How can I increase my chances of getting hired?

Question

I'm 18 and apply for low level jobs but I have no experience so I never get hired. Any way to improve my chances?

I usually don't even get called for interviews

Answer 1

I've done some interviewing recently. I'm the guy who likes to ask the silly interview questions like "What's your favorite color?" just to gauge your reaction, and I do have some advice:

Be honest. You don't have experience, and you don't have specialized training, don't pretend that you do. It's one thing to put your experience in a positive light, but don't oversell it. We'll know if you lie, and it's a deal-breaker.

Dress nice. This is going to sound silly, but it's true, when you're looking at bunch of applicants back to back...a good professional look might be the biggest difference between you and the next guy. This is especially true at the entry level where you all have the similar skill levels. Just remember, think business attire, not cocktail party. (I'd use TV lawyers as fashion guides.)

Be friendly. Both of the people we've hired recently (and two we just turned away) all had their ultimate decisions made on personality. Relax. Smile. Laugh. You'll do fine.

People want to work with people that will make work easier for them. Helpful, reliable, honest, likable people.

Answer 2

I own a country club and hire young people with little or no experience on a regular basis. What I look for is someone who is friendly, well spoken and dressed nicely (no belly shirts), and is flexible about the hours they are willing to work.

Because we host many events and weddings I also want someone who will not offend customers by having strange piercings or tattoos. I know a lot of young people want to "express themselves." However I am trying to run a professional business and make my customers happy. I see many young people who come for an interview dressed sloppily with piercings and tattoos and they just don't make the cut.

Applicants need to understand that the employer has certain needs to meet in order to run their business successfully. It is the needs of the employer that matter in a job interview. If you want to be hired, you need to meet the employer's needs.

Because you have no work experience the only thing you have to offer an employer is your personality, appearance and basic skills you have learned in high school. If you have any additional skills, such a experience with certain computer programs, specials awards or courses you have taken, you should make mention of this on your application.

There are definitely exceptions to this thinking. For example a job in the arts or in the beauty industry would most probably be more open to someone with an unusual or off beat look. But for the most part, I think a conservative and professional approach would increase your chances of getting hired.

You may also want to find a company's website before going for an interview to get an idea of the company's background. Having a little knowledge about the company's history will most probably impress your interviewer. The company website may also give you some insight into whether the company is more conservative or more trendy.

The other problem that I see with a lot of job applicants is that they cannot spell. I see many job applications loaded with spelling errors. Again, if you have no work experience poor spelling will hinder your chances of getting the job.

Even though you have no work experience, you may want to consider putting together a one page resume outlining any special abilities and accomplishments that you may have achieved while in school. Even if you have worked as a babysitter, I would mention it on a resume or application because it shows responsibility. You could also include personal references from relatives and neighbors on the resume as well.

Answer 3

You have to treat everything you've ever done as experience when writing your CV or filling in application forms. Were you in clubs at school? Do you consider yourself to be a good communicator? Are you good at puzzles? In which case you can say that you're good at problem solving. Where have you been on holiday? What did the different cultures in those other contries teach you about yourself and your country? You have experience, it's just that you have experience of life and haven't really had experience of the world of work. But you're young so they can't really blame you for not having had a proper job yet.

All those horrible questions in application forms like "when have you faced a faced a difficult problem and how did you overcome it?" are difficult and hard to do. It's good to think about them when your not actually filling the form in. Think about stuff you've done when you're just wandering around then go home and write down answers that you can use for those crappy questions. When you do a good answer to those questions keep it. I've got to go or I won't get any booze for tonight but I'll write more on this answer later. Happy new year.

Answer 4

Show interest in the job when you apply make it a point to talk to the person doing the hiring ask them question about the job.
After a couple of days call the place where you applied and them them you are checking back on the job and checking to see if there has been any decisions made.
Make sure when you apply to get the name of the person in charge of hiring and when you call back always ask for that person.

Answer 5

If you want employment, learn from your losses. If you are not hired in one place, ask, politely, why they did not hire you. There may be something you can change on your next interview. Try to accent your positive characteristics and minimize anything negative.. Low level jobs do not require a lot of experience, so there is no need to bring up your inexperience. Present yourself as eager and willing to work. emphasize your willingness to learn any necessary skills.

Answer 6

As someone that interviews what I really like to see is preparedness and an ability to accept responsibility. When you answer questions during an interview, put them in a story context so the interviewer can clearly see who you are in that situation. Also at 18 you need to answer some questions correctly IE. How many days beyond vacation is it okay to take off in a year? The correct answer is zero.

Answer 7

Make sure your resume includes any experience like baby-sitting, school activities or organizations you're a part of, contests you've done well in, etc. Also, you may look into a temp agency to place you into a job where you can gain experience.

Answer 8

Take some classes on typing on whatever you are trying to major in.It is very hard at 18 to get a job,but you will and once they see that you are a good worker and trustworthy then you will be fine.Always smile and let them know that you are very interested and willing to learn and are up to new challenges,and would be a good asset to there company.

Answer 9

Be relax during the interview...

Even if it's a janitor position dress professionally...

Minimize your resume...

Run thru the interview process by asking your self questions...

Ask and trusted friend and/or family member to review your resume and and give you honest feedback...

Ask that same person to ask you interview questions...

BE CONFIDENT and don't talk too much when getting interviewed!

Answer 10

Surely, you should do some volunteer work and get some kind of experience until you do find a job. This way you can show responsibility and maybe get a recommendation from your superior who can attest to your diligence, punctuality, attitude, etc.