The Gleason Family YMCA and the Boys & Girls Club of Wareham gave new meaning to the word “yo” on Saturday. The organizations teamed up to present Yo!, or "Youth Onboard," a workshop which helped teens prepare for summer job searches.

“The first small job you have will prepare you for a bigger job,” Gleason Family YMCA Executive Director Laura Prisco told the audience. “When you leave today you’ll know what to do.”

The workshop provided teens with the tools they need to undertake a job search, including instructions on how to complete a job application, mock interviews, how to dress for success, and a discussion about work ethic and employer expectations.

“If I ever saw a folded resume, it went in the 'don't call' pile,” said Trenetta Newsome of YouthBuild Brockton, a youth development program which helps young adults who have not graduated from high school get their GED and build job skills.

Newsome also advised learning about the position and the company before an interview. “Do your homework. ... Know about the job you’re applying for,” she said.

Employers told job seekers a neat resume and prior knowledge of the company wouldn't be all they needed to succeed in their job search.

“When I hire, I look for people who are dressed well ... and can speak proper English,” said Diane Vance, a local hiring manager. “Think about what you want to say and have a good attitude. If I ask questions, [applicants] should have the answers.”

Gum chewing, lateness, and use of foul language were also pointed out as no-no’s during the interview and on the job site.

Amber Filkins, a Wareham High School freshman, said the skills she learned at the workshop will prepare her to get a summer job, but noted getting hired won’t be easy.

“It will be hard, especially at my age. A lot of places hire at 16 and I’m only 15,” she said. “But I wanted to learn to write resumes, interview, and [about] how to get the job.”

The teens in attendance received informational packets with commonly asked interview questions, work ethics tips, and a mock resume and application form.