All about jobs: What the boss wants
Interview with a store manager about teen employees
Name: Carlos Cantu
Title: Store Manager for Steve Madden Shoes at the Beverly Center
Which positions do you hire teens for?
For both males and females, the sales associate position; the cashier position is predominantly taken by girls and the stock position is predominantly taken by boys.
What age teens do you hire?
"The problem with hiring teens is that they don’t have the availability because of school. If I need someone to open, teens are in school. But teens are the most eager ones to work, I have to admit."
What time of year are you most likely to be hiring teens?
"Usually holiday seasons. Young people don’t want to work in the summer because it’s summer time. But during the winter, they want money for gifts."
What do you look for when you hire a teen?
"I’m looking for motivation mainly. For most teens, I know that this isn’t their career. I don’t want them to call in sick on me. [I look for] someone who has dedication, who knows the meaning of longevity and the meaning of a job … willingness to learn and work hard. It depends on the situation: you want to give everyone a fair chance."
What should teens know about having a job interview with you?
"To dress professionally, know about the company they are applying for, know who the customer is."
Once they start working, what should teen employees AVOID doing?
"Calling out sick, coming in with the mentality that they know what they’re doing. This is a new job, a new experience. They should be willing to learn. Don’t get frustrated. Don’t be late. Don’t just stand around. Take constructive criticism, especially if it’s your first job and your first experience. It’s only to teach you … nothing personal."
What should they ALWAYS do?
"Show initiative, be self motivated, ask questions, work! Come to work ready to work."
What general advice do you have for teens who are job hunting?
"Know that it’s going to take a while especially if they’re not experienced. A lot of people won’t give them that first chance because they don’t have the experience. That’s sad … but that’s reality. During the interview, tell them what you’re passionate about. Be real, be genuine. ‘Why do you want a job?’ ‘Because I want to save money, I want to learn responsibility.’ Don’t say ‘Because I want the discount.’ Just know the company, know their customer."
