Just got my first job

[86 911]

I just applied for a job at ******** Stuttgart, a German car repair shop in my small town (Moraga). I went in, asked if they had any positions, got an employment form, got my driving record from the DMV, and gave it to the owner before they closed the shop. I just got a call from him saying: "you've got the job and you can start on friday if you get a haircut". LOL. I love my hair, so it will be hard to get it cut, but oh well. I feel so happy. I'm going to be a "go for" type of guy. I'll be driving clients, picking up parts, and cleaning cars and the shop. I'll be working Mon-Fri from 3-6 PM and Saturday from 8-2. Being a senior in high school, it may be challenging with school, but it will get me some extra cash, plus I'll be doing what I like.
Any advice for a first time employee?

[nostatic]

First off, be on time. Second, be on time. And finally, be on time.

Did I mention to be on time. There are no excuses. Traffic, weather, blah blah blah. Leave enough time. Get there early. Study the business (on your own time). If you have time to lean, you have time to clean. Ask questions, but be respectful and know when you and they have time to answer. Remember that the customer is always right. And also remember that when someone yells at you (either customer or other employee), it might not really be about you. Don't take it personally, apologize, and move on.

[TimT]

Congrats!!

If you run out of things to do.. ask for something else to do..

learn the shops rhythms and routines.

always be busy.

Use your head. Ask questions, dont get in the way..

use common sense

[WolfeMacleod]

Originally posted by 86 911
Iyou've got the job and you can start on friday if you get a haircut". LOL. I love my hair, so it will be hard to get it cut,

Tell him to screw himself.
Then start your own shop, and put him out of business.

[jyl]

Cool first job.

+1 with being on time. Late and absent drive employers nuts, and no-one gives a crap why it happened.

Drive like a grandma. You're on the shop's insurance now and any screw-up by you means higher rates and/or liability to your employer. Work on the assumption that the first fender-bender or parking lot shunt means end of job.

Try to work efficiently enough so that you have time to ask if you can help with something else. At first that might just get you more cleaning, but eventually it might get you helping w/ the wrenching.

[David]

Don't ask where something is unless you've looked. If you have a parts area, use spare time to know it. Don't race around in customer cars. I was really into bicycling in high school, so I got a job in a bike shop. I think it was a great experience. Have fun.

[RANDY P]

Nice work. As said before, "STAY BUSY" also show interest in the workings of the shop - learn around you, and be useful when there and out of the way of the big boys when needed.

You get your job on objective qualities, you keep your job on subjective qualities. Bust your a$$ and you get rewarded..

rjp

[86 911]

Thanks for all the great tips. I kind of need a haircut though. I'm starting to look like a gorilla. LOL:

[Rob Channell]

I agree with the stay busy comments and be on time. No Excuses. Give 110%. Listen and watch very closely what happens around the shop with the boss and other employees. Figure out exactly what the boss would like you to do and do it faster and better than he expects. Then do some more work that he didn't expect you to finish, and do it faster and better than he expects. Repeat ad infinitum. Make him wish he had 10 of you. It will work wonders with most employers.

Oh, and congratulations!

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

Originally posted by 86 911
Thanks for all the great tips. I kind of need a haircut though. I'm starting to look like a gorilla. LOL:

Hey it's one of The Runaways!

[slodave]

Way to go, Matt. Now, be on time (I know I never am).I do hope that he understands that you are still in school and may need to alter your schedule once in a while. The first half of your senior year really makes a difference regarding what college you get acceppted to. Don't forget to have fun too!

Dave

[pwd72s]

Even the wiseass comments here have value. You might also ask the boss if there is something he doesn't want you to do...also, keep your hands off the wrench's tools unless asked to touch...

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

In all seriousness, my first job was a porter for a Mercedes dealer. Had to cut my hair for that too. (think Jimmy Page in 1968)

Be on time, listen, LEARN.

[BRPORSCHE]

That's awesome matt, my first job was also working at a shop. Here are some of the rules you will pick up on fast.

1. Always look busy. Even if the owner isn't walking around. If you aren't holding a wrench hold a broom, etc.
2. Get there early! Be on time.
3. There will be things that you will want to ask questions about. The workers are under a schedule there is a time to ask and a time to not.
4. You won't know where all the tools are at first. So when someone asks you to get a tool first make sure you know exactly what type of tool and where it is located. It is not good to come back with the wrong size of pipe wrench or vice grips.
5. Talk to the workers. Get to know them. They will be friendlier to you once they can hold a conversation with you. You already will know stuff to talk about so ask them favorite cars, model, and year.

Follow all that and stuff you learn along the way and it will be a great experience!

[Hugh R]

Well said by everyone above. Be on time, there, I said it. Another one that I didn't see "Excuses are like *********s, everyone has one and they all stink". Edit... 5 minutes late isn't on time. Don't calculate how you can get there with one minute to spare. Better 15 minutes early than 1 minute late.

[Evans, Marv]

Matt,
I think many of us are inpressed enough with your seeming level headedness and initiative and I'm sure I speak for everybody when I say you will be fine. All good advise above. Smart of you to ask. By the way, the hair will grow back.
Good luck.

[Mothy]

Remember that there is a very fine line between "just in time" and "just too late" and they are both a long way from the safety of "Just in case".

Also remember the "Golden Rule" - he who has the gold makes the rules. If you get asked to do something which you don't think is your job - just do it then discuss it later with the boss.

Best of luck to you. In years to come your CV will have entries in it with dashes between dates where you worked in certain roles. (e.g. 1999-2003 Company XYZ)

Its just a dash but it represents a lot of experience learned - Make your dash count.

Tim

[84porsche]

Originally posted by Hugh R
Don't calculate how you can get there with one minute to spare. Better 15 minutes early than 1 minute late.

Good advice Hugh. I'll admit I am guilty of tardiness but I always make up the time and more by working later. However, I can't get away with it anymore starting in 2 weeks.

One thing to add Matt, don't ever ever ever burn your bridges, you never know what this can lead to. This is just the beginning and believe me after just going through a few interviews, every reference and good word is important. Congratulations.

[austin552]

Ask questions and stay busy grasshopper.

[bivenator]

Mouth closed, eyes open, don't lean on the cars. Think before you speak and soak all the knowledge from your co-workers that you can. good luck