Job Skills For KidsSample

In addition to their applications, Carl and Jose each wrote a letter telling about a time they had worked especially hard. The principal was impressed and invited them for an interview. Carl and Jose were nervous.

“What do you think it’ll be like? Will he ask hard questions?” Jose questions Carl.

“My mom told me not to worry about the questions. She said that knowing me there’s just one thing I need to worry about,” Carl said.

“What’s that?”

Carl cracked a smile. “Showing up on time.”

Once a boss can tell you’re hardworking, he or she wants to know that you’re dependable. Dependability means being reliable, trustworthy, doing what you said you would to do. Small actions demonstrate this—it doesn’t need to be big stuff. Something as simple as showing up on time and bringing a pencil to take notes shows that you’re dependable. People who see you acting dependable in small ways will trust you with bigger responsibilities.  Jesus promised this when he said, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” 

If you want to show dependability, make sure you have the time and materials to do the thing you’ve said you’d do. When you’re going to school or practice or an interview, leave early so you have enough time to get there, even if there’s a holdup. Before you leave, check to make sure you have everything you’ll need, whether it’s homework or an instrument or clean clothes for your sport. The woman in Proverbs 31 does this. She wakes up early to make sure everyone has what they need for the day. She works “vigorously.” And at the end of the day she evaluates whether her work went well. She is an example of dependability.

Try this: Think of the most dependable person you know. How do you think they would act at a job interview? If you can, practice interviewing that person.

Prayer: God, I have faith that you can do all things. Help me be a person other people can depend on. Amen. 

More:   Proverbs has much to say about work done well – this commentary includes video illustrations.