I’ve had several part-time jobs since then: baby sitter, turkey vaccinator and egg picker, grocery store cashier, waitress, gas station cashier and ticket reservationist. So with this vast experience, when Susie asked me to apply, interview for and then work a part-time job to write about for Brio, I thought, Piece of cake.

Through the months, I jotted down my experience for you, my Brio Sisses, to learn from. If you can relate to my story, tell the Brio staff about it by writing to us at brio@briomag.com.

Jan. 26 My journey to get a job started at the strip mall within walking distance of my home. I went to an ice-cream shop, retail store, fast food restaurant and grocery store. But only one of them was hiring!

Feb. 11 A flyer called “Springs Jobs” came in the mail yesterday. Unfortunately, most of the jobs listed require a professional resume, but I’m looking for a job for which any high schooler could apply.

Feb. 15 Three weeks have passed, and this assignment is really starting to wear on me. Looking for a job requires a lot of effort, planning and time! So far I’ve gathered three applications.

March 16 Last week I found an ad in the newspaper for a youth summer job fair. After talking with some potential employers at the fair, I got a lead for a job with the Colorado Springs Park and Rec. I explained to them I was from Brio magazine and wanted to write about applying for and working a summer job. I would only work one day (and without pay), and they agreed to schedule an interview in a few weeks.

April 23 This morning I stood in my closet for a few minutes debating whether to wear dress pants or a skirt for my interview. The position I applied for is a day-camp coordinator for 3- to 5-year-olds. I imagine I’ll be wearing shorts and a T-shirt for the camp but that wouldn’t be appropriate for an interview. So I chose a knee-length skirt and black top.

MapQuest said the drive to the interview would take 20 minutes, so I left 30 minutes before my appointment — just in case. I arrived early, so I sat in my car for a few minutes reviewing what I knew about the position, how my skills and personality fit those requirements and any questions I had about the job. Then I quickly checked my makeup and hair, and went inside with five minutes to spare.

Allison Downing, my interviewer, met me at the door, shook my hand and offered me a seat. Here’s how the interview flowed:

First, Allison explained the program, hours, position, etc. Then the interview began with a written portion about my experience with children. Next, Allison asked me to give a three- to five-minute presentation about myself.

Her next question: What did I expect to be good and bad behavior from a 3- to 5- year-old and how would I handle that behavior? She also asked if I’m certified in First Aid or CPR. Next, Allison gave me a few day-camp scenarios and asked how I would respond to them.

Now the interview was over, so it was my turn to ask questions. By the end, Allison said she thought I was a good candidate and the next step would be job training in June.

June 8 I only went to two or three hours of training because of my other job responsibilities with Brio, but the other employees trained all week. When I came in, the others were finishing paperwork and discussing the proper way to fill out a time sheet. Because we were training to work with children, the trainer had candy on the tables. I think some Play-Doh was lying around, too!

Most of the other new employees wore casual clothes such as shorts, T-shirts, capris, jeans, etc. Our trainer wore a sleeveless sweater and skirt, but it didn’t seem we were underdressed.

After an hour or so, we all stood to practice some songs for the camps. Many of them included actions, so our silliness provided some good team bonding!

June 15 I arrived about 10 minutes early the day I joined the New Stars day camp. As the others arrived, we assembled booklets for the day’s art project and set up a table for parents to sign in. As the kids settled in, we played on the jungle gym until the day camp began.

During the four-hour camp, we sang songs, read a book, ate a snack, had a bathroom break, colored the art project, played more games and sang more songs. The kids were darling, but by the end, I was ready for a nap! I learned the importance of being a team player, getting to know my co-workers and keeping a servant’s attitude.

Getting the Job: What to Wear, What to Do
Follow these tips to do your best in a job interview.

1. Realize you have competition. In some cases, that may be adults, so wear a professional and conservative outfit. Ask yourself, What attitude do my clothes reflect?

2. Don’t stand out from the crowd for bad reasons. Don’t wear perfume or a lot of jewelry. If you’re interviewing for a food service job, pull your hair back.

3. First impressions are important. Give eye contact, smile, breathe calmly, give a strong handshake and stand with good posture until seated by the interviewer.

4. A common interview question is, “Why do you want to work here?” Answer with how your interests or qualifications relate to the job.

5. When describing yourself, use words like hard-working, good with people, responsible, etc. Think of what to say ahead of time so you’re not stuck with, “Well, I go to school. I’m just not that interesting.”

6. When given the opportunity to ask questions, take it! This shows the interviewer that you’re excited and want the job. (It’s OK to ask about pay, but it’s better to take this time to sell yourself. Usually the interviewer will mention the pay first.)

7. It’s important to be able to think on your feet, but it’s OK to pause before answering questions. You’ll never be fully prepared for an interview, but be armed with knowing your strengths and experience, and then communicate those things to the interviewer.

8. Turn off your cell phone.

9. Send a thank-you letter after your interview.

10. Don’t be too casual, mumble, drag your feet, dress poorly or answer shortly. You’re not doing the employers a favor. They’re doing you a favor by giving you an interview. Respect them!