How to get a job...

<p>I'm a high school senior and, sadly, I haven't had a job yet besides tutoring. I have tried to get one a few times, but failed in all attempts. Employers just don't want me because I'm too unexperienced. For those who got a job, where did you get one and how did it all come about? Did you start at websites like monster.com, drove around and embarrassed yourself in a million stores, or? Do you have any suggestions on how I should brag about myself (because I don't think employers really care about SAT tests and AP classes)?</p>

<p>need more info
what are you recommendations like
your ecs? how do you spend your time outside of school? what are your favorite classes in school?
What type of job are you looking for?
my daughter had a job related to her volunteer experience. Good way to get your foot in the door to see where you want to work. I don't know if you have patience for that now, but you may need to downsize expectations to be more successful, what types of jobs have you applied for?</p>

<p>You need to just go walk down the streets and pick up applications - grocery stores, toy stores, fast food, everywhere where you've seen young people working. When I went job hunting a few months ago, I filled out about five applications, turned them in, and only heard from one. I ended up getting a job at a toy store and its pretty fun. I didn't have any work experience other than some babysitting, and she said that she hired me because I had shown that I was responsible through all of the volunteer work I'd done. She also called my two references who were my yearbook advisor and my guidance counselor to get feedback on me. Good luck!</p>

<p>yeah, you just gotta put yourself out there. I got lucky and started my job when I was 15 years old and I have been at the same place for 3+ years (summers included). Monster.com is not really the place to look for HS jobs. Be prepared to shift your priorities though - school stuff will likely be finished because you're a senior, but when you first get to a job you're probably gonna have to work the "sucky" hours most often of the people on the workforce. And there is no negotiating either at most places (im lucky i can tell the boss that im not gonna be in for X day and that I'll make it up on Y day and its ok, but that is EXTREMELY rare). It might suck not being able to do some other stuff you want to but once those paychecks start coming in it's
worth it.</p>

<p>Employers dont give a crap about SAT scores or any of that stuff other then it shows you most likely wont screw around on the job. They don't care if you are smart or not, they just want their job done when they tell you (from experience so i know). good luck in finding a job</p>

<p>I got my first job last summer and it was tough. I filled out about 15 applications. The only place that called me back was a new ice cream store that was just about to open, and that was only because they had to hire about 40 people right away. So, if you know of any new stores that are opening up that is definitely a good place to look. As far as the monster.com site, that probably won't help much, but I would suggest checking out snagajob.com which is more geared towards teenagers. For the most part, I would just try to fill out a lot of applications. Also, it is definitely to your advantage to start early because a whole swarm of teens will start looking for summer jobs in the spring. Try to beat them to the punch by looking now. Good luck!</p>

<p>even though i have extensive job experience, last summer i applied for over 30 jobs before getting one offer. the job market for high school/ college students right now definitely isn't the greatest, but the more you put yourself out there the better chances you will have. through the one job i was able to get (as a camp counselor), i made connections and get a job that i love and has lasted throughout the school year. best of luck finding a job and definitely fill out as many applications as soon as possible!</p>

<p>Many students I know have had great luck through agencies like Manpower, which don't charge you (as far as I know) because they get money from the employer. You go to their office, fill out forms, take a few tests, and they send you to interview for jobs you are likely to get. You are paid by Manpower (or whatever agency). At least you get a little work experience this way and start building a "resume" for your next job!</p>

<p>DS had never worked. His SISTER told him to put on his nice clothes (dockers and a shirt with a collar...no sneakers) and go to every business in the area. DS had a job by the end of the day....working in the kitchen at a restaurant. It's not glamorous, but the pay is good, and it's not in the morning (DS is NOT a morning person). These employers treat him VERY VERY well. He has worked there for two summers, and all vacations, and will likely work there again this summer. Does he love it...NO...But in the end he will have a very nice recommendation should he apply for different work elsewhere (the manager AND owner have already told him to ask them for recommendations). DD is working at her high school. She noticed that a student answered phones in the morning and thought it would be a good community service job. It turned out to be a paying job...and it's perfect for her. She works 45 minutes a day, and gets paid well. AND the principal of her school will also write her recommendations both for a job and for colleges....a nice perk. Our guidance office posts part time job positions also...you could ask there.</p>

<p>Sometimes you can parlay a skill into a paying job. My niece is a wicked good sailor, and gets $3,000 over the summer (6 weeks) for teaching sailing 4 days a week (about 6 hrs per day). That's around $20 an hour, plus since she's done at 4PM, she works at a really nice upscale restaurant a few evenings and weekends. The better the restaurant, the better the tips.</p>

<p>Few things beat outdoor jobs, especially on the waterfront, for high school kids!</p>

<p>The help here has been awesome! ^_^ I have also applied to many places (probably about 20 now) and I haven't given up hope yet :-D</p>