Is anyone else having trouble finding a job?

j2_da_k · 08-31-2008, 10:34 AM

I know the job market is tough right now, but this is ridiculous. I'm a sixteen year old college student with a great work history, and references that are respected around town, and I"m still having trouble finding a job. I've put in applications everywhere. The two that really are feeling promising are McDonald's (I'll take it, but I don't want it) and Farmer's Co-op. The second one is a much better choice for me, since I've been raised on a farm, and I'm an Animal Science major.

Any tips to find a job?

rock_show_host · 08-31-2008, 11:51 AM

Most jobs that don't require much specialty training (such as fast food or retail) are going to be hard to come by, since everyone in the general pool is applying to them. Try to think of positions that are in more demand because they require more specific training, and then see about getting that training.

I was having trouble finding a job a few years ago, and someone suggested getting certified as a lifeguard. Since far fewer job applicants are willing to take the time to get lifeguard training, and since so many places need to hire lifeguards during the summer, I had no trouble finding a job after that.

Also, talk to any friends/siblings/parents/friends of parents, etc. who may be connected to possible workplaces and be able to put in a good word for you.

Demon_Hunter · 08-31-2008, 12:06 PM

Dont be afraid to pester the manager a little bit.

Call and find out the status of your application. Drop in and pay him a visit.
I did that with my current job. Took them all of a week and a half to decide to hire me.

j2_da_k · 08-31-2008, 02:55 PM

Good points. I just can't think of anything that I'm old enough to get certified in right now.

As far as McDonald's goes, I've already had my interview. I'm going in tomorrow to take my exam. The manager says that the exam is what really decides whether or not I get hired. I do good on most standardized tests, so I should do pretty good on that.

As far as the co-op goes, they said that they'd hand in my application on Tuesday to the boss man. Guess which day I plan to give them a call.

**beanbag** · 08-31-2008, 03:13 PM

I've been searching for a job since february and I'm still not able to find anything. I started working 7 years ago and I have an excellent employment history (as well as a bachelor's degree) but...

the market just sucks right now. there's not a lot you can do except keep looking.

j2_da_k · 08-31-2008, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beanbag

I've been searching for a job since february and I'm still not able to find anything. I started working 7 years ago and I have an excellent employment history (as well as a bachelor's degree) but...

the market just sucks right now. there's not a lot you can do except keep looking.

WOW. What's your degree in?

**beanbag** · 08-31-2008, 03:37 PM

double degree: music/bible & theology.

I am going on to grad school, but that doesn't solve my immediate job crisis.

j2_da_k · 08-31-2008, 03:39 PM

Indeed. Well, I'll be praying for you about that too.

Big_al · 08-31-2008, 08:12 PM

Connections. I got my current job in like four days because I knew an employee there.

j2_da_k · 08-31-2008, 08:38 PM

Yeah. I mean, I've got some good references, but they're all in farm and construction jobs, and those aren't necessarily good for college students. They're what I want to do, though.

**Epaphras** · 09-03-2008, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j2_da_k

Yeah. I mean, I've got some good references, but they're all in farm and construction jobs, and those aren't necessarily good for college students. They're what I want to do, though.

Why aren't they good for college students? If it's what you want to do, and what your degree is in, why not do it?

j2_da_k · 09-03-2008, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Epaphras

Why aren't they good for college students? If it's what you want to do, and what your degree is in, why not do it?

Because they conflict with my college schedule. Jobs like this are done in the mornings. Heck, most farmers go inside and nap at noon. Most farm work is done between 4 and 12 in the morning. Plus, farm and construction jobs want people capable of working 40 hours a week. I have that many available hours, but they're at night.

Trust me, it's not a pride thing. I would love to work a job like that. The issue is one of time.

pink snare · 09-14-2008, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beanbag

I've been searching for a job since february and I'm still not able to find anything. I started working 7 years ago and I have an excellent employment history (as well as a bachelor's degree) but...

the market just sucks right now. there's not a lot you can do except keep looking.

So true, so true.

Lots of very qualified people are without jobs right now. So, if you're one of them, don't take that as a reflection on your abilities or your marketabiltiy. It's not a way of passing judgment on you as a worker.

The economy has just gone down the tubes ... but the good news is, it can't stay that way forever, right?

I pray each of you finds better than you expect once your job hunt is over.