Why can't I get a job???

Question

I'm a young black college student looking for a good job, and for some reason, I can't get one! I put in so many applications and not one place calls back. What really makes me angry about this is the fact that I go into these places that I want to work at and their employees are rude and disrespectful people. I wonder how they even got the job when all they do is get an attitude with any customer who walks into the building.
I like to think that I'm a good model citizen. I make A's and B's, I'm in a few clubs at school; I was brought up to have respect for everyone even if they didn't show it back. My parents were in the Marines, so I'm always looking nice before I leave my house (They won't even let me wear plain jeans and a tee-shirt around the house). I've never been in trouble at school, and I was accepted into a Technical school during my junior year in high school so I KNOW I have enough knowledge for the jobs that I want to do. So why won't these people hire me?

Answer 1

Everyone has trouble finding a job. You aren't the only one.

First thing, call them back. They can accept applications all they want... but a) they might not even be hiring. and b) they could care less what a peice of paper says.

If they get a call saying (ask to talk to a manager) "Hi this is (NAME), and I filled out an application a week ago, and wondered if you had any questions."
That gives them the ability to think, you've called back obviously you are motivated to get a job. Also, then they can break it to you... if they say "Oh, were reviewing them, or oh we are just keeping them on file"...give up. A real hiring place, will ask for an interview.

Then, the interview is the make-it or break-it point. So, get to calling! Stop on by and ask for the manager... 100 percent of the time you will get an interview on the spot.

And an interview doesn't mean a job, so keep looking untin you've actually signed some paperwork.

GOOD LUCK!

Answer 2

Getting a job as a student is tough regardless of your ethnic background. You sound like a well brought up young person so I'm assuming that you aren't getting to the right people or you are applying to the wrong places for you. Do a little homework up front and find out who is in charge and make sure your resume gets to that person. Yes, have a resume. Even as limited as yours will be, it shows good incentive. You may not have had many positions but you have your school info and interests and you can state your goal in your header line. Have someone help you with this. Sounds to me like you might want to shoot a little higher in the jobs you are looking at. You are well above the retail and fast food crowd. Many times employers don't look at you because you are over-qualified for the job. And don't fill out an application at some random place with just anyone at the counter or just drop off an app. It will never get to the right person. You are your best presenter. Get in front of the right people at the right location. Your parents are highly educated. Ask them to guide you. Good luck and don't give up. You've got what it takes. You're from a Marine family.

Answer 3

It might be a blessing in disguise. Do you really want to work at a place where your coworkers are rude and disrespectful? Rude/disrepectful employees make not be giving your application to the manager.

Concentrate on places that have great workers and great customer service. Ask for a manager and introduce yourself when asking for an application. Ask for the manager's name. And return the application to the same manager. Wait a week, then call back and ask to talk to the manager to discuss the status of your application. Calling back makes the manager remember, they can get very busy and be forgetful sometimes.

Good luck. Hope this helps.

Try Trader Joe's or Whole Foods (if that is the type of work you are looking for.) They are both great places to work.

Answer 4

I had two thoughts about your question. You said you are looking for a good job. Is it possible that you feel you are more highly qualified than they might? Perhaps you should pursue getting a foot in the door and then showing through your performance you deserve a more responsible/better postition?

My second thought is that you say you are filling out applications. It has been awhile but I seem to recall applications give you very little leeway to sell yourself. Just basic data. I would work up a good resume, working in your good grades, involvement in school activities, etc. Emphasize in your objectives that you are looking for a job where your strong work ethic and good interpersonal skills will make you an effective member of a successful team....etc...etc. And respectfully request that be attached to your application.

I agree with everyone who suggests you should follow up with phone calls, try to meet the hiring manager in person. Again the application says nothing about your neat appearance, respectful demeanor, etc.

Final suggestion, network! Do you have any friends, friends of family, neighbors ....who know you and would recommend you given their knowledge of you.

Good luck!

Answer 5

Some firms won't hire college students because they don't want to work around class schedules, or because they don't want to deal with replacing you once you graduate and go on to a "better" job elsewhere. In your particular case, your being a "model citizen" may actually be working against you. People often view educated, well-mannered coworkers as competitors for their jobs, while the uneducated and uncouth ones pose no threat as long as they remain unqualified. If you are looking for a suitable job, try your school's career center. Many of them know of firms that are looking for a few good workers, and may even be able to set up an interview.

Answer 6

Sometimes it has to do with who you talk to. I'm not sure what type of job you're applying for, but here's an example:

You walk into a clothing store, give your application to an associate who then thanks you, takes the application, and files it away.

There are many applications the manager will have to go through before they get to yours. You may not even get a call for monthes.

However, if you walk into the same store, give the manager the application, speak with them, get a very informal sort of interview, they will remember YOU when they go through those many applications. Then you're more likely to receive a phone call.

Keep trying! Also, try hotjobs.com, I got quite a few offers after posting my resume there. You can also search for jobs through there and fill out applications online. I did this for a part time job.

Answer 7

I think 90 percent of the population has gone through what you are going through. When I was younger and lived in a large city, I'd do some research first. If there was a newspaper ad, or a Help Wanted sign in a window, I'd talk to some employees first to get details on what the company was looking for. And adjust my application and interview accordingly.

Answer 8

From your post I get the idea that you are walking in to these places and asking to fill out an application. NO ONE hires this way these days. All applications and referrals are done on line. That could be your problem. You need to write a good resume and start e-mailing it with a cover letter.

Answer 9

Kiddo, hang in there, a job will come along, in the meantime, you are to be commended and so are your parents for the great way you turned out. Be brave and something will come along, in the meantime, try something? Do volunteer work, yes, I know, you need money, but volunteering in a hospital, school can lead to a good job. It's a foot in the door. Good luck and don't lose your self respect, it's not you, something will turn up.

Answer 10

I'm sorry you are having trouble getting a job. But look at it this way: If these employers are rude and disrespectful to you already you should not want to work for THEM. You will eventually find a job - not to worry.