Weaknesses when applying to jobs (employees, job application, alternative, interviews)

[delitebrite]

Hi,

I have a hard time landing interviews for jobs, and I was just wondering if anyone would have any ideas why that is? I apply to entry level, customer service jobs. I'm 18 years old. I didn't graduate high school (although I did complete three years worth in only two years). My boyfriend and I are thinking that's the problem. I want to get my GED, but I have to wait for the next program. In my state, you can't simply take the test - you have to go through all this hullabaloo to get it, and if you miss orientation then you have to wait until the next one. I started getting my GED last summer, but I had to go to the college every week and I didn't have reliable transportation (I don't drive and walk to and from work, usually). Now I do have reliable transportation, but I have to wait for the next orientation.

Anyway, I have worked at three jobs but I only use two on applications. I worked at a movie theatre for 8 months and I have a recommendation from one of my supervising managers. We had quite a few managers, because we had multiple theatres and there was a manager scheduled at each one for each shift. Employees and managers rotated theatres randomly. I also have good references from two other supervising managers who will say that I am reliable, self-sufficient and hardworking. These three managers really noticed all the effort I put into my job - which included volunteering for shifts that our GM forgot to schedule, staying to do work that other employees were too lazy to do, exceptional customer service, etc. Essentially, these three managers will give me glowing reviews and consider me to be one of their best employees. I gave a month's notice that I was moving to a different city, but ended up quitting a week before I was supposed to. On applications, I simply state that I left because I was relocating.

The other job I use is 2 months working as a tray passer at the hospital. It was my first job. I loved that job but I worked with some really catty teenage girls. I got laryngitis (and I couldn't do my job without my voice!) and I didn't have the number to call in. My female coworker refused to give me the number, and later texted me to say I was probably going to get fired for a no-call no-show. I was too scared to go back. I think I was only 15 or 16 at the time, and I didn't realize that I could probably just explain the situation to my supervisor and keep my job. On applications, I put down that I left to focus on school. (Not sure if that looks bad since I didn't end up graduating?)

So are there any "red flags" or anything that might be keeping me from getting a job? I'm really trying to move away from food service because of bad experiences, although I would like to stay in customer service. So far I have applied to the hospital in my new city for the same position as my first job, Hastings Entertainment, Best Western (front desk), Petco and Wells Fargo (teller). I feel like there isn't much of a chance for me to get hired at Wells Fargo or Best Western, though. Is there anything that I'm doing wrong?

[beera]

Since you are 18 you do not have to take the program. You can just apply to take the test. Per this site:

http://communitycolleges.wy.edu/ged-information.aspx

"All candidates wanting to take the GED® exams, who are 16 and 17, are required to attend an Adult Basic Education program prior to submitting the Age Waiver Application."

Since you are 18 you don't need to do this (at least that is my understanding). Go to a bookstore, pay $20 and buy the newest version of the GED study guide with practice tests. Then once you are able to do well on those, sign up and pay to take the test. That's what my hubby did and passed the first time. The GED is actually a pretty tough test, but if you are smart and at least do a few practice ones and do well on those you should be good to go.

As for the jobs, don't worry too much about the one where you were 15/16, I doubt anyone will call that one. Most jobs are interested in your last supervisor reference anyways. But you can put all your jobs just to bulk up your resume, and then only put in your last supervisor and maybe a coworker from your last job if you want to have a couple of references.

Also, where are you applying? Have you looked with any temp agencies? I found my current job through Craigslist

[delitebrite]

Hmm, I didn't know that! I'll look into, thank you! That would be a lot easier for me. I'm not too worried about being able to pass it. I'm fairly confident that I can ace it without too much studying, if any. One of the reasons I dropped out was because high school wasn't stimulating enough for me. I would just like to get it as soon as I can, so that potential employers don't think I'm not smart enough to work a customer service job or anything.

Also, thanks for the tip regarding my first job. It was in 2011, so I'm not really worrying about it anymore and just tack it on because it adds a couple months of work experience (plus I was paid $9.41, so it kind of balances out the low pay at the movie theatres).

I have applied to the following places:
Campbell County Memorial Hospital - Food Service Tech (my first job in Casper)
Best Western - Front Desk
Wells Fargo - Teller
Petco - Sales Associate
Walgreens - Photo Specialist and Sales Associate
Hastings Entertainment - Barista (my boyfriend worked here and has an excellent track record with them - plus his original manager is still working here)

All of the applications were online except for Best Western, which worries me because I feel uncomfortable with online applications. I feel like they kind of go into a void and nobody looks at them again, so it's kind of difficult to make any initial impression to get a call-back. I've had one call-back from an online application (out of the dozens I've filled out) and that was my first job.

[parried]

I have a G.E.D. and I've been looking for a job since I was 18. I am 23 now. Since then all I was able to land was 2 seasonal jobs from 2011-early 2012. I have no other work experience except that. I have applied to everything from grocery stores, fast food, retail shops, dishwashing jobs at restauraunts, warehouse positions on craigslist, and I have got no call backs to date. In fact, my applications aren't even acknowledged. I blame this on the fact that applications are mostly online now, and many employers discourage people from going face to face. Meanwhile I hear people talking like getting a job is as simple as pushing a button. It's just amazing what unemployment does to a person. It alienates me.

[move4ward]

Originally Posted by parried

I have a G.E.D. and I've been looking for a job since I was 18. I am 23 now. Since then all I was able to land was 2 seasonal jobs from 2011-early 2012. I have no other work experience except that. I have applied to everything from grocery stores, fast food, retail shops, dishwashing jobs at restauraunts, warehouse positions on craigslist, and I have got no call backs to date. In fact, my applications aren't even acknowledged. I blame this on the fact that applications are mostly online now, and many employers discourage people from going face to face. Meanwhile I hear people talking like getting a job is as simple as pushing a button. It's just amazing what unemployment does to a person. It alienates me.

Retail and fast jobs are harder get for low-skills jobs, because they have high number of applicants.

Try something like LaborReady for day labor work. If you want to avoid the internet job application process target small family businesses like small farms, mom&pop restaurants. While McDonalds may have 100 applications from online applicants in a day, the mom&pop will have much less competition.

You will want to check out the bulletin boards at:

Grocery stores(One of the most popular places for ads and flyers)
Public ibraries(Another good source)
College libraries, student lounges, college gameroom(Small employers are looking for the inexperienced here.)
Churches(good source, especially if you are a member)
Convenience stores/Gas stations(Hit and miss, there is not as many ads as the first 3 sources)
Check cashing places
Hardware stores
Gardening stores
Restaurants
Apartment leasing office
Laundromats
Gyms
Churches
Parks
Schools

[parried]

Our newspaper jobs section is empty, except for a few high-skilled out of town positions that have been advertising for years. Various job boards and local job boards are filled with the same jobs, even some general labor stuff which I HAVE applied to throughout 2010, 2011, and 2012. It appears that the low-skill jobs are only available if you know someone, who can get you past the BS.

I'll apply to anything around the sun, but I'm still not getting called. I've applied to all different kinds of jobs, I don't really care what the job is, I just want to get off SSI and work. I even applied to a retail outlet that opened last summer (before they opened) and never got a call back for an interview. I put in 2 applications there. There's just something wrong here that I'm missing. To me working isn't even about a paycheck or making money (although I do need to survive), it's more of a dignity/moral/personal responsibility thing. I'm tired of people saying "go flip burgers" as if I'm not willing to do it, when I AM. It is THEY who aren't giving me the chance.

I can't tell you how this bothers me. I can't tell you what this has done to me. It's not suppose to be this way.

I still have months to go, to buy a reliable vehicle. Until then, I am stuck, listening to anonymous people who are in denial about the state of our society on the internet talk nasty to me, when in real life they would be cowards.

[molukai]

parried, have you considered the armed forces?

[parried]

I have a disability and a G.E.D.. That makes me barred from entering all service. Not that I'd want to, anyway.

[Merchant_ZZZ]

Originally Posted by parried

I have a disability and a G.E.D.. That makes me barred from entering all service. Not that I'd want to, anyway.

Since you will not want to go back to school, the only alternative is to create the work for your self and ask neighbors if there is anything that needs to be done, etc. Perhaps landscaping or you could ask a neighbor landscaper if they have anything open. You could also ask general contractors on the streets as well if they need any help. My dad was a GC and at times it was hard to find help. You could do things online for money as well such as create a blog and website to generate some income - that will take some time to do and not as instant.

In any cases the only certain thing is to have a positive attitude. It is hard out there and everyone that I know is being screwed around in some shape or form due to this economy.

[parried]

I could go to community college with financial aid, but I am nowhere near where I need to be to do that yet.