Hi, I’m currently a junior and I’m trying to get a job. I’ve never worked before, and I’m having difficulty getting hired. A lot of the jobs I’m applying for are 100% online and don’t let you upload a resume or cover letter (or even references in some cases), only having a small place to put past jobs/employers. Since, I’ve never had a job, I don’t have anything to put in the category, and leave it blank. I have basic experience like working in my school store (which kind of applies), but there’s no where to put it on the app. Sometimes, the apps have a short questionnaire/survey, and that’s the only personal information they’d get from me.
I understand, it’s hard to hire someone or even set up an interview when you only have basic information about them. But, I’m not applying out of my league here–I’m only applying for entry-level positions that have no experience required and basic qualifications like being able to count money. Like, I got rejected from one business that had those basic qualifications within hours (the position didn’t even close - they’re still hiring for it). So, I guess I’m just confused as to what I’m supposed to do.
If the website doesn’t let me upload any documents, would I be able to go into the store and possibly submit a resume? Or is that not acceptable to do?
After submitting an application, should I call the place to followup or check in with the manager so they see the person behind the name?
I guess I’m just at odds here. I totally get why they’re not hiring me or following up since I really don’t have anything to put on their application, but that makes me wonder how I’m ever supposed to get a job if these are the entry-level positions that don’t require experience.
My daughter put her volunteer and relevant school experiences where it asked for past employment and just put $0 in past salary. She brought her resume with her if she was interviewed. She also went to any local retail places that had help wanted signs in person. She dressed up and went with her resume.
thank you so much! @momofsenior1 The only thing with putting relevant experiences in the employment section is that they ask for employer, sometimes contact info, and a reason for leaving.
You can put your school’s name, list a coach or teacher as the supervisor, or say “none”. Make the form work for you the best you can. I know it’s frustrating!
Apply online and then go in and see if you can introduce yourself to the manager. That is the secret at our local grocery store, which is a popular first employer around here.
Businesses that hire high school kids are very familiar with people that have no job history. Go into any place that has a Help Wanted sign in the window and talk to the manager. Even if the application is online, if you’re standing there you can tell them you’re going to apply and ask how to follow up so it gets looked at.
My son filled out a paper job application at a local restaurant where we went to eat, they were on a table when we walked in with a “help wanted” sign, and he got the job, has been working there for the past three years.
Check with your school’s guidance department too. Ours has a bulletin board of “help wanted” ads full of businesses willing to hire teens. Also, the GCs have connections to internships aren’t posted, but “come talk to them” and they’ll give you a referral if they like what they see and hear.
Create a resume. You may not actually use said resume, but it is good to think about all the things you have done that show service, volunteering or leadership. Have you helped out at school? Been selected for a leadership position at school? Led something at church? Volunteered anywhere?
Get references. Who knows you? A coach, teacher, pastor, leader? Hopefully they will emphasize how reliable you are.
Apply at businesses that are hiring. This sounds dumb, but if you are applying to McDonald’s but McDonald’s is not really hiring right now, you wont’ get hired.
Apply online, but then stop in (during a not busy time). Ask to see the manager, and say “Hi, My name is h8annah and I have applied online for the cashier job, but I just wanted to introduce myself.” I have had people recommend that to my children.
Apply at businesses that hire high schoolers. If you are under 18, make sure that they hire that age.
See if you know anyone that works at a place you want to work at. My DD got a job at a BBQ restaurant because she was referred by her friend.
Don’t think that fast food or the like is “beneath” you. Your goals should be to: Make money, learn about the working environment, gain experience
My eldest DD got her first job by going around the mall and applying to various stores. She was sitting at a table in the middle of the mall filling out an application, when a person with developmental disabilities kind of took hold of her. The person’s companion quickly helped out, but my daughter was shook. The manager of the Pretzel stand saw this and came over and asked if everything was okay and if they could get us anything. They also asked what she was doing and she said applying for jobs and they asked her to fill out one for the pretzel stand and she ended up getting a job.