|
humorist-workshop
How do I get a job if I have no experience?
I have never had a job before and I've filled out many job applications, but no one has given me a call. I prefer to have a job thats close to where I live, but I think I'm not getting hired because I have no experience. I don't know what to put down for "work experience". Do I need a resume even though I don't have experience?
[ ]
Want to answer more questions in the Work & School category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Job Searches?
Getting your first job is hard. It took me about a year and I applied everywhere.
I'd suggest volunteering. That counts as experience and it always looks good.
Whenever it's possible, try walking in and asking for applications. Most will say it's online but meeting the manager and giving it to them personally always helps, then calling in to check on it will show you're really interested in the job.
It's always good to have a resume. Just start doing volunteer work.
]
It cost employers a lot of money to train someone to work for them. This is why they want to see some type of work experience, even if it does not fit the job you are applying for.
Volunteer work is work experience. On most job applications there is usually room include this information. Even if you do not have work experience using a resume to hand out is helpful. The resume is a professional piece that even when lacking in information on experience says a lot about you and your professionalism. MS word has a number of templates for different resume or you can use a resume service.
Whatever you do not lie about work experience for you will be found out and that lie will follow you for a very long time. Employers beyond anything else are looking for honesty. Once caught in a lie or deceptive practice it will be hard to shake that lie in the future.
On your resume make sure to list any and all volunteer or community service work you have done along with a very short description of that work. Brevity is important. Remember the employer is going to be looking at hundreds of applications for every job.
]
I don't think that you should lie...
It is tough finding your first job. I would suggest going in and talking to say a manager at the store you want to work in. For example, you can go to the employment office at Macy's and ask them how you can get a job, what you'll need experience in, how you can get it, and how motivated you are to work hard and do you best! It really helps when they have a face to put to the application. It allows them to see you're a great person and makes them want to hire you if you make a good impression and show you're willing to work hard. In addition, I would suggest calling back after a week or two inquiring about your application. I've had a few friends who got interviews when they called to check. So maybe that will help you! Don't give up and good luck!
]
Start volunteering.
There are other kinds if experience besides 'work' experience, and you need to feature those. Special roles, committees or after school clubs and activities can also be included but volunteering is the very best way to show you have experience and get some great references.
You do need a resume, but you also have to work your network. It may seem unfair, but the truth is that most of the time it's about who you know not what you know. Tell everyone you know that you are looking for a job. You are unlikely to get a call back until a friend or a friend of a friend makes your resume rise to the top of the pile.
EDIT: Don't lie. If you lie, you'll get fired and no one will give you a reference. Then you'll just be back in the same position you are now. Don't lie. That is horrible idea for someone who actually wants to get ahead in the world.
]
LIE. Sadly, this is what MOST people do. It's silly and stupid to require job experience for every job (making it impossible for someone to ever honestly get their FIRST job), but that's how things are...
You may need to make references, in which case lying can be harder to get away with. You could try volunteering or doing 'freelance' work and put that in there.
Also do not wait for them to call you. You need to call them (again, it's stupid I know).
You need to pretend it's your life's passion to work at whatever job it is, even if it's a stupid job.
]
More Questions: |