Here are six tips to share with your teenager when they start that first job:
Being on time is huge
Being timely is one of the best ways to impress a new boss and particularly so for a teen. They are used to teens being late so your timeliness will help you to stand out in a crowd.
Listening is a lost art
Anybody can talk. Only a select few of the best workers are good listeners. Listen to the customer and your co-workers as well as your boss. This will be a skill that will pay off handsomely over time.
Show some initiative
Initiative means that you work when nobody is looking and when nobody has asked you to do anything. If you are working retail, straighten a shelf, dust or help a customer rather than holding up the counter.
Do more than is asked
This means going that extra mile for customer service or project completion. Most workers do the least amount possible. Be different and do more than is asked of you. When the time comes for raises or time off, the boss will remember that effort.
Don’t gossip
Gossip will get you in serious job as a teenager or as an adult when you are on the job. Nothing good will ever come of it even if what you are gossiping about is true. Keep your thoughts to yourself and talk to your family at home instead if you are frustrated. Venting at work will come back to bite you.
Never date a coworker
Coworkers are off limits in the romance department. This is a big lesson for teens because they are very much exploring that part of their lives at that age. This is a huge deal.
These six tips are the basics but they can certainly make a huge difference for a teen worker. Starting off with the right principles and doing a good job will carry thru to other jobs and ultimately their careers.
Did you enjoy this post? Find more money saving tips here.