So I'm 18 years old and just recently out of my first year of college and I never had a job before... I mean, I've worked as an intern once and I've worked in the same summer camp for four years. But, I've never had an actual job before (It's kind of sad really..) Jobs I apply for always say "We'll look over your resume and call you back" but they never freaking do! So anyways, I was wondering if any of you have any helpful advice/tips to give me as I look for a job. I really don't want to work in the summer camp again this year. I've still got a couple of weeks left to quit in case I do find a real job though.
Job Hunting
- Thread starter shwnbob
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Follow up.
I routinely hire people and we have a stack of several hundred applications. Every time we need to hire, we just pick some off the top and call until we fill the spots. If you want a chance, go back and ask them in person about the status of your application. This will force them to go check, and if you make a good impression and are qualified, you will definitely get an interview.
Often, I'll interview anyone on the spot if they come in dressed nice and show that they care about the job. Be assertive and you will have a job soon.
I routinely hire people and we have a stack of several hundred applications. Every time we need to hire, we just pick some off the top and call until we fill the spots. If you want a chance, go back and ask them in person about the status of your application. This will force them to go check, and if you make a good impression and are qualified, you will definitely get an interview.
Often, I'll interview anyone on the spot if they come in dressed nice and show that they care about the job. Be assertive and you will have a job soon.
Mostly, you need to make sure that you look presentable. If you have a manageable long style, it will likely have no effect on your job search. Personally, I would never look down on someone who had longer hair, but I can't speak for everyone on that. I will say that having short hair will never hurt your chances.Deckayed said:
Out of curiosity, if it says, on the website where you apply, Please no phone calls or Emails do you respect that, or follow up?subtlefuge said:
You want to know how I got my first job? I filled out an app, then called me in for a drug test, then said they'd give me a call. A week went by and no call, so I went in and asked. They said they were still processing it. Another week, still nothing, so another visit. I kept going back ALL SUMMER because I thought "They made me take the drug test, so that means they'll hire me." Finally, they sent me a card in the mail saying Thanks, but no thanks. I was pretty depressed.
Then, a week before school started, I get a phone call. They want me to come in for orientation. They need new people because all the other ones left for school. If I hadn't kept bothering them, they would have forgotten me. So yeah, keep checking until you either get the job, or they tell you directly, "GO. AWAY!"
Then, a week before school started, I get a phone call. They want me to come in for orientation. They need new people because all the other ones left for school. If I hadn't kept bothering them, they would have forgotten me. So yeah, keep checking until you either get the job, or they tell you directly, "GO. AWAY!"
Go in. It's not harassment until they outright tell you no. Regular employees don't know how to deal with people who come in, so they will pass you on to a manager. Be really polite and friendly, and make sure to introduce yourself (twice if possible). Having the manager remember your name will really give you an edge.artanis_neravar said:
Also, giving your contact information to the person you speak to couldn't possibly hurt. It shows some initiative that generally makes someone an easy employee.
That's also an issue they are all either secure buildings, (as in I have to go through security who needs to be forewarned I'm coming or I need an ID to get into the building) or HR is in the corporate in a different statesubtlefuge said:
Whilst having long hair shouldn't affect your chances, it is much easier to look unclean and unprofessional with long hair and that probably will affect your chances.Deckayed said:
From experience (having had long hair myself) as long as it is clean and presentable, it shouldn't be a problem. I'd suggest you tie it back even if you don't normally like it tied back, simply because it's more managable and looks more professional. For similar reasons, you may want to have the bottom inch or so trimmed, just to tidy it up. Finally, and I know it goes without saying, but make sure you've washed it the night before you go for an interview. You don't want to look like some greasy little oik and you equally don't want to have washed it in the morning and it still be damp.
PS. I know it's hard, but try not to tell your potential new boss to fuck off if he makes some sort of comment about your hair. Totally made that mistake once.
I can offer two pieces of advice. One is that it always helps if you know someone where you are applying. You can ask them to look out for your application. This won't necessarily get you the job, but it can get your foot in the door. Also, even though every HR person in the world hates when this gets around, finding a job when you don't have connections is a bit of a numbers game. Apply to a lot of places. There is a reason every HR rep has a hundred and fifty resumes sitting in a file - because everyone is applying everywhere. I see no reason why you should limit yourself.
EDIT: Following up also helps, it's just already been said.
EDIT: Following up also helps, it's just already been said.
There was actually some study, sorry I can't cite it, that said that some 85% of jobs are found through acquaintances, not friends, but acquaintances. The logic being that if you were looking for jobs from your friend circles you're quite alike with your friends and will have looked in similar places. Obviously, doesn't always work, but definitely ping some of your contacts working similar jobs and see if they know anything. People aren't all bad and might be willing to help you, and worse comes to worse they wont.grigjd3 said:
But beyond what people have said here, do not underestimate the power of networking, and print yourself a business card.
@KrubixCube, That's a good point. It should be clarified that "know someone where you are applying" includes having met said person once and made a slightly better than crappy impression. The best help my direct friends offer is when they see opportunities for my skills that are not matches for their skills. This works out well for me since I keep company in a lot of fields but it's generally not the case for many.
Bit late, but I used to be a manager at a fast food place, so I feel I can offer decent advice.Deckayed said:
Health codes will require that your hair be pulled back, so I would show up at the interview with it that way to show that A) you're willing to comply with the rule and B) give the powers that be an idea of if you're presentable.
Also, keep it neat. No split ends, keep it brushed, try not to go too crazy with the colors, ETC.