18. Finding a job.

Nearly every student wonders where he or she should start looking for job opportunities, what first steps should be. If he was to begin looking for a job today, for what would he be qualified? What kinds of jobs are open to students? Would you need a resume?

To begin with, remember that the market place does not hire just anyone. In fact teenage unemployment is traditionally twice as high as overall unemployment rate. Where you look for work and the techniques you use in applying can be the difference between getting the job and remaining unemployed.

One of the simplest but often overlooked sources is word-of-mouth. You should let your friend and relatives know you are looking for a job and ask them whether they know of any job openings. There are full-time and part-time courses and one can even do correspondent courses, working for a qualification at home.

Newspapers are a good source of job openings, as well as school councillors and teen job services. Often schools have bulletin boards where job openings are posted. Also, you know that public bulletin boards in stores list job openings. It might be a good idea to use private job agencies. But in the case your friend must be very cautious. Unlike public job agencies, the private firms charge a fee, sometimes a percentage of your salary. Whichever source you use you shouldn’t be shy about seeking a job.

The second step is to fill out an application. After you find a job opening, you will have to show your potential employer why you are the right person for the job. In sense, you are now selling a product – yourself. You want the employer to purchase your abilities rather than those of someone else. An employment application requires that you give names of friends or acquaintances as references and your prospective employer may contact these people to find out about your work habits and skills. Then you put one more step – writing a resume.

Your potential employer must select candidates to interview, often using the application as a guide. The applicant should read the application form through before beginning to weite. In addition, you should make sure you understand what information is being requested, weite neatly, and provide complete information. Employers looking for permanent, full-time workers often require a resume – an outline of your educational and employment background – in addition to an application. Some employers may want a resume for part-time employment. By the way writing a resume while you are still a student provides practice at a skill you will need again in the future.

Moreover, find out something about the firm before going to the interview. Be on time, dress neatly, comb your hair, be polite, answer questions thoughtfully, speak clearly, and when he leaves, thank the interviewer for talking with you.

19. The rights of a customer and the responsibilities of a supplier.

Complaining about faulty goods or service is never easy. Most people dislike making a fuss. However, when you are shopping, it is important to know your rights.

When your buy something from a shop, your are making a contract. This contract means that it’s up to the shop - not the manufacturer - to deal with your complaints if the goods are not satisfactory.

The goods must not be broken or damaged and must work properly. This is known as “merchandise quality”.

The goods must be as described.

The goods should be fit for their purpose.