how do i get a job as an 18 year old???
i know this sounds really, REALLY stupid right, but I'm struggling to get a job part time. everyone I know has a decent job locally, and I've just turned 18 and have only had a job once. (I ended up quitting quite quickly because it was a 20 minute commute nightly, 35 minutes if I was going straight after school, which happened frequently.) I quit my job in December but I need money for starting uni in September. Every application I've sent in has been declined, infact I've only ever had 2 interviews, and I've been applying for jobs for about 2 years now. I seriously cannot get a place anywhere. My CV is fine, I've had parents help me rewrite it over and over, nothing works. I have one year's worth of voluntary work experience in a charity shop. I'm qualified, I have Higher English and Maths if they even care about my qualifications. I've called places asking if they even have vacancies, nothing!! I'm seriously at a loss. what do I do????
Reply 1
Original post by fuukafriday
i know this sounds really, REALLY stupid right, but I'm struggling to get a job part time. everyone I know has a decent job locally, and I've just turned 18 and have only had a job once. (I ended up quitting quite quickly because it was a 20 minute commute nightly, 35 minutes if I was going straight after school, which happened frequently.) I quit my job in December but I need money for starting uni in September. Every application I've sent in has been declined, infact I've only ever had 2 interviews, and I've been applying for jobs for about 2 years now. I seriously cannot get a place anywhere. My CV is fine, I've had parents help me rewrite it over and over, nothing works. I have one year's worth of voluntary work experience in a charity shop. I'm qualified, I have Higher English and Maths if they even care about my qualifications. I've called places asking if they even have vacancies, nothing!! I'm seriously at a loss. what do I do????
i’m in the exact same boat! never even had an interview. these days it’s honestly so strange how hard it is to get a job. i’ve only ever volunteered because no one has hired me!
Reply 2
Original post by fuukafriday
i know this sounds really, REALLY stupid right, but I'm struggling to get a job part time. everyone I know has a decent job locally, and I've just turned 18 and have only had a job once. (I ended up quitting quite quickly because it was a 20 minute commute nightly, 35 minutes if I was going straight after school, which happened frequently.) I quit my job in December but I need money for starting uni in September. Every application I've sent in has been declined, infact I've only ever had 2 interviews, and I've been applying for jobs for about 2 years now. I seriously cannot get a place anywhere. My CV is fine, I've had parents help me rewrite it over and over, nothing works. I have one year's worth of voluntary work experience in a charity shop. I'm qualified, I have Higher English and Maths if they even care about my qualifications. I've called places asking if they even have vacancies, nothing!! I'm seriously at a loss. what do I do????
What sort of jobs are you applying to? Everyone I know (including myself) has found it quite easy to get a weekend job so maybe you’re just not looking in the right places.
Reply 3
Original post by fuukafriday
i know this sounds really, REALLY stupid right, but I'm struggling to get a job part time. everyone I know has a decent job locally, and I've just turned 18 and have only had a job once. (I ended up quitting quite quickly because it was a 20 minute commute nightly, 35 minutes if I was going straight after school, which happened frequently.) I quit my job in December but I need money for starting uni in September. Every application I've sent in has been declined, infact I've only ever had 2 interviews, and I've been applying for jobs for about 2 years now. I seriously cannot get a place anywhere. My CV is fine, I've had parents help me rewrite it over and over, nothing works. I have one year's worth of voluntary work experience in a charity shop. I'm qualified, I have Higher English and Maths if they even care about my qualifications. I've called places asking if they even have vacancies, nothing!! I'm seriously at a loss. what do I do????
i know this sounds really, REALLY stupid right, but I'm struggling to get a job part time
Welcome to the real world. If reality hasn't hit you hard enough, consider this a wake up call.
I ended up quitting quite quickly because it was a 20 minute commute nightly, 35 minutes if I was going straight after school, which happened frequently
Yeah, employers typically don't take this kindly. They expect you to have figured this out before you applied for the job and if you weren't made aware, this should have been raised during the interview. If you did get a reference from them, consider yourself lucky.
It's expensive and exhausting to hire and train. They are essentially making an investment in you and taking a risk. If you don't pan out, then it's their loss.
Every application I've sent in has been declined, infact I've only ever had 2 interviews, and I've been applying for jobs for about 2 years now. I seriously cannot get a place anywhere.
Companies are typically looking for 6 months -1 year minimum term. A 3 month availability/stint is barely a temp. I would recommend going to recruitment agencies and looking for temp work between now and September. Even if you won't get much, it would still be something.
A lesson to note: how did the people you know managed to get their jobs? What are they doing different? Are they just randomly applying for work or do they know people in the company before getting the job?
If they are applying for work only (unlikely), how many applications did they have to send out? Who did they apply to? What sort of companies do they work for and what are their job conditions?
Then there's the fact that you have limited relevant work experience. If your accumulative work experience isn't more than 6 months, you're still a new trainee. You can then raise the issue that how are you expected to get work experience if nobody hires you (chicken or the egg, right?), but employers don't care. If you don't have the experience, you will be passed over to someone who does - there are enough applicants to pick from for them not to worry. In some cases, they would rather hire no one rather than hiring a trainee because of how time consuming and expensive it is to train them up - most employees tend to be stretched thin with a heavy workload and would rather not do something that doesn't benefit them personally (not all companies have teams specifically there to train you up - even most big companies don't have that and if they do they tend to be bad).
My CV is fine, I've had parents help me rewrite it over and over, nothing works.
Unless your parents are employing you, it's usually not. A CV is supposed to get you an invite to an interview. If you can't even get to an interview, your CV is the problem (either that or your approach). The CV needs to be tailored to the particular company and particular role. You can't have one CV for every role at every company - it seems generic. Think of it like a flyer for an expensive subscription with the promise that the person you are hiring is supposed to make you money and make your life easier; if you are going to pay a lot of money for this, you expect it to be good.
I have one year's worth of voluntary work experience in a charity shop.
That's nice. Are you intending to:
•
Work at a charity?
•
Work in retail?
•
Both?
Employers want to see you are being paid competitive wages (or something similar to what they're offering) for the work done. If it's something you have to go out of your way to do, then it's only nice to have and isn't taken that seriously.
I'm qualified
Yes, you can do the work. If you are capable of A Levels (or equivalent) with GCSEs, you should be capable of doing 600+ different roles. However, it still doesn't mean that you are qualified. Do you have relevant experience? If managers aren't there to supervise you, can you do all the work in your role yourself? Do you know what to do?
I have Higher English and Maths if they even care about my qualifications
Did they explicitly requested this in their job ad or job description? No? Then they don't care.
Most entry level jobs on the shop floor tend to not ask for much in terms of qualifications. They care more about your job performance and work experience. Think people who have no qualifications or have done Lower Tier English and Maths. Some of these people work full time at these places and stay throughout their working lives with no further qualifications.
If the average person on the shop floor have lower qualifications than you do, you can almost be certain that having Higher English and Maths makes you overqualified. I would mention the Higher English and Maths as the highest qualifications you have and not mention your A Levels (or equivalent) just to play thing safe if this is the case.
If anything, employers would care about the professional certifications or qualifications that are relevant specifically for the role concerned.
If you work in the kitchen for example, having degrees and A Levels mean squat. A hygiene certificate at Level 2 makes more sense. If you're a cook, a catering or cooking NVQ Level 3 qualification from your vocational college would be applicable.
If you are working in say retail, almost none of your qualifications would mean a thing. Your higher English and Maths should be the most that you would mention.
If you are intending to be a lifeguard, none of your academic qualifications mean a thing. A National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ), Level 2 Award in Pool Lifeguarding. or National Vocational Beach Lifeguard Qualification (NVBLQ) would make more sense. Your A Level in history won't help you save those who are drowning.
I've called places asking if they even have vacancies, nothing!!
Not surprised. People typically call once every 3-6 months to see if there are any vacancies. However, you should be networking your way in as opposed to just calling them up.
Having said that, it's May so I'm not surprised there are no vacancies. At this time of year, a lot of other students are working and taking time off school to do so during study leave. If you wanted to get your foot in the door, you would have applied or ask when supply for work was at the lowest (e.g. September - November, February - April) or you apply very early (or when the vacancy has just come out). The job waits for no one; if they need someone, they can fill the vacancy in 2 weeks (or 2 days if necessary).
what do I do?
At this moment in time, I would recommend asking a recruitment agency and mentioning the sort of work you can or be willing to do. Hopefully, you will get a bit of temp work for the next few months before you head off to uni.
(edited 1 month ago)
Reply 4
8
Hi,
while this is really helpful (and I'm very grateful for that!) I'm only looking for simple job while I'm in Uni. I have experience in the fast-food sector and retail sector. Every job I'm applying for is within these two sectors and I still get nothing.
also, higher is the equivalent to a-levels here. should I change my qualifications to only displaying what I have at GCSE level?
I have around 18 months work experience total (around 3 employed, the rest voluntary).
Previous people I have known didn't go through many applications, one of which with little to no work experience. The only time I did get employed briefly was in fast-food, which I had little experience in.
while this is really helpful (and I'm very grateful for that!) I'm only looking for simple job while I'm in Uni. I have experience in the fast-food sector and retail sector. Every job I'm applying for is within these two sectors and I still get nothing.
also, higher is the equivalent to a-levels here. should I change my qualifications to only displaying what I have at GCSE level?
I have around 18 months work experience total (around 3 employed, the rest voluntary).
Previous people I have known didn't go through many applications, one of which with little to no work experience. The only time I did get employed briefly was in fast-food, which I had little experience in.
Reply 5
8
Original post by LittleFire10
What sort of jobs are you applying to? Everyone I know (including myself) has found it quite easy to get a weekend job so maybe you’re just not looking in the right places.
everything in retail i can find honestly. my main work experience is in retail but I'm applying for fast-food too because I've gained a bit of experience there.
Reply 6
8
Original post by meayor
i’m in the exact same boat! never even had an interview. these days it’s honestly so strange how hard it is to get a job. i’ve only ever volunteered because no one has hired me!
exactly!! i find it makes no sense sometimes how I have over a year's work experience, yet people I know are getting jobs with nothing. it's so unfair!!
Reply 7
Original post by fuukafriday
everything in retail i can find honestly. my main work experience is in retail but I'm applying for fast-food too because I've gained a bit of experience there.
Have you only been applying to big chains or small businesses as well?
Reply 8
If it makes you feel any better, I’m having this issue even WITH experience. I’m applying to retail and hospitality jobs. I’ve two years of retail experience and another two in admin. Had a few interviews here and there but still nothing. Job market is *****y even for those with experience applying for these “unskilled” type jobs
Reply 9
Original post by fuukafriday
Hi,
while this is really helpful (and I'm very grateful for that!) I'm only looking for simple job while I'm in Uni. I have experience in the fast-food sector and retail sector. Every job I'm applying for is within these two sectors and I still get nothing.
also, higher is the equivalent to a-levels here. should I change my qualifications to only displaying what I have at GCSE level?
I have around 18 months work experience total (around 3 employed, the rest voluntary).
Previous people I have known didn't go through many applications, one of which with little to no work experience. The only time I did get employed briefly was in fast-food, which I had little experience in.
while this is really helpful (and I'm very grateful for that!) I'm only looking for simple job while I'm in Uni. I have experience in the fast-food sector and retail sector. Every job I'm applying for is within these two sectors and I still get nothing.
also, higher is the equivalent to a-levels here. should I change my qualifications to only displaying what I have at GCSE level?
I have around 18 months work experience total (around 3 employed, the rest voluntary).
Previous people I have known didn't go through many applications, one of which with little to no work experience. The only time I did get employed briefly was in fast-food, which I had little experience in.
Retail is more difficult to get in than catering.
Instead of just going for the fast food chains, consider the restaurants and large catering companies. The less established they are, the more likely that they won't have formal lengthy hiring procedures that lead nowhere. Also, the small and medium firms tend to be more responsive and flexible. In some cases, you can walk up to the place, ask about a job and they can set you up a trial shift the next night.
The principle similarly applies to retail shops, but it's still generally more difficult to get into than catering.
Yes, show your Nationals only in some cases, especially if you know the people there are particularly "sensitive" or wary of the fact that you might be "overqualified". If you know that there are people with Highers or degrees working there, then I would be a bit more liberal with what you put on your CV. Otherwise, hold back on the gloating.
The more relevant work experience is that of your 3 months. Paid work experience where they hire you for the job is relevant. Volunteering where you were self selected and work for little to no pay less so.
Yeah, not surprised people got hired without going through many applications. Right place, right time, flexible availability, limited qualifications, right personality, know people who work there, etc.
The standard rule of thumb when you are only applying for work (as opposed to using other means) is 100 applications for roughly 5 interviews, per1 job offer. If you are only applying to big companies or chain restaurants, you will run out of places to apply to before you even get adequate numbers.
(edited 1 month ago)
Reply 10
Original post by MindMax2000
Retail is more difficult to get in than catering.
Instead of just going for the fast food chains, consider the restaurants and large catering companies. The less established they are, the more likely that they won't have formal lengthy hiring procedures that lead nowhere. Also, the small and medium firms tend to be more responsive and flexible. In some cases, you can walk up to the place, ask about a job and they can set you up a trial shift the next night.
The principle similarly applies to retail shops, but it's still generally more difficult to get into than catering.
Yes, show your Nationals only in some cases, especially if you know the people there are particularly "sensitive" or wary of the fact that you might be "overqualified". If you know that there are people with Highers or degrees working there, then I would be a bit more liberal with what you put on your CV. Otherwise, hold back on the gloating.
The more relevant work experience is that of your 3 months. Paid work experience where they hire you for the job is relevant. Volunteering where you were self selected and work for little to no pay less so.
Yeah, not surprised people got hired without going through many applications. Right place, right time, flexible availability, limited qualifications, right personality, know people who work there, etc.
The standard rule of thumb when you are only applying for work (as opposed to using other means) is 100 applications for roughly 5 interviews, per1 job offer. If you are only applying to big companies or chain restaurants, you will run out of places to apply to before you even get adequate numbers.
Instead of just going for the fast food chains, consider the restaurants and large catering companies. The less established they are, the more likely that they won't have formal lengthy hiring procedures that lead nowhere. Also, the small and medium firms tend to be more responsive and flexible. In some cases, you can walk up to the place, ask about a job and they can set you up a trial shift the next night.
The principle similarly applies to retail shops, but it's still generally more difficult to get into than catering.
Yes, show your Nationals only in some cases, especially if you know the people there are particularly "sensitive" or wary of the fact that you might be "overqualified". If you know that there are people with Highers or degrees working there, then I would be a bit more liberal with what you put on your CV. Otherwise, hold back on the gloating.
The more relevant work experience is that of your 3 months. Paid work experience where they hire you for the job is relevant. Volunteering where you were self selected and work for little to no pay less so.
Yeah, not surprised people got hired without going through many applications. Right place, right time, flexible availability, limited qualifications, right personality, know people who work there, etc.
The standard rule of thumb when you are only applying for work (as opposed to using other means) is 100 applications for roughly 5 interviews, per1 job offer. If you are only applying to big companies or chain restaurants, you will run out of places to apply to before you even get adequate numbers.
so what if the only experience i have is volunteering? am i just not getting hired?
Reply 11
Original post by meayor
so what if the only experience i have is volunteering? am i just not getting hired?
It's not that you're not getting hired. It's just getting your first job without relevant experience would be an uphill battle.
You can apply for 100-200 jobs and hopefully get one offer, or you can try to network your way into a job (the latter being significantly easier and efficient).
Original post by fuukafriday
i know this sounds really, REALLY stupid right, but I'm struggling to get a job part time. everyone I know has a decent job locally, and I've just turned 18 and have only had a job once. (I ended up quitting quite quickly because it was a 20 minute commute nightly, 35 minutes if I was going straight after school, which happened frequently.) I quit my job in December but I need money for starting uni in September. Every application I've sent in has been declined, infact I've only ever had 2 interviews, and I've been applying for jobs for about 2 years now. I seriously cannot get a place anywhere. My CV is fine, I've had parents help me rewrite it over and over, nothing works. I have one year's worth of voluntary work experience in a charity shop. I'm qualified, I have Higher English and Maths if they even care about my qualifications. I've called places asking if they even have vacancies, nothing!! I'm seriously at a loss. what do I do????
Try places like mcdonalds (and other fast food places).
They take on a lot of students.
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