First Jobs, First Shifts
Everyone remembers their first job, whether it was flipping burgers, making coffee, folding clothes, or babysitting the neighbor's kids. Yet, even though these roles might seem easy to do on paper, they can sometimes still spark panic when you're heading in on your first shift. From figuring out the register to surviving awkward small talk with customers, here are 10 common first jobs and 10 tips on how to make it through day one. Which of these jobs have you held, and which one was your first?
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1. Fast Food Worker
Whether it's making burgers, tossing fries, packing orders, or handling customers, working at a fast food chain is one of the most common first jobs many people have. The reason for this is that these franchises are often always hiring, and those without any job experience, typically students, flock to apply.
2. Grocery Clerk
Grocery store clerk is another common first job that many people have. Responsibilities often include stocking shelves, directing customers, scanning products, and handling the cashier station. Again, because this role doesn't demand experience, it's an easy one to apply for and get for those looking to take their first step into the work field.
3. Sales Associate
Working in retail as a sales associate is another common first job. This often required customer service skills, sales etiquette, and handling purchases and returns. The hardest part about this role for someone coming in with no experience would probably be dealing with customers.
4. Movie Theater Attendant
Movie theater attendants either worked at the ticket booth, food counter, or as a cleaner after each film ended. It might not sound like a glamorous first job, but many students still flock to apply because there's often one major perk: free movies.
5. Barista
It's actually crazy to think that being a barista could be someone's first job, given that it takes a lot of memorization and skill to craft the coffee orders that customers sometimes (or oftentimes) create on the spot. And yet, there's an allure to working at smaller cafés with set menus, which is great for those with little to no experience.
6. Babysitter
Babysitting someone's child is a pretty tough role to take on, especially if you've never had any younger siblings to look after to count as "experience." And yet, it's a fairly common first job for most people, and some may even go on to become child care workers or teachers.
7. Pet Sitter
Toddlers are more fussy to take care of, so for some people, being a pet sitter might have been a better fit for a first job. Plus, as long as you had a pet of your own or you were equipped with the right skills and knowledge, this was an easy role to take on. Cuddling with these furry friends was a bonus!
8. Dishwasher
Working at a restaurant is another common first job, but most people don't get to start out doing the more coveted positions, like host or server. Instead, many begin as dishwashers before they move up the ranks. While it sounds easy not having to take orders or deal with customers, though, dishwashing can be stressful, given that speed and cleanliness are required.
9. Host or Server
Some people are luckier and may immediately take on a host or waiter role as soon as they join a restaurant team. The best part about these positions is that you get tips from customers; the worst or not-so-easy part is that you need to have great customer service skills and know how to handle tough patrons.
10. Camp Counselor
Being a camp counselor is another common first job, especially for high school students. Most take on the role if they've been with the camp for a while, which makes the environment familiar and the responsibilities easy.
Planning to get your first job or just wondering how to survive the first shift in a new position? Read on for 10 tips on how to make your first day a good one.
1. Show Up Early
To create a good first impression, make sure to show up early for your first shift and every subsequent shift. This shows that you're punctual and reliable, which can set the tone for your entire job and get you started on the right foot.
2. Introduce Yourself to Everyone
Since it's your first day, you'll definitely want to get to know everyone on your team, so go introduce yourself! This allows you to learn your teammates' names and breaks the ice, so you can get a better feel of the people you'll be working with.
3. Dress the Part
If your job doesn't already provide a uniform for you to wear, make sure to follow the policy or assume business casual. Even if you're working as a barista or sales associate, you'll still want to look professional, so no jeans unless you're explicitly told it's okay!
4. Don't Be Afraid of Asking Questions
Don't be afraid of asking questions on your first day. In fact, it's better that you ask more questions than none at all. You might think it's better to stay quiet to seem like you already know everything there is to know, but asking questions shows that you're curious and willing to learn and adapt.
5. Be Friendly & Professional
As you meet the team, make sure to smile and be friendly, but stay professional. You don't want to seem overly familiar with everyone, or people may misinterpret your friendliness as a lack of seriousness about the job.
6. Get Enough Sleep
You'll definitely want to get enough sleep before heading into your first shift. But we know that nerves can make it hard to get restful shut-eye, so try to put yourself in a relaxed state before hitting the hay the night before. Imagine your success and everyone on the team immediately loving you—it helps!
7. Take Notes
You'll probably be bombarded with new information on your first shift. Instead of trying to keep a mental note of everything you're taught, jot it down somewhere. Writing it down also allows you to piece together your thoughts and think up questions you might want to ask afterward.
8. Listen & Observe
Sometimes, the easiest thing you can do to learn and get yourself better acquainted with the role is to simply listen and observe. Watch your teammates and see how they tackle their tasks, what questions they ask, what tips and tricks they have. You'll be surprised by just how quickly you can pick things up implicitly.
9. Stay Busy
If you're finished with all the tasks you're assigned to do on your first day, great! But don't stop there—ask your manager or colleagues if there's anything else you can help with. This shows initiative and that you're willing to learn and support the team.
10. Don't Be Too Hard on Yourself
If you make mistakes on your first shift, learn from them and then let them go. If you continue ruminating on the hiccups you make, you'll only make yourself feel worse. Everyone messes up when they're new to something, so don't be so hard on yourself, and remember to stay positive!
