Represent-Feature Story

Going Legit
Trading in your hustle for the 9 to 5

So you’re ready to give up the hustler’s life and find a steady job. Where should you start? Unique Morris is the employment coordinator for The Next Generation Center, which helps New York City youth in foster care transition into independent living. He shared a few tips on how to prepare for a job.

Q: If you’re making good money with your hustle, why trade it in for a legit job that pays less, anyway?

A: Hustling is not always a bad thing. It can develop your instincts and help you learn to fend for yourself. But if you’re involved in an illegal activity, you could end up in jail. You get into things you can’t get out of, and it’s a downward spiral. Even if what you’re doing is legal, there’s a lot of uncertainty.

A job, on the other hand, gives you stability. You definitely know you’re getting a paycheck on a certain day. You can get benefits like health insurance and paid vacation days. A job also helps you establish yourself. You can open a bank account and establish credit, and you start gaining experience and references that you can use to get better jobs later on.

Q: Speaking of which, how do you land a job if you’ve never had one?

A: First of all, you may have more skills than you realize. Whatever your hustle, buying and selling things takes math skills. For example, you need to know how to budget so your expenses don’t exceed what you make. Those are very practical skills.

You’re probably not going to get your dream job immediately. But any job even working at McDonald’s is going to show people that you are capable and dependable. That means a lot. You’ll gain references and skills to put on a resume, and in time you can work your way up to something better. It’s a start.

Q: What’s the best way to search for a job?

A: First, come up with a plan: set goals and deadlines for yourself. If you’re looking for a retail job, you definitely have to beat the pavement—go door-to-door looking for help wanted signs, and ask for applications at places you’d like to work. But it’s best if you’ve put some preparation into your job search beforehand.

Your community may have programs like ours that can help, where you can get job training and skills. If you’re not aware of any programs near you, try checking with a local community center. And research the organizations you want to work for. Even small businesses often have a website, so read about their history, their mission and what they expect from employees. What would you actually be doing on the job?

You also need time to prepare your own paperwork. Things like getting together your documents (photo ID, social security card or green card, etc.), making a resume, writing a cover letter. It’s good to have your resume with you and dress professionally, even if you’re just stopping by to pick up an application. First impressions are important.

Q: What does professional attire look like?

A: For guys, a button-down shirt and fitted slacks—no baggies, hoodies or chains. For girls, slacks or a skirt (at least knee-length) and a blouse. Avoid loud colors, large, dangly jewelry, wild nail polish and strong fragrances. You want the focus to be on you—not what you’re wearing.

Q: Where can you get professional clothes if you don’t have any?

A: You don’t have to have designer clothes. Your agency may be able to help you get professional clothing if you don’t have any. Many communities now have organizations that loan or give away good quality work clothes. And there’s always thrift shops—as long as the clothing is clean and neat, no one has to know it’s used.

Q: OK, looking the part is one thing, but what if you lack confidence? A job interview can be nerve-racking!

A: Confidence means being assertive, being able to convince people that you know what you’re talking about and that you’re prepared for the interview. Getting past the fear and nervousness is hard. You have to believe in yourself and show that through your voice and body language—speak up, speak clearly and stand tall.

Think about how far you’ve come, how hard you’ve fought to get where you are. If you’ve come this far and survived, speaking in front of a few people in an interview isn’t a big deal. You may not get the first job you interview for, but be persistent and stay focused on your goal.

Q: Getting and keeping a job are two different things. How do you hold onto a job once you’ve been hired?

A: A lot of people get hired and they’re gone in a week or two because they’re not punctual, not respectful, they’re taking care of their personal business on the job, etc. Once you’re working, you have to maintain those same skills you used to get the job, and earn people’s respect. That will help you get good references later, when you’re ready to move on or be promoted.

For more information:

These websites have tips for teens on the job hunt, including sample resumes and cover letters, and common mistakes to avoid.

Groovejob.com

Adventures in Education

JobStar