Whoa. This is a pretty cool company.
Speak4MC? Yeah… definitely wouldn’t have been my first choice, but hey, I’m here, and I’m rolling with it.
Oh—where are my manners?
I should probably introduce myself. I’m Curtis Campogni—well, the 16-year-old version. The version who just had his dial-up connection interrupted, ruining my attempt to burn the sickest mix CD packed with Eminem, Linkin Park, and Ja Rule—even though Napster already cursed my computer with 47 viruses in the process.
Why was I bothered?
Apparently, 40-year-old me has been looking to collaborate with other writers, but Speak4MC has zero budget for staffing. So, instead of hiring someone like a normal business, he decided to find a loophole.
I’m still not sure exactly how he pulled it off—he wouldn’t share the details—but somehow, he managed to time-travel my 16-year-old self from the year 2000 to help write this blog.
At first, I wasn’t interested. I mean, I had important things to do, like making sure I had the best response to that AOL message from you-know-who and perfecting my Cha Cha Slide for homecoming. But then he offered me something I couldn’t resist—a brand-new copy of Madden 2001 for PlayStation.
So here I am.
Before we got started, he had to update me on what’s going on in 2025. Apparently, something called Google, ChatGPT, and iPhones do most of the work now, which sounds way too easy if you ask me.
Like, you don’t even have to go to the store to apply for a job anymore? You just...click a button?
Wild.
But even with all that fancy tech, you still gotta know what you’re doing to actually get hired. And that’s where I come in. So let’s leave all that “professional development” talk to 40-year-old me (whatever that means), and let me break down how to actually get your first job.
Step 1: Call First, Apply Second
Okay, listen up. You could just walk in, grab an application, and hope for the best. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the people who put in extra effort stand out.
Where I’m from, there’s no “click to apply” button. If you want a job, you gotta call first. That means picking up a cordless phone with a giant antenna (or worse, the family landline) and dialing manually.
No quick Google searches, no fancy job portals—just raw, old-school effort.
When you find a place you want to work at, call during their off-hours (aka not when they’re slammed with customers) and ask for the manager.
If they’re hiring, get their name.
Example: "Hi! Can I speak to the manager? (Manager answers) My name is Curtis Campogni, and I wanted to check if you guys are hiring right now."
If they say yes, answer: "Cool! I’ll be submitting my application in the next 24 hours. Thanks for your time!"
Why does this matter? Because when you follow up later, you won’t be some random name on paper. You’ll be that kid who called first—aka someone who actually cares about the job.
Step 2: Follow Up Like a Pro
Most people apply and just hope for the best. But not me. 48 hours after applying, I called back and asked for the manager I spoke to earlier.
This is your chance to stand out. Say something like:
"Hey [Manager’s Name], just wanted to follow up because I submitted my application a couple days ago. I really liked how [something cool about their store, website, or company] and I’d love the chance to be part of the team."
Where I’m from, if you don’t do this, your application is buried under a stack of papers next to a giant Dell computer monitor. In 2025, it’s lost in a digital pile of unread
applications.
The solution? Make them remember you.
Step 3: Be Ready for These Five Interview Questions
If they call you in for an interview (which they will, because you followed up like a boss), here’s what you need to be ready for:
🚗 On your way to the interview, put in your best mix CD of Eminem, DMX, and Phil Collins. (Long story, don’t ask.)
Now, when you get there, expect these questions:
Tell me about yourself. (Keep it simple—who you are, what you do, and why you want a job.)
Why do you want to work here? (Say something that proves you actually thought about it—not just “I need money.”)
Do you have experience with [Main Task of the Job]? (If you don’t, relate it to something similar—helping at school, volunteering, sports, or your leadership experience running an underground Pog trading empire.)
What’s your availability? (Be honest about your school schedule and other commitments.)
Do you have reliable transportation? (If you don’t drive, explain how you’ll get there—bike, bus, walking, or a ride from family.)
If you nail these answers, you’re one step away from the job.
Step 4: Flip the Script – Ask THEM Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t just say, “Okay, thanks!” Instead, ask them two questions:
“Based on our interview, what do you think would be the area of this job I’d need the most training or support in?” (This makes you sound like someone who actually wants to do a good job—aka not the kid who’s just here for a paycheck and free food.)
“What are the next steps in the hiring process?” (This helps you know what’s coming next, instead of just waiting and wondering like you’re refreshing your MySpace Top 8 rankings.)
Before you leave, ask: "Would it be okay if I follow up in a week to check on my application?"
Now you’re not just hoping for a callback—you have a reason to reach out again.
Final Thoughts: If You Don’t Get Hired, Keep Going
Here’s the deal. Even if you do everything right, you might not get the job. That’s not a sign to quit. It just means:
They already hired someone.
They need someone with experience.
Or it just wasn’t the right fit.
Where I’m from, you don’t give up just because something doesn’t work out. You keep trying. I had to apply to five places before I landed my first job at Eckerd Pharmacy.
And here’s the wild part—Jack Eckerd, the guy who built that company? He also started Eckerd Kids, which supposedly ended up being my first job after college. Yeah, life’s weird like that.
The key? Keep going.
Because here’s what I know for sure—if you don’t quit, you WILL get your first job. And when you do, that first paycheck will be worth every bit of effort.
Now go get hired.
I’m on my way to Blockbuster before I head back to my time. I’ve got a stack of late fees for Gladiator that I’m pretty sure have me on some kind of watchlist.
Disclaimer
The views expressed in this blog are solely those of 16-year-old Curtis, who—let’s be real—was mostly focused on burning mix CDs, dominating Madden, and not getting booted off AOL when someone picked up the phone. This content is meant to help you land your first job, not serve as official career advice from some corporate handbook.
If you take my advice and still don’t get hired, don’t come after me—I’m already back in 2000, trying to avoid late fees at Blockbuster. Do your research, think for yourself, and always bring your A-game.
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