Job hunting

.Ted

.Ted

The Boy Who Speaks of the Wind
Joined
Jan 5, 2010
Messages
458
Age
34
Location
Midwest, baby
Gil
0
Hi there. I've been looking for a job since last June, and, well, nothing so far.

I've applied in so many places, and some were even hiring, though they took so long to call I never expected them to call about two weeks ago. The man had a broken accent and I thought he just got the wrong number, but it wasn't until I hung up that I realized he was calling me for a job interview. That sucked. :(

Other than that, I haven't done anything wrong. I just don't have any work history. A lot of places want experience, and how am I supposed to be experienced if I can't even get it?

So, here we are. I need advice, or at least your input on this. What do you think about this? I seriously don't know where else to turn. x.x
 
It suuuuuuuuuuuucks out there. I'm in a similar boat, and I've found that it's not what you know, it's who you know. So the only thing I can suggest is to ask people you know (close friends/family members) if they know of any openings and/or can recommend you to someone.
 
Perhaps some voluntary work might be good to get some experience if that's what some employers are asking for.
 
Grahf said:
It suuuuuuuuuuuucks out there. I'm in a similar boat, and I've found that it's not what you know, it's who you know. So the only thing I can suggest is to ask people you know (close friends/family members) if they know of any openings and/or can recommend you to someone.
Click to expand...

Yeah, sometime around last month I asked a friend of mine. She told me to check in again in 1-2 months. She works in fast food, so I can always rely on her.

To Roxanne: I'll try. Voluntary work is better than no work history, if you ask me. :)
 
I'd advise buffing your CV. Considerably. That is your main way - really, your only way - to sell yourself to businesses. There are tons of sites and books and whatnot that give advice on how to write a good CV, have a browse around and see what you pick up.

I'd also advise saying what you hope to accomplish from the job in the accompanying letter you should write to go with the CV. People love that sort of thing. Research the company you're applying to thoroughly before an interview, as well.

People ARE primarily looking for previous experience, yes, but more than that they're looking for hard-working, dedicated team-players who learn quickly, are adaptable and intelligent. If your CV and presentation is good enough, then it won't matter if you don't have previous experience or not - after all, how would you get a job after you finished education otherwise?

I share your problems - its going to be hell for me to find a full-time job, especially after I quit my part-time one after less than a year, and given how bland and uninteresting I am. Good luck, though!
 
You could always go and be a correctional officer, working at a prison. That field is usually always in high demand and you don't really need any experience. I used to do it for about two years, decent money and good benefits. Just long work hours. All depends on if you're cut out for that type of stuff or not.
 
Thanks for all your input, I really appreciate it. It just sucks not having a job.

Usually, the only things that I find in classifieds are security job openings, jobs that are way too far away from home (and usually, it's rare for me to have enough money for a bus trip and also afraid to get lost), jobs that require work history, and well, just about everything that's not me. There's always an ad about joining the Navy (though it's very subtle; "High school graduates, ages 18-37" thats pretty much it) but it would just kill my mother if I join. She's not fond of me joining the military at all.

I try to stay positive, though, especially after everything you guys told me. I'll see what I can do. :)
 
You'll find something, just make a lot of friends. I've been considering the military myself, it's not as bad as some people make it out to be. But about your mother not approving of it, well... Sometimes you can't let people hold you back from doing what you want to do, even if it's your parents. It's good to talk about it though. The military would probably be good for you. You got your whole life to work, might as well go out and see the world and get paid for it and have fun before you actually got to work and retire.
 
Yeah, I know. But my family went through a lot as I just sat back and did nothing, so risking my life in the military would probably be a selfish decision. I really want to help my family, and to do that I wanna be alive. Yes, I wouldn't mind joining the Navy, but I really don't want it to be the only option, you know?
 
Understandable. But you have more of a chance dying here at home than in the military, honestly. I know it sounds crazy, but it's true. Navy or Air Force would be a good choice, but if you don't want to leave the country, there's always the Coast Guard.
 
That would be a good choice, if I didn't live in the Midwest. :) As for military in general, well, I just don't want to risk it. My family's affected by the economic crisis, and we're barely making ends meet as it is. I want to help out too so they don't worry as much. If I die, there'd be a lot of paperwork at least, and I don't want to be a burden anymore. I've been more of a burden than help.

You'd have to know my entire life story in order to completely understand my situation. I really can't reveal that here -- or to anyone here, for that matter -- so let's just say military is out of the question, at least until all our troubles end.
 
Make sure you don't sell yourself short either when you go to an interview--if you have done anything at all that could be considered similar experience, or related to the field, make sure you mention it. For example, a lot of employers look for people with good communication skills, because it helps them work in teams, help customers, and give important memos/notes back and forth etc. If you're a good writer or speaker, or have done well in English classes or given good class presentations/speeches, etc, you could maybe mention that you have good written or verbal communication skills. It may not be something you used AT another job, but it would still be an inherent skill that you had that would be useful to them. I don't know if you should mention "oh, I got all A's in my English class" or anything like that (unless they happen to ask), but just say that you have the skills.
Also, when you go to an interview, I've heard that employers like it when you ask a few questions about the job yourself, and don't just let them ask all the questions. I think it's because it shows that you're interested in their company, and eager to learn how things operate. Don't ask how much it pays or anything like that, but maybe ask about the types of projects involved, etc.--stuff that makes you seem really interested in working there. Even if you are just there for the money, you don't want them to think you are. :D

Anyway, hope this helps :)
 
Do you put your e-mail address on your job applications by any chance? If you do, then always make sure that you have a neutral, professional sounding e-mail address. "john.smith@hotmail.com" is a good e-mail address. "vodkabottle_sodomist666@hotmail.com" is not ;) In fact if your e-mail address contains any references to video games, movies, music, drinking, partying, etc, etc, then don't use it on your application.

My old boss threw out tons of otherwise perfectly good applications simply because their e-mail address made them seem "not serious" :P

Anyway Martel said it best: The key to getting interviews (and jobs!) is a great looking CV. Even companies with application forms will often prefer applicants who include a well-written CV with their application form.
 
Honestly if you are truly looking for a job, bite the bullet and take what ever right now. I mean most people are without jobs because they are looking for a job that offers them some sort of social life afterwards, if it means you take a light shift job, then do it. The worst thing to have on your resume is a lack of work experience.

I'm just being real with you, don't bs a bser.
 
Well, today I'm planning to head out and see what I can find. I could use a walk. I'm just going to fill out as many applications as I can, and leave everything else to chance.

As for the e-mail post, don't worry, it's mostly my name. :)

If I ever get another interview, I'll try my best to remember to ask about the job itself. Important things usually slip my mind, but I can't afford to do anything half -@# $ed at this point.
 
Great news! As of now, I work part-time at a local zoo. Though I'll probably work as a cashier, it'll be fun.

Thanks to everyone for your support, posts, etc. I'm glad you cared, or were at least a bit concerned.

EDIT: Sadly, production on my fan fiction, well, will be even less than usual. Sorry for the inconvinience.
 
Apply Apply Apply. It may not be a dream job, but get something to start bringing the funds in. Then while working at this throwaway job, keep searching for something more stable/grown up. This should work out for you.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top