If you're reading, that must mean that you’re applying for your first job or you accidentally tapped on this article, and in that case, thank you for that error! Anyway, so you’re freaking out about finally making your mark on the world by getting a big person job and think “Where the heck do I start?!” But don’t worry, that’s why I’m here, to make mistakes and tell you what to do and what not to do while applying for a job. So here it is, my amazing do’s and awkward don’t's when it comes to applying for your first job.

Always Bring A Pen.

My dad is the one who told me this one, and while I believed him at the time I didn't know if it actually held any merit. Turns out it does. On my way home from a quick trip to CVS I drove past a local gardening establishment and it had a sign out front that said “Now Hiring,” so I went in and I gave my speech feeling super confident and when he handed me an application I asked for a pen and he said “You don’t have a pen? Isn’t it kinda funny that a college student doesn’t bring a pen to a potential job?” I was so shocked that I just nervously laughed and proceeded to look for a pen elsewhere on the table in front of me. While the guy may have been a bit rude he had a valid point that if you are really serious about a job then you have to come prepared. Moral of the story was that I didn’t get the job, so do me a favor and make my failure an indirect success for your by just bringing that stupid pen to apply for a job.

Be Prepared In Every Possible Way.

As the saying goes, “It’s better to be safe than sorry” and that is very applicable to applying for your first job. Even if you don’t think you need to practice the questions they might ask you, you should practice them a hundred times because that’s the only way you can feel confident while talking to your boss. When you’re put on the spot at an interview it can be very scary and nerve wracking so practicing those answers to possible questions not only makes you look like you know what you’re talking about but it also helps alleviate stress. By bringing a pad of paper you look professional when in fact you’re so nervous that you have to write everything they say down or else you’ll forget the whole conversation happened. Believe me, if I didn’t write down the major parts of my job I would have been in trouble.

Believe In Yourself.

While this point is super cheesy it’s also very true because believing in yourself makes you feel confident and a confident person is a successful person. Know that everyone has to have a first job and while it’s definitely embarrassing to write down no work experience just know that you’re putting yourself out there to better yourself and learn new things. Know that you applying for your first job is an accomplishment in and of itself.

So there you go, friends! Applying for your first job isn’t intimidating as long as you’re prepared and with the help of this article you all will kick butt during those interviews!