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I have never worked before so I have no previous experience or refs. I now have to work, but it's tough better that 1st job without refs. Does anyone have any tips on how to get hired? Thanks for the info.

By Studiousvegetar (Studiousvegetar) on Saturday, May 24, 2003 - 04:00 pm: Edit

What do you want to do? Talk to friends of your parents, they are usually the best resource. Maybe your parents can get you a job in their companies. Start brushing up on your resume, letter, etc.

By Hsimpson2k4 (Hsimpson2k4) on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 08:10 pm: Edit

Ok, I was in the same boat as you about a year ago. Unfortunately, you have two choices: 1) take the crappiest, worst-paying job there is (I wrapped silverware for macaroni Grill four hours a week) 2) work at a small business (they pay the worst but will hire you)

btw, it doesn't get any easier until you are 18. I am 16 and had two jobs and still can't get hired at a chain.

By Chen (Chen) on Tuesday, June 03, 2003 - 07:36 pm: Edit

Maybe volunteer work will help build your resume? But it's already too late to do that.

gotajob.com might let you know of some jobs. those companies seem pretty desperate, but they probably get a lot of response.

By Fiza (Fiza) on Monday, June 16, 2003 - 05:55 pm: Edit

Just go around, look nice, and fill out an application at EVERY place thats hiring. lol. Ive been working since i was 14 (im 17 now and have had 3 dif. jobs), so i know how it works. Its not as intimidating as it sounds. Quite easy too if u get the hang of it. If u need any more advice on jobs, just email me.

By Troy (Troy) on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 - 12:57 pm: Edit

Does your school have an internship office? When I was looking for a job in high school, my school's internship office was really helpful.

I managed to land a chef internship through the intern office...It was a really sweet first job. I learned all the nuances of the resturant industry, and how to run an 'upscale' kitchen. Best of all, I learned how to cook all the dishes offered on the menu from scratch...I can still make a wicked batch of grilled chilean sea bass with wild mushroom risotto.

Being a chef was probably one of the best jobs I've ever had...it's such a great ice-breaker

Anyway, if you're looking for a good job, you should look into being a waiter. You'll start out as a host (which is a horrible job) but eventually you'll move up the chain and be a waiter...once your a waiter, you'll have the qualifications to be a waiter in most places. Also, good sources to finding jobs include mom, pop, and joe the neighbor...networking is probably your best bet to finding something worthwhile.

If you can't find any reasonable work, you could always do cancer research, publish a book, or start a non-profit organization...you may want to do all three while holding down a midnight shift at Ralphs if you want any shot at Harvard though.

By Medusa2003 (Medusa2003) on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 - 06:01 pm: Edit

If you don't have connections ( and are desperate to find a job fast ) fast food restaurants are always hiring. The hours are often not the best and the work is less than glamorous but having some work experience makes it easier to get the next better job. Volunteer work is also a good way to get experience and the hours are flexible.

Our daughter got a summer office job through a web search in google: " 'Name of City' student summer job". She found that the county government was hiring high school and college students for full time summer office jobs. She sent resumes to eight departments, got interviews at two, and was hired by one.

One of the major factors in her being hired was that she did similar office work as a volunteer about four hours a week for a year.

Good luck in your job search.

By Medusa2003 (Medusa2003) on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 - 06:10 pm: Edit

One of the problems in getting a job at your parent's company is that people often assume you were hired because your parents asked, not because you have the skills to do the job. I have worked in companies with summer office help that couldn't type, answer a phone politely, or file and were usually hung over. They were hired solely because their parents ( who were members of the owner's country club ) asked the owner to hire their kids. The only competent summer workers were those who applied on their own, not through connections.

By Jaybert (Jaybert) on Thursday, June 26, 2003 - 10:48 pm: Edit

Like someone said above, food places are always hiring.

Since you're posting in the College Life forum I assume this would be a job during college. If that is the case, if you are desperate for a job, then the food establishments are definately the place to be. I would avoid the large dining places on campus though, and look for one of the smaller ones. Usually it is a less frantic pace and is an easier job. Whatever you do, dont work at the grill. It is unbareably hot and you will be disgusting after each shift. Something like making deli sandwiches is usually pretty simple.

I worked my first quarter freshman year at one of the food places at school. The pay sucked, but it was one of the only on-campus places which was hiring.

After that, I got a job working in the computer labs. Pay was a little better, and usually never had to do anything during my shift.

Starting in the summer (working fulltime), I am working from home for a company I co-op'ed for in the Spring. I am continuing this position once I get back to school in the fall. The pay is great for parttime($11/hr), hours are flexible (anytime I have free time), and I get to work from my room.

By Serene (Serene) on Wednesday, July 23, 2003 - 06:53 pm: Edit

*sigh*

I have just started seeking my first job during term-time, and it's hard. So many professional requirements... anyone can sympathize with that?

By Education (Education) on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 12:23 pm: Edit

Ask every family member and friend you have if they have any connections. Your bound to find something and with the help of someone you know putting in a good word you could get the job. Also look at the newspapers and around your town and city. But beware if a place is always looking to hire that may mean that they have a bad atmosphere. Also if your good with kids try babysitting, it's tax free, fun, and usually doesn't have a good scedual.

By Il_Neige (Il_Neige) on Tuesday, August 19, 2003 - 03:12 am: Edit

I felt the same exact way, but if you think about it, everyone working now had to have a first job somewhere, so there has to be someone out there willing to hire a newbie. I searched everywhere and finally landed a sales job at a pretty well-known west-coast clothing chain. I've been there for a little over a year now. As long as you can stand to stay at a first job (once you get it) for at least around 6 months or so, it gets a ton easier after that, just because prospective employers can see that you are loyal, and then you can get some referrences. My referrences for my current job came from my softball coach and my Key Club adviser. If you think about it, there has to be someone out there that can speak for your work ethic. Good luck!

By Callmecollege (Callmecollege) on Wednesday, August 20, 2003 - 10:40 pm: Edit

in-n-out baby, start at 8.25!