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{{User:Spongebob456/Episode
|title = Help Wanted
|seasonnumber = 1
|airdate = {{Time|May 1}}, {{Time|1999}} (USA)<br> {{Time|March 4}}, {{Time|2000}} (Canada)
|sisterep = Reef Blower<br>Tea at the Treedome
|guests = {{W|Tiny Tim (musician)|Tiny Tim}} as musical performer of [[Livin' in the Sunlight, Lovin' in the Moonlight]]
|writer = [[Stephen Hillenburg]]<br>[[Derek Drymon]]<br>[[Tim Hill]]
|storyboard artist = [[Derek Drymon]]
|director-storyboard = [[Stephen Hillenburg]]
|director-animation = [[Alan Smart]]
|briefsummary = {{Link|SpongeBob}} gets a job at the [[Krusty Krab]]
}}

===Characters===
*[[French Narrator]] {{Debut}}
*[[Sea urchin]]s {{Debut}}
*{{Link|SpongeBob SquarePants}} {{Debut}}
*[[Gary the Snail]] {{Debut}}
*[[Shelley]] {{Debut}}
*[[Patrick Star]] {{Debut}}
*[[Squidward Tentacles]] {{Debut}}
*[[Eugene H. Krabs]] {{Debut}}
*[[Bus Driver]] {{Debut}}
*[[Anchovies]] {{Debut}}
*[[Betsy Krabs]] {{Sup|(indirectly mentioned)}}

==Synopsis==
Deep down in the ocean, the audience is introduced to a small little town known as [[Bikini Bottom]]; a narrator with a French accent muses on the wonders of undersea life. The narrator introduces the audience to one of his favorite creatures in the sea, {{Link|SpongeBob SquarePants}}. Inside the [[SpongeBob's house|pineapple]] where he lives, the yellow and porous SpongeBob sleeps soundly in his bed with three mattresses and a diving board attached. On the floor nearby is SpongeBob's pet snail, [[Gary the Snail|Gary]], who is also asleep, next to SpongeBob is a [[SpongeBob's alarm clock|foghorn alarm clock]], which soon loudly goes off and awakens him.

SpongeBob climbs the diving board, and tells Gary that today is "the big day", with Gary giving a simple "meow" in reply. SpongeBob jumps off of the diving board, and lands neatly into an [[SpongeBob's pants|outfit]] consisting of square pants, a white shirt, and a red tie. To prepare for the day, he goes to a [[Teddy bear weight lifts|barbell with two stuffed animals attached]], and struggles to lift it, barely managing to get one rep before dropping it with a squeak. He then proclaims, "I'm ready!" and runs outside, heading past an [[122 Conch Street|Easter Island head]] with windows and a door, as well as a [[Patrick Star's house|brown rock]] with a bamboo weather vane. The rock opens up to reveal a pink [[starfish]], [[Patrick Star]], sticking underneath it, cheering SpongeBob on before peeling off and falling.

Arriving outside the [[Krusty Krab]], SpongeBob psyches himself up to answer the call of the [[Help Wanted sign]] in the window and ask for a job as a fry cook. However, his fears get the better of him and he turns to leave, only to find Patrick in his way. The latter convinces the former that he is truly ready for the job, giving SpongeBob the confidence to make his way over.

[[Squidward Tentacles]], a Krusty Krab employee busy cleaning graffiti off the windows, sees SpongeBob approach, and voices his displeasure, wondering why he is coming so early. He then notices the sign, and shrieks in horror, sprinting inside toward his boss and owner of the restaurant, [[Eugene H. Krabs]]. Before Squidward can warn him, SpongeBob enters, and confidently states his intention of joining the [[Krusty Crew]]. He starts to approach Mr. Krabs and Squidward, but trips and bounces around the restaurant before landing square on his back in front of them.

Mr. Krabs expresses his concern that SpongeBob is not ready for the job, but the latter asks him to reconsider, and have Squidward vouch for him, who takes Mr. Krabs aside and flatly refuses. Giving Squidward a wink, Mr. Krabs approaches SpongeBob, and says that he can apply once he is completed a simple test: purchasing a seemingly non-existent "[[hydro-dynamic spatula]]." SpongeBob eagerly heads out in his [[Krusty Krab employee hat|new employee hat]] to find one, leaving Krabs and Squidward to laugh together about his errand.

As SpongeBob runs to the [[Barg'N-Mart]], a convoy of [[bus]]es arrives at the Krusty Krab. Mr. Krabs literally smells trouble approaching, and soon after, a hoard of anchovies swarms in, and clamors for food. Squidward calls for their attention, asking them to behave themselves, and make a neat single-file line. His request is rejected, and the anchovies grow more ravenous and unruly. Squidward and Mr. Krabs climb into the cash register rowboat as the anchovies form a rolling ocean, but their boat breaks, and they climb a pole to the ceiling. Facing the end, Mr. Krabs and Squidward say their goodbyes and sob.

[[File:Help Wanted 136.png|thumb|Sea of anchovies]] From the sky, however, arrives SpongeBob, wielding his new flight-capable hydro-dynamic spatula. Leaving the flabbergasted workers behind, SpongeBob flies into the kitchen, and starts whipping up a batch of [[Krabby Patties]]. The anchovies are satiated one by one down to the last, leaving behind a huge fat sack of cash. Mr. Krabs jumps with joy and proudly presents SpongeBob with his own nametag. Squidward tries to protest, but Mr. Krabs is too busy cheering, and carting away the money to notice.

Patrick then arrives, and orders a single Krabby Patty, but SpongeBob engages the spatula once more, and sends Patrick flying out of the restaurant with a flurry of Krabby Patties. Squidward haughtily asks Mr. Krabs to come back, and see his new employee at work.

==Production==
===Early Sketches===
<gallery widths="180" position="center">
SpongeBoy Concept Hillenburg.jpg
1424472650-show-spongebob-squarepants-22.jpg
size_chart.jpg|Size Comparison Chart
Original Cast.jpg|The Original SpongeBob cast as shown in Steve Hillenburg's pitch bible.
SB_pg_36.jpg|Original Storyboard of Patrick Convincing "SpongeBoy" To go to Get the Job In the Krusty Krab
vlcsnap-2015-03-28-19h48m39s231.png
1418084133-show-spongebob-squarepants-06.jpg
vlcsnap-2015-07-28-02h55m04s52.png|"SpongeBoy"
vlcsnap-2015-07-28-02h55m43s196.png|Patrick's Model Sheet
Patrick production.jpg|Patrick Production Art
Barnacle mermaid.jpg|An early version of Mermaid Man with his friend Barnacle Bill
SpongeBoy Ahoy.PNG
</gallery>

===Development===
"Help Wanted" was written by series creator [[Stephen Hillenburg]], along with [[Derek Drymon]] and [[Tim Hill]], and was directed by [[Alan Smart]].<ref name=Plot/> Hillenburg also functioned as storyboard director, and Drymon worked as storyboard artist.<ref name=Plot>''SpongeBob SquarePants: 10 Happiest Moments''. DVD. Paramount Home Entertainment, 2010.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/45819/spongebob-squarepants-10-happiest-moments/|title=SpongeBob SquarePants: 10 Happiest Moments|author=Mavis, Paul|date=September 16, 2010|accessdate=September 20, 2013|publisher=DVD Talk}}</ref> He began developing {{SBSP}} into a television series in late {{Time|1996}} upon the series cancellation of ''{{W|Rocko's Modern Life}}'' earlier the same year.<ref name="Hillenburg">{{cite video |people=Hillenburg, Stephen|date=2003|title=The Origin of SpongeBob SquarePants. SpongeBob SquarePants: The Complete First Season|medium=DVD|publisher=Paramount Home Entertainment}}</ref><ref name="Banks, p. 9">[[#Exposed|Banks]], p. 9</ref>

Hillenburg's original idea for the pitch was that the writers would write a storyboard for a possible episode and pitch it to [[Nickelodeon]].<ref name=DrymonHA>{{cite news | author = Drymon, Derek | title = The Oral History of SpongeBob SquarePants | work = Hogan's Alley #17 | year = 2010 | accessdate = September 21, 2012|url=http://cartoonician.com/the-oral-history-of-spongebob-squarepants/|publisher=Bull Moose Publishing Corporation}}</ref> One of the original ideas was to write an episode with SpongeBob and Squidward on a road trip, inspired by the 1989 film ''{{W|Powwow Highway}}''.<ref name=DrymonHA/> Eventually, the idea developed while they were working on it but Hillenburg gave up on the storyboard idea for the initial pitch.<ref name=DrymonHA/> The crew resurrected the road trip idea during the first season and used a lot of the ideas for the episode "[[Pizza Delivery]]."<ref name=DrymonHA/>

[[File:SB pg 50.jpg|thumb|260px|Original storyboard drawn 1997 and was titled "SpongeBoy Ahoy!"]]

Originally the character was to be named "[[SpongeBoy]]" and the show was to be called ''SpongeBoy Ahoy!''<ref name=Radio>{{cite video |people = Farhat, Basima (Interviewer) |date = December 5, 2006 |title = Tom Kenny: Voice of SpongeBob SquarePants - Interview |url =http://www.thepeoplespeakradio.net/archives/mp3/tps-2006-12-05-kenny.mp3 |format = mp3 |medium = Radio production |publisher = The People Speak Radio |accessdate = November 8, 2008}}</ref><ref name=PittengerHA>{{cite news | author = Pittenger, Kenny | title = The Oral History of SpongeBob SquarePants | work = Hogan's Alley #17 | year = 2010 | accessdate = September 21, 2012|url=http://cartoonician.com/the-oral-history-of-spongebob-squarepants/|publisher=Bull Moose Publishing Corporation}}</ref> However, the Nickelodeon legal department discovered that the name "SpongeBoy" was already in use for a mop product.<ref name=Radio /><ref name="Banks 2004, p. 31">[[#Exposed|Banks 2004]], p. 31</ref> This was discovered after voice acting for the original seven-minute pilot was recorded in 1997.<ref name=Radio /> Upon finding this out, Hillenburg decided that the character's given name still had to contain "Sponge" so viewers would not mistake the character for a "Cheese Man." (This was later depicted in episodes such as "[[Band Geeks]]" and "[[What Ever Happened to SpongeBob?]]"). Hillenburg decided to use the name "SpongeBob." He chose "SquarePants" as a family name as it referred to the character's square shape and it had a "nice ring to it." Despite that, SpongeBob would be called SpongeBoy in a few episodes such as "[[Squeaky Boots]]" and "[[It's a SpongeBob Christmas!]]"<ref name="Neuwirth 2003, p. 51">[[#Exposed|Neuwirth 2003]], p. 51</ref>

In an interview with {{W|Cyma Zarghami}}, she told "their [Nickelodeon executives'] immediate reaction was to see it again, both because they liked it and it was unlike anything they had ever seen before."<ref name=Huffington>{{cite web|last=Bauder|first=David|title=SpongeBob Turns 10 Valued At $8 Billion|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/07/14/spongebob-turns-10-valued_n_231304.html|work=Huffington Post|accessdate=May 22, 2013|date=July 13, 2009}}</ref> Hillenburg said the character construction in the episode was loose. But the character development was already "pretty strong."<ref name=Cavna>{{cite web|last=Cavna|first=Michael|title=The Top Five 'SpongeBob' Episodes: We Pick 'Em|url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/comic-riffs/2009/07/the_top_five_spongebob_episode.html|accessdate=May 28, 2013|date=July 14, 2009|work=The Washington Post}}</ref> Cavna rewatched the episode in 2009 and said "so much of the style and polish are already in place."<ref name=Cavna2/><ref name=Cavna2>{{cite web|last=Cavna|first=Michael|title=The Interview: 'SpongeBob' Creator Stephen Hillenburg|url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/comic-riffs/2009/07/_tom_kenny_who_voices.html|work=The Washington Post|accessdate=May 28, 2013|date=July 14, 2009}}</ref>

Stephen Hillenburg and Derek Drymon were having dinner and came up with the idea for "Help Wanted" based on an experience Hillenburg had in the {{W|Scouting|Boy Scouts}}.<ref name=DrymonHA/> Hillenburg and writer [[Tim Hill]] worked it into an outline.<ref name=DrymonHA/> In 1997 while pitching the cartoon to Nickelodeon executives, Stephen Hillenburg donned a Hawaiian shirt, brought along an "underwater terrarium with models of the characters," and Hawaiian music to set the theme. The setup was described by Nick executive Eric Coleman as "pretty amazing."<ref name="Coleman">{{cite video | people=Coleman, Eric|date=2003|title=The Origin of SpongeBob SquarePants. SpongeBob SquarePants: The Complete First Season| medium=DVD|publisher=Paramount Home Entertainment}}</ref> When given money and 2 weeks to write the pilot episode ("Help Wanted"), Hillenburg, Derek Drymon, and [[Nick Jennings]] returned with – described by Nickelodeon official Albie Hecht – "a performance [I] wish [I] had on tape."<ref name="Hecht">{{cite video | people=Hecht, Albie|date=2003|title=The Origin of SpongeBob SquarePants. SpongeBob SquarePants: The Complete First Season| medium=DVD|publisher=Paramount Home Entertainment}}</ref> Although described as stressful by executive producer Derek Drymon, the pitch went "very well"; Kevin Kay and Hecht had to step outside because they were "exhausted from laughing," making the cartoonists worried.<ref name="Hecht" /> With help from Tim Hill and art director Nick Jennings, Hillenburg finished the pitch and sold ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' to Nickelodeon.<ref name=DrymonHA/> Drymon said, "the network approved it—so we were ready to go."<ref name=DrymonHA/>

''SpongeBob SquarePants'' aired this as the first episode along with "[[Reef Blower]]/[[Tea at the Treedome]]" on {{Time|May 1}}, {{Time|1999}}, following the ''Nickelodeon {{W|Kids' Choice Awards}}''.<ref name="Zap 2 It">{{cite web | url=http://tv.zap2it.com/tveditorial±/tve_main/1,1002,271%7C52151%7C1%7C,00.html | title=SpongeBob Coming Soon | accessdate=2008-04-27 | work=Zap 2 It | date=1999-05-31}}</ref><ref name="NYT">{{cite news | url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9802E6D61E3DF932A25754C0A96F958260&scp=1&sq=SpongeBob&st=nyt | title=Television / Radio; The Tide Pool as Talent Pool (It Had to Happen) | accessdate=2008-04-26 | work=The New York Times | date=1999-07-11 | first=Anita | last=Gates}}</ref><ref name="Banks, p. 8"></ref> The series later made its "official" debut on {{Time|July 17}}, 1999 with the second episode, "[[Bubblestand]]/[[Ripped Pants]]." This episode was reaired on {{Time|July 24}}, 1999 along with "Reef Blower/Tea at the Treedome" to consider it official.<ref name="Zap 2 It"/><ref name="NYT"/><ref name="Banks, p. 8"/>

===Animation===
The pilot episode was made and recorded in 1997, so it has many differences to the rest of the series. However, the original version of the episode had many other minor differences corrected later. For example, this is the only episode where SpongeBob's bed is on the right (excluding "[[Pickles]]," "[[Employee of the Month]]," and "[[Best Day Ever]]"), and his blanket is solid blue, as opposed to purple with flowers.

Differences in voices are another example. SpongeBob's voice is slightly lower, and Patrick's voice is deeper.

Designs and colors for characters are also different.
[[File:Help Wanted 107.png|thumb|Squidward with pale cyan skin, and Mr. Krabs with light red eyelids]]
*SpongeBob has fewer holes than he does in newer episodes. He also looks a little bit fatter. His shoes are also a bit bigger.
*Mr. Krabs' eyelids are bright pink as opposed to red.
*Patrick's pants are in a slightly different color, not to mention he looks slightly chubbier.
*Squidward's complexion is paler, his laugh is different, the comedic "splat" sound is different, and his nose does not puff in and out when he laughs.
*Gary's eye pupils are red dots and his irises are smaller, and he has a higher, somewhat squeakier tone of voice in the "meow" that sounds a little closer to a realistic cat's meow – although [[Tom Kenny]] claims to use a new "meow" for each episode (when Gary is shown meowing).

Other things:
*The animation used for the [[bubble transitions]] are much choppier.
*Squidward appears to have rows of bamboo poles behind his house.
*There is only one window in the front of SpongeBob's house. Some other early episodes, such as "[[Boating School]]," also show SpongeBob's house with only one window.
*There was an intro which was scrapped for unknown reasons.

[[File:SPONGEBOB 1997.jpg|thumb|260px|1997 Intro]]

The changes were made when the series officially aired.

===Music===
{{MLegend}}
{{APM|h|Hawaiian Train|Victor Cavini|title card}}
{{APM|a|Aloha Oe|Hans Haider, Queen Lili'uokalani|The opening}}
{{APM|h|Honolulu March|Hans Haider|"Today's the big day, Gary."}}
{{APM|l|The Land is Ours|Gregor F. Narholz|SpongeBob lifts hid teddy bear weights.}}
{{APM|g|Grand Orchestral Fanfare|Gregor F. Narholz|SpongeBob lift his teddy bear weights.}}
{{APM|h|Honolulu March|Hans Haider|"I'm ready, I'm ready, I'm ready..."}}
{{APM|n|Next Door Neighbour|Rick Cassman, Vyvyan Hope-Scott|"The Krusty Krab, home of the Krabby Patty."}}
{{APM|l|The Land is Ours|Gregor F. Narholz|Patrick encourages SpongeBob.}}
{{APM|g|Grand Orchestral Fanfare|Gregor F. Narholz|"Who's a big yellow cube with holes?"}}
{{APM|h|Honolulu March|Hans Haider|SpongeBob runs to the Krusty Krab.}}
{{APM|o|Oyster Girls|Robert Alexander White|"Permission to come aboard, captain!"}}
{{APM|r|The Rake Hornpipe|Robert Alexander White|Mr. Krabs gives SpongeBob a test.}}
{{APM|b|Bartmania A|Guy Moon|"That sounded like hatch doors."}}
{{APM|m|Menace from the Deep|Robert Cornford|"That smell... a kind of smelly smell."}}
{{APM|b|Bartmania A|Guy Moon|Anchovies rush into the Krusty Krab/Anchovies pick up the boat/"All hands on deck! Get your anchors out of your pants!"}}
{{APM|d|Death Trap|Gregor F. Narholz|"Batten down the hatches, Mr. Squidward!"}}
{{APM|b|Bossa Cubana|Gerhard Narholz|SpongeBob shops for a hydro-dynamic spatula at Barg-'N-Mart.}}
{{APM|b|Battle at Sea|Johnny Pearson|"Climb, Mr. Squidward! Climb!"}}
{{APM|r|Reach for the Stars|Richard A. Harvey|SpongeBob returns.}}
{{APM|m|The Main Event|Gregor F. Narholz|The hydro-dynamic spatula is revealed.}}
{{APM|l|Living in the Sunlight, Loving in the Moonlight|Tiny Tim|Montage of SpongeBob making Krabby Patties/Ending.}}

===Release===
*"Help Wanted," along with "Reef Blower" and "Tea at the Treedome," premiered on Nickelodeon on {{Time|May 1}}, {{Time|1999}}, alongside the {{W|1999 Kids' Choice Awards}}. Later, nine other years had episodes premiering on the same day as the Kids' Choice Awards: "[[Krabby Land|Krabby Land (2004)]]," "[[The Camping Episode|The Camping Episode (2004)]]," "[[Krusty Towers|Krusty Towers (2006)]]," "[[Mrs. Puff, You're Fired|Mrs. Puff, You're Fired (2006)]]," "[[Born to Be Wild|Born to Be Wild (2007)]]," "[[Best Frenemies|Best Frenemies (2007)]]," "[[Nautical Novice|Nautical Novice (2008)]]," "[[Spongicus|Spongicus (2008)]]," "[[Sentimental Sponge|Sentimental Sponge (2011)]]," "[[Are You Happy Now?|Are You Happy Now? (2012)]]," "[[Planet of the Jellyfish|Planet of the Jellyfish (2012)]]," "[[Kenny the Cat|Kenny the Cat (2014)]]," "[[Mall Girl Pearl|Mall Girl Pearl (2016)]]," "[[Two Thumbs Down|"Two Thumbs Down (2016)]]," "[[SpongeBob's Place|SpongeBob's Place (2017)]]," and "[[Plankton Gets the Boot|Plankton Gets the Boot (2017)]]."

*This episode was released on the following DVDs: (due to copyright issues with [[Livin' in the Sunlight, Lovin' in the Moonlight]], it was not released on The Complete 1st Season box set and The First And Second Seasons box set).
**[[10 Happiest Moments]] (bonus)
**[[The Complete 3rd Season]] (disc 3, bonus)
**[[100,000,000 Fans Can't Be Wrong]] press kit
**[[The First 100 Episodes]] (disc 1)
**[[The Complete Third Season]] (disc 3, bonus)
**[[SpongeBob, You're Fired! (DVD)|SpongeBob, You're Fired!]] (as single episode, chapter 11)
**[[The Pilot a Mini-Movie and the Square Shorts]] (as single episode)
**[[Tea at the Treedome (DVD)|Tea at the Treedome]]

===Reception===
*{{Reception
|date = {{Time|December 16}}, {{Time|2018}}
|IMDBid = <ref>[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0707293/ IMDB rating]</ref>
|IMDB = 8.8
|IMDBreviews = 942
|TVid = <ref>[http://www.tv.com/shows/spongebob-squarepants/help-wanted-reef-blowers-tea-at-the-treedome-53077/ TV.com rating]</ref>
|TV = 8.7
|TVvotes = 459
}}
*This episode ranks #1 on Tom Kenny's Top 20 collection on {{W|iTunes}}.
*{{Rank|Help Wanted|BDE=24|SB=6}}

==Trivia==
{{Trivia
|timedate=*7:00 a.m.: SpongeBob wakes up
*7:30 a.m.: Enters the [[Krusty Krab]]
*7:45 a.m.: Enters the [[Barg'N-Mart]]
*One day before "[[Krusty Krab Training Video]]"
*Before every other Krusty Krab appearance/mentioning and all other Mr. Krabs appearances (except the [[List of shorts#Friend or Foe shorts|"Friend or Foe" shorts]])
*After SpongeBob gets his home, which can be seen during a flashback in "[[Truth or Square]]."
*After the past segment of "[[SB-129]]," "[[Ugh]]," "[[Scavenger Pants]]," "[[Tea at the Treedome]],"  and "[[Procrastination]]"
}}
===General===
*This is the only {{Link|season 1}} episode not featured on the Complete First Season DVD and The First And Second Seasons DVD, due to copyright issues with the song "Livin' in the Sunlight, Lovin' in the Moonlight" by [[Tiny Tim]], which is played during the episode. However, on the German release of the DVD, the episode is actually included.<ref>https://www.amazon.de/SpongeBob-Schwammkopf-komplette-erste-Season/dp/B00HW5250Y/ref=sr_1_4_sspa?s=dvd&ie=UTF8&qid=1540771083&sr=1-4-spons&keywords=SpongeBob+Schwammkopf+-+Die+komplette+Season+1&psc=1</ref>
*This is the only season 1 episode produced in 1997.
*The beginning of the episode, in which SpongeBob says, "Today's the big day, Gary," can be seen on a TV in the {{Time|2002}} comedy film ''{{W|Orange County (film)|Orange County}}''.
*SpongeBob's bed is on the right side of his room, whereas later episodes show it on the left side.
*SpongeBob is shown to have a pet scallop that he keeps in a birdcage. The scallop makes occasional appearances throughout the series.
*The French narrator is the first to speak in the series.
*It is revealed that SpongeBob's first words were "May I take your order?"
**It is also revealed that SpongeBob built a [[spatula]] out of toothpicks in the wood shop.
*SpongeBob states that he has been training his whole life to join the Krusty Crew. This is supported in the episode "[[Friend or Foe]]."
*Normally, when SpongeBob walks, his shoes make a squeaky sound. However, in this episode, the squeak is not heard.
*Right before Squidward tells the anchovies to get in a "neat single-file line," one of them says "Speak up!” if one were to listen closely.
*This is one of the seven episodes in which the 1986-{{Time|2002}} [[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]] logo is plastered with the {{Time|2002}}-{{Time|2011}} Paramount logo. The others are "[[Squeaky Boots]]," "F.U.N.," "[[Squidward the Unfriendly Ghost]]," "[[Employee of the Month]]," "[[Karate Choppers]]," and "[[Rock Bottom]]."
*There is an old ''SpongeBob'' online game based on this episode called ''[[Anchovy Feeding Frenzy]]''.
*On {{Time|September 7}}, {{Time|2013}}, there was a live script reading with the voice actors at {{W|Universal Studios}} Hollywood for this episode.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3FlaYx8nzk</ref>
*Starting in {{Time|2015}}, during reruns of this episode, the intro repeatedly goes faster and changes back to its normal speed.{{citation needed}}
*This episode was finished in 1997, but did not air until May 1, 1999, because the cast wanted to change various things.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNfLaA5uzUg</ref>[[File:CBSH.png|thumb|300px|The early ending]]
*The original pilot version of this episode has some differences, including the early intro being played a bit later in the episode - specifically after SpongeBob gets ready and goes to the Krusty Krab - and at the ending, instead of the [[United Plankton Pictures, Inc.]] logo being displayed, it instead shows a picture of SpongeBob with the text "created by Stephen Hillenburg."
**Another difference with production and the sorts is that the [[Nickelodeon Animation Studio]]s logo at the end has a small copyright notice with 1997 as the production date. The television airing has a more detailed and prolonged copyright notice with a production of 1999.
*In the [[SpužvaBob Skockani|Croatian dub]], this episode is called "Tražimo Kuhara," which translates to "We are Looking for the Fry Cook."
*In the [[SüngərBob KvadratŞalvar|Azerbaijani voiceover]], this episode is called "İşçi tələb olunur," which translates to "Workers Are Required."
*In a video on the official Nickelodeon YouTube channel, called "Firsts From the First Episode: SpongeBob SquarePants Edition," the song "Livin' in the Sunlight, Lovin' in the Moonlight" is replaced with [[Twelfth Street Rag]].<ref name="YouTube TSR" />
*SpongeBob mentions the episode title when he says "There it is. The finest eating establishment ever established for eating: The Krusty Krab, home of the Krabby Patty. With a '''Help Wanted''' sign in the window."

===Errors===
[[File:Stephen Hilleburg error in Help Wanted.png|thumb|260px|Should be written as "Stephen Hille'''n'''burg"]]
*Stephen Hillenburg's name in the "Written By" section of the opening credits is misspelled as "Stephen Hilleburg."
*The last time SpongeBob says "I'm ready!" his collar turns red.
*When SpongeBob walks inside the Krusty Krab and says, "I've been waiting my entire life to join the Krusty Krab crew!," the Krusty Krab's lights are off, but when he says "And now I'm ready!," the lights are on.
*In the Krusty Krab, all doors to the left of the [[Krusty Krab cash register|cash register]] are not there. When Mr. Krabs goes to his office, he goes to the right.
*When Mr. Krabs jumps every time he says "Hip, hip!" his white undershirt disappears for less than a second.
*When SpongeBob arrives with the hydro-dynamic spatula, Squidward's skin changes from blue to white.
*When SpongeBob bounces, he is not seen wearing his pants or shoes.
*When Patrick says "Who's ready?," his eyelids are pink instead of purple.
*SpongeBob does not have a hole in the upper left corner of his head.
*There are scenes where Mr. Krabs blinks his eyes, and his eye stalks are brighter more than his body.
[[File:Help Wanted 057.png|thumb|Red collar error]]
*During the scene where SpongeBob jumps proudly, the color of his collar is red instead of white. The same is true in the final shot of SpongeBob using his spatula to hit several Krabby Patties out to the anchovies.
*The original captions spell "Krabby Patty" as "Crabby Patty."
*When Mr. Krabs says "Climb Mr. Squidward! Climb!," Squidward's top layer of teeth are purple.
*When Squidward says "Mr. Krabs!," the anchor illustration on his hat disappears for a split second.
*In the scene where the buses pull up to the Krusty Krab, there are four buses, but in the next scene when they park, there are five of them.
*When Mr. Krabs and Squidward hit the pole, a frame of what looks like the alternate or inverted background for the credits appear.

==Gallery==
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</gallery>

==Transcript==
{{L|''[Following the SpongeBob SquarePants theme song, the brief opening titles show the names of creator Stephen Hillenburg, Derek Drymon and others. The episode opens with a bubble transition, and we see a coral reef under the sea. The camera zooms to initiate parallax scrolling, which reveals the city of Bikini Bottom. It continues zooming to show a brown rock, a Moai head, and a pineapple, which each contain inhabitants.]''}}
{{L|French Narrator|Ah, the sea... so fascinating. So wonderful. Here, we see Bikini Bottom, teeming with life. ''[Shows from left to right Patrick's, Squidward's, and SpongeBob's houses. Zooms in on SpongeBob's house.]'' Home to one of my favorite creatures, SpongeBob SquarePants. Yes, of course he lives in a pineapple, you silly. ''[Scene cuts to the house's bedroom. A sea snail is seen sleeping near a pile of newspapers on the floor, a scallop is seen in a birdcage, and a young, optimistic sea sponge is seen sleeping in his bed, snoring as his foghorn alarm clock ticks. SpongeBob's alarm then sounds. He wakes, but is unaffected by the annoying sound, and with a smile on his face, turns it off. He climbs from his bed to a ladder, leading to his diving board.]''}}
{{L|SpongeBob|Today's the big day, Gary.}}
{{L|Gary|Meow.}}
{{L|SpongeBob|''[jumps on the diving board]'' Look at me, I'm... ''[jumps up, and leaves his underwear behind]'' ...naked! ''[Lands inside pants, walks over to exercise room. His head pops out of the top of his pants.]'' Gotta be in top physical condition for today, Gary.}}
{{L|Gary|Meow.}}
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
{{L|SpongeBob|''[He goes inside his small gym room that has a sign that reads "I Love Pain." Taking deep breaths, he prepares to lift a barbell that is balanced by two lightweight stuffed animals. He sticks out his chest, but almost passes out because he can barely lift it. He drops it, and it makes a "squeak" noise]'' I'm ready! ''[runs outside]'' I'm ready, I'm ready, I'm ready, I'm ready, I'm ready, I'm ready, I'm ready, I'm ready, I'm ready, I'm ready! ''[A dimwitted sea star's rock tilts upwards with him stuck to its underside]''}}
{{L|Patrick|Go, SpongeBob! ''[Patrick falls]'' Whoa! ''[crash sound effect]''}}
{{L|SpongeBob|''[runs down the street to the Krusty Krab]'' There it is. The finest eating establishment ever established for eating: The Krusty Krab, home of the Krabby Patty. With a Help Wanted sign in the window. For years I've been dreaming of this moment. I'm gonna go in there, march straight to the manager, look 'im straight in the eye ''[breaks the fourth wall and looks the audience in the eye]'', lay it on the line and... I can't do this! ''[He starts to run home, but Patrick stops him.]'' Uh, Patrick!}}
{{L|Patrick|Where do you think you're going?}}
{{L|SpongeBob|I was just...}}
{{L|Patrick|No you're not. You're going to the Krusty Krab and get that job.}}
{{L|SpongeBob|I can't, don't you see? I'm not good enough.}}
{{L|Patrick|Whose first words were "may I take your order"?}}
{{L|SpongeBob|Mine were.}}
{{L|Patrick|Who made a spatula out of toothpicks in wood shop?}}
{{L|SpongeBob|I did.}}
{{L|Patrick|''[grimaces and contorts twice while trying to come up with a good third line]'' Who's a, uh, who's uhh, oh! Who's a big yellow cube with holes?}}
{{L|SpongeBob|I am.}}
{{L|Patrick|Who's ready?}}
{{L|SpongeBob|I'm ready!}}
{{L|Patrick|Who's ready?}}
{{L|SpongeBob|I'm ready!}}
{{L|Patrick|Who's ready?}}
{{L|SpongeBob|I'm ready! I'm ready! I'm ready! I'm ready! ''[runs toward the Krusty Krab. A squid is seen cleaning graffiti on the restaurant's windows.]''}}
{{L|Squidward|''[cleaning graffiti of himself with the word "loser," sees SpongeBob, and sighs]'' Oh no, SpongeBob. What could he possibly want?}}
{{L|SpongeBob|''[in background, at first while Squidward was talking]'' I'm ready! I'm ready! I'm ready! I'm ready! I'm ready! I'm ready! Go, SpongeBob! Go, SpongeBob! Go, SpongeBob! Go, self! ''[Squidward looks at the Help Wanted sign, screams, and runs inside.]''}}
{{L|Squidward|''[While SpongeBob says, "I'm ready," one more time in the background]'' Mr. Krabs! ''[cuts to the ordering window, where a greedy crab is seen happily sniffing a handful of money. Squidward runs up to him.]'' Hurry, Mr. Krabs, before it's too late, I gotta tell you- ''[interrupted by SpongeBob]''}}
{{L|SpongeBob|Permission to come aboard, captain. ''[deep voice]'' I've been training my whole life for the day I could join the Krusty Krew ''[normal voice]'' and now I'm ready. ''[SpongeBob trips on a nail stuck in the floorboard. His fall causes him to bounce against the ceiling. SpongeBob shouts and blurts incomprehensibly while his bounces and ricochets around the building accelerate. He then rolls to a stop at the feet of Squidward and Mr. Krabs.]'' So, uh, when do I start?}}
{{L|Mr. Krabs|Well, lad, it looks like you don't even have your sea legs. }}
{{L|SpongeBob|Mr. Krabs, please. I'll prove I'm fry cook material. Ask Squidward, he'll vouch for me. ''[Mr. Krabs and Squidward quickly walk away from SpongeBob]''}}
{{L|Squidward|''[deep breath]'' No. ''[Mr. Krabs winks. They head back to SpongeBob]''}}
{{L|Mr. Krabs|Well, lad, we'll give you a test, and if you pass, you'll be on the Krusty Krew. Go out and fetch me... ''[SpongeBob takes out a notepad]'' a, uh, hydrodynamic spatula... ''[SpongeBob quickly jots down what he says]'' with, um, port-and-starboard-attachments, ''[more scribbling]'' and, uh... turbo drive. ''[more scribbling]'' And don't come back ‘til you get one. ''[Mr. Krabs puts a Krusty Krab crew hat on SpongeBob's head. SpongeBob sees how he looks in a mirror, there are sparkles on his hat, and he has a huge, satisfied smile]''}}
{{L|SpongeBob|''[saluting Krabs]'' Aye aye, captain! ''[reading]'' One hydrodynamic spatula, with port-and-starboard attachments, turbo drive, coming right up, Sir!}}
{{L|Mr. Krabs|Carry on! ''[SpongeBob leaves]'' We'll never see that lubber again.}}
{{L|Squidward|You're terrible. A hydro-what? ''[Squidward and Mr. Krabs laugh. While Squidward laughs, his nose moves distinctly while he inhales and exhales. Krabs laugh sounds like a pirate. As they laugh, SpongeBob is shown leaving the Krusty Krab. As SpongeBob fades out of sight, five buses drive toward the Krusty Krab from the opposite direction.]''}}
{{L|Bus driver|Hey! Hey! Please! Passengers are to stay seated and not put their hands out the window! ''[The buses surround the Krusty Krab and the doors open; Mr. Krabs stops laughing.]''}}
{{L|Mr. Krabs|That sounded like hatch doors. ''[sniffs repeatedly]'' Do you smell it? That smell. A kind of smelly smell. A smelly smell that smells... smelly. ''[bulgy eyes]'' Anchovies.}}
{{L|Squidward|What?}}
{{L|Mr. Krabs|Anchovies! ''[Anchovies get out of the buses and rush inside the Krusty Krab, crowding, repeating the word "meep" over and over again]''}}
{{L|Squidward|Please, please, quiet! ''[anchovies stop talking]'' Is this any way to behave, hmmm?}}
{{L|Anchovy|Meep!}}
{{L|Squidward|Could we show a little decency and form a neat, single file line in front of the register? ''[The anchovies are quiet at first, then pick up the boat, as their cries of "meep!" become more intense. Cut to Barg'N-Mart as SpongeBob enters.]''}}
{{L|SpongeBob|''[singing to himself]'' Barg'N-Mart, Barg'N-Mart, meeting all of your spatula needs. ''[cuts back to the Krusty Krab. Squidward and Mr. Krabs are still in the boat register, and being tossed around like a ship in a storm.]''}}
{{L|Mr. Krabs|All hands on deck! Get your anchors out of your pants!}}
{{L|Squidward|One single file line was all I asked!}}
{{L|Mr. Krabs|Whoa! ''[Mr. Krabs and Squidward are thrown up in the air]''  Batten down the hatches, Mr. Squidward! ''[they get thrown back up again; the boat is in splinters]'' We're taking on water, Mr. Squidward! ''[they get thrown back up again, with Krabs clutching Squidward]'' I want my mommy, Mr. Squidward! ''[cuts to Barg'N-Mart]''}}
{{L|SpongeBob|''[singing]'' Do do do do do do, spatula, spatula, port-and-starboard attachments. ''[cuts back to the Krusty Krab]''}}
{{L|Squidward|Help!}}
{{L|Mr. Krabs|Man overboard! Climb, Mr. Squidward! Climb! ''[They climb the mast, while the anchovies try to get them down. The anchovies then form a big wave.]''}}
{{L|Anchovies|Meep! Meep!}}
{{L|Mr. Krabs|This is the end! Goodbye, Mr. Squidward!}}
{{L|Squidward|Oh, Mr. Krabs! ''[They cry, then SpongeBob comes in with red lights flashing and flying with the spatula, singing a heroic tune]''}}
{{L|SpongeBob|Permission to come aboard captain! Da da da da da da da! Da da da da da da da da da da! Did someone order a spatula?}}
{{L|Squidward and Mr. Krabs|''[stuttering while shocked at the SpongeBob getting the hydrodynamic spatula]''}}
{{L|SpongeBob|That's right! One hydrodynamic spatula with ''[two spatulas pop out on the sides of the previous one]'' port-and-starboard attachments, and lets not forget the turbo drive! ''[the two extending spatulas twirl around and smack Squidward and Mr. Krabs in the face]'' Would you believe they only had one in stock? To the kitchen! ''[to the anchovies]'' Who's hungry?! ''[Tiny Tim's "Living in the Sunlight, Loving in the Moonlight" plays while SpongeBob serves up Krabby Patty after Krabby Patty. Numerous Krabby Patties are launched through the opening window to the hungry anchovies. Eventually, all of the anchovies are served and they leave on the buses. Cuts to later.]''}}
{{L|Mr. Krabs|That was the finest fast-foodsmanship I've ever seen, Mr. SquarePants. Welcome aboard. ''[Mr. Krabs gives SpongeBob a name tag]''}}
{{L|Squidward|B-but, but, Mr. Krabs...}}
{{L|Mr. Krabs|Three cheers for SpongeBob! Hip-hip!}}
{{L|Squidward|''[weakly]'' Hooray, Mr.-}}
{{L|Mr. Krabs|Hip-hip.}}
{{L|Squidward|''[quickly]'' Hooray. M-}}
{{L|Mr. Krabs|Hip-hip.}}
{{L|Squidward|''[quickly]'' Hooray. Mr. Krabs!}}
{{L|Mr. Krabs|I'll be in my quarters, counting up the booty. ''[He wheels a wheelbarrow piled with an enormous stack of cash to his office. Patrick enters]''}}
{{L|Patrick|Good morning, Krusty Krew!}}
{{L|Squidward|What would you like to order, Patrick?}}
{{L|Patrick|One Krabby Patty, please. ''[The instrumental to "Living in the Sunlight, Loving in the Moonlight" starts playing. SpongeBob flies back to the kitchen, using his spatula, and a score of Krabby Patties is immediately fired through the servery, which collide with Patrick and send him flying out of the Krusty Krab. Cuts to Krusty Krab exterior; crashing noises.]''}}
{{L|Patrick|''[screams]''}}
{{L|Squidward|Mr. Krabs! Mr. Krabs! ''[calmly and singing]'' Mr. Krabs, come see your new employee.}} 
</div>

==Videos==
[[File:Firsts from the First Episode SpongeBob SquarePants Edition Nick|thumb|center|335 px]]
[[File:SpongeBob's Official Debut 🦀 The Very FIRST 5 Minutes of Help Wanted!|thumb|center|335 px]]

==Credits==
{{ListCredits/top|Help Wanted|Reef Blower|Tea at the Treedome}}

{{ListCredits/line}}

{{ListCredits/title|''"Help Wanted"''}}
{{ListCredits|Storyboard Director|Stephen Hillenburg}}
{{ListCredits|Storyboard Artist|Derek Drymon}}
{{ListCredits|Written by|Stephen Hillenburg<br>Derek Drymon<br>Tim Hill}}
{{ListCredits|Animation Director|Alan Smart}}

{{ListCredits/title|''"Tea at the Treedome"''}}
{{ListCredits|Storyboard Director|Paul Tibbitt}}
{{ListCredits|Storyboard Artist|Mark O'Hare}}
{{ListCredits|Written by|Peter Burns<br>Mr. Lawrence<br>Paul Tibbitt}}
{{ListCredits|Animation Director|Tom Yasumi}}
{{ListCredits|Creative Director|Derek Drymon}}

{{ListCredits/line}}

{{ListCredits|Executive Producer|Stephen Hillenburg}}
{{ListCredits|Line Producer|Donna Castricone}}
{{ListCredits|Art Director|Nicholas R. Jennings}}
{{ListCredits|Supervising Director|Alan Smart}}
{{ListCredits|Story Editor|Peter Burns}}
{{ListCredits|Writers|Peter Burns<br>Mr. Lawrence<br>Derek Drymon<br>Stephen Hillenburg}}
{{ListCredits|Script Coordinator|Alex Gordon}}

{{ListCredits/line}}

{{ListCredits/title|Cast}}
{{ListCredits|Tom Kenny|SpongeBob/Narrator/Sub Driver/Gary}}
{{ListCredits|Rodger Bumpass|Squidward}}
{{ListCredits|Clancy Brown|Mr. Krabs}}
{{ListCredits|Bill Fagerbakke|Patrick Star}}
{{ListCredits|Carolyn Lawrence|Sandy Cheeks}}

{{ListCredits/line}}

{{ListCredits|Casting Director|Donna Grillo}}
{{ListCredits|Casting Coordinators|Alex Gordon<br>Dawn Hershey}}
{{ListCredits|Executive Assistants|Jennie Monica<br>Dina Buteyn}}
{{ListCredits|Recording Engineer|Al Johnson}}
{{ListCredits|2nd Engineer|Jim Leber}}
{{ListCredits|Audio Supervisor and Dialogue Editor|Tony Ostyn}}
{{ListCredits|Animatic Operator|Brian Robitaille}}
{{ListCredits|Animatic Scanner|Jon Delaurie}}

{{ListCredits/line}}

{{ListCredits/title|"Help Wanted"}}
{{ListCredits|Senior Producer|Michael Lessa}}
{{ListCredits|Producer|Larry LeFrancis}}
{{ListCredits|Production Executive|Andy Rheingold}}

{{ListCredits/title|"Reef Blower"}}
{{ListCredits|Storyboard Director|Paul Tibbitt}}
{{ListCredits|Storyboard Artist|Jay Lender}}
{{ListCredits|Animation Directors|Fred Miller<br>Tom Yasumi}}

{{ListCredits/line}}

{{ListCredits|Assistant Storyboard Artists|Carl Greenblatt<br>Bruce B. Heller<br>Bill Reiss}}
{{ListCredits|Original Character Design|Stephen Hillenburg}}
{{ListCredits|"Help Wanted" Character Layout|Mark O'Hare<br>Erik Wiese}}
{{ListCredits|Character Designer|Todd White}}
{{ListCredits|Prop Designer|Thaddeus Paul Couldron}}
{{ListCredits|Clean-Up Artists|Soonjin Mooney<br>Erik Wiese}}
{{ListCredits|Artist Intern|Cynthia Tello}}
{{ListCredits|Layout Supervisor|Dave Gordon}}
{{ListCredits|BG Layout Design|Kenny Pittenger<br>John Seymore}}
{{ListCredits|Background Painters|Andy "Spike" Clark<br>Calvin G. Liang<br>Nicholas R. Jennings}}
{{ListCredits|Digital BG Supervisor|Andrew Brandou}}
{{ListCredits|Digital BG Coordinator|Walter Hong}}
{{ListCredits|Digital BG Assistants|Stephen Christian<br>David Wigforss}}
{{ListCredits|Supervising Color Stylist|Teale Reon Wang}}
{{ListCredits|Color Stylists|Dene Ann Heming<br>Christina Long}}
{{ListCredits|Assistant Color Key|Meg Hanna}}
{{ListCredits|"Help Wanted" Key Animator|Erik Wiese}}
{{ListCredits|Sheet Timer|Tom Yasumi}}
{{ListCredits|Final Checker|Karen Shaffer}}
{{ListCredits|Production Coordinators|Megan Brown<br>June Tedesco<br>Tony Garcia}}
{{ListCredits|Production Assistants|Marcy Dewey<br>Derek Iversen}}
{{ListCredits|Post Production Director|Heather Adams}}
{{ListCredits|Post Production Supervisor|Wendi McNeese}}
{{ListCredits|Post Production Assistants|Matt Brown<br>Mishelle Smith<br>Shawn Trask}}
{{ListCredits|Picture Editors|Brad Carow<br>Christopher Hink<br>Lynn Hobson}}
{{ListCredits|Assistant Editors|Mark Merthe<br>Matt Corey}}
{{ListCredits|Post Production Sound Supervisor and Mixer|Timothy J. Borquez}}
{{ListCredits|Sound FX Editor|Jeffrey Hutchins}}
{{ListCredits|Dialogue - ADR Editor|Jason Freeman}}
{{ListCredits|Re-Recording Mixers|Timothy J. Borquez<br>Timothy J. Garrity}}
{{ListCredits|Foley Mixer|Brad Brock}}
{{ListCredits|Foley Artist|Diane Greco}}
{{ListCredits|Music Editors|Nicolas Carr<br>William B. Griggs, M.P.S.E.}}
{{ListCredits|Music Composed by|The Blue Hawaiians<br>Sage Guyton & Jeremy Wakefield<br>Steve Belfer}}
{{ListCredits|Main Title Composed by|Hank Smith Music}}
{{ListCredits|Music Contributions|Lovecat Music<br>"Los Mel-Tones"<br>"The Langhorns"}}
{{ListCredits|"Living in The Sunshine, Loving in The Moonlight"|Written & Performed by Tiny Tim<br>(Courtesy Reprise Records)}}
{{ListCredits|On-Line Editors|Dan Aguilar<br>Brian Birkland}}
{{ListCredits|DaVinci Colorist|Dexter P.}}
{{ListCredits|Post Production Services|Todd AO - Hollywood Digital<br>Anderson Video<br>Encore Video}}
{{ListCredits|Animation Services|Rough Draft Studios, Korea}}
{{ListCredits|Overseas Supervisors|Doug Williams<br>Mark Petlock}}
{{ListCredits|Live Action Footage by|Bad Clams Productions, inc.<br>Sample Corporation}}
{{ListCredits|Still Photography by|David Frapwell}}
{{ListCredits|Developed by|Derek Drymon<br>Tim Hill<br>Nicholas R. Jennings}}
{{ListCredits|Production Executive|Eric Coleman}}
{{ListCredits|Executive in Charge of Production|Brian A. Miller}}

{{ListCredits/line}}

{{ListCredits/bottom|1999}}

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
{{IMDB|tt0707293}}
{{TV.com|help-wanted-reef-blowers-tea-at-the-treedome-53077}}
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLQ8Ol31MWM 1997 Beta Intro]

{{Wikipedia|Help Wanted}}
[[pl:Potrzebna pomoc]]
[[fr:Bienvenue à bord]]
[[de:Aushilfe gesucht]]
[[es:Se busca ayuda]]
[[it:Cercasi aiuto]]
[[el:Ζητείται Βοηθός]]
[[ru:Требуется помощник]]
[[zh:急徴店員]]
[[hu:Alkalmazott kerestetik]]