Should I Describe My Socioeconomic Background to Employers?

Career Opportunities & Internships
1

<p>I'm a rising senior in high school. I'm having an extremely hard time finding a job. The problem is I actually need a job. My Dad is out of work (disabled) and my mom is having a hard time with her self employment job. My family income has never gone above $30,000 during my lifetime and plus we haven't had health insurance for a couple of years now. I guess that since now I'm 17, I should be taking responsibility and get a job somewhere. </p>

<p>I've been rejected from two local McDonalds restaurants, Taco Bell, Subway, local grocery chain (that actually likes to hire high school students, and local attractions such as the zoo and art museum.
Many of my interviewers or employers has told me that they don't like to hire part time or high school students because they have a concrete time that have to be in school. Others have told me that it's unfortunate that I don't have my license yet (I'm taking my road test in October.)
Every rejection is painful, because I really want a job. I get jealous of my friends who have jobs but they don't necessarily need the money to raise their family. </p>

<p>I was considering telling the next places that I apply to my socioeconomic background so they KNOW that I need the job maybe more than another kid. But something tells me that this is a bad idea because it just makes me sound desperate or annoying. Do you think that I should tell my interviewer/employer my socioeconomic background?</p>

2

<p>While you can express how much you want a job, and that you will be a punctual, hard working employee, I would not go into the details of your family situation. It just isn’t professional. Right now it is difficult to find jobs in many places. Think of maybe a service you can offer. Clean houses or offices, pet sit/walk, tutor, look for tourist attractions in your area that may still be hiring, offer computer lessons to older adults, etc, throw/organize/facilitate birthday parties for kids in your area where you and a friend maybe give make-overs to little girls, or run carnival type activities for little boy parties, etc. Be creative and think outside the box about what harried parents or senior citizens might appreciate/need/want in your community and go from there!</p>