Simviation Forums

Get a Job?

The only thing on my resume that could possibly make me better than all the other applicants is I speak fluent Spanish and basic German (as Silent knows ).  Does anyone have anytips on getting a job.  My blazingly white resume isn't helping me.

fill out a crap load of applications!

Yep, so far that's been my only general stategy.

don't forget to check up on the applications, sometimes they will get thrown on a desk and stuffed in piles of junk, and until you actually force someone to find it, it may never be found again...:-)

Well, since you are only 16, there isn't much you can do that isn't illegal.  You can't work more than 8 hours a day (by law) but I don't think that would matter.  If you are in school I would recomend applyng at every grocery store and fast food joint in the local area.  That's how I got my first job many years ago.  It won't do much for your job skills, but it will get you some money.[code][/code]

Also, go to your local city  job service and see if they can help you. There may even be some government programs for youth in your area. There is here in Northern Idaho, so you may be lucky

Scorpion, for your resume, concentrate of the positive aspects of the work you have done in the past.

You would be surprised the experience you have picked up over the years, especially if you were in the military at all.

True, but remember he's only 16

Getting a first job and trying to put something impressive on a resume can be hard.

Have you ever done odd jobs for people? How about mow people's lawns? I did for a couple summers and had those people write referrals.

Your own lawn mowing/snow shoveling business?

don't go into fast food, or food at all for a job.

see if you can get some buddies together and go into an entrepreneurship (Id be amazed if I spelled it right ), I have friends that have started their own lawn mowing company and it was successful.  If you do that, build a customer base starting with people you know directly, through church, any other social events.

I personally decided to be a janitor for the church.....the best job I have ever had, probably the best one I will ever have.

don't go into fast food, or food at all for a job

Not fast food, good food quickly...

Sorry, couldn't help it

The only job I've ever been paid for is cutting grass, and I did that very unconstantly.  Although I do remember going above and beyond the call of duty by putting a bevel on my neighbors lawn, for free or cheap, I think.
I had forgot about that.  Truth is like religion: it's all about interpretation.

I'm alone.  No...  I'm self-sufficient! Although there aren't spaces on applications for that stuff...

Also, my mom told me that the one day companies look for the most is Saturday, the exact day I've not been filling out.  Is this true?

Beats me on that one...  ???

Also, my mom told me that the one day companies look for the most is Saturday, the exact day I've not been filling out.  Is this true?

Assuming you mean the part where they ask "What hours/days are you available" YES!
Many employers look for people who will work weekends!
Whenever I would fill out a application I would put anytime/anyday (1st, 2nd, 3rd shift, Mon-Sun).
Too a employer this makes it look like you really want/need the job because you are willing to work whenever they need you.
For your first job don't be looking for the 9-5 , Mon-Fri jobs, or any job with weekends off, they are usally given too people that have worked there awhile. Most jobs go by seniority, meanung the longer you work for them the better the chances you being able too work the hours you want.
As far as starting your own business more power too you!
Do your homework! If your thinking about Lawn Care check to see how many in your area already offer that service and what they charge. If there are allot of people doing it try something different, or "bid" on the job and maybe charge a lower price in order to get thier business, you need to spend money too make money!
Also on your resume, be sure too list any volunteer work you might have done, employers like too see that you are even too work for a good cost with no pay, it also shows a willing too learn!
For referances (people for a employer too contact too check your credibility) these are the best people too have listed as a referance:

1) Police Officer
2)Pastor/Minister
3)Teacher
4)Mayor (this one is hard too get but if you know the Mayor it looks impressive!)

Mind you that in my experiance only once had a possible employer called my referances, but you never know so be sure they are good ones! Because these people will be speaking on your behalf!!
And one thing about the "fast food" jobs, sure they might suck but any job is respectable. And too a employer knowing that you worked at a fast food joint looks good on a resume!! One reason is because chances are good that employer has worked at one, and knows that it is a fast pace, stressful, job where you aquire many different job skills, (money handleing, working as a team member, interacting with customers etc.). And one of the best too have listed on a resume is none other than McDonalds!
Because they are known for their employee guidelines especially when it comes to the money handling!!
In my 12+ years of manageing Convienance stores I have found that my best employees (when it came to cash management) were the ones I hired that previously worked at McDonalds!!
And most importantly the one thing already mentioned, Be Honest! If you were fired tell them and explain, most employers will overlook that and belive in second chances!
Good Luck!!

At the risk of sounding like a parent (which I am not), at 16 one's full time vocation should be education.  That will prepare you for any job you want in the future.