Job Applications?

Question

I am trying to apply for my first part-time job, and have so far not had any luck. I can't even get an interview anywhere, and now the holiday hiring season is almost over. I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong. Any suggestions?

Also, I read somewhere that you can show interest in a job that you applied for by following up with a phone call. I thought that you're only supposed to follow up after an interview, but maybe I'm wrong. Can someone confirm what I've read? It might help with getting a job.

If the above is true, would it be appropriate to follow up to an online interview if it states that "There are currently no interview dates available for the associated time period. If your qualifications are a match for an available position, you will be contacted for an interview." They make it sound like there is no job opening, but I know there is at least one. I don't want to sound annoying to the company, but I also don't want to miss out on this opportunity.

Please help me out.

Answer 1

There's really no trick to it. if you look like you're interested in the job and that you will do a good job, they will hire you (if there is an opening available). There's never a bad time to call them up and ask about a job. They won't deny the job to you for being so interested in it that you annoy them.

As for if the online interview told you there were no positions, if you call them up and let them know you are interested in the next available position, they may think of you when a position opens up.

The reason you probably haven't gotten an interview is probably because of your availability. The point of having part time positions is to make scheduling the full timers more flexible. the more free your availability is, the easier it is to have them interested in you.

The first jobs go to full timers, after that open availability part timers, and after that to people they know. If the person applying knows somebody that already works there and the person who works there can vouch for them, they will be more likely to be hired.

Try applying to places where your friends and family work but make sure you ask them to put in a good word for you. Don't think that they won't give you a job because you'll be around your friend (it's not high school).

Answer 2

Be annoying! Seriously, be annoying call because that way they will know your name so when they review you application, you will be the familiar person to them. Yes, you are supposed to call after you turn in an application, that way the employer knows you are interested, that may get you on the top of their pile of applicants. After your interview mail (snail mail) a thank you letter, but only for a face to face interview. Also don't go by that whole the hiring season for retail is over, that is not always true, some retailers hire after the season and during the season, so go ahead and still put in for work. Places like Godiva Chocolate seasons start in October and doesn't end until after Valentines Day. So you never know.
Good luck.

Answer 3

1. Apply, apply, apply! Apply everywhere! The more places you have an application at, the faster you'll get a job.

2. Keep a list or binder naming all of the companies you've applied at, the position you applied for, and the contact info for the company. That way if they call you, you can easily recall what you applied for and you'll have their contact information on hand to follow up with them.

3. Wear a nice outfit when you drop off your application. You don't have to be dressy but wear something that will look presentable to future employers.

4. Follow up with all employers the week after you applied and each week thereafter (unless they ask you to call them back sooner). That will show your sincere interest to them.

Answer 4

First jobs are usually tough to get. I went for at least 10 interviews before i landed myself in a good job. But mine is a permanent one so the criterias and expectations could be different.

I get very annoyed with companies which do not even bother to inform me if i am successful for the job. Some do give excuses and i would rather you accept their replies. It would be hurting for you if they were to tell you bluntly that you are not qualified for the job.

Continue hunting and you will definitely get a better offer than the current one.

Answer 5

Follow up all the jobs that you apply for, if you really wanted them.

A lot of employers can be overwhelmed with job applications, so they make choices on arbitary points. If you make a follow up telephone call and the employers "knows" your name, then if some one leaves, they might be inclined to just give you a go.

90% will not give you any worthwhile feedback, 5%5 will give basic feedback on your application and 5% give super feedback on your application, howed you compared and tell you stuff that is valuable information to know.

In the above case, if you want to, give them a telephone call. sometimes, this is how companies select their person. I know it sonds silly, but I've seen it happen. worst case is you've wasted a phone call.