Personal Development for Smart People^TM Forums

The David · 05-01-2007, 11:32 PM

I've been trying to get a job for a little while now. I'm almost 19 and I've never had one. I've put in a lot of applications (even to 'easy places' like McDonalds), I've gotten interviews, but nothing has turned up. You have to have a job to get a job, and vice versa. Any advice on what to do differently. Obviously, most of you have had a 'first job' at some point.

Iksander · 05-02-2007, 02:36 AM

My first job was at a Quizno's. The guy pretty much hired me on the spot for that one (I am 20, got that job when I was about 16).

A year after that one I decided to move up the scale and started applying for busser openings a numerous restaurants. It took quite a while, but I finally landed a good one at a fine dining steak house in which I quickly promoted upto Food Runner (good money there, but stressful).

That first busser job I literally got by flirting with the hostess - she liked me and recommended me to the manager.

In hindsight, because I now translate and apply Abraham-Hicks/The Secret stuff to my life, there was a moment where I released my resistance to the job (thinking I am not going to make it, or not good enough, whatever silly thoughts run through your mind).

Albeit you may not think of this that way - but there is definite value to having a confident, assertive, and character driven attitude that creates a sort of 'feel' to you (that all prospective employers pick up on when you interview).

Also keep in mind that these sort of jobs are just temporary (really all jobs are temporary) and ultimately not that satisfying; don't get me wrong - great 'stopping points' on your journey towards that star in the distance, but only that...stopping points.

Since that first job I have had five other jobs - 1 full time server, another part time server and full time busser, another food runner/expediter, another one as a martial arts instructor, and that steak house job. Bussing, in my opinion, is the best bang for the buck - it is a no brainer job, you get good money, and it is EXTREMELY transferable. Think of it as an enabler while you are going to school or saving up for that backpacking trip to Iceland or working on the next incredible internet company.

Serving is and can be stressful (good money though).
Food running is and can be stressful (good money, and some cases better than food server).
Martial Arts instructor....tons of fun (more of a hobby) but not satisfying or lucrative enough for me.

Okay I have edited this the 3rd time - next time I won't be in such a rush to write a reply!

Paid internships are a great opportunity (I didn't go that route because I am almost entirely self-educated and needed money).
Check with friends connections or parents too - it is REALLY easy to get a job if you know someone that knows someone.

Good luck m8.

ken nubo · 05-04-2007, 09:46 PM

Try a job agency, they accept anyone.

richie · 05-05-2007, 06:56 PM

Create It.

JiriNovotny · 05-05-2007, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richie

Create It.

Well said

The David · 05-05-2007, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richie

Create It.

By activating the LoA, or starting a business?

magnethy · 05-06-2007, 01:44 PM

I'm sure it's hard to get a job at 19 if you've never had a job. I'd naturally be sceptic if I was the manager and received a job application from someone who's never had a job. You might want to try another approach; use your friends. Both hose who currently have and those who has had a job at .. mcdonalds, burger king, your local store, etc. If they're on the boss' good side you might get a recommendation from them.

My first job I got because my brother worked at the same store, and had a really great boss. I'd probably never get hired if it wasn't for him.

The David · 05-07-2007, 04:45 PM

Well, I got another interview this morning. It looks somewhat hopeful.

Truefire · 05-08-2007, 03:21 AM

Use your friends, use your parents, whoever. People get you jobs, add an employee you know as a reference. Good luck in your interview, be enthusiastic about learning, firm handshake, and smile a lot!

A.K.Light · 05-08-2007, 06:59 AM

Maybe the job isn't out there somewhere for you to find. The job is an extension of you. That sounds really weird, yes, but a shift in the way you see it could help you, I think. If you're looking for more practical advice, sorry.

The David · 05-11-2007, 12:12 AM

Well, whatever the case, a little restaurant down the street from my new apartment just hired me on the spot.

05-01-2007, 11:32 PM	#1 (permalink)
The David Family Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Murfreesboro, TN Posts: 1,155	How to get my first job... I've been trying to get a job for a little while now. I'm almost 19 and I've never had one. I've put in a lot of applications (even to 'easy places' like McDonalds), I've gotten interviews, but nothing has turned up. You have to have a job to get a job, and vice versa. Any advice on what to do differently. Obviously, most of you have had a 'first job' at some point.

05-02-2007, 02:36 AM	#2 (permalink)
Iksander Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 219	My first job was at a Quizno's. The guy pretty much hired me on the spot for that one (I am 20, got that job when I was about 16). A year after that one I decided to move up the scale and started applying for busser openings a numerous restaurants. It took quite a while, but I finally landed a good one at a fine dining steak house in which I quickly promoted upto Food Runner (good money there, but stressful). That first busser job I literally got by flirting with the hostess - she liked me and recommended me to the manager. In hindsight, because I now translate and apply Abraham-Hicks/The Secret stuff to my life, there was a moment where I released my resistance to the job (thinking I am not going to make it, or not good enough, whatever silly thoughts run through your mind). Albeit you may not think of this that way - but there is definite value to having a confident, assertive, and character driven attitude that creates a sort of 'feel' to you (that all prospective employers pick up on when you interview). Also keep in mind that these sort of jobs are just temporary (really all jobs are temporary) and ultimately not that satisfying; don't get me wrong - great 'stopping points' on your journey towards that star in the distance, but only that...stopping points. Since that first job I have had five other jobs - 1 full time server, another part time server and full time busser, another food runner/expediter, another one as a martial arts instructor, and that steak house job. Bussing, in my opinion, is the best bang for the buck - it is a no brainer job, you get good money, and it is EXTREMELY transferable. Think of it as an enabler while you are going to school or saving up for that backpacking trip to Iceland or working on the next incredible internet company. Serving is and can be stressful (good money though). Food running is and can be stressful (good money, and some cases better than food server). Martial Arts instructor....tons of fun (more of a hobby) but not satisfying or lucrative enough for me. Okay I have edited this the 3rd time - next time I won't be in such a rush to write a reply! Paid internships are a great opportunity (I didn't go that route because I am almost entirely self-educated and needed money). Check with friends connections or parents too - it is REALLY easy to get a job if you know someone that knows someone. Good luck m8. Last edited by Iksander; 05-02-2007 at 02:47 AM.

05-05-2007, 06:56 PM	#4 (permalink)
richie Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 72	well... Create It.

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05-04-2007, 09:46 PM	#3 (permalink)
ken nubo Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 500	Try a job agency, they accept anyone.

05-06-2007, 01:44 PM	#7 (permalink)
magnethy Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Norway Posts: 8	I'm sure it's hard to get a job at 19 if you've never had a job. I'd naturally be sceptic if I was the manager and received a job application from someone who's never had a job. You might want to try another approach; use your friends. Both hose who currently have and those who has had a job at .. mcdonalds, burger king, your local store, etc. If they're on the boss' good side you might get a recommendation from them. My first job I got because my brother worked at the same store, and had a really great boss. I'd probably never get hired if it wasn't for him.

05-07-2007, 04:45 PM	#8 (permalink)
The David Family Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Murfreesboro, TN Posts: 1,155	Well, I got another interview this morning. It looks somewhat hopeful.

05-08-2007, 03:21 AM	#9 (permalink)
Truefire Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 112	Use your friends, use your parents, whoever. People get you jobs, add an employee you know as a reference. Good luck in your interview, be enthusiastic about learning, firm handshake, and smile a lot!

05-08-2007, 06:59 AM	#10 (permalink)
A.K.Light Banned Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Illinois Posts: 197	Maybe the job isn't out there somewhere for you to find. The job is an extension of you. That sounds really weird, yes, but a shift in the way you see it could help you, I think. If you're looking for more practical advice, sorry.

05-11-2007, 12:12 AM	#11 (permalink)
The David Family Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Murfreesboro, TN Posts: 1,155	Well, whatever the case, a little restaurant down the street from my new apartment just hired me on the spot.

Personal Development for Smart PeopleTM Forums

Personal Development for Smart People^TM Forums