Why am I having trouble finding a job?

Question

I am 18. I quit my last job back in May. I honestly was a very good worker, but I wanted to get out of what I was doing. Having the summer off was also fun. Recently I started looking again. I applied to a few places, but I have not recieved a call back from any of them. So I haven't even got as far as an interview. I'm really confused about why, I come across as a normal person, I don't have anything odd about my appearance such as piercings or tattoos. I really need to get a job because I won't be able to get a credit card without one, I am planning on getting a cell phone soon, and I am going to be at school next year. Although my parents will assist me with my education it obviously isn't cheap to live. Theres nothing wrong with a bit of extra cash, you never know when you might need it.

I have a high school diploma. I'm not looking for anything crazy, I just need an income. When I go somewhere to apply I ask first if they are hiring...yet they still don't phone back. And of course I have a resume.

Answer 1

We need to know a LOT more than this:

What sort of education do you have?
What sort of jobs are you applying for?
Do you have ANY experience in the field you are trying to enter?
Are you handing in applications to companies that are ACTUALLY hiring?

And that's JUST what I can come up with off the top of my head...

Just keep going out and applying - all you have to lose is time, but the rewards are WELL worth it ;););)

Answer 2

When you drop off the application or resume ask if there is anybody you can follow up with in a few days or a week to schedule an interview. Usually it will be a manager or assistant manager. Get the name and try and find out the best time to reach them. Call the name or manager you've been given (or better yet go and talk with them in person) and ask for an interview. You may not succeed in reaching this person the first time around, but try again a couple more times over the next couple of weeks. Each time leave a name and number that they can reach you. If you don't get a reply or cannot contact that person after a few tries then that job is most likely a dead end. If you do this with enough job opportunites something will eventually work out.

Always assume that they WILL NOT call you because most of the time they won't (sometimes you get lucky though). So if you want the job you need to take the initiative and make it happen by asking for the interview. Finding a job, especially an entry level job, is very much a numbers game. It takes a lot of applications to get just a few interviews from which you may only get one or two offers. So the more you do it and the more interviews you go on the better your chances. Think of as good practice and experience, because it doesn't get any easier and if you're like most people you will have to go through this process many more times in your life.

Answer 3

Could be geographical, you may be in an area that is having low employment currently. You may not be applying for jobs that showcase your skills and aptitudes. You may have set your sights too high, considering you will be part time, a student and will almost certainly be needing a flexible schedule. I recommend the following-
1. Network: let friends, relatives, your folks friends and anybody that cares about you know that you are currently seeking employment and to please let you know if they hear of an opening.
2. Burn No Bridges: Whenever you quit a job give sufficient notice, dont use this as an opportunity to get revenge or be dramatic, make sure that everyone at your previous employment has a good parting impression of you and will convey that to any future employers. Also (and I know this is water under the bridge) you should never leave a job until you have the next one nailed.
3. Be reliable and when you interview stress that reliability and punctuality are your strong suit. Lower level, entry or part time employers are really mostly looking for a warm body that shows up when they are scheduled.
Good luck and good luck at school --- one further recommendation get a prepaid cell phone or one that alerts you of your paid anticipated minutes. Cell phones can be the death of a budget esp. for you young folks and texting addicts.

PS: It never hurts to go back to someone you've interviewed with and ask them politely what you might have done better in the interview or if they have any recommendations for your interviewing technique. While there ask them to please hold your resume for any future openings that you may fit. Look them in the eye, firm handshake, use their name and be polite.

Answer 4

Well I went through college selling Mary Kay and I'm still selling it. It was actually very good and easy because I worked on the weekends and in between semesters. It was fun and my friends loved it! I was able to pay my loan while in school, my books, buy lunch everyday and still have some for clothes and whatever else I wanted. It really depends on you though. Cmon, I went to Devry so everything was expensive and not only that, I ended not using my degree(waste huh). But anyhow, I was good at it and I knew a bit of people. I know right now, its hard because of the industry. Trust me, I got laid off a 20/hr job and the best i can find is 13/hr. Big cut huh? So now I'm pretty much relying on MK and doing it part time again which helps big time especially with a son. I'm wondering if I should start taking it serious and make it full time, it sure pays more anyway.....

But yeah, let me know if you're interested and if you want more information. I would be more than happy to help!
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Answer 5

I have a very well qualified (in many areas) girlfriend who recently lost her job. She is completely dismayed as she is unable to find anything out there. (She is a college grad, 40 something, 2 kids, been employed all of her life in high paying executive positions for long lengths of time). It is just going to get worse. So, my advice to you is exactly the same as the advice I gave her. Start looking at this job market differently. Really think about the economy and the businesses that might be having a boom or at the very least, doing well because of the economy! For instance, foreclosures are rampant. What about looking in fields that might cater to people in the midst of foreclosures or downsizing. I would skip the "high end" jobs --anything that may feel excessive as everyone is cutting back. Also, really sharpen your interviewing skills. Practice what you will say to the employers to your parents. Convey a self confidence like never before AND BELIEVE IT! Be persistant, stand out a bit from others. Act like you really want the job more than anything in this world. Know everything about the company, how hiring you will be the best thing they ever did! Good luck!

Answer 6

Well if you're like many of the 18 year old,s that have applied at my company. They were not prepared to fill the application out there or had someone else pick up for them or possibly forgot to bring it back.

If by chance it was brought back,
-the penmanship was almost unreadable
-the application was left incomplete
-answers did not make sense
-they were crumpled up

What I am saying is that if you are turning in an app & nothing is happening after that you are possibly applying for positions you are not qualified for, you are not prepared when you walk in the door to fill out the app or you are not filling out the app so it looks good (complete & legible).

How that app looks is your first impression as is how you look when you go in to fill out the application. That info may be passed along with the application to the hiring manager.

Look like you want a job, sound like you want a job, act like you want a job.

Good luck

Answer 7

Let this be a lesson to ya, don't ever quit a job w/o having already been offered another one, don't burn bridges, cuz ya might have to cross that same bridge again(leave on good terms, which includes working a 2 wk. notice). Be patient and keep on looking.....GOOD LUCK

Answer 8

Go back to the places you applied and do a follow up. Get off the computer and get out there, it won't follow you home and jump in your lap.

Answer 9

The economy isn't as good as the politicos make it out to be, and jobs, even menial ones are scarce. It is just hard to find anything these days.

Answer 10

i would recommend a resume. I dot know where you live but why not go the the employment office and ask for help? or a school counselor. also go to www.careerbuilders.com