Job Search
Posted July 7th, 2011 at 12:06 PM by Sweet Candace
My dad is pressing for me to get a job. I need to get a job before college starts back up because I'll need the money for gas from time to time. There are a few problems, though.
The first problem is; the economy. The US economy is still in the doldrums, and not many businesses are hiring at the moment. And if they are, the older, laid-off workers get preferential treatment than the 16 year old who wants to get their feet wet in the workforce. (Granted, I'm 19, but the latter applies to me.) This is, to me, not fair. All unemployed workers should be treated equally and fairly and shouldn't be put on a pedestal because of their age and/or previous work history.
The second issue is; where will I work? I have no previous job history, and the places I'm applying to are the local supermarkets and pet stores around town. Now, I have little experience with animals as I volunteered at the local animal shelter for my Community Service hours at my high school I graduated from last June. But no experience with supermarkets.
The third issue is; work time. My tentative first semester schedule for this year is from 8 am to 2 pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday, leaving every other day open. (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.) The reason why I said tentative is my schedule hangs on if I can get my license. If I can't, I will have to tweak my schedule around and that might mean losing Tuesday and Thursday to school.
You guys can wish me luck. I sure hope I can find a job by the time I have to go back to college in late August. (Oh, and I sure hope I get my permit or driver's license by that time as well.)
The first problem is; the economy. The US economy is still in the doldrums, and not many businesses are hiring at the moment. And if they are, the older, laid-off workers get preferential treatment than the 16 year old who wants to get their feet wet in the workforce. (Granted, I'm 19, but the latter applies to me.) This is, to me, not fair. All unemployed workers should be treated equally and fairly and shouldn't be put on a pedestal because of their age and/or previous work history.
The second issue is; where will I work? I have no previous job history, and the places I'm applying to are the local supermarkets and pet stores around town. Now, I have little experience with animals as I volunteered at the local animal shelter for my Community Service hours at my high school I graduated from last June. But no experience with supermarkets.
The third issue is; work time. My tentative first semester schedule for this year is from 8 am to 2 pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday, leaving every other day open. (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.) The reason why I said tentative is my schedule hangs on if I can get my license. If I can't, I will have to tweak my schedule around and that might mean losing Tuesday and Thursday to school.
You guys can wish me luck. I sure hope I can find a job by the time I have to go back to college in late August. (Oh, and I sure hope I get my permit or driver's license by that time as well.)
Total Comments 5
Comments
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I don't think it's unfair, its more practical to weigh person that has experience and has references from former employers then somebody who is too them an unknown. They would prefer to play it safe then hire some young person who I am sure they don't care for since a lot of young people I have worked around don't seem overly eager or dedicated to working. Whereas they know the older people will be there day in and day out cause they have to make payments. I would try anyone, hard part is getting your first job, then once your got it your better off if you seek another job in the future. Not all companies have you work a lot anyways, so if you could only work three to four days a week they will plug you in somewhere. I request every day and they only have me usually work three. And whats the hold up your 19 without a license. Don't they have licenses at 16 anymore?Posted July 7th, 2011 at 12:39 PM by Kenshin5
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If you can, get connected.
I got my current job because my brother-in-law used to work at the same place. I put him down as a referrer on my application, and the general manager that hired me remembered the guy. It gave me an edge when he was looking for new people. (I also had 2 months of pizza experience and an open schedule, which probably helped, but not as much.) A lot of the people that have been hired at this place since have known current or previous employees as well.
So if you know anyone who used to work somewhere that's currently hiring, or if friends or family are working somewhere that's hiring and will allow it, see if there's anything they can do for you. It might feel like riding on people's coattails but you gotta do what you gotta do.
@Kenshin5: Ahaha, oh man, I'm 21 and don't have a license. XDPosted July 7th, 2011 at 3:56 PM by Sammi
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I didn't get a license until I was 18. 'Course I didn't need one until then...
Anyway, GOOD LUCK! Sammi's got the right idea. If you know people it makes it easier to find a job. And specific experience isn't everything. If you can show that you can follow directions and be responsible like you probably did at the animal shelter then that makes up for quite a bit of having no experience. That's what you should emphasize.Posted July 8th, 2011 at 9:22 AM by Esper
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Posted July 8th, 2011 at 9:34 AM by Spinor
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Posted July 8th, 2011 at 10:12 AM by Gerri Shin


