So, You Want A Summer Job?

The Time Is NOW To Start Looking

Hey "Dad," do you think I should get a summer job?
You are young... you've only got a few years of carefree youth left... Why do you want to get a job? OK, OK, I get it... you really neeeeeed a job!  Every teen has a different reason for wanting or needing a job.  Here's just few that I have heard over the years:

1.  To keep from being bored.
2.  To keep from getting into trouble.
3.  My father said I have to get a job or I am in trouble.
4.  I need money to buy a car or pay insurance.
5.  I want to travel during spring break next year.
6.  Just need to get out of the house.
7.  Get experience.
8.  Learn responsibility.
9.  Make money, make friends, make fun.

When should I start to look for a job?
This is the BEST time to start looking for a summer job, because employers are starting to hire, the college kids aren't home yet, and an organized youth who is thinking ahead is an attractive gamble for an employer who wants to hire someone who shows a sense of responsibility and reliability.

Where do I start?
First thing, if you are 14 to 16 years old, make sure you have your working papers in order.  Your school counselor can help you finish this task.  Your parents will need to sign to give their approval. Then talk to your parents about their friends, to see if they can help you get your foot in the door for consideration.  You can also ask your DeMolay Advisors for a recommendation, and a personal reference.

Where should I look for a job?
The easiest thing to do is to look close to home, so you don't have a transportation problem.  There are plenty of opportunities for baby-sitting, lawn care, computer assistance, housework, minor painting and maintenance jobs, etc. in your own neighborhood.  Employers want reliable employees, and that means getting to work on time, every day, no excuses.  If you rely on a parent or a sibling for transportation and the car breaks down, it doesn't matter to the employer.  They want you to be there, no matter if you have to walk two hours to get there.  If you have reliable transportation, you can spread out your search. There you will have a chance to get into the camps, pools, retail stores, movie theaters, theme parks, sports and entertainment centers, and service industries like hotels and restaurants.

How can I get a job when I have no experience?
You have to sell yourself to an employer. She has to know that you are going to be worth her time and training effort.  Employers know that entry-level teens aren't looking for a career-- just a job.  You have to show confidence in yourself, good manners, a clean appearance, and a happy demeanor.  If you put together a resume, list anything you have done in the past year that shows achievement, ambition, persistence, caring, strength, good academic skills, a commitment to teamwork, and a customer-service perspective.  A word to the wise-- don't list an email address that is rude or offensive or suggestive.  AmericanTerrorist@hotmail.com is not a good advertisement for your character. Get a "professional" email address, or don't provide one.  Be sure you proof-read it, and have someone else read it, too, to make sure it makes sense!

What kind of job can I expect to get?
If this is your first job, don't expect to find something full-time.  You will have to show that you can handle part-time work to earn the chance for full-time hours.  First jobs are not very glamorous, often dirty and seldom fun.  But how you perform at the simplest and least desirable tasks often tells an employer what he can expect out of you in a higher-paying, more responsible position.  The point is-- if you take a job, do your best work all the time, because you are setting a behavioral pattern for yourself as well as showing what you are capable of.

Will I have to go to an interview?
Of course you will need to interview, so that the employer can get a sense of how you will do in the job he has in mind for you. You need to be personable and engaging... enthusiastic about the job, even if you know you will spend the day dumping trash cans. You don't need to dress up, just dress neat, be clean and well-groomed, and make eye contact when answering questions. If you have unusual tattoos, piercings, or strange hair color or cut, you need to cover them up or make them look "normal."  Remember that employers are looking for kids who will be reliable and available.  Don't go in with the idea that you will be able to set your schedule, or take off a lot of time for a family vacation, or for football or band camp, or whatever else you may be involved in.  You can ask, but if the answer is no, accept it and assure them that it will not be an issue for you.  By the way, before you walk into the business, turn your phone off.  Do not let anything distract you from giving the potential employer your full attention.

How can I be sure of keeping a job?
Be on time. Dress appropriately. Unless you are working a landscaping or construction or trash-removal job, take a shower before you go to work.  LISTEN to the boss. Follow instuctions.  Obey the rules. Don't goof off on the job.  If you are scheduled for 4 hours, give the boss 4 solid work hours. Demonstrate that you WANT to be there, and that you enjoy the work. Represent the company well by the way you act, think, speak, and dress, and ALWAYS be kind to fellow employees, and pleasant, even when dealing with difficult customers (who are always right!)

Any more advice, "Dad?"
A first job is a great learning experience, and will show you how mature you are, and how much adversity you can handle.  It will also provide you with opportunities to work with people who can give you a good reference for future jobs and perhaps even college admission applications. With a little cash in your pocket, and some money saved in the bank, you'll feel that much closer to being an adult and being able to make your own way in the world.  Got get it!

10 Questions to Ask at Job Interviews

As a recovering Human Resources employee, I remain interested in the employment process and developments in the industry. I also try to put the skills I've learned to work for our DeMolays, assisting them with resume writing and interview practice. Just this week, I noticed that "Dad" Tom Moyer had a major job interview. According to him, that interview was easier than the State Master Councilor Interview Panel! DeMolay can prepare you for some of life's major moments and interviews definitely fit into that category.

The biggest skill I find that most job seekers lack is the ability to ask insightful questions about the job they are applying for. Yes, that's right - you should be asking questions too! The interviewer is there to determine if you are a good fit for the company. You are there to determine if the company is a good fit for you. You can also score major brownie points by showing that you've researched the firm and have an understanding of the business.

The Art of Manliness recently published an article entitled 10 Questions You Should Ask at an Interview. I encourage everyone to give it a look and file it away for the next time you are up for a job or a promotion.

I look forward to seeing everyone at Autumn Day at the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown this weekend - safe travels!

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

Interviewing Logic

As a recovering Human Resources employee, I'm always interested in what is going on in the HR world and how that impacts the general population. One of the ways that HR usually interacts with people is through the interview process when a person is applying for a job. The art of an interview is very distinct and some people are very good at (while others are not.)

Recently, "Dad" Labagh forwarded me a link that his wife sent him with information about what interview questions are actually trying to find out about you. If you know what a person is trying to learn, then you can be better prepared to answer. Check it out!

http://lifehacker.com/the-logic-behind-19-common-interview-questions-1376990545

I've always appreciated LifeHacker and this article is no exception. Anyone can benefit from this article, whether it be DeMolays or adults.

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

Unique Job for DeMolays

As I look back on the choices I've made in my life, one of my biggest regrets is not having traveled more when I was younger. Many folks are lucky to have spent some time abroad while in college or perhaps took some time to really visit and get to know another country. While I have been to Europe, it wasn't a long visit and I certainly want to go back.

When I was working at my first HR job, several of my colleagues were looking at going into the Peace Corps (click on the link to learn more about that program.) I looked at the option but soon realized it wasn't for me. More recently, I have been reading up on the Foreign Service Office at the Department of State. If I had to do everything over again, I think I would  have considered this option more. It would be an awesome job, but it certainly takes a special kind of person.

Then, I stumbled across an article on the Art of Manilness Blog entitled So You Want My Job: Foreign Service Officer/Diplomat. While I may not be in a position to make this kind of career move, I thought I'd share the link with all the DeMolays out there who might be looking for a unique job to do when they get out of college. It doesn't require any specific kind of degree and the skills they look for are some of the same key things we teach in DeMolay.

Check out the link - who knows - you might be the next Ambassador!

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

So, tell me about yourself...

I'm afraid I'm feeling a bit under the weather today, so there won't be a long post.

Recently, "Dad" Tom Labagh forwarded me an article detailing the top 10 questions that interviewers ask potential employees. After reading through the list, I can confirm that I used every one of them when I worked in the Human Resources field. It's a good list to review before you go in for a job interview. Check out the full article here:

http://www.recruiter.com/i/top-10-interview-questions/

Have a great weekend!

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

What You Wish You'd Known Before Your Job Interview

For many members of DeMolay, formal interviews seem to happen pretty often. Whether it be job interviews, State Officer interviews, team captain interviews, just to name a few; but, a lot of youth aren't to that point in their lives yet. With knowing that the formal PA DeMolay State Master Councilor interview will coming up real soon, my interest was struck when I came across a rather interesting infographic, from www.classesandcareers.com, about first impressions and how much they really mean.

Did you know that a 33% of employers can have a determined impression of you within 90 seconds of communicating? Talk about fast-paced!

It sounds almost impossible to present our "best selves" in 90 seconds, right? With the right techniques and proper interview  etiquette, you can take on the interview world with confidence at an all time high!

- "Dad" Matt Blaisdell

Key Man: Day 5 - A Little Information About Your Friendly Neighborhood Youth Director

There is an active DeMolay here this week that attended his first Key Man in 2002 and has so much knowledge and experience that Key Man Director “Dad” Greg Schaffer and Assistant Director “Dad” Dave Berry decided to appoint him Youth Director (YD) for the 2010 Key Man Conference. Our "YD" is none other than Pennsylvania’s very own Jake Palo, who in 2007-2008 served as the State Master Councilor.

After he was informed of his position he started to promote the 25^th annual Key Man Conference along with assisting with changes that have been made this year. Some of those changes include new dimensions to the JO program, Key Man chapters creating promotional videos, an anti-bullying seminar, and adding a Trivia/Wing Night on Wednesday. His goal of the program was to make each DeMolay feel as though they have a special role at Key Man and amplify their enthusiasm about the Order. He hopes that they take what they learned at Key Man home to their Chapter and teach those lessons to other members.

When asked what he got out of the program before becoming YD he said “A lot, since, I’ve gone through every aspect of it - including three years as a regular DeMolay, the Jurisdictional Officer (JO) program, and now being a staff member”. As all Key Men do, he enjoyed the welcoming environment, the friends he met from our neighboring country of Canada, and Brothers from several different states as well.

While being a JO, he loved the even closer bonds of friendship he made with his fellow officers. He also enjoyed being a positive role model for the younger members. Now finally, as a staff member he sees how the whole picture fits together and knowing that “being apart of something that is so much fun and so influential to members” really makes it worth it. Palo says that, he hopes to continue his DeMolay career by returning on staff in the future, because he knows how valuable of a program Key Man really is!

Bro. Chris Labaw
JO Team Leader - Team 3