My oldest has a job. Yay! Right? Well kinda. He has a job and it pays but I know that it doesn’t have long-term potential. Try explaining that to a this generation! I mean he sees a check and he’s good. I’m not. I want him to find a job that has the potential for growth, learning and even benefits. Is that too much to expect?
So I keep encouraging him not to get comfortable. Yes, you have a job but that doesn’t mean you can’t look at better options. Put in other applications, follow-up, ask around. You know make an effort. Well here’s what I got as an answer…
Ma, you know finding a job isn’t as easy as it was when YOU were a Teenager!
I’m sorry what? He had to be kidding right?!? I mean I can list the ways that he has it way easier than I did when finding a job. So I will…
The Internet
I mean let’s face it – when I was on the hunt for a job as a Teen there were no online applications. I had to walk from place to place filling out 2-3 page Applications in record speed to hand it in before the kid standing next to me got their’s done.
No Resumes
I don’t think this kid would no how to start a Resume much less format one. I had my first Resume when I was 16! I remember sitting there counting as I tapped the spacebar to be sure that everything was lined up right (yes, I just aged myself…it was on a typewriter). This guy only has to remember his info and type into an online application. No formatting, no paragraphs, bold, alignment…nothing! Just fill in the blanks. If that’s not easier I just don’t know.
The Dress Code
Okay so I know that jobs still conduct interviews but is it just me or do they seem to be way less formal? I mean he had an interview for his current job and I told him I would help him get an interview outfit. He was like what outfit. I’m wearing khakis and a shirt. Huh What? I finally talked him into a button down and actual shoes instead of sneakers but when we got there he was overdressed! I mean come on! I had to wear stockings and heels! Stockings and heels folks! So yeah, he has it easy as far as I am concerned. Maybe a bit too easy?
Less Pressure
I know when I had an interview I was a ball of stress. The questions, trying to remember my work history timeline, knowing something about the company – all of it! What would they ask me? How would I answer? Would they be harsh or friendly? Should I tell them the first thing that popped into my head or try and think it out. If I took too long to answer would they write me off? It was insane!
So yeah, these are just a few reasons off the top of my head that when my Kid tells me ‘finding a job nowadays is SO hard’ I give him an old school eye roll and tell him . . . you’ve got it easy!
What do you remember from your Teenage job hunting days?
“Believe in yourself, your passions, and your dreams. Your voice is unique - build on that. Embrace what is different about you and make it your greatest asset!”
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