Take That Job–And Love It!

Here’s how to glide through your first job without a hitch.

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Congrats! You’ve scored a summer gig as babysitter/camp counselor/ice cream scooper. But hey, wait: Nobody’s ever taught you what’s really expected at the workplace. Eek! Worry no more. Whether you’re dog walking, helping out at your mom’s office or teaching yoga at the Y, we’ve got your complete guide to working that first job like a seasoned She-E-O.

DEPENDABLE, COMMENDABLE!

If you’re getting paid for a job, first thing you must do is the absolute bare-boned basics: like show up on time.

Amazingly, a lot of girls don’t truly understand that when you have a job, Rule #1 is that you show up promptly, rain or shine. Write down those work hours and allow time for surprises, like traffic or a late bus. An (actual) emergency pops up and you’re running late? Call your boss to explain the sitch, tell him or her when you’ll be there (as soon as possible, please) and offer to make up the time you’ve missed.

STASH THAT CELL.

We are going to say this flat-out: Don’t text on the job. Or Snapchat. Or anything that involves your phone (unless it’s work-related). Lock it in the break room if you must—because unless your name is Kylie Jenner, you aren’t getting paid to Instagram.

MIND YOUR MANNERS.

Being polite and courteous to your employer sounds like a no-brainer, but tons of worker bees—even adult ones—seem to think that once they’ve nabbed their job, there’s no need to exhaust themselves by being respectful, too.