Job searching... so frustrating

I've been filling out applications left and right for about a month and a half now. No one is hiring in my area except one store, which I'm applying to for part time job (a pet food store).

I just feel frustrated and I doubt I'll get the job because I have absolutely no references at all (they want you to list a minimum of 3 professional references). The only good thing I can list is my extensive experience with dogs, cats, reptiles and rodents.

Well here's to hoping something good comes up :please:

I hate to say it.. but lie.
say you had a part time job for some mom and pop place or private doggy day care, pet sitter person.
Then have a relative or adult that is cool and willing..
And have them as your former boss/supervisor and give you a rave review.
If asked why they let you go, or you had to quit...
Their business took a dive due to lack of business, money/clients, or they retired.
Always is a good thing and it gives you a good reference.

Carol

I feel your pain! I have to apply somewhere at least once a week for Unemployment. It's crazy. I've been applying to places once or twice a week for a whole 13 months and haven't gotten anything. Got a couple interviews, that didn't lead up to anything... Got managers saying "Oh we'll do interviews next week, call back then" at least 3-4 weeks in a row.

It's tough. It's not you though, it's just the economy :(

How old are you? Not to be a pedophile/creeper/whatever, it would just help us in giving you sounds job-seeking advice :P

Lol, Mike, I'm 18. Any job I may get will be my first, so I suppose having no references at this point isn't all that odd.

If you have a zoo in your area, this is the time of year they do their hiring. i know here in Baltimore, they are having a job's fair this weekend. You may want to try this apporach.

Jim Smith

Are there any temporary agencies in your area? They should be able to find you a job; although, it may be in a factory.

Bad One.....recheck your resume. I use to do this when I worked a "real job". Remember that a resume is a brag sheet!! Brag....put all the good stuff you have done. As far as references....have you volunteered anywhere...babysat...anything like that. Put those down as your references.

If you would like you can email me your resume and I will take a look at it for you and help you out. I know it can be frustrating....but remember to think positive and walk in there like you are the greatest thing in the world for them and they would be crazy not to want someone with your experience. AND....even if you are just dropping off your resume...remember to dress professionally. First impressions!! And walk in and ask for the manager...do not just give it to the person at the counter.

Oh...there is so much more but it would be a book. Keep positive. Let me know if you want my help!!

Elise...that goes for you to...if you want my help I got your back sister!!

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Originally Posted by BPelizabeth

Bad One.....recheck your resume. I use to do this when I worked a "real job". Remember that a resume is a brag sheet!! Brag....put all the good stuff you have done. As far as references....have you volunteered anywhere...babysat...anything like that. Put those down as your references.

If you would like you can email me your resume and I will take a look at it for you and help you out. I know it can be frustrating....but remember to think positive and walk in there like you are the greatest thing in the world for them and they would be crazy not to want someone with your experience. AND....even if you are just dropping off your resume...remember to dress professionally. First impressions!! And walk in and ask for the manager...do not just give it to the person at the counter.

Oh...there is so much more but it would be a book. Keep positive. Let me know if you want my help!!

Elise...that goes for you to...if you want my help I got your back sister!!

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I could not have said it better myself. This day and time people want those who want to work. People who are interested in doing a good job. They get hundreds of applicants who just want a "Job". You need to go in there telling them you want to work for them. And you need to stand out. By the way be sure to list reptile keeping on your resume if you are going to a pet food store for a job.

For any job seeker, Send out a thank you card to them the same day you had had an interview. IF they say they are interviewing in a week, wait one day after dropping off your resume/job app, then Call. Ask to speak to a manager or HR dept..
Tell them you dropped off a job app/resume and are very interested in working there.

If you get an interview, do the thank you card, and then a day or so after it should have arrived, call to say thank you for the interview, ask how the process is going and again say how much you would like to work there.
Getting your name in their heads, and calling them shows that you are truly interested.

Carol