3 answers
daniel
Student
Whitmore Lake, Michigan
10
Questions
Updated
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What skills do u need for your job?
#first-job #first-job
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3 answers
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1750
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Daniel,
Many "first-jobs" involve some sort of customer service and teamwork. For example, think about restaurants, fast-food places, grocery stores, etc. You need to be able to get along with people, without letting them "push your buttons." You acquire people-skills as you go through life - perhaps by being involved in extra-curricular activities, working the food booth at the games, etc. Other first-jobs could be in something such as a construction helper, where you unload the truck, keep the worksite cleaned up, etc. On that type of a job, safety is most important. You learn that in such places as the science lab, sports (illegal hits in football are illegal because of safety concerns), handling firearms in ROTC, etc.
As you can see, you are learning lots more in school than just education! Often, employers who hire first time workers aren't really looking for particular skills. Instead, they are focused on work ethic. This includes dependability (showing up for practice!), honesty, team-work (school projects), being willing to accept constructive criticism, etc. In the interview, they sometimes give you a situation and ask how you would handle it.
Good question!
Many "first-jobs" involve some sort of customer service and teamwork. For example, think about restaurants, fast-food places, grocery stores, etc. You need to be able to get along with people, without letting them "push your buttons." You acquire people-skills as you go through life - perhaps by being involved in extra-curricular activities, working the food booth at the games, etc. Other first-jobs could be in something such as a construction helper, where you unload the truck, keep the worksite cleaned up, etc. On that type of a job, safety is most important. You learn that in such places as the science lab, sports (illegal hits in football are illegal because of safety concerns), handling firearms in ROTC, etc.
As you can see, you are learning lots more in school than just education! Often, employers who hire first time workers aren't really looking for particular skills. Instead, they are focused on work ethic. This includes dependability (showing up for practice!), honesty, team-work (school projects), being willing to accept constructive criticism, etc. In the interview, they sometimes give you a situation and ask how you would handle it.
Good question!
David Whitworth
Manager
9
Answers
Leicester, Massachusetts
Updated
David’s Answer
Daniel,
There are so many different jobs out there, but all jobs are easier and more satisfying when you are able to find something that you enjoy doing. Skills that you will need for any job is patience to learn and develop your skills and your knowledge of that job. Never stop learning, the more you devote to learning the better you will get at any job. Skills that help you interact with people are good skills to develop. Also, don't be afraid to make a mistake, if you make a mistake, learn from that opportunity and ask questions of others on hw to keep improving.
There are so many different jobs out there, but all jobs are easier and more satisfying when you are able to find something that you enjoy doing. Skills that you will need for any job is patience to learn and develop your skills and your knowledge of that job. Never stop learning, the more you devote to learning the better you will get at any job. Skills that help you interact with people are good skills to develop. Also, don't be afraid to make a mistake, if you make a mistake, learn from that opportunity and ask questions of others on hw to keep improving.
Gloria Ortiz
Instructional Designer
850
Answers
Irving, Texas
Updated
Gloria’s Answer
Hi Daniel,
My job requires me to have a variety of skills. Since my primary role is to create training content, it is important for me to be able to write well and clearly. I also need to be able to communicate well in meetings with clients and subject matter experts. Other skills include project management and flexibility. I would say that you should try and find a job that plays to skills that you enjoy. More than anything, I enjoy writing and write creatively as a hobby to this day. I would consider various skills that you have and think about how you can apply them to a job. You should focus on things like - do you like working with other people? Do you enjoy being of service? Do you have a certain subject in school that comes easily to you? For example, English classes and other classes with lots of writing were always fun for me. so I would be fine with working hard when the process became difficult. When I have a writing challenge, I become excited rather than discouraged. You are going to want to know what skill you have that makes you feel like that. You have to like doing it on a good day or a bad day.
If you do not know what your skills are, challenge yourself. Try to do work that you know nothing about. This is probably easier to do by volunteering to work with non-profit organizations. That way you can work for a short period of time and get a quick sense of different skills. If you get a job, make sure to stay on the job for a period of time, even if you don't like it. Often, you do not learn all there is to know about a job until you have worked in it for six months. Avoid quitting too soon. You should be flexible and ask to try various roles and skills within any job that you get.
Good luck finding your first job.
Gloria
My job requires me to have a variety of skills. Since my primary role is to create training content, it is important for me to be able to write well and clearly. I also need to be able to communicate well in meetings with clients and subject matter experts. Other skills include project management and flexibility. I would say that you should try and find a job that plays to skills that you enjoy. More than anything, I enjoy writing and write creatively as a hobby to this day. I would consider various skills that you have and think about how you can apply them to a job. You should focus on things like - do you like working with other people? Do you enjoy being of service? Do you have a certain subject in school that comes easily to you? For example, English classes and other classes with lots of writing were always fun for me. so I would be fine with working hard when the process became difficult. When I have a writing challenge, I become excited rather than discouraged. You are going to want to know what skill you have that makes you feel like that. You have to like doing it on a good day or a bad day.
If you do not know what your skills are, challenge yourself. Try to do work that you know nothing about. This is probably easier to do by volunteering to work with non-profit organizations. That way you can work for a short period of time and get a quick sense of different skills. If you get a job, make sure to stay on the job for a period of time, even if you don't like it. Often, you do not learn all there is to know about a job until you have worked in it for six months. Avoid quitting too soon. You should be flexible and ask to try various roles and skills within any job that you get.
Good luck finding your first job.
Gloria