Getting a job. Am I screwed?

Question

I am a 24 year old male college student and I may try to get a part-time job to help pay for college expenses.
I have never had a job. I have no references. If I do try to get a job, I dread the interview because I can't think fast enough to answer "tricky" questions and don't want to feel dumb. I am also self conscious so I am afraid that the interviewer may think something like "he's 24, why hasn't he had a job yet".

Am I screwed? Do I have a chance at getting a job?

The type of job I am looking for is probably Starbucks, a school bookstore, etc.

Answer 1

most places don't care about past experience. As long as you're hardworking and enthusiastic they don't care (unless it's high paying job with starbucks I wouldn't worry)

Answer 2

most sollege campus's have places you can apply and work. Just explain to them that you were concentrating on school. If an interviewer asks a truly "tricky question" its probably not somewhere you want to work. Some things to think about before you go to an interview:
3 or 4 of your strengths and developmental needs
Why you want to work at that place.
Reasons they should hire you over someone else.
Make sure your developmental needs aren't too serious, but aren't bs ones either. When thinking of reasons they should hire you, saying "oh, well I've got job experience" is really an answer people give when they aren't trying. Youve actually got a step up on those people. Think of things like being a fast learner, or liking to work on a team, or your good grades in school proving that youre serious about your undertakings. Starbucks actually is a good place for a starting job. A lot of people that I've interviewed have had their first jobs there. Also, don't worry about being twenty four at your interview. Legally, employers can only ask if you are over 18, not your actual age. Otherwise it is considered discrimination. The employer should know that. If they don't, you might not want to work there because that is also a sign that the employuer might be overlooking other labor laws as well.

Answer 3

You are only screwed if you think that you are. For my advice, you are the best person that they'll ever have had because you have no experience. You can be trained to do that job just the way they want it done with few questions or other problems. Self conscious, don't let that stand in your way. There are very seldom any "tricky' questions. So far as being 24 and never had a job, if you didn't need one before, then you didn't need one, and it is just that simple. I didn't have a job until I was about the same age. True, I had spent 4 years in the USAF, but that doesn't exactly count. Go get'm tiger, you can, and will win. You must believe in yourself. You need to see yourself as good as anyone else, and just as able. Grab a hold of that, and you will succeed.

Answer 4

What are you talking about? Have you BEEN to a Starbucks lately? How do you think they got their jobs??

Now, sit up straight and listen: while references and experience are certainly valued, what employers look for most is ATTITUDE. By that I mean a GOOD ATTITUDE. Skills can be taught, experience must ALWAYS be earned, and references (often times) lie. I am a recruiter for a nursing agency. If you haven't noticed, there's a shortage of nurses across the country and around the world. And I need nurses like all hell. But I'd rather hire a less experienced nurse with a great attitude and a willingness to learn than a more seasoned nurse who practically eats her own face with conceit, contempt, or just plain sass. And my clients (the people for whom I hire those nurses) appreciate my efforts very well.

Show confidence in yourself at the interview, express you own concerns about not having any experience, but emphasize that you are ready to work, eager to learn, and a big team player.

And have a firm handshake. That's always a plus.

Good luck!!!

Answer 5

Your not screwed. If your not a fast thinker, work on your reflexes, if you want a job at starbucks yuo need to think fast, you wont succeed if you are a slow thinker. Interviewers rarely wonder why yuo havent had a job yet. This is becuz most parent dont allow children to work until they're in college. Eh...yuor not 100% screwed....probably 25% screwed. It depends what area your trying to work in.

Answer 6

Don't look for trick questions. Remember this employer wants to hire you—he is the one looking for help. Take a little time to answer your questions thoughtfully. You are a college student wanting a part time job and plan to do well in both—that's your story and stick to it. Be on time. Be neat. Be polite. Send a follow up note reaffirming your interest in the job..

Answer 7

I'm sure you've had jobs, a paper route, you cut grass, something. And being a full time student takes a lot of time too. The interviewer isn't going to try to trick you, he just wants to get a feel as to what you can do for him.

Answer 8

Just tell the interviewer you are working your way through college, that you have never had a job and that you are a bit nervous. You will get points for honesty and trying.

Maybe even someone will want you to come see them after you graduate.

Answer 9

There are plenty of people who haven't worked before, so it won't hurt you. Concentrating on your studies is taken as a good thing!

Now as far as interviews go, as I say in my upcoming book entitled "Think Like an Interviewer: Your job-hunting guide to success," being prepared is extremely important. So I would definitely suggest you go through your college's career office and have them run you through some mock interviews.

Answer 10

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Answer 11

Well, it is your life. Why haven't you had a job?.

You are not screwed unless you believe your own doubts. You DID get to college. Anyone in your college can be a reference. And you can think of something ahead of time to turn "the question" around to score some points.