Why is it so hard for me to get a job?

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Armitage

Banned
Feb 23, 2001
8,086
0
0
Originally posted by: MAME
are you starting to realize how little grades matter in the real world?

Grades do matter in the real world - college admissions, first job out of college, etc. But they mean jack for these kinds of summer jobs.
 

DarkManX

Diamond Member
Feb 1, 2000
3,796
2
76
call around the stores u've applied to and ask to speak to the manager, ask if they need people and tell them u have submited a resume and would really like an interview.
 

Reikon

Senior member
May 25, 2003
693
0
0
Originally posted by: Krk3561
Originally posted by: notfred
BEcause everyone thinks that you're making up your resume, because no school I've ever heard of makes it possible to get better than a 5.0 GPA?

Or maybe because you're going to Northwestern in the fall and they dont want to hire someone for a month or two.

Or possibly you just sound arrogant in interviews.

A regular class is a 4.0 for an A, honors is 5.0, AP is 5.5.

Wtf is that? I've never seen a grading system like that. All the schools around here give 4 points for an A in regular and honors and 5 points for an A in AP classes.
 

SouthPaW1227

Golden Member
Aug 4, 2004
1,863
0
0
Originally posted by: Reikon
Originally posted by: Krk3561
Originally posted by: notfred
BEcause everyone thinks that you're making up your resume, because no school I've ever heard of makes it possible to get better than a 5.0 GPA?

Or maybe because you're going to Northwestern in the fall and they dont want to hire someone for a month or two.

Or possibly you just sound arrogant in interviews.

A regular class is a 4.0 for an A, honors is 5.0, AP is 5.5.

Wtf is that? I've never seen a grading system like that. All the schools around here give 4 points for an A in regular and honors and 5 points for an A in AP classes.

It's not that unusual. As a matter of fact, many colleges grade on a 4.5 GPA scale instead of 4.0, so it gets tricky.

But yes, grades ONLY help you get a connection, beyond that connection, it is 100% how you communicate and market yourself. And btw, what "high school" you went to is completely not important. IT'S HIGH SCHOOL FOR HEAVENS SAKE! I went to a ghetto-fied crapshoot of a high school, made great grades (obviously, they hadta dumb down everything) and got into a great university (same as Anand, matter of fact) and now have an internship paying more than my mother made 10 years into her career. It's who ya know, and how ya present yourself. My interview did not even brush across the subject of academics.
 

mzkhadir

Diamond Member
Mar 6, 2003
9,509
1
76
Originally posted by: Krk3561
Ive applied to 10 different places (retail stores, ie best buy, circuit city, ritz camera, etc., I dont want to work in a restaurant) and not one has hired me, or even called me for an interview. I started applying a month ago. I can't figure this out. Anyone have any job search tips?

These places dont really ask for much other than references, highest degree, gpa, school attending, awards. But heres my resume basically (edited for AT):

Valedictorian Class of 2005
Weighted GPA: 5.065
Unweighted GPA: 3.99
SAT: 800 Verbal; 780 Math
Ford Motor Company Scholar
National Merit Scholarship Winner
AP Scholar with Disticntion
Will attend Northwestern University in Fall (Not until Mid-September)
Attended Stanford University in Summer of 2004, took classes in
Computer Science and Economics
Very knowledgeable with computer software and
hardware, building and repairing systems
West Broward YMCA Volunteer - over 500 hours of service

My referrences are very strong.

I dont have work experience, but you gotta start somewhere...

I dont think my apperance is lacking...
My Pic

I think I'm very humble too. I dont think I would give off the impression of being snobby or superior in an interview.

To clarify the weight:
A regular class is a 4.0 for an A, honors is 5.0, AP is 5.5.

there are too many people looking for work.
 

MoPHo

Platinum Member
Dec 16, 2003
2,978
2
0
Originally posted by: SouthPaW1227
Originally posted by: Reikon
Originally posted by: Krk3561
Originally posted by: notfred
BEcause everyone thinks that you're making up your resume, because no school I've ever heard of makes it possible to get better than a 5.0 GPA?

Or maybe because you're going to Northwestern in the fall and they dont want to hire someone for a month or two.

Or possibly you just sound arrogant in interviews.

A regular class is a 4.0 for an A, honors is 5.0, AP is 5.5.

Wtf is that? I've never seen a grading system like that. All the schools around here give 4 points for an A in regular and honors and 5 points for an A in AP classes.

It's not that unusual. As a matter of fact, many colleges grade on a 4.5 GPA scale instead of 4.0, so it gets tricky.

But yes, grades ONLY help you get a connection, beyond that connection, it is 100% how you communicate and market yourself. And btw, what "high school" you went to is completely not important. IT'S HIGH SCHOOL FOR HEAVENS SAKE! I went to a ghetto-fied crapshoot of a high school, made great grades (obviously, they hadta dumb down everything) and got into a great university (same as Anand, matter of fact) and now have an internship paying more than my mother made 10 years into her career. It's who ya know, and how ya present yourself. My interview did not even brush across the subject of academics.

so what DID you do in this interview??? ;)
 

Insomniak

Banned
Sep 11, 2003
4,836
0
0
Because it's JUNE.

If you want to get hired, apply at either the start or end of Summer. April/May, or August/September when the seasonal workforce is either not yet filled, or disbanding. Employers have needs at those times. Most of the rest of the year, they have all the people they need.

Sorry, you're late to the party.
 

aidanjm

Lifer
Aug 9, 2004
12,411
2
0
How is your resume formatted? Seeing as you have no work history maybe you should be going with a skills-based resume instead of a chronological resume. You need to work out what skills and experiences you have, which are relevant to the jobs you are applying for, and then draw attention to those skills/ experiences. Have you had any kind of experience doing customer service? It wouldn't have to be a paid job, it could be volunteer work, etc. Are you tailoring your resume for each job you apply for? Why are you telling potential employees that you will be pissing off to university in a few months time? Why on earth would they hire you if they know you're going to leave almost immediately?
 

Krk3561

Diamond Member
Jun 12, 2002
3,242
0
0
Originally posted by: aidanjm
How is your resume formatted? Seeing as you have no work history maybe you should be going with a skills-based resume instead of a chronological resume. You need to work out what skills and experiences you have, which are relevant to the jobs you are applying for, and then draw attention to those skills/ experiences. Have you had any kind of experience doing customer service? It wouldn't have to be a paid job, it could be volunteer work, etc. Are you tailoring your resume for each job you apply for? Why are you telling potential employees that you will be pissing off to university in a few months time? Why on earth would they hire you if they know you're going to leave almost immediately?

They have specific apps, so I dont attach a resume. And I have over 500 volunteer hours at my YMCA, and I listed the director who knows me well (for 14 years) as a referrence. And I'm not telling them I'm going away, cause they ask for where you got you degrees from, but I havent gotten on from there.
 

notfred

Lifer
Feb 12, 2001
38,241
4
0
Originally posted by: Krk3561
Originally posted by: aidanjm
How is your resume formatted? Seeing as you have no work history maybe you should be going with a skills-based resume instead of a chronological resume. You need to work out what skills and experiences you have, which are relevant to the jobs you are applying for, and then draw attention to those skills/ experiences. Have you had any kind of experience doing customer service? It wouldn't have to be a paid job, it could be volunteer work, etc. Are you tailoring your resume for each job you apply for? Why are you telling potential employees that you will be pissing off to university in a few months time? Why on earth would they hire you if they know you're going to leave almost immediately?

They have specific apps, so I dont attach a resume. And I have over 500 volunteer hours at my YMCA, and I listed the director who knows me well (for 14 years) as a referrence. And I'm not telling them that, cause they ask for where you got you degrees from, but I havent gotten on from there.

Filling out generic applciations and turnuing them in to some nobody who makes minimum wage will get you nowhere. Next time you go into a store, don't say "Can I get an application" to the guy at the counter. Say "can I speak with the manager?"
If the manager's not there, ask when he will be, and come back. When you get to talk to the manager, ask if there are any positions available, what the qualifications are, etc. Have a decent conversation. Make the manager like you and remember you. THEN you fill out an application.
 

mobobuff

Lifer
Apr 5, 2004
11,099
1
81
Well, the two major things you are doing wrong are letting them know you'll only be available for a few months, and not pestering them with phone calls after you apply. You need to call them, they won't call you.

And don't mind the trolls, they're just frustrated because they can't count high enough to understand your GPA ;).
 

aidanjm

Lifer
Aug 9, 2004
12,411
2
0
Originally posted by: Krk3561
Originally posted by: aidanjm
How is your resume formatted? Seeing as you have no work history maybe you should be going with a skills-based resume instead of a chronological resume. You need to work out what skills and experiences you have, which are relevant to the jobs you are applying for, and then draw attention to those skills/ experiences. Have you had any kind of experience doing customer service? It wouldn't have to be a paid job, it could be volunteer work, etc. Are you tailoring your resume for each job you apply for? Why are you telling potential employees that you will be pissing off to university in a few months time? Why on earth would they hire you if they know you're going to leave almost immediately?

They have specific apps, so I dont attach a resume. And I have over 500 volunteer hours at my YMCA, and I listed the director who knows me well (for 14 years) as a referrence. And I'm not telling them I'm going away, cause they ask for where you got you degrees from, but I havent gotten on from there.

What kind of questions are asked on the applications?

What kinds of skills do you think would be needed to do the jobs you are applying for?

It sounds like you have a marketing problem (i.e., a problem in the way you are presenting yourself via the written applications). I'd recommend doing some reading on writing resumes, writing cover letters, and dealing with job interviews. Idiot's guides are pretty good (despite the off putting titles)

Complete Idiot's Guide to Perfect Resume

The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Perfect Cover Letter

The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Interview Questions and Answers


 

Gibson486

Lifer
Aug 9, 2000
18,378
2
0
Originally posted by: dmcowen674
Originally posted by: mzkhadir

there are too many people looking for work.

Do you have proof of that?

yu don't need proof. Just look at the job market. The professional market is bad enough, but the part time market is horrible, especially now now since everyone ha sbeen hored for teh summer one month ago.

Anyways...OP, your timing is awful. For summer positions, you need to fill out applications in April. Also, when you work in retail places, they couldn't care less about your GPA and skills. All they care about is if you are able to work the hours they need. Since you only want to work in the summer, you basically told them you cannot work the hours the need when the summer is over. Youe best bet may be you local super market, but even they are probably filled up.
 

Leper Messiah

Banned
Dec 13, 2004
7,973
8
0
Originally posted by: notfred
Originally posted by: Krk3561
Originally posted by: aidanjm
How is your resume formatted? Seeing as you have no work history maybe you should be going with a skills-based resume instead of a chronological resume. You need to work out what skills and experiences you have, which are relevant to the jobs you are applying for, and then draw attention to those skills/ experiences. Have you had any kind of experience doing customer service? It wouldn't have to be a paid job, it could be volunteer work, etc. Are you tailoring your resume for each job you apply for? Why are you telling potential employees that you will be pissing off to university in a few months time? Why on earth would they hire you if they know you're going to leave almost immediately?

They have specific apps, so I dont attach a resume. And I have over 500 volunteer hours at my YMCA, and I listed the director who knows me well (for 14 years) as a referrence. And I'm not telling them that, cause they ask for where you got you degrees from, but I havent gotten on from there.

Filling out generic applciations and turnuing them in to some nobody who makes minimum wage will get you nowhere. Next time you go into a store, don't say "Can I get an application" to the guy at the counter. Say "can I speak with the manager?"
If the manager's not there, ask when he will be, and come back. When you get to talk to the manager, ask if there are any positions available, what the qualifications are, etc. Have a decent conversation. Make the manager like you and remember you. THEN you fill out an application.

exactly. When I got my night job a K-mart, I didn't ask for an app, I asked to see their personnel director, and asked her if they were hiring. I got an interview right on the spot. As soon as I said I knew stuff about computers, i was back in electronics.

Of course, it helps to know that most retail stores go on a April-October schedule. ;)
 

aidanjm

Lifer
Aug 9, 2004
12,411
2
0
Originally posted by: Gibson486
Originally posted by: dmcowen674
Originally posted by: mzkhadir

there are too many people looking for work.

Do you have proof of that?

yu don't need proof. Just look at the job market. The professional market is bad enough, but the part time market is horrible, especially now now since everyone ha sbeen hored for teh summer one month ago.

Anyways...OP, your timing is awful. For summer positions, you need to fill out applications in April. Also, when you work in retail places, they couldn't care less about your GPA and skills. All they care about is if you are able to work the hours they need. Since you only want to work in the summer, you basically told them you cannot work the hours the need when the summer is over. Youe best bet may be you local super market, but even they are probably filled up.

This exercise isn't a waste of time, tho. It's all useful information. If he doesn't pick up a job this time round, he'll know to apply earlier next time. And hopefully he'll work on improving his written applications, and/ or approaching the relevant people directly. :)
 

austin316

Diamond Member
Dec 1, 2001
3,572
0
0
Um, you have already attended Stanford, you scored nearly perfect on your SAT and you will be attending NW for your undergrad!!!!!! Quit complaining or worrying about a new job. Relax! In four years you will have it better than 99% of the population. I know it sucks now, but chill and take out a loan if you need money. In four years when you graduate with a CS degree, you will be making around $60,000-70,000. This makes the $6 an hour job you are looking for almost pointless. BTW, congrats on getting into NW. That is quite an acomplishment.
 

Krk3561

Diamond Member
Jun 12, 2002
3,242
0
0
Originally posted by: L3p3rM355i4h
Originally posted by: notfred
Originally posted by: Krk3561
Originally posted by: aidanjm
How is your resume formatted? Seeing as you have no work history maybe you should be going with a skills-based resume instead of a chronological resume. You need to work out what skills and experiences you have, which are relevant to the jobs you are applying for, and then draw attention to those skills/ experiences. Have you had any kind of experience doing customer service? It wouldn't have to be a paid job, it could be volunteer work, etc. Are you tailoring your resume for each job you apply for? Why are you telling potential employees that you will be pissing off to university in a few months time? Why on earth would they hire you if they know you're going to leave almost immediately?

They have specific apps, so I dont attach a resume. And I have over 500 volunteer hours at my YMCA, and I listed the director who knows me well (for 14 years) as a referrence. And I'm not telling them that, cause they ask for where you got you degrees from, but I havent gotten on from there.

Filling out generic applciations and turnuing them in to some nobody who makes minimum wage will get you nowhere. Next time you go into a store, don't say "Can I get an application" to the guy at the counter. Say "can I speak with the manager?"
If the manager's not there, ask when he will be, and come back. When you get to talk to the manager, ask if there are any positions available, what the qualifications are, etc. Have a decent conversation. Make the manager like you and remember you. THEN you fill out an application.

exactly. When I got my night job a K-mart, I didn't ask for an app, I asked to see their personnel director, and asked her if they were hiring. I got an interview right on the spot. As soon as I said I knew stuff about computers, i was back in electronics.

Of course, it helps to know that most retail stores go on a April-October schedule. ;)

Alright, well next time around I'll remember that. Thanks for your advice, and aidanjm and notfred too
 

aidanjm

Lifer
Aug 9, 2004
12,411
2
0
Originally posted by: Krk3561
Originally posted by: L3p3rM355i4h
Originally posted by: notfred
Originally posted by: Krk3561
Originally posted by: aidanjm
How is your resume formatted? Seeing as you have no work history maybe you should be going with a skills-based resume instead of a chronological resume. You need to work out what skills and experiences you have, which are relevant to the jobs you are applying for, and then draw attention to those skills/ experiences. Have you had any kind of experience doing customer service? It wouldn't have to be a paid job, it could be volunteer work, etc. Are you tailoring your resume for each job you apply for? Why are you telling potential employees that you will be pissing off to university in a few months time? Why on earth would they hire you if they know you're going to leave almost immediately?

They have specific apps, so I dont attach a resume. And I have over 500 volunteer hours at my YMCA, and I listed the director who knows me well (for 14 years) as a referrence. And I'm not telling them that, cause they ask for where you got you degrees from, but I havent gotten on from there.

Filling out generic applciations and turnuing them in to some nobody who makes minimum wage will get you nowhere. Next time you go into a store, don't say "Can I get an application" to the guy at the counter. Say "can I speak with the manager?"
If the manager's not there, ask when he will be, and come back. When you get to talk to the manager, ask if there are any positions available, what the qualifications are, etc. Have a decent conversation. Make the manager like you and remember you. THEN you fill out an application.

exactly. When I got my night job a K-mart, I didn't ask for an app, I asked to see their personnel director, and asked her if they were hiring. I got an interview right on the spot. As soon as I said I knew stuff about computers, i was back in electronics.

Of course, it helps to know that most retail stores go on a April-October schedule. ;)

Alright, well next time around I'll remember that. Thanks for your advice, and aidanjm and notfred too

Don't give up. :)
 

MAME

Banned
Sep 19, 2003
9,281
1
0
Originally posted by: Armitage
Originally posted by: MAME
are you starting to realize how little grades matter in the real world?

Grades do matter in the real world - college admissions, first job out of college, etc. But they mean jack for these kinds of summer jobs.

college != real world

I spoke to all my peers about grades in the workplace, EVERY single one said that they were never asked about grades nor did the employer really care. They have tests in the interviews that tell more than grades ever could.

My peers are working for a wide range of companies: Google, Apple, O'Reilly, Adobe, etc.
 

Chrono

Diamond Member
Jan 2, 2001
4,959
0
71
You have no skills. Plus you are a nerd. You should go look at yourself in the mirror and look a bit cooler for the "in" crowd.
 

Syrch

Diamond Member
May 21, 2004
3,382
2
0
Actually i heard on the news that there is very small job opporunities for those looking for summer jobs...that could be why.
 

sciencewhiz

Diamond Member
Jun 30, 2000
5,885
8
81
If you've only applied to 10 places in 30 days, I'd question either your work ethic or your desire to really get a job. My sister started applying end of last week and did 6 places in 2 days. It isn't like Ft. Lauderdale is a small place.