I'm 20 years old and have never had a job. What should I do?

Question

I'll be 20 in about a week and still no job! I have applied to over 100 places in 2 years. I have had 3 unsuccessful interviews. The applications I've turned in have no references on them, so that is why I don't get any offers. Should I just give up? I get really scared when I think about my future. I have a year left of school tell I get my AA degree, but then what? I seriously can look into a life of despair, a path to nothing. I've been really depressed lately.
My boyfriend is starting his new job tommorow, he is on his 2nd job and younger then me. I'm really happy for him but this makes me more nervous about myself.
I want to be able to support myself, and make a decent income. I don't ask for much. I only ask to live. Am I totally hopeless? :(

Answer 1

say you worked for a private company that you make up and your cousin or someone can be the owner..so it looks like you have some experience..that's the biggest deal...also remember appearance appearance , appearance.

Answer 2

First, don't be hopeless. Prepare a nice Curriculum Vitae. Write anything in there that you think you are good at or you ever achieved in life. It could be professional, educational, sports, any competition, a quiz, or even something like "My mom always praises that my room and my closet are most organized". I know that sounds a little funny to mention in a CV but believe me it just sends a positive signal to the prospective employer in case you don't have many better things to mention. I remember a fresh MBA graduate applying for a management position requiring 3 year experience. In the interview he explained that management is about everything you do in life right from coordinating with your siblings, parents, and classmates to manging time between studies and play, or managing your pocket money to make best use of it. So he claimed he had 22 years of management experience at an age of 22. He was hired, though for a different role. In short, try to sell yourself, and do that confidently, positively, and honestly.

Answer 3

first, shake off the hopeless and put on the confident, you are in school, that means you are already someone and a smart someone at that. try to apply for a simple part time job to get your feet wet and once you learn how a job fees then you can convey that in an interview, don't be afraid to tell them that you are not experienced, but always tell them that you are willing to learn! I got my first job at the first place I applied at, but it was a simple job with not much growth opportunity, I stocked coolers and worked in the deli at a little convenience/grocery store. I even worked fast food. It may not be a glamorous job, but it is a place to learn alot! those that get paid the least often work the hardest!

Answer 4

Hey Rainbow...
Your pot of gold is near.
You need to find some references.
A teacher? A parish pastor? Someone where you've done volunteer work? You need to start connecting with people other than your boyfriend. I don't mean sexually. I mean, get involved in a local civic group or something like that. You will meet new people, establish friendships and make contacts with people who know people.
It won't happen overnight... but it will happen.
Don't get depressed... get energized!
No one is going to walk up to you and offer you a job. You have to be willing to go the extra step.
You're not hopeless, you're only looking for direction.
Now that you have it, go out and do something!
Good Luck!

Answer 5

Paris Hilton has had lots of jobs. lol. Modeling, movies... not defending her though. Anyway. Hmm I dont know anyone that hasn't had a job ever but know of people that age and older that haven't had one in over a year at least and the last one they had was for like a week.

Answer 6

You may want to try and find some local services. I know that here in California the Employment Development Department has some great programs. There are workshops to help with interviewing and resume preparation. There are also counselors to help guide you in your search.

You could get a job by doing something as simple as revamping your resume. Don't give up. We all have to start somewhere.

Answer 7

You have to start somewhere, and sometimes that's at the bottom of the barrel. Apply at fast food places and corner stores. Even if you only work at it for six months, it will give you a beginning work history.

As far as the references, it does not have to be someone you've worked for. It can be an old family friend who knows you well; your minister; or a teacher. Just speak to them first so that they will be prepared to speak to someone about you.

Good luck!

Answer 8

Get a job with the school - there's always positions on campus - use the people you know - work in the library or the continuing ed department, the bookstore. Go fast food, you can't tell me you've applied at McDonald's and they turned you down!

ANY job will serve your purpose. It will boost your confidence and give you work experience. Talk to your professors - someone will know of something.

Answer 9

there are loads of jobs out there, dont set your sights so high.

work in a charity shop, learn some people skills, meet people, get a great reference and makes you look like a nice person.

Go find life, dont wait for it to find you.

Answer 10

Go work for McDonalds or somethin. Swollow your pride, we all got to start somewhere, or keep going to school get toy BA

Answer 11

start off as volunteer until you get some of those volunteer jobs are paid. but this will help build your resume.