How does the economy affect you?

Lately it seems all the big news has to do with the word “bailout.” This bailout is the government helping companies find a way out of bad economic decisions, poor spending, and over-inflated salaries for executives. I could go on and on with reasons why this idea is good and bad, but really all of that is too late now as the bailout has already been approved. We just need to pray it is beneficial and productive.

For most, the bailout of these big companies is just another sign of our failing economy. Most of you are probably aware of job cuts, lay-offs, and lack of new job openings. Many people think this economy crunch only affects professionals but that just is not so. Because of job loss in their workplace or simply due to inflated costs, many people are taking part-time jobs that generally attract teenage workers (i.e., jobs at the mall and fast-food services). The economy is also affecting parents’ decisions to hire sitters for the evening. They are favoring staying home rather than hiring the teenager down the street so they can go out.

So, what can a teenager do in these times to get work? Trust me, I feel your pain. I like making my own money, and have the responsibility of paying for my own gas, car insurance, etc. My first advice would be to talk to your parents. Sometimes parents know people or they themselves have things that need done that they would have to pay someone to do anyway. As spring approaches, many people hire landscapers to clean out flower beds, plant flowers, and do yard work. This would be a great way to earn money and it would not cost them as much as it would if they hired a professional landscaper. If you don’t like to work outside, perhaps offer your services for spring cleaning. Most households do a deep cleaning in the early spring. Because so many people are working two or more jobs, they may not have as much time to get this done as they usually would. They also may not have enough money to hire a professional cleaner.

Interview tips

If you have been looking for a job at a business with no luck, don’t get discouraged. Keep your head up and keep applying. I like interviews and am sharing a few tips I have learned along the way:

1. When turning in your application, always try to talk to the manager on duty. Give them a brief synopsis of yourself and a firm handshake. (If you are willing to work weekends and nights, make sure to mention this.)

2. Dress based on the business. Don’t assume that because you are applying at a fast food joint, you can wear jeans and a t-shirt. In general, be prepared to wear modest business casual clothes for interviews, such as dress pants with a nice shirt (even if it is fast food), unless the job will require business attire, in which case you should wear the same.

3. Keep your hair out of your face. If you have to keep brushing your hair back during the interview, it is distracting to the person you are talking to. And this is especially true if you will be working with food.

4. Do not wear open-toe shoes to an interview. No matter where it is. Once you are hired, if their policy has nothing against them, then you can wear them, but until you know for sure, play it safe and wear shoes that cover your toes––even in the summer.

5. Keep jewelry to an acceptable amount and don’t wear anything too eye catching. No big hoop earrings. A good rule of thumb is to keep the earring within 2-3’’ of the bottom of your earlobe. Wear no more than 1 necklace, 1 bracelet, and 1 ring on each hand. Too much jewelry takes away from what you really want them to pay attention to––you.

6. Do not fidget. I know most of our mothers tell us this a hundred times, but in an interview it is best to keep your hands crossed at the wrist your lap. If you clasp your hands, they may get sweaty if your nervous. By crossing them at the wrist, it allows them to breathe, plus when you stand up, before shaking hands you can gently touch them to your pants or skirt to make sure they are dry.

7. Be honest. We should never lie, no matter what it is about, but when it comes to getting a job the company is looking for someone to be able to fit well with their organization, meet their job requirements and they also want you to be happy with the job. By lying, it could mean you end up with a job that you aren’t qualified for and end up not liking. This makes you and the company miserable.

8. Be Polite. Use “ma’am”, “sir”, “Mr.”, “Mrs.” And of course “please” and “thank-you”. Always use “yes” or “no”. Using “ya” or “nah” is not appropriate in an interview.

9. Speak clearly and slowly. I know you heart may be pounding, but don’t think you have to speak as quickly as your heart is beating. You want to make sure you are understood. Be thorough yet brief. More doesn’t mean better. The best thing to do is answer the question in its entirety without unnecessary detail. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions. While it is good to know the basics of what a company does before you go to the interview, it is ok to ask a little more about them. It shows you are interested!

10. Be early. I always make myself leave home at least 5 minutes earlier than needed and walk into the business 4 minutes before my appointment. This way, when I check in I am early, but not to an extreme. No matter what, do not be late! When you arrive, make sure you have a copy of your resume (if you have one), and your ID.

Let’s not forget the One Who paid the biggest debt – Jesus Christ.

“May the LORD reward your work, and your wages be full from the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to seek refuge.” Ruth 2:12 NASB

By Sarah J. Ancheta