Just got my first job

[David]

I forgot to mention, don't freak out if you're asked to clean to bathrooms. That's one job I don't miss when I was the shop gofer.

[Laneco]

Keep a clean change of clothes (EZ in, EZ out fast change clothes) to move customers cars around. At least a clean shirt. Your duties may entail that you get dirty. It is very offensive to customers to have a sweaty dirty guy drive their car.

Even if you are clean, take two towels with you. Throw one on the seat before you sit and another under your feet protecting the carpet (don't bother if this is already plastic/paper covered by the dealer). When you deliver the car, exit the vehicle, then remove the towels and take them with you.

You will save accidently soiling a customers car and earn yourself good marks for a few moments of thoughtfulness.

Have fun!
angela

[madmmac]

Be polite, courteous and respectful to all your customers and co-workers. Adults really enjoy seeing a youth exhibiting these almost lost qualities.

Work enthusiastically. It does not matter what you are doing, do it with zest and vigor. Do it the right way the first time, especially on the tasks you dread and move on. The next task may be the one you really enjoy.

Work like you own the place.....You never know, you might someday.

Congrats and good luck,

[azasadny]

Matt,
Congrats! Get a haircut and follow the good advice you've been given here. You'll be responsible for building your reputation and your integrity must be unquestioned. Study hard and learn as much as you can. Be the sponge!!

[Steve F]

Congrats,...worked a foriegn car garage myself at the same age,all good advice here and let me add one other,don't wear a ball cap on backwards(I'll never understand that one) it just looks plain stupid

Edited to add,show this link to your future boss and I think he will realize that he has made a good decision

[livi]

Congrats, good job Matt !

All good advice here, but I would stress one part among all those 'be like this and that', namely be yourself.

Unless a person is a totally hopeless jerk and underachiever, being oneself will always come out as the best version of you.

[motion]

All good advice. I might also add that if you're going to wear T-shirts with slogans on them, at least make sure they're not spelled backwards. I personally used this mantra to get where I am today.

[M.D. Holloway]

Matt - congrats

1) get a hair cut
2) don't pork the owners wife or daughter (or son...well, ya never know with a hair cut like that!)
3) don't steal anything
4) get another hair cut
5) if the mechanics ask you to go get a "round tuit" tell them you'll get around to it

congrats, oh ya...get a hair cut

[Jims5543]

Congrats!!

When I was in HS I scored a dream job working as a lineman at a small airport on Long Island. At the recomendation of one of my co-workers on the 1st day I went to Sears and purchased 2 pairs of overalls. Big enough to slip on and off easily. One white pair in case I had to enter a clients plane, one grey pair for when I was about to get really dirty. I used to have to get under the small planes and degrease their bellies. I had to wear goggles and would be covered from head to toe with muck.

There is always something to do. Keep a list in your head of "keep busy" things that you can go to when your not needed immediatly.

There are some awesome points in this thread, follow them and you will go far.

[scottmandue]

Shave your head and get some tats... a bunch of facial piercings too!

Take lots of cigarette breaks and come back late from lunch reeking of beer!

Of course I'm kidding!

Congrats on the job! Can't add much to what has already been said (obviously).

Before you cut your hair you might want to check into how much money you could make playing in a ABBA cover band

[Jims5543]

Good idea Scott - instead of Abba, why not look into donating those locks to someplace that collects hair for children with cancer?

[Seahawk]

Keep your sense of humor.
Never, ever lie...about anything.
Own up to any mistakes.

If any of the techs tell you to go get a can of relative bearing grease, tell'em you've got their relative bearing RIGHT HERE!!!

[RichMink76]

Be reliable, work smart, don't bad mouth anyone (customers or coworkers) and be a team player. Ditto on not screwing the boss's wife or daughter (unless they are reeeaaaly HOT) (just kidding).
Let us know how it goes. Good luck.

Rich

[Burnin' oil]

Don't ask your boss to buy you and your friends beer until you've been there at least a week

[Rodeo]

Always let your parole officer know if you have to leave the county.

oops, sorry wrong thread ....

Congrats!

[singpilot]

My first college job in Moraga was at the then new Mobil station on Moraga road.

I had to get a haircut too.

[serge944]

Damn - not bad. Owning a 911 before your first job. I can't even afford one and I'm on my third.

And yeah dude - you need to shave that *****.

[Eric Hahl]

Learn were the two most important items are in the shop before the techs ask you to find them. They are blinker fluid and muffler bearings.

[RickM]

Originally posted by motion
All good advice. I might also add that if you're going to wear T-shirts with slogans on them, at least make sure they're not spelled backwards. I personally used this mantra to get where I am today.

Have you had your eyes checked lately? You could have Dix-lex-e-yah

BTW, to expand on the being on time, there's no better compliment than being told you're conscientious and dependable.

[arcsine]

Remember there are no stupid questions except the one you did not ask.
If you are unsure of how something should be done, ask.
Listen to what superiors ask you to do.
Don't think you have everything figured out and go and do something dumb.

Get a haircut.