Steve Jobs (Image source: Reuters)

Long before Steve Jobs became a co-founder of Apple and one of the most important people in modern technology, he had an experience that showed how he would live and work in a bold and different way. When he was just 12 years old, Jobs did something that many adults today would find almost unbelievable: he picked up the phone, dialled the direct line of a top corporate chief executive, and was offered a job shortly after the call; all in under 20 minutes, without filling out a single application form.According to reports, young Steve Jobs cold-called Bill Hewlett, co-founder of Hewlett-Packard (HP), simply because he wanted to work with electronics and machines. This was not the early 2000s, when job seekers relied on LinkedIn, email, and online applications. It was the mid-1960s, a time when corporate hierarchies were strict and entry into a leading technology company was typically limited to referrals or formal applications. But Jobs’s drive, confidence, and willingness to go straight to the top of a company got him a job right away. This early story shows not only his drive but also the importance of direct communication, curiosity, and confidence; traits that would shape his later career.

Steve Jobs’s first job came from a phone call

Steve Jobs was very interested in electronics and machines when he was a young teen. Jobs didn’t wait for an opportunity or fill out job applications and wait for responses like most people do. Instead, he did something unusual: he found the name of one of the most important people in the tech world at the time, Bill Hewlett, and called his direct number.Hewlett was one of the people who started HP (Hewlett-Packard), a company known for its great engineering and new ideas. According to reports available on the internet, Jobs didn’t talk to a receptionist or a human resources person; he called Hewlett directly. He introduced himself and briefly explained why he wanted to work with HP and what he wanted to do during the phone call. Hewlett was impressed by Jobs’ boldness, and a few minutes later, he offered him a job on the spot, without a formal resume, interview, or application process.Jobs took the initiative and was willing to take a risk, which led to this opportunity. He didn’t wait for someone to tell him to do it. He made his own chance.

Why this story matters

Amazingly, young Steve Jobs got a job in 20 minutes without applying. This is not because it’s easy to do today, but because it shows how powerful initiative, boldness, and direct communication can be. When Jobs was 12, which is when most kids start school, he already knew a lot about opportunity: it usually favours people who take action.This episode also shows how much the job market has changed since the 1960s. It was rare but still possible to talk to a corporate leader directly on the phone because there were fewer formal online systems and digital barriers. Jobs’s confidence in making that call shows a level of self-belief that is very rare in people his age.

What Bill Hewlett thought about Steve Jobs

Bill Hewlett was surprised by the confidence and directness of the young caller. Rather than dismiss Jobs as an inexperienced kid, Hewlett listened to what he had to say and recognised his interest and enthusiasm. Hewlett’s reaction is also significant: it shows that leaders, when approached respectfully and directly, may be willing to give talent a chance, even outside conventional processes.This is a useful lesson not only for young job seekers but also for organisations: sometimes talent and passion can shine through unconventional paths.

The rest of Steve Jobs’ journey

Steve Jobs’s early job experience was short, but it was an important part of his early life. Jobs kept his interest in electronics and computers after that. In 1976, he and Steve Wozniak started Apple together. He later created the Macintosh, the iPod, the iPhone, and the iPad, which changed the whole tech industry. But calling Bill Hewlett was one of the first times he showed his natural drive and fearlessness.According to biographical records and interviews with Jobs, even later in life, he stressed the importance of following one’s curiosity and not being afraid to take risks, themes that appear clearly in this early job-seeking moment.