First Time Job Search

[Sol]

Mostly just a little ranty topic cause I want to have a little job experience, as I've never had one before. There's a job offering by a place within waking distance of my house and it's a part time cashier at a small grocery store. So pretty perfect for first time jobs.

However, I don't know if I should mention that I'm trans. My friend working at a different job has a transgender coworker who is accepted, but I'm not sure if this store is accepting, or if it even really matters that much. I could always tell coworkers if I feel safe and if the situation calls for it, but it genuinely might never happen, and I haven't applied yet and there's no guarantee I'll be hired. I still have to get a bank account set up, so I'll be looking for my money in the boxes I have strewn around the house so I can do that. I'll apply today, and then start searching for my money to hopefully have the bank account set up by this weekend.

Really just wanted to rant a little.

[Mmindy]

Sol, my first summer (1972-1973) time job, was at a very rural grocery store, gas station, and feed store. I rode my bicycle there and back. unless the owner wanted me to help pick up supplies in his truck. Then he would swing by our house early in the morning, and we would go into St. Louis Mo warehouse district for bulk item. Once back at the store I had to help unload the truck and stock shelves. I learned a lot about customer service and appreciating people from all walks of life. My two kids also worked at the local Kroger grocery store as their first jobs. My son went from bagging groceries, up through the ranks to becoming the assistant manager by the time he was 21 years old. Our local Kroger has two transgender employees, Wendy who started there when she was still in high school. She wore a trans button with her pronouns on it. Rachel on the other hand was older and she did her best not to be seen in the front of the store. She worked mostly in the back unloading trucks, and stocking shelves. 

 

So depending on how large of a corporation this grocery store is you're looking to work at. I would be careful about how you approach coming out during your application and interview process. If it's a large national chain they should have corporate policies in place for transgender employees, a small independent store my be behind the times. It is a great idea for you to open a bank account, so you can receive direct deposit payroll checks. 

 

I'm sure others will chime in here with their take on your questions about a first job opportunity.

 

Have a great weekend,

 

Mindy

[JennaLSinclair]

If you need help with a resume, job interview skills, job searching let Me know. I help people land jobs. It's what I do.

 

[Sol]

Thanks Jenna! I'm gonna apply and see if I actually got the job before thinking about interviews, but I would definitely love some tips. I know I should research the position that they're looking for, which I already did, but more prep can't hurt! 

Now, to find my money so I can set up the bank account (I have no clue which box it's in and that's very BAD).

[JennaLSinclair]

Hi @Sol! Let me know if I can help. Definitely. I have helped tons of people get jobs. I currently work with the NNIA here in DC. That's the new neighbor international alliance in Washington DC. We help Afghanistan refugees find jobs and get settled in this area. After such turmoil they are really in desperate need. I've managed to get about seven people jobs so far. I make resumes and set up their interviews and give them interview tips. I also help them move up in their respective fields. So if there is anything I know, it's how to get the job of your dreams.

 

Girl's got to work!

 

Jenna

[Bri2020]

I wouldn't bring it up during the interview. How you identify, your sexuality etc etc isn't their business. If you  are normally presenting as male, dress the part. If you aren't "out" to the general public then dress that way.  Never give a a potential employer a reason to discriminate.  Once you are hired, if you decide to present a certain way or tell people that's fine. They can't fire you because of it.  Transgender is a protected class federally as far as employment rights goes but that doesn't mean they just decide to hire someone else. Given the lack of experience, they can just say that was the reason but once you're hired, you have rights. 

During interview, ask questions about your position or your role. Ask about hours, dress codes, etc etc. Get them talking to you vs grilling you.  Ask them things like "what do you see as the qualities that predict success at this role"  or "what do you value most in an employee".  These things take the pressure off of you and you can then respond to their answers on how that applies to you. Good luck!