I've been filling out applications for a couple months. I've tried talking to managers directly, telling them how hard I will work, and they just hand me applications. I'm a college student making real good grades yet I can't get a job. All my previous employers would probably have real good things to say about me except for one, which I usually don't put as a reference. Is there a trick I'm missing or am I just unlucky?
2007-03-09 07:36:05 · 12 answers · asked by rrossorr 3 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
Does your college have a placement office? If so, definitely take advantage of their services. See what jobs are available through them and use that leverage. I got several of my college jobs by going that route.
What type of job are you seeking? Full-time or part-time? Paying-the-bills or stepping-stone-to-your-career? Think about what kind of companies you'd like to target and find out everything you can about them. If you're interested in particular companies, see what you can do to strike up a rapport with an employee or two (the higher up, the better, as it never hurts to be referred by a current employee).
If it's a retail location or a business where employees are otherwise available, stop by and start conversations with the employees (when they're not very busy) to find out how they got their jobs, and just to establish friendships. You'd be surprised how much that can help open doors.
If it's a company where employees aren't available, find out who some of the key people are at the company and contact them to see if they can offer any advice. I would recommend sending a letter. They may forward the letter to their HR department for follow-up, but that will get your foot in the door with HR, if nothing else.
Finally, make sure your resume is up-to-date and in a professional format. Here's an article on Monster with some tips on things to avoid:
http://content.monster.com/articles/3475/16525/1/home.aspx
Above all, don't lie on your resume. Employers don't look too kindly on even "white lies" that exaggerate your qualifications or mislead with regard to your prior experience. That can easily get you fired down the road, or close the door on the employment process.
2007-03-09 07:51:17 · answer #1 · answered by ozfan98 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As an interviewer, two of my favorite questions to ask are, "what was your favorite job responsibility (duty or task, etc.)?" That, of course, has to be followed up with, "What was your least favorite job responsibility (duty or task)?" When I ask that, it forces the real personality of the person out. The first question is easy but the second one shows me how honest the person is, how easy they can express themselves, and how realistic they are. It also allows them to express a comment similar to, "my least favorite this is when I have to...... but it's all part of the job and I know it must be done. Here's what I do to make it more enjoyable...." or something like that. Basically, I'm looking for that person to admit that in every job there are parts that can be mundane, repetitive, unpleasant, or whatever, but that it's all part of the big picture and very necessary for whatever reason. You'd be surprised at the people who will admit their least favorite thing and then demand that it NOT be part of THEIR responsibilities if they get the job. They think that's their chance to ask for a waiver!!! LOL Or they will talk about how stupid that task is and complain about it. Keep in mind that all those types of questions are asked so the interviewer can get a better picture about your personality, your attitude, your possible laziness, your interest level, etc. You've always got to answer honestly yet put a positive spin on it.... all this while trying to sound genuine! Good Luck with the interview. You've probably got a good head start on it just by asking these types of questions!
2016-03-16 08:07:45 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
What type of jobs are you applying for? Do you have experience in these jobs?
Maybe you should call your former employers and ask for references on yourself, you may be shocked by what they say.
Another suggestion would be to go back twice a week and ask to speak to the manager and/or tell whoever you are dropping by to check on openings.
If you are persistant enough you will get the job. But in this market if all you do is stop once, fill out an ap, then disappear, you are one of millions and will just have to wait to get lucky.
2007-03-09 07:40:38 · answer #3 · answered by Gem 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
what kind of jobs are you applying for? make sure its a job within your range (of being an undergraduate). how are you dressing when you go to talk with the managers? also you should do research on the company before you go there, and ask them an intresting question that shows you know about that particular company, and it shows that you really want to work hard. dont tell them how hard you will work, so them. if you are already interested in the company before you work there, they will realize how much more interested you will be after you have the job. if you finally get a formal interview, send a thank you letter stating that you are happy to have met with them and you look hearing from them in the future. it works every time.
2007-03-09 07:41:57 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a tough market out there!! For every opening that I have for a store manager, I probably have 200 qualified applicants. That's not counting the ones that aren't qualified that still apply.
Hang in there, and keep plugging away. That perfect job is out there, you just have to have the patience and perseverance to keep going.
2007-03-09 07:39:48 · answer #5 · answered by pnk517 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Welcome to USA's Fascist Capitalism in the Republic of that is SUPPOSED wink wink use democracy! Lying IS used by employer & employee we have an extremely superfiscial society! Being part of the 85% of have nots or not connected is way to rough! Keep trying play out the numbers. In my area immigrants & minorites get job preferances if your white looking for work you best have an inside connection cause cheap labor is abundant. The unemployment statistics are as phony as George Bush's plan to invade Iraq! Their are millions of displace legal Americans! I think GEM maybe correct except to say employers want you to beg for a job, jump through the hoops or loose your pride they say be humble! auh its still a numbers game with the odds against you.
2007-03-09 07:40:27 · answer #6 · answered by bulabate 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You could search for jobs based on your qualifications on some of the major job websites like Hotjobs,Monster, Dice,Careerbuilder and post your resume on these job boards. You could also search for jobs on websites like Craigslist,Simplyhired and Indeed. More information available at http://www.pcworkathome.net/jobwebsites.html
2007-03-13 04:15:10 · answer #7 · answered by Rajni P 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most people resort to "fibbing" on their resumes, alittle exaggeration never hurt any one. It has been proven to work and has made some news headlines. So don't worry about it being that uncommon.
2007-03-09 07:40:12 · answer #8 · answered by Jewlz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do up a really good resume and just drop one off at all the places you want to work if they are advertising for a position or not.
2007-03-09 07:58:29 · answer #9 · answered by babypocket2005 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
How many times do we have to say this?
Don't apply for the manager position with out having finished your internship.
2007-03-09 07:40:56 · answer #10 · answered by Wonka 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋