Two teen authors
and entrepreneurs share some tricks of the
trade.
by Kent and Kyle Healy
TWEENS
& TEENS News May 2006
Sooner or later, most of us young adults
need to find a job. Bills need to be paid,
cars purchased and spending money earned.
Let’s face it, a job means independence—
an asset and necessity, unless you prefer
living at home past age 30 and being told
to “eat your veggies” and “be
home by 11pm.”
When the time comes to get a job, you have
two options. One, work for somebody else,
or two, be an entrepreneur and work for yourself.
We’ll tell you how to guarantee success
in both routes.
Along the way, remember that working doesn’t
have to be a drag. If you find a job you love,
you’ll never really work a day in your
life.
Ace the Application. Just about every job
requires an application, and your application
represents you. It’s often the first
major impression the employer gets of you—
so don’t think that it is just some
questionnaire or “no-big-deal”
form. Ask to take the application home with
you to ensure that you spell everything correctly
and use correct grammar. Here are a few more
pointers:
•Bring your own good-quality pen.
•If possible, hand your application
to your future employer in person.
•Attach a personal information sheet
that will separate you from the rest of the
applicants (visit www.coolstuffmedia.com for
a free download).
The Interview. It’s hard to have an
interview without questions. No matter how
clever you are, you will sound smarter and
your interview will go more smooothly if you
review interview questions and practice your
responses. Your knees may still knock, but
not as loudly. Here are three sample questions
you may be asked:
1. How would your friends describe you?
2. Where do you see yourself in five years?
3. What do you think you’ll bring to
this job?
Don’t just read these questions—
think of answers for them! If you don’t
understand a question, ask the interviewer
to clarify it.
During an interview, many people worry about
making a mistake, but a mistake can be a blessing
in disguise if you deal with the situation
well. To the employer, a mistake is a test.
How you handle a spilled glass of water, for
example, may show how you deal with other
problems under pressure.
The Follow-up. This step can make or break
your chances of getting the job, especially
if the employer is trying to decide between
you and another applicant. Thank the interviewer
in a letter or with a phone call the day after
your interview to stands out. Here’s
an example: “Thank you for your time,
and the opportunity to meet you and interview
for this position. I look forward to hearing
from you soon.” Even better is to mention
something specific you enjoyed learning during
the interview, such as how newspaper interns
poll readers or how store cashiers keep track
of the day’s sales.
Keeping the Job. Congratulations, you got
the job. Now, the manager will be watching
to see if your work ethic supports your resume,
application and interview responses. Be mindful,
it’s the extra effort you contribute
that makes all the difference.
For Entrepreneurs: How to B.Y.O.B.
No, we’re not about to tell you how
to “Bring Your Own Beer.” B.Y.O.B.
means Be Your Own Boss. Do you want to be
in charge of your life and make your own money?
If working for someone else just isn’t
your thing and you’d rather be your
own boss, then entrepreneurship is for you.
Here’s what you have to know about how
to B.Y.O.B.
Use an Existing Talent/Skill. You’ve
heard it before— follow your passion.
If you’re good with computers, then
offer to fix other people’s technical
problems. If you’re a great student,
tutor other students. There’s no limit
to the services you can perform. Offer to
wash and wax your neighbors’ cars, run
errands, mow lawns, store music on iPods,
cook at parties, etc. Be creative.
Look Out! Entrepreneurs have one thing in
common: They recognize opportunities and know
how to turn problems into possibilities. Life
is too short to look at every difficulty as
a dead end.
When we noticed that our Dad’s office
windows were dirty, we asked if he would pay
us to clean them. After a quick stop at Home
Depot, we had our equipment. Within no time
at all, the windows were clean and we were
holding our paycheck. We took it a step further
and created a business called The Mario and
Squeegee Bros. We then visited office buildings
and offered to clean their windows. While
we worked according to our own schedule, we
were earning more than twice as much as our
friends who were flipping burgers and lifeguarding.
Network. Tell everyone about your business.
Even people who may not use your product or
service, may be able to spread the word about
your creative enterprise because they most
likely know others in need of your help. Once
you get some business, be sure to ask for
referrals. Happy customers are the best source
for future business.
Be Enthusiastic. Enthusiasm is the fuel for
success. If you get other people excited,
you will increase your business and your potential.
Kent and Kyle Healy are the authors of
“Cool Stuff” They Should Teach
in School (Cool Stuff Media), a book informing
young adults about the skills necessary to
thrive in the real world. Realizing that
a high GPA was no guarantee for success or
happiness outside of school, the authors spent
3½ years looking for life skills and
lessons not taught in school. The brothers
currently live in San Clemente, CA. Get the
first chapter of “Cool Stuff”
and related information at www.coolstuffmedia.com.
