Help Wanted " is the series premiere of the American animated television series '' SpongeBob SquarePants '' . It originally aired on Nickelodeon in the United States on May 1 , 1999 , following the television airing of the 1999 Kids ' Choice Awards . The episode follows the protagonist , an anthropomorphic young sea sponge named SpongeBob SquarePants , attempting to get a job at a local restaurant called the Krusty Krab . However , he is tasked to find a seemingly rare high-caliber spatula because the owner , Mr. Krabs , considers him unqualified for the position . Eventually , crowds of ravenous anchovies stop by the Krusty Krab and demand meals . SpongeBob returns from his errand , having fulfilled the request of Mr. Krabs and found a mechanical spatula . He utilizes the spatula to satisfy the anchovies ' hunger . SpongeBob is then welcomed by Mr. Krabs as a Krusty Krab employee against the wishes of Squidward , the cashier of the Krusty Krab
1999 Kids ' Choice Awards
1999 Kids' Choice Awards
Help Wanted (SpongeBob SquarePants)