Teen Tips: Getting A Job

Don't get me wrong, school and college/university is very important. However to get through it you do need money and that will only come from work (and parents if you're lucky). Here is my guide on how to get a job!

Rule 1: Don't Be Picky!
When I was looking for a job I went through all the retail stores on my local high street searching for jobs. No where else. This led to a year and a half of unemployment and begging my parents for £5 bus money which was meant to last me the week. So my first rule is do not be picky with where you apply.

Rule 2: Get Volunteering Experience.
It sounds so dull, doing paid work but not getting paid. What a waste of time, right? WRONG! Doing volunteering gives you experience in a working environment which is what employers are looking for. Depending where you volunteer depends on what other experience you get. The most common is charity shops and youth groups which give you people skills. Being able to communicate and listen and work in a group AND as an individual are major skills that employers are looking for! Any basic part time job requires these skills - waitressing, retail, bar work - think about it.

You can also get special awards for volunteering. The Duke of Edinburgh Award has a whole section just on volunteering. In Scotland, we have a programme called 'Saltire Award' which give you awards for volunteering 10, 25, 50, 100, 200 and 500 hours. Having one of these shows commitment and motivation to succeed.

Rule 3: Write a CV
What an obvious rule but it can actually be forgotten! There are plenty of CV Builders online and by using one will make your life a lot easier! If you are in Scotland I recommend using My World of Work as it has an amazing and easy CV Builder with a lot of tips as well.

If you are writing one from scratch then I recommend putting in your strengths, achievements, interests as well as all your grades and employment history (which includes volunteering).

Rule 4: Don't be afraid!
When I decided I wanted to get a job I was actually kind of scared to tell my parents what I was doing! It sounds so crazy but I was afraid that they didn't want me to work as well as go to school. If you are in a similar situation then I beg you please talk about it at the dinner table, maybe about 'a friend who just got a job' and see your parents reactions. This usually can go two ways - 1) they start suggesting about looking for a job or 2) they have an hour lecture at you on how it's not worth it. If you end up in scenario 2 I'm very sorry but please don't give up!

Rule 5: Ask friends to put in a good word.
It sounds like cheating but that is exactly how I got my first job! In places like TESCO (a UK supermarket chain) it's common knowledge that you're most likely to get the job if you know someone that already works in TESCO. It's also comforting knowing someone at a workplace if you do get the job.

Rule 6: Talk to people.
If you get an interview remember to be polite and ask questions! If you're in a group interview then chat to the group before you go in and get to know them. If the employer comes out and sees people talking it will show them that you are comfortable in a new environment and puts you at an advantage. If you have a trail shift then make sure you ask questions if you are unsure about anything and you are always polite when talking to other staff.

That is my guide for getting a job. I hope you learnt something from my experience and the only other thing I can say to you is good luck and I'll see you next time!

My Make-up Cheats Part 1

We've all been there, standing at a make-up counter counting up our pennies because 'it's the only concealer that works' and 'it's only £20'. Well ladies I am here to tell you different. Through my teenage years of experimenting I have created a list of make-up items which do the same (and maybe better) as all the expensive brands.

1) Toner
An unspoken essential which is extremely cheap. All you have to do is drink a litre of water each day and your skin will be glowing. Maintaining a healthy diet is good too as your skin needs nutrients from your food. I have been doing this for years and I've had barely any spots as a result.

2) Foundation
Well not quite. I find that using BB or CC cream instead of Foundation enhances the skin and gives it the love it deserves. The only disadvantage would be that it is quite thin however in summer that is what I'm looking for in my foundation. I use Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream.

Boots: £7.99 Superdrug: £7.99

 

If you aren't a fan of BB Cream or you have had a reaction to it then I also recommend Rimmel Match Perfect Foundation. I used it for a long time before the discovery of BB Cream and I feel it gives full coverage and doesn't fade away quickly, making it perfect for school or work.

Boots: £6.99 Superdrug: £6.99

 

3) Concealer

Concealer can be used for many different things - from hiding black circles around eyes to covering spots. I've been around every counter and only ever found two that work for me. The first one is Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer. It is great for covering up the underneath of your eyes and the sides of your nose (these are my problem areas).

 Boots: £4.19 Superdrug: £4.19

 

It's not so good for spots though which is why I turn to Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer. It doesn't cover my eyes very well but its spot coverage is absolutely amazing!

 Boots: £5.49 Superdrug: £5.49

 

4) Powder

Powder is my favourite part of my make-up routine. I like my powder to be light but stop my forehead and nose shining. I've been using Revlon Nearly Naked Powder for about a year but I've also been switching it up using a powder I featured in my Glasgow Shopping Haul post. I prefer Revlon's powder as it lasts me about 3 months daily wear.

 

Boots: £7.99 Superdrug: £7.99

 



My other powder is L'Oreal True Match Powder which is slightly heavier than Revlon but gives a really good base for contouring. I wear this one when I'm going out or if there is a fancy night at my work. It is long-lasting and lasts me around 6 months but bear in mind that it isn't daily wear.

Boots: £8.19 Superdrug: £8.19





 

5) Eyebrows

I have only ever used one product for my eyebrows which get threaded every 3 to 6 months. The Body Shop Brow and Liner Kit is a miracle worker! I use it daily and going out, it's perfect! If you haven't tried it then please do! It is pricey at £10 but it is so worth it!

 

 

And that is the end of Part 1. I really hope you try some of the products I've spoken about and Part 2 will be published on Wednesday 25th February. Stay tuned and I'll see you next time!