What am I doing wrong?

[millsj86]

Palm Bay, Florida

I lost my job at Kmart some time ago due to the store closing. Everyone there was either layed off or forced to transfer to the nearest store about 75 miles away. I am currently 20 years old and my bank account is overdrawn from helping my family pay rent. Obviously, I can't relocate and I can't drive 75 miles back and forth every day. In fact, I don't have a car or a drivers license for that matter. I walked to work when I had it, but sometimes I was able to get a ride.

I figured I'd just get another job, but it has proven to be very difficult. I started out applying at places I have relevant experience in. Retail stores like Walmart and grocery stores and other such places. When I ask for an application these days, I usually get one of the two of these answers:

either

1. They point to a touch screen computer where I fill out an application.

2. They tell me they aren't hiring and therefore not taking applications. A friend of mine told me it was illigal for them to deny giving me an application. Can someone confirm this?

Several weeks had passed and none of the places I had applied had called me. I began resorting to applying at fast food resturants, most of which I was given actual applications to fill out or again, nothing at all. One such place said they'd call me after looking at the application, and they never did. I called them, along with a few other places asking if they've had time to look over my application, and they respond angrily and impatiently and hang up on me.

Recently I tried all the various job search websites people have been telling me about. All the jobs listed on them tend to require 2-4 years of experience in such things as "HR Manager" or "Accountant." How can anyone get these jobs to begin with unless they were born with the experience? I applied anyway, thinking their demands were so unrealistic they might have to resort to hiring an actual person if they want someone at all for the job.

I am 20 years old, a highschool graduate, 2 years college and 3 years work experience. I don't understand how everyone around me can have a job yet I cannot so much get a job at McDonald's.

 

[millsj86]

I forgot to mention, I live in Brevard County, Florida.

 

[Gadfly]

Go to the library. Read the bood "dress for success." If you are like most in your age group you have to concept of how to dress professionally, let alone how to present yourself. There are other books too.

Are you clean, fresh smelling, not sweaty and grubby looking. Do you reak of cigarettes? Could you are failing the "first impressions" screening.

An no, if there are no openings, there is to reason to waste your time filling out an application. If like most fast food managers they are overworked (or just plain poor managers) they don't ever look at the appications until they are ready to hire. . .remember the place that didn't give you one? They didn't waste your time. The other places did. As for filling out an ap on a computer, get used to it. This is 2006!

PS Brevard is full of jobs.

 

[millsj86]

Go to the library. Read the bood "dress for success." If you are like most in your age group you have to concept of how to dress professionally, let alone how to present yourself. There are other books too.

Are you clean, fresh smelling, not sweaty and grubby looking. Do you reak of cigarettes? Could you are failing the "first impressions" screening.

An no, if there are no openings, there is to reason to waste your time filling out an application. If like most fast food managers they are overworked (or just plain poor managers) they don't ever look at the appications until they are ready to hire. . .remember the place that didn't give you one? They didn't waste your time. The other places did. As for filling out an ap on a computer, get used to it. This is 2006!

PS Brevard is full of jobs.

I shower and shave and dress with the clothes I have which tend to fall under the guidelines of all those "Dress for success" guides. The funny thing is, a lot of these places seem to be screaming for help, but they refuse to cooperate. A Taco Bell I applied at had "Now Hiring" in the letters beneth their sign, but they were among those who would not give an application. I figured it was because they had not updated?

I don't smoke cigarettes or do any sort of drugs, and I am not scruffy or anything like that. My brother tells me it's hard to get a job because I'm not handicapped or a minority, and I'm beginning to believe him. It's been several months and I've applied or attempted to apply at 35+ different places. Is there anything else I can do besides apply and wait for them to call me? It feels like I have no options.

 

[Ohiogal]

It could be because you do not have a car or driver's license. Also many places do credt checks and if you are overdrawn that shows you are a poor credit risk.

 

[cbg]

There is no law making it illegal to refuse to give you an application. If they aren't hiring, why should they allow you to apply for a non-existant job? Your friend is wrong.

Try going through an employment agency. They can be helpful. Also temping can frequently lead to a permanent job.

Finally, in many states the unemployment office can offer suggestions.

BTW, you don't walk into jobs like HR manager or accountant. You start out working as an HR assistant or an A/P clerk. That's how you get experience for the bigger jobs.

 

[Zigner]

Also -
Did YOU call any of these places back? If you call back, you keep your name fresh in their minds, and you also show that you have a real desire to work and that you're not just going through the motions.

 

[mb94]

Summer is not the best time to be looking for a retail or fast food job. Kids are out of school and working those jobs and probably for less than what you're asking for. Overall most places slow down a lot during the summer months (I know in my office it has been totally dead since Memorial Day).

It doesn't have anything to do with race or disability. It is supply and demand.

 

[justalayman]

I don;t know where you are in respect to any hurricane damage but everybody I talk to is telling me there is tons of construction work going on. From what I have seen and read, it will be years before all is back to status quo.

Since you are 20, have you tried any labor groups? Laborers, while they work hard, have fewer training requirements to their occupation (yes, laborers do have a lot of training. Safety issues as well as rigging, welding, proper construction methods are all part of many laborer training programs.) I don't know where you are going in life but an apprenticeship (although the process to gain an apprenticeship is longer than you can probably survive at the moment) in a building trade is an option. The military is also an option to most.

Transportation is the largest hurdle to securing employment that I can see. Sometimes a bicycle, scooter, moped, or other inexpensive means of transportation will suffice for the short term.

Since money is a big concern,(actually lack of) are there any friends or family that can assist for short term transportation assistance or possible loans to help you get re-started in your search for empoyment?. Any public transportation in your area?

Life can be tough. Life can be cruel. It seems as you have a true desire to become employed again. Keep at it and try not to let it get you down. Depression often shows on your face and in your mannerisms and reactions to questions. Prospective employers will take notice of this.

You did not say what your college was for. Are there any possibilities regarding an entry level position in whatever area you were heading?

 

[Betty]

I assume you have friends who are working - ask them to let you know if any jobs you could do come open where they are working. Good luck to you & let us know if you get a job. It seems as if transportation might be a problem for you.