Im 21 never had a job?

Question

I have off and on been looking for a job for 3 years now, I've probably applied for around 20 different places.I've had 4 interviews and got rejected from all of them.

I'm not at all an outgoing person, alot of people makes me uncomfortable. I've mastered the bubble in personality test online applications lying to them about "your a great leader" loves woking with teams" you know all that stuff, because thats the only way I get a call is if I lie on it. I know this becasue I had a friend working at one of the places I was applying for and i answered honestly and got a "red" which means they're not calling your a$$.

I'm content chilling alone, I don't even leave my house, besides that I live a healthy life style, eat right, exercise, not depressed. The bosses just get the totally wrong impression of me because of my no work history and being 21. I don't know what to do anymore I feel screwed I just need some income and experience, I can't do this forever,any help appreciated.

Answer 1

I'm a bit surprised that no one has answered your question and mentioned that you're not an outgoing person - because this can heavily alter your employment route.

First, look at your strengths. Talk to your friends, talk to your family - ask them what they think you're good at. Maybe it's at computers, maybe its with dogs, maybe its with a hobby...

After that, I would recommend finding a strength that matches your personality. For instance, if you're really good at stamp collecting and an introvert - think abotu working at a stamp shop! Similarly, if you're good at computers and an introvert - think abotu making an online web design company yourself.

The key though is not to start off too ambitious. It's going to be hard for you to get a job that you'll love at this point in time. As you said, since you're inexpereinced, any experience will be better than none - so that may even result in you taking up a volunteer job, or an unpaid internship.

Good luck!

Answer 2

2

Answer 3

There's a screw for every nut I always say. Getting a job at your age is very tough because of the fact you just don't have a whole lot of job experience even if you had had jobs prior to now, it still wouldn't end up being a whole lot comparatively. The best thing is to think outside the box and possibly take a job in an industry you might not consider normally. My feeling is that in a country like the USA there is always work for those who are willing, it just may not be ideal. At least that way you are building some experience, getting paid and you can keep looking as you do. Good luck and do not feel sorry for yourself. You are and will be a winner.

Answer 4

I have practically the exact same problem. In my teens I didn't work because I was trying to get through school, and now I'm an adult with no work experience so employers think I'm lazy or something.
One thing I can say for sure is don't lie on the applications.. stretch the truth, maybe, but don't lie. It comes back to bite you in the ***.

Also apply everywhere. I used to apply to five or six places a week before I finally gave up and got myself an internship. If you can drive and have a car, give pizza delivery a shot; if you can deal with people at all try waiting tables. Those are two jobs that have a high turnover rate so employers are always looking for warm bodies in those positions.
If those don't work for you... Go to college. A better education is never a bad thing, and attending school looks better on an application that simply 'unemployed'. Good luck.

Answer 5

I'm 24 and i got my first job last year.To start from the Beginning i was going through the same situating you are right now. I had a HS diploma and and specified in computer but as soon as the saw no experience the would Shut me down.I was desperate so i decided to take out a security license i finally got a job because of the high demand in security. i started during the grave yard shift 2 months in the new job i got promoted to day shift and 5 months into the new job i got called into the office by the owner of the company and was offered a position in the central office as Human resources.the point of this story is be Patience and start from the bottom and no matter what the job is even if it's the sickest of them all do your best and you'll all way move foward! good Luck!

Answer 6

I don't know what kind of jobs you are applying for but fast food places such as McDonald's and Burger King will hire almost anyone. Walmart hires people with out experience also. Start at the bottom, get some experience and something to put on a resume and then apply for the better jobs. I suspect you are applying for jobs you probably are not qualified for simply because you do not want to work. If you don't want to and don't have, that O.K. But if you are seriously wanting a job, there is no excuse for not having one, because there are too many employers out there that would hire someone such as yourself.

Answer 7

Ok, no, they aren't getting the wrong impression because of no work history and being 21. You have been looking "off and on for 3 years now". There shouldn't have been any off and on, with only 20 different places tried. Let me suggest you find out how to enroll in your local Job Corps program. They will not only teach you a trade, but also teach you job search skills or the art of finding a job. Go to the local unemployment office and see what job search seminars they have available for you to attend and then do so. They will teach you how to sit in the chair, answer questions postively, shake hands, and then how to keep the job once you get it. Stop being content "chilling alone", because the longer you are content chillling, the longer and harder it will be for you to find a job. PS find an HR professional who will let you fill out an application and then review it with you to tell you what 'red flags' are being set off in the way you are answering the questions.

Answer 8

Have you ever volunteered for anything? That counts. If not, start now. Go back to places where they would not hire you and ask them why they didn't hire you. Tell them to be honest because you need to know what you need to do to get a job.

With the good economy we have ( I guess you are in the US) you can find a job, maybe not doing what you want to do. Go to a temp agency. They will always hire and if they don't have long term jobs to give you they will at least give you day jobs. Just do anything.

Answer 9

First off, just work somewhere you can gain some experience. Anywhere, even if it means taking a job at fast food or somehwere minimum wage. At that establishment, you can work on your people skills, get some positive job references from people you work with, and meet some people your age who might be able to help you find a job elsewhere.

If that answer doesn't suit you, I would suggest to just work as an entrepreneur as I do. =)

Answer 10

Put down that you have worked for family, and have them verify it. Haven't you ever painted a room, or taken the trash out? Maybe fixed meals, or watched kids? That's experience! If you've turned on a stereo, you have audio/visual experience. If you've built models, you follow directions well. If you have a driver's license, you've made deliveries. Get the idea? Be creative! Be original! But don't lie.
And the military would be great experience for you. Best of luck.