What’s the worst job you ever had?
Worst job…okay, worked in McDonalds, worked for Dominos. I was a night manager and collected people’s keys and ID. I was also a schoolteacher…
How long did you work at McDonald’s?
Worked there some during college…I didn’t have a car so I had to walk five miles home.
What was so crappy about that job?
Normally I was cooking on the fry machine, and then one time when it was slow, one of the managers put me on the register. An older gentleman who had been working there for a long time came in and
said, “Oh, you the man! You’ve been talking to people!” I didn’t win his trust back until one day when he saw me stuffing a chicken nugget in my mouth, and then he was like, “OK, you’re still cool.”
Robinson with Zack and Miri co-star, Seth Rogen
In your new film, Zack and Miri Make a Porno, the lead characters decide to make an adult film as a means of combating debt. What do you think new graduates should do if they can’t make rent? Is making a porno a viable option?
For the hot ones, but not for everyone else. You have to get over yourself and decide how bad you want to make the money. A lot of people are like, “Oh, I need a job, I need a job,” but when you suggest one, they’re like, “I’m not doing that!”
What about making the career leap from working in a coffee shop to being a film producer like your character does in the film. Is that something you would recommend to our readers?
If they have the know-how, absolutely. I was the only one in the cast who could buy a camera so they gave me the producer credit. So if they’re going make it that easy and that comfortable, then go for it.
What’s the perfect first job for someone who has never had a real job before?
I don’t know… personal assistant? Actually, I have no idea! I’ve never been a personal assistant. Get an education and follow your dreams. If you’re trying to be an actor or whatever, and you gotta be a waiter to do it, make sure you are focusing on acting more than you focus on waiting tables. That way, you’re not just getting better and better at waiting tables, you’re still pursuing your dream.
Robinson with Zack and Miri co-stars, Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks
When entering the working world, what should one put on his/her resume to stand out from the pack?
A good joke. Make the reader laugh. It has to be something tailor-made.
What’s the best piece of advice that you got when you were starting out on your career path?
“Don’t be funny.” I was a comedian, and I was going to go on stage for a competition in a comedy club, and my mentor comes up to me, and he looked at me and said, “Don’t be funny,” right as they called “Craig Robinson!” I was walking up like, “What do you mean?” and freaking out, but then I realized he meant just be yourself.
Once you make it into the workplace, what’s the best way to handle a boss that’s basically a moron like Darryl has to do with Michael Scott (Steve Carell) on The Office?
Teach him phrases like, “fluffy fingers.”
Darryl also has an on-going relationship with his coworker, Kelly Kapoor (Mindy Kaling). What’s your take on in-office relationships?
It would have to be a special two people who can keep it under wraps and not be around each other all of the time. Personally, I probably would not even though I have several times. Like they say, “Don’t shit where you eat.”
Robinson as Dunder Mifflin employee, Darryl Philbin
There’s an episode of The Office where your character has to ask for a raise. When it comes to asking for more money, do you recommend taking the straight-forward approach like Darryl?
Absolutely! You have to say, “This is what I do. This is what I’m doing. This is what I want.” That way you’re out there, and if someone else wants to scoop you up, you gave them fair warning.
What about using Wikipedia to solve workplace dilemmas à la Michael Scott? Is this a good tactic?
Nah. Wikipedia is pretty much just a good conversation-starter.
What do you recommend for keeping your cool when the workplace gets stressful?
Um…. eat something cool.
What’s a good way to have fun at a really boring job?
Imagine everyone in their underwear, but then we have to think about the whole sexual harassment policy…
If it really gets bad, what is the best way to quit a job and go out in style?
Just don’t go out shooting people. You can always use the quote from Half Baked, “Fuck you, fuck
you, you’re cool and fuck you. I’m out!” That’s the best way to do it.
Whats the coolest thing about moving on from school and joining the real world if there is anything cool?
The freedom. Really, it’s the freedom. I can do whatever I want, when I want, right now.
Any last piece of advice for our readers about to start their careers?
Cut up your credit cards, have some fun and don’t forget to live. Remember who you are. Take a moment to stand still and be grateful.
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