Why Am I Having a Such a Hard Time Getting a Job?

Question

I've only had one job that lasted for 3 weeks back when I was 15. It was a server in a retirement home that my mom pushed me into when I wasn't ready. I broke down crying almost every day and quit after about 3 weeks. I don't put it on job applications. I'm 17 and a senior in high school and I really need a job for a lot of things.
I've been applying for jobs since at least January or my junior year, and I've never even been called for an interview!
I've applied at Bealls, Publix, Target, Wal-Mart, Atlanta Bread Company, etc. Tons of clothing stores and super markets.
I can work pretty much any afternoon until night, and weekend mornings(I need the rest of day for school work)
I can't understand why no one wants me. I don't do drugs, don't drink, I'd always be polite and cheerful and follow all the rules. But for some reason everyone at my school seems to have a job but me.
Am I doing something wrong? I call back and ask about my application but I never get a response.

I applied at Burger King. To be honest I don't want to work at any McDonalds around her because all the workers are Hispanic, and everyone speaks spainish, and it's not a place for me.
Food service is not my fortee. I feel the need to make everyone happy but I can't, which is half the reason I broke down at that first job I had

Sorry I forget to say NO internet "jobs"

Answer 1

Kelsey,

I have much experience hiring and unfortunately firing people.

Mostly I look for things in applicants that you cannot teach people: honesty, integrity, enthusiasm, ability to play nice with others, and I get this information by asking them and their friends and associates.

If an employee possesses these as the basic building blocks of their character, I can train them to do anything.

The employee who always has an excuse why they are late to work, always has a reason why the report wasn't done on time as requested, cannot be honest with their time card, etc doesn't last long in my company.

I listed a few things for you below - intending to be helpful. You may use or discard as you wish.

Hope this helps. Good luck with your job search.
___________________________

Most people these days don't really want to work, they just want a pay check, and seem to think it's the employer's responsibility to tailor make the work environment to fit their needs. This will not help you.

You must be willing to work the time and hours during which the employer needs the work to be done, not when it is convenient for you.

An employer is hiring because he has specific work that he or she needs to be done. If you don't like the work, or don't fit the criteria for the job, don't waste your time applying. Trust me, wasting my time gets a candidate nowhere very fast.

Sometimes employers give initial interviews, when they have no immediate openings, to build a "pool" of potential candidates upon whom they might call if and when they ever need additional help. They are pre-qualifying. I don't like this method as I feel it is discourteous to the people applying. And of course, they won't tell you that is what they are doing.

To get an initial interview, then not get a response one way or the other, is tacky, and shows the company's human resource director's lack of professionalism.

Most of the people that get an initial interview with my office have some sort of tie or contact already. Most have friends or workers that I know personally and can vouch for their character. That gets their foot in the door....but it may or may not stay their long.

A public call for employment takes up a lot of time and wastes much of it.

Try to apply for work that interests you and that you may already have some experience with. Ex. If you are in band at school, apply at a local music store.

Many people today apply for a job, the job qualifications being clearly defined in advance, and I wonder if they can read. Their resume and their stated goals are so foreign to what is needed and requested - why waste an employer's, and your time.

Ask your friends if where they work there is an opening. Find out in advance all you can from your friend about the job, qualifications, time to work, the supervisors likes/dislikes, etc.

Be sure you are neatly dressed and your hair combed. Don't come to the interview with makeup caked so thick it will crack, smelling because you didn't have time for a shower, or dressed in old clothes. Look sharp and neat. As a very high profile company, a nose ring is an automatic disqualification. Sorry. And if you have visible tattoos, better cover them. The interviewer won't say anything, but believe me, that'll affect the outcome a lot of times.

Be sure you speak with authority, not like a wall flower.

Be sure to let the prospective employer know you are there to help the prospective employer solve his/her needs, not yours.

To work for our office, as part of standard operating procedure, you must agree to submit to random drug testing at any time, and agree to a criminal background check. No accept ions.

You must have some sort of reliable transportation. Reliable is the key word. You must also have a contact number where you can be reached that has voice mail if you do not pick up: house phone, cell phone, whatever, so is someone else fails to show up for work, the employer can contact you.

Main thing is you are there to help the employer with his/her needs, not yours. Do that well, and you have your needs met also.

One more thing a lot of people forget. If you know you will be leaving employment soon, and have done a good job, be sure to ask for "written" references from your supervisor and co-workers as well. If your supervisor is a real @#!$, ask the supervisor's boss.

Bottom line, don't leave without a written record that you were a good employee. Supervisors change, and the next time someone calls to check your references, they may not even know who you are. A written reference, in your possession, cannot be altered, forgotten, and at the very least is a record of your hard work and dedication to any and all tasks given.

Finally, persistence is the key.

If you cannot find a job, create one. One student was given $1500.00 for graduation. He bought cardboard boxes with the money to sell to students as they were packing to go home from college for the summer. In just over a week turned that $1500.00 into thousands.

Sorry this was so long. Hope it helps.

Answer 2

That's just it; you mentioned "when is the proper time to hand one in?" there's your problem. You are probably not handing in your resume at the appropriate time. Where are you trying to work? If you're a student trying to get a simple part-time job, hand one in now since it's the March Break (it is here anyway.) They are doing summer hiring right now and all of next month. If you've done career courses and such then there's nothing wrong with your resume! Try handing one in now and constantly update your resume. You need to be a little persistent (not too persistent) when you are applying for a job.

Answer 3

Wow, I'm in the exact same position as you. When i was reading your story, I felt like I was the one typing it and letting the world know my struggles. I also applied for jobs, and I never get a call from them what so ever. Like you, I am a nice person, I am cheerful, and I can make a lot of people happy sometimes. Why don't nobody want me??? I am 19 and Graduated from high school about a year and a half ago, and I am in community college and seeking for a part time job just to get some money. I really need money to pay for my car gas and food and stuff. I am broke as hell. Damn girl, I feel ya man. I really do.

Answer 4

Fast food is the first job for many teens -- you might need to give that a try. You can always work there until you find another job. At least then you will have some job experience to list.

Also by saying you will only work weekend mornings -- that's a problem -- no one wants to work weekend nights and that's the shift that often goes to the low man on the job totem pole.

Answer 5

Hi

You may need to look closely at your resume or the way you complete applications since this is the first impression you make and the first step in getting a job.

Otherwise you may need to think about how you approach potential employers in the first place.

There is help at hand though.

See if this book is for you.

Answer 6

It's not likely something yu are doing wrong. They gets tons of applications, and often you have to get lucky and apply just when they are looking for someone.

Maybe one of your friends can suggest you to their boss - that's how lots of people get jobs.

Answer 7

do you have a hospital nearby? You might want to try for a hospital aide position.

Answer 8

you know you gonna have to try a fast food place

Answer 9

at least those 'spainish' speakers got a job. haha.