|
Can't get a job... What am I doing wrong?
How? How on Earth do some people get hired? What can help me get hired? I swear they lie to us in high school about everything. I'm 18, college freshman. So far it's nothing what they said it would be. That's one lie. The second, branches out into many lies about lateness and "professionalism." I have friends who work at places such as McDonald's who show up late everyday, can barley speak English, have horrible attitudes, have no experience, go to interviews with ripped pants, smoke and drink, act ghetto, (My friend's manager uses the "N" word ON THE JOB!!" yet I cannot get one. Even after resume reviews and changes (Very short one at that as I have no experience) I've lost track of where I've applied to. The only interviews I've had were at Guitar Center twice. Nothing. It pisses me off even more when I see employees do things like text while talking to me, that happened at the movie theater. What can I do, resume, interview, action wise to improve my chances? And I'm not talking about some BIG suit and tie job. I'm applying for like dish washing and cashier jobs, minimum wage jobs. At my second interview, the guy said they have training for people with no experience so yeah. I recently applied for dish washing and had to answer over 220 questions. It requires 3 months of experience at a restaurant. But I mean c'mon most people have been washing dishes half their life by 18. It's really aggravating me. I put all this effort into optimizing resumes, knowing about products and the company, preparing for the interview, being better dressed than the interviewer and other interviewees. By the logic of my observation, if I show up to an interview late with wrinkled clothes, I'm GOING to get the job.
[ ]
Want to answer more questions in the Work & School category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Job Searches?
You should totally get into the line of work that I do! Either homecare or a nursing home. Plus, it usually pays more then minimum wage so that might be of benefit to yo as well. :) Only thing is you have to really have the heart and patience for it. A lot those type of jobs don't require you to have "experience." However they do check your references so be sure you have a few really good references such as ministers, teachers from your school, lawyers, doctors, etc. Good luck with everything.
xoxo,
dottie4
]
It sounds to me like you are looking in the wrong places possibly for work. People looking for minimum wage positions do not generally show up to an interview with a resume. Neither do they make appointments for interviews. You are right when you say they are not dressed in any manner you or I feel is appropriate for an interview.
The problem is the managers are looking for these type of people as they tend to stay with them longer than someone like you who is just there to earns some, shall we say, pocket money to meet some expenses while in school.
Regardless of the positions you may be applying for there is a training period, yes even for dishwashers, that everyone goes through. Just about the time you're properly trained, and you would most likely train faster, school would be over for the summer and you might leave to go home. Then they have to find someone new.
The other possibility is that these managers see is. These minimum wage positions are not very rewarding personally or fulfilling. That you would become bored with them and look to move on once you have a work history.
This is what I would see in you as a manager looking to hire for a minimum wage position. If I am correct you have two choices. You can dumb yourself down by discarding your resume, dress yourself down and be someone you're not. The better alternative is to look for part-time job at a level above minimum wage positions.
The Christmas rush is about to begin in earnest in just over a week. Many department stores are looking for GOOD help at decent pay. These jobs start as Christmas fill in positions. Though for some, that are eager and hard working they can turn into long term employment at full or part-time positions. Many department and retail stores will try and keep the best of their Christmas help.
For the store their Christmas help has a two-fold meaning for them. They have extra help to handle the crowds and they have a try out period to select from to retain the best of the seasonal help.
Based on what you have written; I believe your best chances for employment at this time is to apply at the retail stores and department stores for the Christmas rush. Then when you are offered a position work your butt off to be one of the few that might be retained after the rush is over.
I fully subscribe to the theory that one must dress for success. This means even if you are applying for a job as a ditch digger you give that person's office the respect it deserves. It does not mean a suit and tie is required. But clean serviceable clothes in office casual is a good start. You and I are of this belief; unfortunately we are in the minority. It was also unfortunate for those people that interviewed with me for I'm sure I turned away many a candidate who were well qualified based only on their appearance. Stick to your principals for they are value based and will serve you well.
]
I'm sorry I can't entirely answer your question but maybe the people hiring you want a bit more... Casual employee. So, if they do something they shouldn't, they can trust you not to dub them in. Or, someone they think fits better with their customers. I dont know you, you might be super casual but I'm not sure that's coming across to the employers. Sorry I can't be more of a help, good luck :)
]
More Questions: |