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Job search bust
16/f Canada
I've been looking for a summer job since March break (starting March 13th)and I still haven't found anything! I handed in a few applications to 3 stores with my resume and a cover letter and I haven't heard anything back. I also applied to many stores online as well. My family (especially my mom and grandfather) have been harassing me to get a job and that I need to "sell myself" and I just feel really overwhelmed because I'm only 16 and it's my first job ever and I don't know what to do. I feel like there's nothing that sets me apart from anyone else applying for a job because all I have is my work experience on a farm and me being on the honor roll for 3 years!!!! So how can I learn to sell myself and possibly attain a job this summer???
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Razhies absolutely right. Just another vote due to my own experiences that most teens get hired thru connections...a friend mentions them and they get the job or a parent, other relative or neighbor mentions you and vouches for you. The office I worked at got really busy every summer due to the type of business and needed extra helped. they hired 3 teens just for the summer only.
My own daughters all got their first jobs thru connections, friends who were teens also working at places. So though it may not sound right, it works, especially when you don't have any previous experience yet to speak for you. An employer who has a trustworthy teen already working for them who is always on time, dependable and good with co workers or customers is going to be trusted when they say they have a friend with just as good morals and trustworthiness who is looking for a job.
In the future once you have a history of past jobs, degrees and such, then a resume comes in very handy.
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Your mom and grandfather are wrong. Well-intentioned perhaps, but wrong. Sending out resumes and cover letters, not a good way to get your first job. That'll work for some people, but not most. You don't have much to 'sell', what you need, is someone to vouch for you.
So, ask every friend you have who has a job, if you can apply, who to talk too, and if they would ask on your behalf if they are hiring. Ask family friends, ask neighbours, ask your mom and grandfather to talk their friends with young people your age or a bit older. Tell EVERYONE you want a job.
The first job you find is probably going to be through a friend of a friend, because everyone your age has a bit of volunteer experience, decent grades and maybe some school clubs. You can't sell yourself that way. The way you can sell yourself is by saying "So-and-so knows me, and will vouch for me that I'll be a hard worker and not a moron." So, stop toiling behind the computer screen. Call all your friends. Post on Facebook or twitter (something positive - don't whine) asking for advice or any leads.
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