Skills teens need at a job

[Anonymous]

I know lots of teens will be apply for their first jobs after school starts, as a business owner that has employed hundreds of teens, here are some real skills they should know in a retail setting:

-How to count back change without pulling out a calculator. (if total was $13.73 and need change from a $20, they start at $13.73 and count up to the $20)

-How to count bills. They should be able to have a stack of 5's and quickly count them holding the uncounted bills in one hand and count as transferring to the other hand.

-What denomination rolled coins comes in $10 in quarters, $5 in dimes…

-Their social security number

-How to tell military time if their employer uses that type of time card system

-What it all means on their pay stub

-How to read an "old-fashion" non-digital clock

-How to mop a floor using a mop bucket & string mop head

-Don't have a crazy and/or obscene recording as the voicemail for the contact number on an application

Of course there are general things like saying "thank you", showing up on time......

I don't mind teaching these skills since I prefer to hire first time employees, but it would be nice if they knew them. If I think of more, I'll add them.

[Anonymous]

Nice list.

I will say, though, that a lot of that stuff just takes practice and isn't part of a normal person's daily life (like counting money swiftly).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Nice list.

I will say, though, that a lot of that stuff just takes practice and isn't part of a normal person's daily life (like counting money swiftly).

Have them practice it, even with Monopoly money. They will be more comfortable and able to learn other aspects of their job.

[Anonymous]

Don't have kooky email addresses that aren't appropriate.

Think about what you post on Facebook and use good judgment.

When you return change to customers, first hand back the coins and then give the paper money. Do not hand them both back at the same time with the coins balanced precariously on top of the paper money, especially since at that point in the transaction the customer may be holding something with the other hand (like the thing they purchased) and thus it's hard to keep the coins from sliding off.

Say thank you. Do not say "there you go" instead of "thank you." Customers = you have a job. No customers = you don't have a job.

Be on time or early.

If possible, when called to a meeting bring a pen and paper.

[Anonymous]

Show up for interviews and work looking neat and clean, especially your face and nails. No chipped nail polish or messy faces. Iron your clothes.

[Anonymous]

I've hired teens! Here are some things that make GREAT teen employees stand out!

1. BE ON TIME. No, actually BE EARLY. EVERY DAY.

2. CALL as soon as something comes up. It needs to be a very, very good excuse. Oversleeping is not a good excuse, but you should call then, too.

3. CURTESY. Be polite, say please, thank you.

4. OFFER, DON'T WAIT. If you have some down time, ask: Is there anything I can help you with right now?

5. ASK. If you don't know, don't make something up, don't cover up. Ask someone.

6. THOROUGH. If someone says to fold these shirts, do a nice job. If you're having a tough time doing a nice job, ask for some pointers. An eye for detail is good.

7. CLEAR, CONFIDENT, POLITE VOICE & EYE CONTACT & SMILE. May I help you? Have a great day! Thank you for coming! Fake it 'til you make it. No sloppy voice on the phone! No sloppy customer service at the ice cream line.

These kids really do stand out. They can be shy. They can have accents, even thick accents. They can be tall, short, generally attractive or less so, thick, thin, whatever. But those top things up there will set you apart. Hands down.

[Anonymous]

Listen to instructions and follow them AS GIVEN, not in the way you think makes more sense.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've hired teens! Here are some things that make GREAT teen employees stand out!

1. BE ON TIME. No, actually BE EARLY. EVERY DAY.

2. CALL as soon as something comes up. It needs to be a very, very good excuse. Oversleeping is not a good excuse, but you should call then, too.

3. CURTESY. Be polite, say please, thank you.

4. OFFER, DON'T WAIT. If you have some down time, ask: Is there anything I can help you with right now?

5. ASK. If you don't know, don't make something up, don't cover up. Ask someone.

6. THOROUGH. If someone says to fold these shirts, do a nice job. If you're having a tough time doing a nice job, ask for some pointers. An eye for detail is good.

7. CLEAR, CONFIDENT, POLITE VOICE & EYE CONTACT & SMILE. May I help you? Have a great day! Thank you for coming! Fake it 'til you make it. No sloppy voice on the phone! No sloppy customer service at the ice cream line.

These kids really do stand out. They can be shy. They can have accents, even thick accents. They can be tall, short, generally attractive or less so, thick, thin, whatever. But those top things up there will set you apart. Hands down.

Sadly, I could give the same list to some of the college graduates I hire at $50K a year.

[Anonymous]

Those are stupid skills, my kid does it stuff during the summer and it will go on his resume. Mopping toilets no thanks

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Those are stupid skills, my kid does it stuff during the summer and it will go on his resume. Mopping toilets no thanks

Well, sure, with a role model like you...

[Anonymous]

Eye contact.
No mumbling.
Take initiative.
Do each task to the best of your ability. If you're asked to stack things, make the pile neat. Walk by every so often and straighten it.

[Anonymous]

- Refer to boss as Mr. Mrs. or Ms. - no first name unless told to do so.

- Be sure to put any iphone or whatever other electronic toy occupies their day away and "OFF" except perhaps vibrate for emergencies while at work.

- If using a computer at work - no using it for facebook, twitter, instagram or whatever or web surfing. One is not paid to do that.

- Do not talk to others about what goes on at work that relates to the company or what you may hear or see at all. This is good training for a future real job.

- Learn early not to "trash talk" about the boss or other employees because especially if you live in a small community, things can get around.

- Again start thinking about what is your "Internet Trail" on any kind of social media and clean it up as fast as you can as much as you can because colleges as well as employers are now checking.

- Also, in terms of a job now AND in the future go over again and again about how even one mistake in high school or college years which leads to an arrest can impact job prospects for the future and closeout some fields. A felony of any kind, which some might consider inconsequential such as using a fake ID, driving impaired at a certain level or speed, using drugs even marijuana which can be confusing with the news it is legal some places, but still not in most states can close you out of say nursing or teaching.

- Start a resume AND be sure the information put down is truthful and accurate. In an area like DC, security clearances often go back several years and want to know about all jobs and even all addresses anyone has ever lived at including college years so while not necessary for a resume, perhaps for a personal history record. I also know that going for the bar is like this as I have been asked to verify employment of even an academic year limited companion for our youngest daughter with a disability.

[Anonymous]

As an employer who works with teens, one of the most important skills that we value in our teens is the ability to advocate and communicate for themselves, without any participation or contributions from mom.

[Anonymous]

I am an attorney. I make hiring decisions. I hire interns, lawyers, support staff, and vendors.

1. Do not have an inappropriate email address. For example. Your email address should not be iliketof*$#@gmail.com. Similarly, if your email address is [e-mail], pick something else.

2. Do not have a song with x-rated lyrics as your ring tone. The Harry Potter theme song -- yes. Jason DeRulo's Wiggle Wiggle Wiggle -- no. If you are with me in court and your dirty ringtone sounds, you will regret it.

3. Do not ask me if you can 2nd chair my next trial on your 1st day.

4. Do not ask me if you "have" to do something that you don't want to do. If I do it, you have to do it.

5. Manners, manners, manners. I will say it again. Manners, manners, manners. Smile. Learn basic greetings, "Hello, Mrs. Blank." "Good morning, sir/ma'am." If a client brings their family member to a meeting and we are one chair short, get up out of yours and seat the person. Learn to say, "Yes," not "yeah." Say, "No, thank you," when offered something, and not, "No." Hold the door for the person behind you. If you are going for coffee in the kitchen where it is free, bring your assistant some. Shake hands. Do not fist bump, wave, or fake salute me. Shake hands with a good hand shake. If you are a woman, learn how to shake hands. This is not medieval France, I am not going to kiss your hand.

6. No. I do not want to talk to your parents about your peanut allergy, hypoglycemia, need for a nap, or any of your other personal needs. Either you know how to manage your issues or not. If you don't, you won't be learning on my time.

7. When in doubt, see number 5.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am an attorney. I make hiring decisions. I hire interns, lawyers, support staff, and vendors.

1. Do not have an inappropriate email address. For example. Your email address should not be iliketof*$#@gmail.com. Similarly, if your email address is [e-mail], pick something else.

2. Do not have a song with x-rated lyrics as your ring tone. The Harry Potter theme song -- yes. Jason DeRulo's Wiggle Wiggle Wiggle -- no. If you are with me in court and your dirty ringtone sounds, you will regret it.

3. Do not ask me if you can 2nd chair my next trial on your 1st day.

4. Do not ask me if you "have" to do something that you don't want to do. If I do it, you have to do it.

5. Manners, manners, manners. I will say it again. Manners, manners, manners. Smile. Learn basic greetings, "Hello, Mrs. Blank." "Good morning, sir/ma'am." If a client brings their family member to a meeting and we are one chair short, get up out of yours and seat the person. Learn to say, "Yes," not "yeah." Say, "No, thank you," when offered something, and not, "No." Hold the door for the person behind you. If you are going for coffee in the kitchen where it is free, bring your assistant some. Shake hands. Do not fist bump, wave, or fake salute me. Shake hands with a good hand shake. If you are a woman, learn how to shake hands. This is not medieval France, I am not going to kiss your hand.

6. No. I do not want to talk to your parents about your peanut allergy, hypoglycemia, need for a nap, or any of your other personal needs. Either you know how to manage your issues or not. If you don't, you won't be learning on my time.

7. When in doubt, see number 5.

Hey, try not to be a misogynistic asshole. I'm female, and shake hands perfectly. Don't single out women as needing to learn how to shake hands. Maybe you should make this part of your list: don't be sexist. If someone tells you that you are, don't be defensive, just apologize and learn.