Jobs!This post specifically applies to those teens looking for jobs; jobs that are controlled by a 3rd party employer. When choosing an employee, employers look for several things, and if one wants to have the best chance of being hired, they should demonstrate several (if not all) of these qualities at a high level.

1. Maturity

This is a pretty obvious one. Employers look for mature people, because the more mature the person is, the less likely he/she is going to cost the employer anything (and the more likely he/she is going to bring in more of a profit). Often, the more mature a person is, there are more high paying jobs applicable – because employers LOVE to reward maturity, and HATE to reward immaturity. That’s why you see a lot of slackers work at places of low wage and high labour: because they aren’t hired at the places that provide high wages in exchange for maturity.

2. Negotiation

Negotiation is one of the most important qualities in the business world. Employers will be particularly impressed with workers that show the skills to negotiate wages, hours, and work; as long as it doesn’t seem like the employer is trying to ditch any necessary work at all. This quality also applies to people who are self-employed – not that they are trying to impress an employer – but it often means the difference between a bigger and a smaller profit.

3. Communication

Communication is an amazing skill to have. Without communication, workers can only show small amounts of maturity, and no negotiation at all. Communication may mean talking with an employer (during a job interview, or during a job) to discuss something (similar to negotiation), or serving the customer in a polite, mature, and successful manner. Communication can help you get to the “top of the pack” of your fellow employees; you can become distinguished very quickly if you show this.

4. Dedication

Much like slackers sometimes show no maturity, they usually show no dedication. An employer WANTS someone who is dedicated, and for obvious reasons. They will see an employee with no dedication as someone who is more of an expense rather than asset.

5. Timeliness

This quality applies in two ways. 1) Workers who apply for a job when the organization most needs it shows dedication and observation. 2) If a worker is timely with his/her job, it shows dedication, organization, and maturity.

…the “two more”…

These two are of no BS – I’ve actually been rejected because of it.

6. Age

Employers are most likely to hire someone who is older because it’s implied that they are more mature; this is often not true. Don’t let his discourage any of you though: if you’re mature enough go for the job. If you’re not, rejection hurts; but it costs you ABSOLUTELY NOTHING, so go for it!

7. Height

Height is associated with age, because the taller you are, the more likely the older and more mature you look. Again, taller people sometimes can and sometimes can’t be more mature.

I want to hear from you: When applying for a job, what qualities did you show? What qualities do you think are the most important? Do certain jobs require certain qualities?

I’ll be away at camp this week (tuesday – friday), but I have some guest posters lined up.