Applying for a job. Advice?

Could you bus to places? Applying online is perfectly fine, but... the chances of getting an offer for an interview is incredibly small.

Applying in person is best, these days, when you have not had a job before. At the end of the day, the person hiring would remember someone that's been seen in-person already as opposed to someone who's applied online, especially when you haven't had a job before, it sounds. You need all the positive exposure that you can get.

With that said, if you would like a job, you may wish to broaden your horizons in your search. If you only applied to one job... unfortunately, it is highly unlikely you'd get an offer for an interview. It can become a numbers game, and pushing the odds in your favour until they skew towards statistically receiving interviews is best.

As for whether that is bad or not... It probably isn't. I'm assuming that you had to fill in other things, so they would know that you haven't had a job before.

As for how long it takes for places to get back to you, it depends. Calling places back after waiting 2 weeks without an answer can sometimes be a smart move to make, especially if you feel that you made a positive impression. If you don't get an answer, don't be disheartened. Some people with post-secondary education have tried months to get any sort of job just to make a living.

 

Er, to be completely and honestly blunt, it does matter whether one applies in person or not, unfortunately. I have applied to many jobs online. I haven't received word back from any of them. In contrast, when I've applied in person, it sets a much stronger impression of my strengths and friendliness and people are much more likely to remember me and to call me back to set up an interview.

An interviewer can't interview every single person who applies. As you have no experience, why would an interviewer choose to interview you over someone with more experience? I don't mean to be offensive, but objectively speaking that is what an interviewer may be thinking. That's not always the case, but I'm sure some interviewers think that way at least some of the time.

I only have a learner's license, too, and can't drive on my own, and my parents are both busy. I chose to walk or bus to many places to apply. If you have a bike, that can help, too. If you have absolutely have no means of applying in person, in general, it may be very difficult to get a job, unfortunately.

Also, if you have no means of applying to any jobs in person, how would you be able to go to work if you had a job? That is something you should consider, as it may become an issue later on.

Yes, for young people, applying for a job shows a great deal of maturity. The sad fact is that applicants are almost always unconsciously judged. Doesn't sound friendly? Rejected. Many people who deal with applications have to discard so many, just because they simply do not have the time to go through hundreds each day.

That's the cruel world of job hunting. You have to apply to many, and you ideally would go in person to apply to some jobs, while still applying online as well to other jobs, if possible.

Your last paragraph is true, but a good application sets a better 'first' impression than a sub-par one. That is why, as your last sentence says, one should apply in person if possible, especially if it's for certain positions like being a barista or other more social jobs and customer-based/service-oriented jobs.

 

You can get hired from doing online applications as long as you call them the next day. Ask to speak to a manager - introduce yourself and let them know that you put in an application. Then ask them when a good time to do an interview would be. Employers love initiative.

 

I always dress up really nice and go in to where ever I choose to apply, ask for a manager, introduce myself (eye contact, smile, and firm handshake), tell them I just moved into the area (in your case tell them that you want to start working so you can get a car/make car payments/or whatever the reason is that you want to get a job), ask them if they are hiring and if there is a place to fill out an application in the building, and when I finish filling it out I turn it in to the same manager directly. I thank them for giving me the opportunity to fill out the application as I hand it to them. After that I ask if they have time to do a quick interview right then and there. If they are busy I ask them when a good time to come back in would be. That way you get your interview, you've left a great impression, and you've demonstrated initiative as well as maturity. This method lands me the job every single time.

 

I worked at a little food joint when I was 16 and then got hired at Chick-fil-a when I was 17. Starting out at a fast food place isn't a bad way to get in there.

 

At this point you are your own worst enemy. There is a job out there near you that is hiring, you just have to find it.

 

In terms of work experience, if you absolutely cannot find a job, then start volunteering places. Essentially, it's a job you don't get paid for. You'll usually have a supervisor or someone above you. There is ALWAYS a need for volunteers. Once you have experience there, you'll be able to ask a supervisor or coworker for a reference letter. That way an employer will know you're not a flake.

Also, look around - do you have any family friends that might know of someone who knows someone who knows someone? Truthfully, in today's job market, it is a huge help if you know the right people.

Don't be afraid to look into different markets that aren't just retail.

Yes, you're 17, but what if an organization says "call back when you're 18"??? That's better than no!

Applying online is good to get yourself in the system, but always call and check in. When you call, you can reference yourself and say I applied on such and such a date. However, it is extremely rare that they will see your application and be like "OH MY GOD"... Unless you have some way of making it stand out, like "hi, my name is ___ and I'll give you cookies for life if you hire me." Even at that, it probably won't happen.

Again, I know it's a tough thing, but look at all your options. I think I was your age when I started looking. I never thought I'd find a job......and I did and I absolutely love it.

 

Not sure how successful you will be at 17 BUT even applying for a job in good experience when you turn 18

It always possible you talk to someone who tells you to come back when you turn 18

 

Not necessarily. Online applications receive a large amount of applicants. There still is a small chance of getting contacted, and it's better to apply online than to not apply online, in a void, when wanting to get a job. Ideally, this would be a supplement to applying in person, as that is the best chance of landing interview opportunities.

It's frustrating, but few people get jobs overnight. It takes continual searching, applying, and following up, with a smile throughout.

 

Well, I think that there is. First, it gets people in the system - that way, you won't have to add someone in all the time. Secondly, at most importantly, it weeds out people who really don't give a shit. Do it and then call and go in - honestly, it's what they want... at least, I think it's what they want.

 

The online applications are the backup. If they have nothing on paper that looks promising, they'll go to the online apps. But most places will take the paper ones first, since it shows more initiative.

If there's an overall theme here, it should be this. It's an employer's market right now. For every opening, they have a bunch of people trying to get the job. As such, you're going to want to do whatever you can to both make yourself stand out (in a positive way), and make would-be employers think "this is somebody I want to hire - this is somebody who will make a good employee".

* Apply in person for as many jobs as you can.

* Try to talk to somebody in charge - the head manager if you can, another manager if the HM isn't available - if at all possible. It's best if you go in at "downtime". Most restaurants are at a lull between 2pm and 5pm, for instance.

* Tell them you're looking for a job, and you'd really like to work THERE. (Not "anywhere" - THERE. If you say "I'll work anywhere", it makes them think you'll be looking to ditch them the second anything better comes along.)

* Ask if they're currently hiring (if there's no sign that they are). If not, ask if you can fill out an application anyway. If so, ask what positions they're looking for, and mention any you think you might be able/willing to do.

* Keep track of every place you apply. Write down who you talked to, and what you applied for.

* You'll probably need to be persistent. It's rare to get the first job you ask for, even in a great economy. Stay upbeat - they'll prefer that over somebody who sounds sullen.

Lex