First Job...

[Robin91]

Yite all!

Basically, I applied for a job at comet last week online, went in today and apparently they didn't get it or it didn't work properly (my friend who works there told me about the job.) So I went in to get an application form, and I've got an interview on Thursday! Now i'm 16 and i've never had a job before in my life, closest being my 2 weeks compulsary work experience at school. I'm pretty nervous, I am quite confident i'll get the job as I believe it's quite easily obtainable etc, so I'm hoping high.. Bit nervous about the interview though, not entirely sure what to expect etc!

Anyone got any advice or tips maybe? Share you experiences with your first job! Anyone possibly worked/working at comet?

I believe pay is £4.60 an hour + performance and team bonuses, which isn't too shabby at 16! I'm quite sure i'd be a sales assisstant (working on the shop floor helping customers) which I think would be alright. Would probably start working in the summer, right after my GCSE exams finish, though might see if I can fit in a few days before then if I get it..

So, let's here what you've all got to say! :y:

[wallsy]

I wouldn't get nervous about it mate, just be yourself and be polite etc. Maybe dress smart, that might impress them. :y:

Good luck with it all!

[97vtr]

good firm hand shake and be yourself maybe try n have a laff with them, say your a good team player etc

[Robin91]

I wouldn't get nervous about it mate, just be yourself and be polite etc. Maybe dress smart, that might impress them. :y:

Good luck with it all!

Dressing smart, that hadn't actually occured to me! Haha!

Would a stripey long sleeve shirt with a dark blue ben sherman thin jumper over look smart? Would wear jeans with it, and trainers. :panic:
Might look a bit chav?

Is it better to be a quieter or louder / more talkative ?

[Sparco_Tom]

speak clearly, be confident sit up straight, dress smart and be polite good luck mate

[97vtr]

talk as much as you can and answer there questions with as much detail as possible, they will ask things like why do you want to work in comet? what do you know about comet, etc etc

[Robin91]

good firm hand shake and be yourself maybe try n have a laff with them, say your a good team player etc

Funny you mention that, when I went outside to find the manager today, about the job (he was outside for some reason) he put his hand out for a hand shake and I remember that people always say a good firm hand shake, so I did! Why exactly do they say it though? Had me wondering!

[Sparco_Tom]

sign of a man not a boy or something

[Robin91]

sign of a man not a boy or something

Orite that makes sense. Also not a :homme: :fcuk:

[MrHouston]

Do not wear trainers and jeans to an interview, wear a smart suit, if not a suit shirt, trousers and a tie

Have a read through these

http://www.connexions-direct.com/index.cfm?pid=75&catalogueContentID=119
http://www.connexions-direct.com/index.cfm?pid=264&catalogueContentID=638

Good luck :y:

[97vtr]

shows self confidence and that your not nervous

[Sparco_Tom]

and your not gay :P although in this day and age apparently its normal..... ppppfffffffftttttttt

[Robin91]

Do not wear trainers and jeans to an interview, wear a smart suit, if not a suit shirt, trousers and a tie

Have a read through these

http://www.connexions-direct.com/index.cfm?pid=75&catalogueContentID=119
http://www.connexions-direct.com/index.cfm?pid=264&catalogueContentID=638

Good luck :y:

All I have though is jeans really! :panic: No real smart shoes either, closest thing being black school shoes. :geek:

Maybe I should go in school uniform.. Shirt, Trousers, Tie.. jus kidding haha :P

[wallsy]

Dressing smart, that hadn't actually occured to me! Haha!



haha yeah usually gives a better impression if your dressed smart, makes you look more enthusiastic. I think maybe smart shirt, trousers and shoes would do it. Although some places ive been for interviews really didnt seem that bothered about my appearance lol

Also asking questions about the business would make you seem more like you want the job. :y:

[VTR-Chris]

go suited and booted

remember first impressions r everythin

[wallsy]

All I have though is jeans really! :panic: No real smart shoes either, closest thing being black school shoes. :geek:

Maybe I should go in school uniform.. Shirt, Trousers, Tie.. jus kidding haha :P

Suppose jeans wouldn't be too bad, aslong as you look well presented.

[Robin91]

Also a good splash of the old Joop! Will have them at their knees! Well, usually does with girls. ;)

[wallsy]

Also a good splash of the old Joop! Will have them at their knees! Well, usually does with girls. ;)

haha worth a try. ;)

[Robin91]

Maybe i'll think of some questions to ask and revise them so I will remember them..

Is asking about pay/bonuses considered bad/rude? Or is it well within right, considering you're applying to work for THEM?

[Sparco_Tom]

ask what you want to know after all you will be working for them

[MrHouston]

Don't ask about the pay, you'll find out if you get the job.

[Robin91]

ask what you want to know after all you will be working for them

Orite fair play. Speaking with a mate who works their, apparently he might ask me to try and sell him something! That will be a bit nerve racking!

[wallsy]

Na dont think they would find that rude. Once you have had the interview then they ask you if theres anything else you want to know, then ask about pay etc. Its best to know what your pay will be, before you get into the job. They would probably expect you to ask about that anyway imo.

[Sparco_Tom]

buy this product or i will kneecap you

[Robin91]

Na dont think they would find that rude. Once you have had the interview then they ask you if theres anything else you want to know, then ask about pay etc. Its best to know what your pay will be, before you get into the job. They would probably expect you to ask about that anyway imo.

Fair.. Would it be considered bad/odd if I had a sheet of paper in my pocket basically with all my questions I wanted answering on it? And then if I read them off to them? Just so I didn't miss anything out..

Good or bad?

[Robin91]

buy this product or i will kneecap you

Maybe i'll keep a butter knife in my pocket, dead threatening like!

[wallsy]

Orite fair play. Speaking with a mate who works their, apparently he might ask me to try and sell him something! That will be a bit nerve racking!

I had to do that on my interview for river island, had to try sell them some clothes. When they asked me to do it, it was quite nerve racking, but when it comes to it, you will probably be alright, will just flow out... hopefully. :p

[Robin91]

I had to do that on my interview for river island, had to try sell them some clothes. When they asked me to do it, it was quite nerve racking, but when it comes to it, you will probably be alright, will just flow out... hopefully. :p

Haha yeah, hopefully! Is it more likely he'll ask me questions about the products etc? Any tips on how to sell something? Baring in mind it'll mostly be electricals.

Apparently he asked another girl who works their, the difference between like intel and amd or something like that, if it's things like that i'd be fine! I know quite alot about computers and even TVs, not to sound too cool... :geek:

[JimoVTR]

You like electrical goods and can see good and bad points in different models... use the ps3 and 360 as an example.
you like to meet new people and work as a team.
your not fussed about working extra. and see yourself in a few years time using your knowledge to the best of its potential.


remember dress smart, be polite and remember please and thank you



you'll get it

[ShaneVtr]

Be confident!

[vidal]

Buy a pair of trousers, a shirt and a tie. As long as you polish your shoes you will be fine. Ask about training and advancement, as well as opportunities to experience other departments. Asking straight off about pay, bonuses and holidays is considered bad form - it should be on the job description.

Although you have no real work experience, what else have you done - prefect at school, voluntary work, hobbies etc will all show a rounded individual.

Don't smother on the smelly either - the interviewer may wonder if you have a personal hygiene problem you are trying to cover up.

V.

[Heliosphan]

Sit up straight, speak clearly and dress in a suit if you have one - all basic stuff.

Find out some things about the company. You'll be amazed at how many people don't do this basic thing and if you can real-off a few facts it will impress them and show you're interested in THEM.

If you feel nervous just remember that an inerview is a two way process. They are seeing if they like you and what you have to offer them - so sell yourself! But also, you're seeing if you like THEM and what they can offer YOU.

Asking about pay isn't such a taboo subject as people are making out. Yes, make sure you have some other questions and don't make this your main question! An employer will expect you to ask if he/she hasn't made you aware. Just say something like: "Could you tell me a little bit about the overall package, is there a pension scheme". Remember, have a list of questions but keep them relevent.

By the way, when I interview people (I'm a bank manager), I tell them what the package is straight away and ask them if it's what they're looking for.

Hope this helps and good luck.

[Robin91]

Black Trousers, White shirt and Tie I guess..?

Also - maybe the dumbest thing ever, but was wondering - would a bit of dutch courage be a bad idea? Maybe a shot of vodka or something before I went (ovvi followed by a good brusuhing and mouth wash so you can't tell!) Ovvi I wouldn't be drunk or anything in the slightest, just for a small confidence boost..?

Bad idea? Or possibly good? :panic:

[Danhunt]

Black Trousers, White shirt and Tie I guess..?

Also - maybe the dumbest thing ever, but was wondering - would a bit of dutch courage be a bad idea? Maybe a shot of vodka or something before I went (ovvi followed by a good brusuhing and mouth wash so you can't tell!) Ovvi I wouldn't be drunk or anything in the slightest, just for a small confidence boost..?

Bad idea? Or possibly good? :panic:

Hahhaha legend!
I wouldnt though mate, save the bevvys till after. Plus you arent old enough to drink :P

[Robin91]

Hahhaha legend!
I wouldnt though mate, save the bevvys till after. Plus you arent old enough to drink :P

okay i guess i wont then :(

lol since when did that matter! drinking is the new pokemon :panic:

[Mystic]

16 and your getting a job!? Was 20 when i had my first real job lol

Oh how times have changed, only places iv worked are:

1. 2 week work experience at 16 for a web design company
2. occasional work for my dads company as their Network Admin
3. A years industrial placement for uni when i was almost 20 (2 years on and i still work there :P)

1 interview in my whole life lol

Good luck buddy!

[Robin91]

16 and your getting a job!? Was 20 when i had my first real job lol

Oh how times have changed, only places iv worked are:

1. 2 week work experience at 16 for a web design company
2. occasional work for my dads company as their Network Admin
3. A years industrial placement for uni when i was almost 20 (2 years on and i still work there :P)

1 interview in my whole life lol

Good luck buddy!

Well school finally ends after GCSE's... :( Never thought i'd miss it! And i've got 10 weeks summer holiday, and i'm f*cking skint right now, so I figured a job was a good idea! Will probably try and work loooads, want to earn atleast a grand in that time!

If I do get it, hopefully that'll mean a few nice perks eg finally getting a contract phone, lots of aftershave etc! And ovvi want money for car when i'm 17! (Saxo, hopefully. :p)

[JC-Furio]

16 and your getting a job!? Was 20 when i had my first real job lol

1 interview in my whole life lol

Good luck buddy!

lol, virtually the same here. But that's because i'm more of a lazy bastard than anything and blag parents that college is so important that a job would interfere ;)

Work experience at local spar at like 15 - because i was too lazy to go out my way for a job. And had a shitty job at local cricket club stacking skittles (£20 for 2 hours lol) for a few months. Apart from that had an interview for a bar job last month, and didn't get it for no experience :(

How can you get a job if everyone wants experience? silly bag munchers.

Good luck as well mate, sure you'll get it :y:

[Mystic]

Nothing like having money tbh, used to just live of parents but ever since ive been working i dont think i could go back. I only do 16 hours a week over 3 days (mixed up between uni lessons) but i still clear just over a grand a month & am seriously considering full timing it over summer for the extra wad to blow on rubbish throughout the year lol :A:

Fulltime work also robs you of your spare time so its harder to spend all your money!

[Robin91]

Yeah mates will probably be nagging if I'm workin loads but atleast i'll have nicer things than them ;) Be worth it in the long run!

+ More alchohol money. :clapping::drink:

Although I'm already pretty confident, was wondering if working as a sales assistant would just generally boost confidence even more? Jus cas all the communication and interactio etc you have with customers.

Anyone got any experiences with that?

[JC-Furio]

Few quick calculations - you make £15 an hour mystic???

What kind of job you got lol. I want :p

[Mystic]

It did for my ex girlfirend mate, even working in my office done wonders for mine, have to talk to plenty people.

You just gotta act the part in the interview, if you stutter and mumble trying to talk about yourself, how can you be fit to sell their products? Think of it that way!

Nodea what my hourly is mate, the fulltime job is about 30k for 36 hours a week but i only work just under half a week. Its in IT though, do all sorts from webdesign, graphics, databases... Ive managed to get myself pretty well depended on lol :P

[Robin91]

It did for my ex girlfirend mate, even working in my office done wonders for mine, have to talk to plenty people.

You just gotta act the part in the interview, if you stutter and mumble trying to talk about yourself, how can you be fit to sell their products? Think of it that way!

So is it better to be a cocky c*nt? Talk the talk and walk the walk sorta thing? :p Not to the point you just look like a dick, but a good amount of self belief/confidence?

[JC-Furio]

So is it better to be a cocky c*nt? Talk the talk and walk the walk sorta thing? :p Not to the point you just look like a dick, but a good amount of self belief/confidence?

Of course, if they see your confident talking about yourself - they'll see you being confident talking about their products, more sales and so on.

So yeah a good bit of confidence goes a long way, but too much and they'll think - bellend :y:

[Mystic]

So is it better to be a cocky c*nt? Talk the talk and walk the walk sorta thing? :p Not to the point you just look like a dick, but a good amount of self belief/confidence?

I hate the image the first part of that conjours up, so id tone it down a little bit.

Your selling their product so you need to be confident talking, charismatic, clean & friendly looking, approchable. Something along those lines?

[Danhunt]

Dont be so cocky that you turn arrogant. But make sure you have the confidence in you.

[Robin91]

Okay got it! :y:

Do people normalyl wear black trousers with a white shirt..? Or can you wear a coloured shirt with coloured tie etc?

Or is it black and white normally? :panic:

[Mystic]

Borrow your mates uniform, that would be funny lol.

I'dprobably go for the white shirt, dark trousers and an understated tie, black or stripes or something like that.

[Robin91]

Borrow your mates uniform, that would be funny lol.

I'dprobably go for the white shirt, dark trousers and an understated tie, black or stripes or something like that.

Yeah it would be funny, cas she's a girl! :panic:

[Danr]

Good luck matey, i remember my first interview at Sainsbury's! Was crapping it but when you get in there you'll be fine.

Appearance is everything imo. I'd go for black trousers, a smart shirt and tie. You can get the shirt and tie from Burtons in a set, can't go wrong for the price. Little hint, try and be either the first or last applicant in. These people stick in the interviewers mind more than anyone else :)

[Robin91]

Good luck matey, i remember my first interview at Sainsbury's! Was crapping it but when you get in there you'll be fine.

Appearance is everything imo. I'd go for black trousers, a smart shirt and tie. You can get the shirt and tie from Burtons in a set, can't go wrong for the price. Little hint, try and be either the first or last applicant in. These people stick in the interviewers mind more than anyone else :)

I think i'm the only person being interviewed, as they said to me "when is best for you?", so I just said thursday and we agreed on 4.30.

Don't know if they've had any other applicants for the positions yet, hopefully not. :p

[Ryyy]

Yite all!

Basically, I applied for a job at comet last week online, went in today and apparently they didn't get it or it didn't work properly (my friend who works there told me about the job.) So I went in to get an application form, and I've got an interview on Thursday! Now i'm 16 and i've never had a job before in my life, closest being my 2 weeks compulsary work experience at school. I'm pretty nervous, I am quite confident i'll get the job as I believe it's quite easily obtainable etc, so I'm hoping high.. Bit nervous about the interview though, not entirely sure what to expect etc!

Anyone got any advice or tips maybe? Share you experiences with your first job! Anyone possibly worked/working at comet?

I believe pay is £4.60 an hour + performance and team bonuses, which isn't too shabby at 16! I'm quite sure i'd be a sales assisstant (working on the shop floor helping customers) which I think would be alright. Would probably start working in the summer, right after my GCSE exams finish, though might see if I can fit in a few days before then if I get it..

So, let's here what you've all got to say! :y:

Its natural to be nervous For an Interview/Starting Work...Unless you aren't a human that is...I have an Interview on Wednesday And Because You get used to them, You don't get so nervous...Just a chat to me..Rather than A Big,Scary Interview As some ppl see it..Gud luck

[Ryyy]

Black Trousers, White shirt and Tie I guess..?

Also - maybe the dumbest thing ever, but was wondering - would a bit of dutch courage be a bad idea? Maybe a shot of vodka or something before I went (ovvi followed by a good brusuhing and mouth wash so you can't tell!) Ovvi I wouldn't be drunk or anything in the slightest, just for a small confidence boost..?

Bad idea? Or possibly good? :panic:

Just bring a bottle of Smirnoff in wid you..
Lol;)

[Robin91]

Its natural to be nervous For an Interview/Starting Work...Unless you aren't a human that is...I have an Interview on Wednesday And Because You get used to them, You don't get so nervous...Just a chat to me..Rather than A Big,Scary Interview As some ppl see it..Gud luck

Are you an interviewer? :panic:

Just bring a bottle of Smirnoff in wid you..
Lol;)

Hip flask. ;)

[Ryyy]

Are you an interviewer? :panic:

Of course Not lol...I applied For Comets once...Never got back to me:(

Hip flask. ;)

HaHa ;)

[Robin91]

My school uniform consists of:

Brown Trousers
Light Yellow Shirt
Tie (With school logo on.)
Brown Jumper (probably wouldn't wear that though?)

If I were to replace the tie with a plain tie, would that be okay? Or would it just seem like I havn't made much effort and not got changed properly before coming to the interview?

[Robin91]

My school uniform consists of:

Brown Trousers
Light Yellow Shirt
Tie (With school logo on.)
Brown Jumper (probably wouldn't wear that though?)

If I were to replace the tie with a plain tie, would that be okay? Or would it just seem like I havn't made much effort and not got changed properly before coming to the interview?

Anyone got any opinion on this?

[vidal]

Why not just get a cheap pair of plain trousers, a shirt and tie. It will set you back less than £20. Get some new shoes all in for less than £30

http://www.george.com/browse/menswear/formal-shirts/product-9412/

http://www.george.com/browse/menswear/trousers/product-4848/

http://www.george.com/browse/shoes/mens/formal/product-10178/

Just an example - it says rather more about you, than not making an effort.

Good luck.

V.

[Robin91]

Just spoke to my mates mum, who managers another store in the area (Comet), and she's given me the interview questions! :panic: Mint!!! :p

Asked about clothing, she said just wear the stripey shirt I have with my school trousers and shoes and that should be fine. :y:

And if I don't get the job, she'll give me on in her store! Minted! Can't go wrong here really, nice to have contacts. :cool:

[wallsy]

haha thats pretty good then mate! sorted really. :y: Good luck with it anyway!

Coorr where would you be without the help of sax-p. :p lol

[Robin91]

haha thats pretty good then mate! sorted really. :y: Good luck with it anyway!

Coorr where would you be without the help of sax-p. :p lol


No where! Sax-p is my life! :panic: Oj but you are bunch of sound kiddys on here :p Now all I need is to be 17 and get a car and I can drink u all under the table. :drink:

[Robin91]

Well my interview's at 4.30! Got some smart/ish dark blue trousers, wearing stripey shirt with dark blue jumper... Looking a bit..blue? :panic:

Will let you know how it goes, I believe that i'll find out after the interview whether I got the job or not, so will hopefully know today. Wish me luck, bit nervous!! Just hoping I don't lose my composure when I go in, and can speak clearly and well.

[DJ_Kida]

Good Luck Bro..

I worked for comet when i was your age, ill fill you in once you've had the interview.

[Clouds_mate]

perfect weather for a jumper :D

good luck

[kelvanator1]

My first job at 16 was in Tesco lol ent too bad really, just do as your told in your 1st month then when u get used to the people and the place you learn how you can get away with lil things like sneaking off for breaks and stuff!!

don't do that in 1st week obviously lol

[Robin91]

My first job at 16 was in Tesco lol ent too bad really, just do as your told in your 1st month then when u get used to the people and the place you learn how you can get away with lil things like sneaking off for breaks and stuff!!

don't do that in 1st week obviously lol

Haha :p

Good Luck Bro..

I worked for comet when i was your age, ill fill you in once you've had the interview.

Cheers mate, you do sales?

perfect weather for a jumper :D

good luck

yeah right, piss take but it looks better than not wearing one imo! Hopefully they have decent air condition in there!

[Robin91]

Got it! :y:

Gotta ring up later to confirm when I'll be able to work etc. Think I might only be able to do Saturdays or something to begin with, who knows though!

:D

[pink-lady]

good luck..... just make sure you are polite and well spoken, you shouldnt have a problem, if you get the job maybe you could be the first person who works for comet that knows what they are on about and actually want to help you!!!!!!

[MrHouston]

COngrats dude :y:

[Danr]

Well done matey :)

[moxy89]

hsirt tie tousers and shoes mate cnt fault you for that

[Danr]

hsirt tie tousers and shoes mate cnt fault you for that

bit late maybe?

[Robin91]

bit late maybe?

haha :p its the thought that counts! :y:

[Robin91]

Comet phoned today, first day tomorrow! (Induction :panic:)

They said to wear smart casual...

Would a polo shirt with a thin jumper of the top + some sort of smart trousers be considered that..?

Or would it have to be a shirt?

Cheers lads and gals! x

Oh & does anyone know if i'd be paid for the hours i'm there tomorrow? or..?

[Danr]

Shirt with jumper over the top, trousers and shoes imo.;

[Robin91]

Well, had my first day at comet today..

10-5.

Was pretty tiring! Good experience, felt like I learnt quite alot, and the people there are all pretty nice. Didn't get any real sales experience, but i'm working tomorrow so hopefully tomorrow will be more sales orientated!

If you have any questions about the job, maybe if you're looking to start working there etc feel free to ask at any time! :y:

[wallsy]

Congrats on getting the job fella. :y:

Do you like the job then? Do you get on well with the people you work with? The job im in atm all the people i work with are quality, makes the job so much better imo.

Will feel good now that your earning some cash aswel! :p

[Robin91]

Congrats on getting the job fella. :y:

Do you like the job then? Do you get on well with the people you work with? The job im in atm all the people i work with are quality, makes the job so much better imo.

Will feel good now that your earning some cash aswel! :p

Thanks bud!

Yeah so far they seem sound. Was 6 of us starting there today! 4 of the others were my age, at the grammar school, and one guy was 20 and is a part time fireman. The manger and the deputy are sound, havn't spoke to many of the other staff though much yet.

yeah want to sort hours out, as I think they're trying to put me down for more hours than I want to work.. Only want to do Saturday and possibly friday evening until after my GCSEs.

Will sort that out tomorrow hopefully!

Yeah, the money should be nice too! :D Will have earnt about £30+ for today.

[wallsy]

Sounds like you done pretty well for yaself then. :y:

Its always good when theres other new people there, then you dont feel like such a noob! lol

[Robin91]

Sounds like you done pretty well for yaself then. :y:

Its always good when theres other new people there, then you dont feel like such a noob! lol

Yeah does help :P Think I might be on my own tomorrow though :(