The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1888-02-22
For The Mirror.
How to Get a Situation.

How to Get a Situation.
Christianity and industry are twins, and
their law is the mother of all good. No
man now confined within these walls was
obeying these laws at the time he got into
the trouble that landed him here. do not
say that these are inseparable laws. but
that they are twins, and should be obeyed
alike; and if this be done they are positive
proof against all evil. OF the former shall
not speak. taking for granted that these
stone walls and stripes. together with our
humiliation and degradation, has impressed
us with sense of the necessity of refor-
nation, the perfection of which is found in
christianity. But we have now to deal with
industry, or the obtaining of a situation.
Our employment here, regret to say, is
not conducive to that end. Space here will
not permit me to give my reasons for
making this statement; perhaps later 1 may
have all opportunity of doing SO. The up
permOst thought in a mans mind upon
leaving this prison should be that of OBJ
tanning employment. The first matter to
consider is that of dress. Never apply for
a situation in clothes that would not be-
come the work; if you do it means failure,
nine times out of ten. Never make appl-
cation for situation wearing dirty collar,
for the employer, in looking you in the face,
which he is sure to do. is also sure to notice
your collar, if it is dirty, and that would
denote slovenliness carlessness and indif-
ference, and you would be told that you
were not wanted. Any honest employment
is honorable; therefore accept employment
of any kind at first, rather than remain
idle. waiting for what you would prefer. 1t
is easier for man who is employed to OBJ
tain situation, than one who is out of en-
plOyment. Never waste your time in an
Swering advertisements by letter, of help
wanted, unless you are all expert in that
particular business advertised. because there
always are some that ale especially qualified
that answer such advertisements. If
business man advertiSeS for an employee and
gives his address, there will be from one to
: three hundred applicants; therefore place no
reliance in this means. Ii you are seeking
position of the more common order. such
as cOachman, porter. family servant, driver.
waiter. ETC., an advertisement of your own
in the want column Of daily paper. will
often bring the desired result, and when
you do this always give your own name and
residence. Don't be ashamed to let people
know that You are out of employment; that
is false mOdeSty. In fact, tell everybody
you know that you are seeking employment:
they are likely to hear or know of some
opening, and they would tell you of it.
will now give infallible means of securing
situation. Rise early. fix upon yourself
a resolution that nothing can shake, then
start out; go from store to store. factory to
factory, hotel to hotel, office to office, and
if you haven't succeeded by noon. don't 60
off to your room to sleep and give up, but
start again and keep it up until night. One
day OF this is about all that will be neceS-
sary; but keep OH until you succeed. AL
ways see the employer himself; never tell
anybody else about the place what you want,
S5ecause they will likely tell you that no one
is wanted. 1t is policy for them to do so.
Be sure and ask each man you talk to if he
knows anybody that might employ you.
Never talk about wages; don't mention that
until you are assured that you will be en-
gagged. Now that you have got situation
it is your duty to better yourself. If there
is no chance where you are working. con-
duct yourself at least so that you can obtain
a recommendation, then. wEile still work
ing, address about one hundred letters to
different business firms telling them where
you are employed and your object of
changing. Be sure and inclose stamp for
reply, and tell them to be careful to keep
your letter before them and to notify you of
any opening that may occur. | assure you
there will be no failure in this plan. M.
The Intere Felt u Farfbault.
Editor Mirror:
Perhaps it would interest your immediate
ri olo of 6arc RI lypoxu fhot Loot Go