What's the best way to get a first time job with no work experience?

Question

I'm 18. never worked before. not even volunteered for anything. I can't even get into a freakin Mcdonald's. any tips?

Answer 1

I'd keep trying the fast food restaurants, KMart, Walmart, grocery stores. What about pizza delivery or the local movie rental place? I see lots of young kids working in those types of places. There's going to be someone that's hiring entry level people like yourself. You could also ask around, like your family, friends, your parents' friends or contacts. Don't get discouraged, you'll find something.

Answer 2

Well, you've already touched upon one thing, volunteering is a good way to gain experience. But if you don't have time to volunteer, and just need a job, I would ask your friends for references. For example, if one of your friends works at an electronics store, and that's something you'd like to do, ask them to put in a reference for you. Most of the time with entry level jobs, employers are more comfortable hiring you if a friend can vouch for you, than if they hired someone off the street.
Of course dress up neatly when you ask for the application, drop it off, and when you interview. You never know, when you ask for the application, they may want to ask you some questions on the spot.
Make sure your application is thorough, spelled correctly, and is grammatically correct. If you get nervous about your spelling, take it home and practice on paper before you fill out the application. When I was hiring, if I saw too many mistakes, I just threw the application away.

Good luck, I'm sure you'll do fine.

Answer 3

I used to be an HR Manager for Kmart, so I did all the hiring for my store. The most important thing I looked at was the person's availability. For places like Kmart and Wal-Mart they tend to need people who can be available on nights and weekends.

Be as flexible as you can. That would at least get you an interview in my store. Then it was all about how you presented yourself. Dress neatly, like a pair of slacks and a nice shirt. I would recommend against wearing jeans to the interview.

If you're personable in the interview and didn't seem like you would be horrible, I would most likely hire you.

Answer 4

Generally Grocery Stores are a good, clean place to start.

Maybe your availability is restricted or something. Just keep trying, do well in the interviews and you will be fine.

Answer 5

To state the obvious, don't aim too high, like applying for a manager or senior position. Fill out lots of applications, dress neatly when going to fill them out or for interviews, fill them out neatly, don't use a lot of slang when speaking. Always make eye contact with your interviewer and answer all questions honestly, not what you think they would like to hear.

Answer 6

My first job was at a grocery store. Ingles to be exact. It might not be what you are looking for, but it will give you experience.

Answer 7

How are you presenting yourself at the interviews?

Answer 8

Hopefully you have good grades. Have your teachers give you references.