Always Be on Time and Have a Pen for Job Applications

by Jen
(Barnstead, NH)

My mother was a fanatic about me being on time. When I would go out she would be waiting in the living room for me at curfew. We had a clock that would ding on the hour. If I came in after the ding I would be grounded.

At the time I hated this rule. As an adult I appreciate it that she was so strict about me being on time. She told me when you are late that means somebody is waiting for you. It is extremely rude. In a job situation being late can get you fired.

This all came to my benefit when I got a job as an operator. There was absolutey no way you can be late. If you were not plugged in on time you would be suspended. I was at work early every day. I had an hour commute so I left early in case of any accidents or traffic jams along the way. It is better to be early than late.

I am still always early. I have an hour commute in my current job and arrive at work an hour early. When I am late it stresses me out.

One other job related advice she gave me is to always bring a pen when you fill out a job application. She was a manager and told me she never hired a person who did not bring a pen. Her reason is a person could not be too interested if they did not think to bring a pen. Also, what kind of employee would they be if they were not fully prepared to just fill out the application.