Filling out first time job applications?

Question

I'm fixing to turn seventeen and I'm trying to find a first time job. I'll probably end up working at a restaurant or a bakery or something that deals with food so what would be some good things to put on a job application that managers look for in an employee? I need something better and different than what everyone else puts like 'hardworker' 'friendly' and all that stuff. and since this would be my first job I don't have any references or anything like that to put on it. also any tips on how to be more confident when looking for a job?

Answer 1

I'd recommend including a resume.  Put things like club activities and classes your are taking the pertain specifically to the job you are looking for.  Like if you took english classes, say that you did some speeches and helped improve your writing skills.  Use as much as you can, but only put the things that help you for that job.

Also put clubs and orginizations or sports that will help show team work.  Microsoft word usually has a good resume wizard to help you type one up.

Making a resume will also help you keep all of your information together when you apply for more jobs.

Good luck!

Answer 2

You can stress your grades and academics to an employer, since you don't have a work history.  Tell the employer the things that you're already good at cooking..that you enjoy cooking, and why you would like to work in a restaurant.    If you're looking to  serve people at a restaurant you will need to stress customer service skills, or how you like to help people, and you have a good personality, and you're courteous, and helpful. Transferable skills should also be stessed, these are skills that you are already using that fit into the work place such as punctuality (Being on time), listening skills, and teaching skills.

Answer 3

You could put: self starter, good with people, need little or no supervision. Just remember to keep it simple, noone likes to read more than 1 page.

Answer 4

Most job applications are just going to want basic info from you, name, address, work history, etc. A few ask questions about why you applied and maybe some questions that speak to your work ethic.Don't worry about not having any work history, places you apply to will understand.  And honestly, in some cases I'd rather hire someone with little to no experience than someone with tons of experience.  It's starting with a blank slate, I can train them the way I want them to do the job.

Far more important than what you say will be how you present yourself, especially in restaruant/retail enviroments where customer service is the focus.  Did they seem friendly and helpful? Did they look well-groomed? Did they smile and make eye contact when they spoke?  Where they on time if an iterview was scheduled? These are all things I ask myself when I'm deciding whether or not to hire an applicant.  I can teach people to sell and give them product knowledge, I can't teach friendliness or responsibility.

The best thing you can do is look presentable when you go to fill out or tune in applications, most of those types of place interview on the spot.  If they schedule an interview, be a few minutes early, there may be more paperwork to fill out and being on time for an interview means you can be on time for work. Smile, be friendly and dress nicely, you don't have to wear a dress or suit, but nice pants and a collared shirt are perfectly appropriate.  An interview can be a preview for how someone will preform on the job.  If they are unfriendly, disinterested, has a sloppy appearance or was late, I have to wonder if I can expect any better if I hire them.  But on the other hand if they are happy, friendly, and smiling, I feel confident in hiring them.

You might be surprised what references you have. At your age, the best references are going to be teachers or coaches from sports or clubs you belong to, if you've babysat for people they can be a reference, the pastor at your church, etc.  References don't have to be from a past job, they are simply people who can speak to your character, but avoid using close relatives.

Good luck and don't be nervous.