You Can Do It!

by Brooke Adams

How many “now hiring” signs do you see in a day? Utah employers need you. Let them know who you are and what you have to offer them.

Once you get the job, moving up will be easy. Just be patient and do your best every day, offering to help where you can. Your boss will not forget you.

What is a minimum wage job in Utah?

Did you know that employers have to only pay $5.85 hour, but they are paying much higher than that right now? The economy in Utah is one of the best in the nation and that means that there are jobs for the asking. And, with so many job openings, employers need YOU to work with them; this creates higher wages, perks and benefits for you.

What is expected from you while employed?

• Listen to your supervisor.
• Do not miss work without prior approval.
• Do not be late for work.
• Ask questions—there is no such thing as a dumb question.
• Be patient—it takes time to learn something new.
• Get along with others—don’t gossip.
• Treat your job like it matters.
• Have a great attitude and enjoy your job!

What can the Department of Workforce Services offer you?

The Web site jobs.utah.gov can help you find many of the services that may be available to you. Find the most complete list of jobs in Utah.

• Financial assistance
• Food stamps
• Medical assistance programs CHIP, UPP, PCN
• Social Security information
• Training services
• GED/high school completion
• Veteran services
• Women and Infant Children (WIC)
• Youth services—YES program
• On-the-job training services
• Targeted job search
• Career Assessment CHOICES
• Resume programs
• Thank-you notes
• Cover letters
• Interview skills on video
• Bonding
• Links to UTA services
• Community resource links
• CCEP (computer program for those receiving FEP assistance)
• Links to budget and financial management
• Employment Information for people with disabilities
• A listing of job descriptions from the Department of Labor
• Guide to federal benefit programs
• Local job fairs
• Free local workshops
• Links to type and ten-key tests
• Links to help those who have been incarcerated
• Careers.utah.gov
• Child care licensed providers, centers, assistance, after school programs
• Labor market information, unemployment rate, occupation wage, publications
• Unemployment services—adjudications and appeals, file appeals, schedule hearings, policy, rules, and law.

Some myths of taking an entry level job:

• I can never make more money working here—not true.
• I will be treated differently than other employees—not true.
• I will lose all the money I make to taxes—not true, you may even get money back.
• I will not be able to get child care—the Department of Workforce Services can help.
• Only losers take a low paying job—not true, everyone starts somewhere.
• I can’t live on this amount of money—What are you earning today?
• I won’t get raises or promotions—not true, raises and promotions are there for all good employees.

Why should you take a minimum wage paying job?

You need the money, for such things as food and shelter. The main reason that people take a survival job is the income needed to cover at least the most basic of necessities and then work on the job/career they have dreamed of.

A few perks of being employed:

• Paid vacation time
• Paid sick leave
• Paid holidays
• Retirement program
• Social Security and pension
• Networking
• Social interactions
• Promotions
• Pay increases
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Reimbursement of education costs
• Reimbursement of cost of monthly bus fare
• Increased sense of self-worth
• You’re a role model for your family

Why should they hire you?

An employer will want to hire you because you showed interest in them and their company by asking to complete an application, and because you do have skills and abilities they need.

What do I do once I have the job?

Check your ego in at the door. When you take a job that you feel is lower-paying than you are worth, be sure to leave the chip off your shoulder when going to work. Take pride in a day’s work regardless of the pay.