How to get a decent job when you've never had one before?

Question

I am currently 23 and a mother of 2. I started going to art school but was never able to finish. I have never had a job in my entire and I'm confused on where to start looking. It seems impossible to find a job when you have no experience at all. I am getting really frustrated and would like some suggestions.

Answer 1

2 kids and no education.
It will be extremely hard to go back to school and learn a skill or get a degree that will launch you on a career path.

I would suggest retail. Macy's, WalMart, etc all promote from within. You start off as cashier...get promoted to front line manager to back office, etc.

Once you get in there, find a mentor to help guide you.
A mentor is an old timer who will tell you short cuts of how to be successful. Look at the people around you - find a few whose story most ineterests you - and then follow their path.

Another upside is that the hours are flexible which may be a help too. A downside is a lack of benfits like pension, profit sharing and health insurance.

Good luck.

Answer 2

I feel the same also. I'm 21, married and have a toddler, and trying for a second, and haven't had a job in over 2 years. I would work if I was able to make enough money, but all I ever did was wait tables for a few years. My plan is to start college in a few years, I'd be happy to finish by the time I'm 30. Maybe work retail like others suggested, and go to a technical school, just a class or 2 at a time. You need the flexibility of nights/ weekends, or whenever your spouse doesn't work because childcare is too much for anyone with a decent job. Good luck!

Answer 3

I'd suggest a Staffing firm. Im not sure if you have many where you live but basically they get paid to find work for companies. The best part of them you dont need any xp. I never worked at a bank or had much office xp other than hotel which is kind of different. I went to a staffing firm I have been to some college for accounting and have good data entry skills but not xp. Anyway i got a job at a bank in the mortgage dept. Best paying job i have had. I was kind of worried about a staffing firm but they help you out and the employer pays them not you so you earn what they say you do!!! Go to one be professional and they will place you in a job. As long as you have the skills they dont care about the XP you have!! Anyway after they place you in one in less than a year you may be hired by the company full time on their payroll which usually means better benifets. Or you can look for a job while working with the staffing firm and use your new job as XP.

Also Post your resume on Monster.com and Careerbuilder.com I also got plenty of job offers there.

Answer 4

You have to find out what your niche is in life. What do you enjoy doing? Do you enjoy working with people, with animals, on your own. Once you know that then you can look in the paper, or go to a job center, and they will be able to help you find something that you are going to enjoy. Here are a few ideas

work with people-grocery store, dept. store, hospital, nursing home, restaurant, avon rep. mary kay rep. lia sophia rep.

animals-humane society, animal hospital, start a dog walking business,

work alone-factory, at home business

You obiviously have access to the internet, there world is endless with that. Do some searches, and you might be able to find something to do at home so you can spend time with your kids.
If you get your foot in the door somewhere there is always a chance for advancement. You have to start small, and keep your goals realistic and within reach.
Also, if you get into a place where there is a chance for advancement, sometimes the business will help pay for some of your schooling, so you can continue your education.
You also might want to make up a resume and make sure to highlight your qualities on there, so companys will know what you can offer them.
Good Luck and best wishes/

Answer 5

I had a little trouble finding a job during the summers when I was home from college, probably because I had no paid work experience (my mom didn't want me working at all during high school, school came first, etc.) What I've found works is selling yourself based on what you have done, even if it wasn't for pay. Have you babysat, for how long, how many kids? Any volunteer work? Are you very familiar with computers, or used to manual labor (depending on what kind of job you're aiming for?)

Once you get a job, even if it's entry-level, you have a good chance of moving up if you can appear more professional than your coworkers. I work part-time at a restaurant (so I can stay home with our kids) and I've seen coworkers with no previous experience be promoted just for showing up on time, doing what's asked and acting professional. (That was while others called off work repeatedly, grumbled about doing the job they'd interviewed for and slacked off, and they were let go in time.)

Answer 6

Someone mentioned a staffing firm - I'm guessing that is the same as a temp agency. They will test you at your skills and help you find jobs at various places. This way you can try out different businesses and see what you like. If the business your "temping" at likes you, they will usually offer you a position and pretty decent pay and then you can work your way up from their with the potential for benefits and everything. If you are computer-savvy enough, put together a resume when you go in. It will help a lot. Good luck!

Answer 7

I don't know where you live but start looking in places that would give you an opportunity to advance and have good hours so you can spend time with your kids.

Working in retail usually does not require experience. The food industry sucks but a pay check is a pay check. You could try your hand at banking but they usually require you have some cash handling experience.

Look through the classifieds and start circling jobs that look interesting and say, "Willing to train."

Answer 8

Oran!? She was asking how to get a job, not whether or not "you" agreed with her choice to find one....geez

You gotta just keep looking and applying everywhere you can. Do you have anything to put on your application. Like have you ever helped out in your Aunt's Tea shop? If so, then say you've worked in food services. Were you a part of the National Honor Society? Did you ever watch people's kids? Say you nannied. Say how many years you attended college. Just put something down on your application.

If you have to stretch the truth, stretch it.

Answer 9

Depends on what you're looking for....however, most decent jobs require experience and/or education. I would try going back to school or start working at the bottom and work up from there. Good luck!!

Answer 10

regrettably, you may desire to initiate out like all the rest persons did. Retail or eating places for a 12 months or 2. circulate up the ranks. Then circulate directly to extra useful jobs. Age does not propose which you have gained all the talents which you learn on your first couple of jobs. you nonetheless could desire to pay your dues like all and sundry else.