why is it so hard for me to find a job?

Question

I'm 18 and the only real job experience I had was working with summer youth employement program. I've applied to alot of stores but none of them called me back ! most of the time they take my application and put it in a place they'll probably forget about!! my mom tells me to go out and get a job like its that easy and its getting me upset. what should I do?

by the way I just turned 18 last sunday

Answer 1

Don't get upset, try fast food. They are always hiring.

Answer 2

Lack of experience could be one reason. Also, how you present yourself picking up the application and dropping it off again can have a huge effect.

I know when I worked retail management that if someone came in with their parents to get an application that would be a mark against them. If they came in dressed like they were on a day off, it was a mark against them.

Same applies when they brought it back.

Show up like you plan to work... Well dressed and alone. Follow up on the application, call 2 days or so after dropping it off to see if they've reviewed and ask if they would be willing to set up an interview.

Another trick could be to include a cover letter, perhaps a resume of sorts, and maybe a couple recommendations from teachers or whatever with your application.

Keep in mind that you're not looking for a career and you have limited experience. There are many many people in the same boat, and quite a few that do have experience and skills that are out of work and looking for entry level positions as well. It's a competition. If you go in to fill out an application and someone else has some trick that makes them look a little better than you, guess what? Yeah, no job for you.

If you want the job, compete for it. If not, keeping doing just enough to get by.

Answer 3

Oh my god i had the same problem im also 18 years old and well i've had other jobs before, working in fast food places and i absolutelly hated them so i would quit. So in applications, the only job experience that i would put down was also in a summer youth program because thats the only job i didnt quit. I must say i filled out and turned it so many applications and never got a callback. Until i applied for another store and i decided to take action on my own so i called them asked them if they got my application that i turned in like two weeks ago and asked if they were planning on giving me an interview and said yes to come in that same day, so I did and I must say i did well on the interview, because now im gonna start working this Monday!! So im just trying to tell you that you should take action and call them yourself if you dont get no callbacks. So GoodLuck!!

Answer 4

Well, I had no trouble getting a job when I was only 16, but fortunately for me, there was a Democrat in the White House in 1965, and stores were also much better employers in the days before the Wal-Mart dictatorship. At the end of 2002, I was unemployed, and it wasn't until I moved back from New York to Maryland in 2005 that I was able to find full-time work again. It's always been much harder to find work when oppressive Republican administrations rule the country.

Despite the fact that New York is a blue state, it also has Wall Street and the arrogant, conservative attitude that goes along with it. There's this Catch 22: No matter how talented a programmer you are, if you don't have experience on Wall Street, you don't get experience on Wall Street.

And I can tell that my refreshingly candid answer has stepped on the toe of at least one such snob from the thumbs-down I see already. Like roaches coming out of the woodwork!

Incidentally, I was unemployed once during a Democratic administration in 1997--for a whole 5 weeks!

Answer 5

It always takes time for the 1st job , because employers want experience .
Training is a hassle , and kids are fickle ,
But , sooner or later , someone will need you .

Q - are you applying for jobs that were posted or just places that are nearby but not necessarily hiring ?

And do , always , dress like you are ready to start work Now if they need you .
Do Not show up in t-shirts , sandals or other beach wear unless you are applying at a surfboard rental shop .

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Answer 6

Walk in....ask to see the manager...hand HIM or HER your application. Say three things:
1) Im never late. If I'm late, I'm probably dead. Seriously.
2) I very rarely call in sick. I know you are expecting me and it's a pain to cover a shift. I'll be here.
3) I never say "That's not part of my job description" If you need me over there, and then over here, I'm in there. Im not afraid to get dirty or to work hard.

DO NOT SAY:

I take a vacation in ____________________.

I can't work ________________ day or times.

Now go! Trust me, these steps will win you a job. Talking to the manager gives him a face, not just an application.

Don't go in there looking like a teen. I don't care what job it is. If you have tattoos showing or a nose ring or are in all black, that CAN signal you are too young and immature (POSSIBLY) to be counted on. With possibly dozens of applicants to choose from, why choose someone who's full of drama?

Good luck!

Answer 7

First impressions are everything.
Even when just filling out the application, your appearance should be as though you have an interview.
Do call backs.! When you haven't heard from them in 5 business days, call them back and touch base on the status of you application.
There are jobs out there, so so get'em and Good Luck

Answer 8

THERE LOOKING AT YOUR APPLICATION AND SEE U ONLY HAVE EXPERIENCE IN WORKING WITH YOUTH. IF THIS WHAT YOUR GOOD AT THEN FIND A PLACE WERE U CAN WORK WITH YOUTH.

Answer 9

when it's been about three days just ask for the manager when you call. then ask if you can have a discussion about your application that you sent in.

Answer 10

WHAT DO I HAVE TWO TO FIND A JOB