Tips for students to secure part-time positions in town, from timeliness to style
Last semester, The Daily Gamecock brought you a complete list of some of the most important do’s and don’ts when it comes to throwing a successful party. But now that the holiday shopping season has officially come to an end, many students are heading back to work or are on the hunt for a part-time job to make a little extra cash. Whether you’ve maintained a perfect work record or been fired more times than Larry King’s been married, take heed to some of the workplace’s biggest formalities and faux pas.
DO Be on Time
We all have that one friend we tell to arrive 15 minutes before everyone else so her or she doesn’t rush in 15 minutes late. While this may be OK for grabbing a burrito at Moe’s, it’s never OK to be late to work. Some bosses care more than others, but eventually your tardiness could cost you a write-up or worse, your job. If something happens where you need a few extra minutes, call in and let them know what’s up. And if you have a problem with time management, set your clock ahead 15 minutes. Or, have a roommate play Rebecca Black’s “Friday” on repeat until you’re out the door.
DO Keep an Eye on Your Facebook
These days, more and more employers are using social media as background checks for potential employees. And if every photo of you shows you taking body shots off your best friend or cheechin’ it with Miley Cyrus, you may have lost your job before you ever got the opportunity.
DO Stay Positive
Work is not always fun, and there are certainly going to be days when you’d rather lay down on a bed of nails before dragging tail to your part-time job. The best way to combat the workday blues? Think about your paycheck. How many Jimmy John’s sandwiches or electric lemonade pitchers will this buy you in Five Points? Exactly. After all, many of us get jobs to pay the bills and have a little extra to spend on the side. And if you maintain a good attitude, it will be that much easier (and that much quicker) to get to that big payday.
DO Dress for Your Job
Different workplaces require different attire. With that being said, booty shorts don’t belong in the boardroom any more than a bow tie works behind the counter at Arby’s. No matter what your environment, always wear what’s appropriate while still keeping your comfort in mind — unless you’re a sword swallower or you juggle flames. Then you’re on your own.
DON’T Show Up Hungover
It’s punishment enough that you have to get up early to be on the clock by 8 a.m. Don’t make it worse by tacking on a throbbing headache and the sweats. If you’ve already experienced this, there’s really no need for further explanation.
DON’T Turn Your Job into a Personal Dating Service
Sure, the workplace is a great place to meet people. And yes, when you work closely with the same person multiple times a week, it’s easy to transition from co-worker to crush (and to stalker in some extreme cases). Should you decide to pursue a relationship, try to keep things in check and prevent anything from becoming awkward for you and your other co-workers. There is nothing more uncomfortable than trying to avoid looking at someone when they’re two feet away — especially when it’s more than one person.
DON’T Tamper with the Food
So you’re dealing with an unruly customer who constantly changes his or her order, barks at you for more water and keeps asking for silverware that isn’t “streaky.” Right. And because you’ve seen “Waiting,” your initial response is to go Dane Cook on that hamburger before serving it with a smile. Instead, keep your cool (and your spit) before making a mistake that you’ll probably regret in the future. Think about how appetizing a booger burger would be if you were about to take the first bite.
DON’T Gossip
Did you hear what Derek said to Alicia last Friday? Of course you did, because if there’s one thing people love to do when things are slow at work, it’s gossip. But this can be dangerous, especially if it gets back to your boss that everyone’s talking about his new hairpiece. You don’t want your job to turn into a living hell just because of the “he said, she said” game. Try to keep the chirping to a minimum, if you must do it at all. If anything, try not to get caught.
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