Filip: My first extra job

How to find an extra job?

I had wanted an extra job for a long time, but had a hard time finding something because of my then age. As a 16-year-old, it was difficult to get a job, given that most employers are looking for people who are at least 18 years old. I applied for many different types of extra jobs but no one took up.It was by chance that about two years ago I saw an ad about Yepstr in the newspaper and opened my eyes to the app. The ad quickly caught my interest and I immediately started researching what the app could offer me and my working life. I understood when I joined the app that it was a relatively new app, but it had great potential.Some assignments appeared in my area from time to time, but it was slow in the beginning. I was looking for assignments that were close to me and since it was summer just then, there was a lot of gardening such as mowing the lawn and clearing weeds. It was a type of job that actually suited me quite well because I am quite physical and enjoy being outdoors. Therefore, I applied for a lot of assignments with this kind of job....

Read More about garden help via Yepstr

First hit

I think it was after the eighth job applied for that I got my first job. It was to help a family that was going away and needed to have the lawn mowed and water the flowers indoors and outdoors. We kept in touch for a while via Yepstr's chat function and finally it was time for me to get there. Sollentuna was the municipality and it is also where I live, so it was close. Because it was so close, I cycled there in less than ten minutes.I remember being nervous the first time. The sun was roasting at its zenith when I came riding a bicycle into the family's driveway on a hot summer day. I was first greeted by the man in the family and greeted happily. It was not a job on my part the first time, except to take me there of course. Probably they most just wanted to meet me to see if I seemed credible and nice. He was friendly and showed me around. The man also told me how the lawnmower worked, what was to be cut, what plants were there and how they wanted me to do with everything.

The chat function facilitated

The nervousness quickly disappeared when I noticed how nice the family was. I kept in touch with the family via the chat on Yepstr and they wrote there when it was time to help them. After about two weeks from the first meeting, they heard from me again and then it was time for my first assignment with them. I went to them and carried out my assignment according to what the man had said when we first met.The lawn was not very high as the strong and scorching sun was constantly on, but I still cut because it was part of my mission. They had an electric lawn mower which I thought was good as it neither disturbs the neighbors nor runs on fuel (an environmentally friendly alternative). My assignment also included watering the lawn with a sprinkler. I took the opportunity to do so as I entered the house to water the indoor plants. That way I got two flies in one go.When I felt satisfied, I checked that I had done everything they had told me to do. I inspected the lawn to see if I might have missed a spot and corrected it in such cases. Then I went in and made sure that all the plants had water, so that they would not dry out while the family was on vacation. When everything looked good, I wrote to the family via Yepstr that the assignment has now been completed and how long it took me. Then I jumped on the bike and went home. Later in the day I received a notice that I had been paid!

My thoughts after the mission

After my first assignment, I was both happy and proud. It felt good to help people when needed and at the same time get paid for it. This became the driving force for my future assignments and since then I have always tried to help people in the areas I can. I think that many people may be afraid to apply for assignments because they think they are not competent enough. Personally, I am not an expert on mowing lawns or clearing weeds. I have done it a few times at home, but you also learn during the assignment how exactly they want it and what their garden looks like.Plants and flowers are not my strong point either, yet I managed to water the flowers as desired. Of course, you need to listen to the employer's requirements and not always think that you know things you do not know. For example, I would not apply for an assignment where advanced knowledge in a certain instrument is required if I do not have competence in it. Thought logically, but you can often do more than you think! I think this is important to keep in mind when applying for extra jobs on Yepstr.

Are you between 15-21 years old and hungry for extra work? Read More here.

My best tips for landing the extra job

Below are my best tips and lessons for you who want an extra boost in your job search via Yepstr:

1. Some say that first impression means everything. I do not really want to go that far, but I agree that it is very important. Show your social skills, be charming and friendly. Feel free to shake hands with your employer to give a good impression.
2. Arrive on time, otherwise it may send a negative signal to your employer.
3. Dress according to what the work will require of you. Do not take your finest clothes if you are going to work in the garden, nor do you take your paint clothes if you are going to work socially in front of others.
4. Always do your best on your assignments, no matter what mood you are in. If you want to get more extra jobs in the future, it is important to show your best sides!

More tips: Selma's journey to first company

In conclusion, I just want to say that apps like Yepstr are perfect for you who want to work extra alongside your studies, either when needed or at regular times. For me, Yepstr was the best option. I could not have found anything better when I was 16 years old and lacked work experience. From my first assignment to my last, which I had just a few days ago, I have gained the experience I need in the job market later in life.