Advice for teen seeking job, but lacking experience?

Question

I have worked for some elderly people where I live, cleaning houses and catering, nothing official, but when I put the contact information of these people on applications and get called in for an interview, I always get "Well that might be a form of experience, but it's not a real job where you have to punch in, etc, blah blah blah. We're looking for someone with real experience"

Now I'm stuck. What should I do, or how should I fill out my applications? I need some help

Answer 1

You need to be strong and somewhat aggressive in your interview. When they say something like that, you respond with "I have learned more with my experience than most other students who are sitting home playing video games. I have a strong work ethic, I want to work, and I can prove to you that I know how to get to work on time. People have trusted me in their homes, and I have done the kind of work that most teens my age won't do."
Just be persuasive, practice ahead of time, but don't memorize what you will say.
And a strong, firm handshake goes a long way...it tells them you mean business. Also, look the interviewer in the eye.
Good luck.

Answer 2

Volunteering always looks good.When filling out your application, put emphasis on your good points, such as your volunteer work, work habits, punctuality. Your grammar is very good, that helps. Remember the more applications you fill out, the better your chances of landing a job.

Good luck!

Answer 3

This is a Catch 22 runaround;-{
could some of those references write that you were reliable?
You made appoinments, you showed up on time,
you finished the task assigned, you were dependable.
Are there any volunteer positions with a schedule?

Answer 4

That's odd. Most companies hiring teenagers will expect a lack of experience. Try putting your school accomplishments down -- especially if you have any attendance awards. That should be enough to convince them you're responsible. Also, see if the elderly you work for will write you a letter of recommendation up front that you can include with your application/resume.

Answer 5

I would explain that you did have to keep a schedule and be diligent, show up every day, etc.

Another way is to volunteer to work anyplace, ideally with the company for which you would like to work, so they can see your work ethic and/or get a good reference that you showed up opn time, worked hard, got along well with others, etc.

The third was is not to volunteer per se but to ask for an unpaid internship. Esentially they teach you something in the context of you making a contribution. Internships are a great way to establish a presence in a company and/or to get references, and they are counted as work experience. Look great on a resume, too.

Answer 6

Tell em that you're never gonna get experience if you keep getting turned down for lack of experience!! Assure them you're hard working and punctual.
I'm kinda in the same boat as you though!
Happy hunting

Answer 7

work in burker king