Trying to find a job

[shwnbob]

Hey everyone,
So for the past week and a half I've been trying to find a job and failing at it. Honestly, I think it has a lot to do with my resume and lack of job references on it. Sure, I've got 5 years of working with children as a summer camp counselor on there, three years of working with special needs children and a full year of working at a children's museum learning different leadership/team building skills but, I guess, the people who review my application papers, (if anybody reads them at all,) don't consider these things as "jobs". They say it takes job experience to land a job but how the hell am I supposed to get job experience if I can't get a job to begin with?
I've must have applied to twenty different jobs and haven't heard a thing back from anyone. So please, anybody who reads this, how do I get my resume to stand out from the thousands of other resumes these different places must get each day? And also, how do I deal with this ever present feeling of rejection every time another day passes and none of these jobs call me back?

 

[Eclipse Dragon]

A little more information would be helpful...

First, what kind of jobs are you applying to?
If you're applying to jobs that have absolutely nothing to do with children, than it would make sense employers wouldn't put much stake in that. Also are we talking a career here or just something to earn some extra cash (like a job at a shoe store or a mcdonalds or something)? You don't really need a resume to work at a fast food restaurant, which implies you're looking for something more right?

Do you have a college degree? Even an AA looks wonderful on a resume.

The problem might also not be your work history at all, there are quite a few things that can make a resume unappealing, I personally wouldn't view those things you listed as bad or as a lack of work experience.

I'm sorry I'm probably not being much help here but really it's a case by case basis, if you're perhaps open to letting me look at you're resume, I could probably help you out better.

Also remember unfortunately since so many people need jobs right now, you may very well be competing against anywhere from two to twenty other candidates, some with years and years of work experience, that just got a bad break in their careers and need to find new work, and rejection is part of the game, even if your resume is awesome, you'll probably still get rejected a ton, you just have to keep looking, eventually somebody will call you back.

 

[shwnbob]

I'm mostly applying to retail jobs but I've also applied for McDonald's and Burger King and all those places too. I'm pretty much open for any job as long as I get away from the usual summer camp job I do each year. I just completed my second year of college so I don't have a diploma or anything. And sure, I could show you my resume.

 

[Silverslith]

You have tons of experience! Working at camps with kids involves a lot of patience, organizational skills, verbal communication skills and generally a positive, outgoing nature. What people need to be able to do is see that from the beginning, rather than being resume #25 in a stack on a desk somewhere.

What I like to do when I submit a resume is phone ahead and ask for 5 minutes of the manager's time. Tell them you'd like to submit your resume and introduce yourself. I've always been successful in at least being able to meet a manager, and sometimes I'll even get to chat with the store owner which is even better. What this does is allow them to see the face and personality behind the resume right off the bat. Even if you only get to see them for a minute or two, you are ahead of everyone else in that stack of resumes already because you had time to make a first impression.

From the employer perspective, I've always found that someone who takes the time to come in for a couple of minutes to chat is showing a lot of initiative and interest. It says they have confidence, they want to work there, and they want to take the time to introduce and maybe sell themselves a bit. By sell themselves, I mean your natural personality coming out combined with your interest in hearing a bit more about the job and a little something about yourself. Nothing over-the-top. Be yourself. Make sure you shake their hand before and after as well, and thank them for their time when its done.

If you are thinking about restaurants, personally I would avoid fast food chains. Yes, it is experience and you get some money for it. It isn't resume building experience though, its filler and only valuable if you want to keep working at places like McDonalds and the like. I'd suggest getting a busboy job at a half-decent restaurant. They are always in need, and they are willing to hire people with little experience. What this does is get you in, gets you much better references, and can also lead up to you getting a server job after some time if you are good, smart, and attentive to what's going on. I have over 20 years experience in restaurants, so I can speak about them with a fair amount of knowledge.

Also, you've only been looking for a week and a half. Don't sweat it. Somewhere out there is a job for you, so its just a matter of time. Do heed my advice though. Good luck!

 

[burningdragoon]

Ok, first, best, and only advice I really have is to chill out a bit. A week and a half is no time at all. Sure it'd be nice if people got back to right away, but that's just not how it works all the time.

Sometimes you hear back right away. Sometimes after a while. Sometimes you hear back either way (yes/no). Sometimes you don't hear back at all for no.

 

[IndomitableSam]

Agreed, a week and a half is nothing. Try months or years when you're trying to find a career, not just a job.

Honestly, you're late to the party - most kids look for work before school or university is over for the year. It's now almost July and most places probably just aren't hiring anymore. Keep trying - go to your local mall and drop off resumes at each and every store. Maybe you'll get lucky. Keep tyring for fast food too - we've all been there, everyone has to take their lumps and do it.

Also - I applied for my current job at the end of June last year - I had an interview in November and did not start until January.

Most retail places collect resumes for couple weeks or so, then start going through the applications.

On the resume front... keep it to one page, short, sweet. Maybe make it a skills-based resume since you're short on "real" jobs. Google Skill Based Resume and you should be good. HOnestly, 3/4 of a page is good for someone with little experience. High School, any clubs/special awards you're in, then list the camps you worked at and a bullet list of your duties and skills.