Why is it so hard for a student to find a part-time job!?
By katisaurus
@katisaurus (1038)
Canada
May 13, 2008 6:42pm CST
About a month ago, I went resume dishing. I went to every store I heard was hiring and even ones I just went into and talked to the manager. I would ask if they were hiring and if they were I talked to them and picked up an application or just handed in my resume.
Not ONE person has called me back and It's so upsetting because I'm trying so hard and getting nowhere.
Unfortunately I can't work fast food so it's so hard to find a good job in retail somewhere when your only experience is with Tim Hortons. No one wants to train anymore. I've done interviews with teachers before for practice and I did great, and my resume was made professionally for me and when I need to hand in a cover letter I'm great at those. But i'm still getting nowhere.
Any advice, pointers?
1 person likes this
6 responses
@laglen (19759)
• United States
14 May 08
First I would like to point out that as a student, companies do not like to pay money to train you, to have you go back to school in few months.
That being said, I would suggest calling to follow up, make sure the right person got your info. Learn about the company, find out who the decision makers are, get in front of them. This is what seems to work for me. Also after an interview, I send a thank you card. This lets them know that you are willing to go above and beyond. Don't stalk, but with the internet, we can find out alot about each other. Utilize this for your benefit!
@katisaurus (1038)
• Canada
14 May 08
I knew the first part. but even so I'm not looking for a summer thing, I'm looking for a year round part time job. Most of the places I went to I went in and talked directly to the manager, or even the person who handles the interviewing and whatnot, and discussed with them what they were looking for and we would get along great. When they asked for my resume I would hand it to them and I won't get into detail, but things seemed so great when I talked to them face to face. But it's like once they got a hold of my resume everything just got lost under the rug. lol
Thank you though!! Your words of wisdom have definitely helped a lot
@laglen (19759)
• United States
14 May 08
Even though you handed it directly to them, I would still call and follow up. If they say the job is open until the 10th, I would call on the 11th. If they do not give a date, i would give about three days. This lets them know you're serious and still available.
I would also recommend you having somebody call your references. There may be somebody giving you a not so nice review.
@Canteen (592)
• China
14 May 08
i have the same problems. i have financial problem recently. but it's so hard to find a part-time job. and always, the part-time jobs provided for students are hard work and low paid. because of this, i don't have much passion to search it. but i have to. oh, it's painful.
@thekenj (78)
• United States
8 Jun 08
I think your best bet would be to apply yourself on self searching job engines such as: snagajob.com. That way you can fill out your profile and let them update you on what's available for you and your specifications. You could also try sales. Sales just take a little creativity, knowledge and determination and it works out. Try AVON they're always hiring. Also, there are some work at home jobs that are real like ASI (they charge a small fee to start, but they're real though so it's worth it).
@danishcanadian (28953)
• Canada
14 May 08
I think it's hard to ind a job because of the amount of people who need jobs out there. Demand far outweighs supply, just like in anything. People need money so people need jobs. A lot of people need jobs, so jobs are hard o get. I've been having this problem or years. I know that doesn't help you get a job, but I hope it helps you to know that you are no alone.
@Elixiress (3878)
•
6 Jun 08
I am in the same situation, I have had a couple of interview and by a couple I mean 2. All I can say is keep trying, but I know what you mean about people not wanting you to be trained. The thing is people aren't born trained with previous experience and many businesses don't seem to see that, they think we come out of the womb with retail experience.
@thekenj (78)
• United States
8 Jun 08
I truly believe that one of the leading reasons that students may be last on the draft picks is their scheduling. We all know that students have deadlines, tests they must study for and obligation to schooling. So, you often can't find a job willing to accomodate to sensitive schedules like that of a students. They could be afraid you won't be able to work a scheduled shift. But on the other hand there are some jobs that are only designed for students. I've seen a few listings that personally ask for students. I believe a job doing part-time sales would be ideal. Mostly because in sales if you're good at it you can earn a lot of money in a short period of time. Being part time leaves time for sleeping and school. And most anybody can do it. Also, do you know that AVON has tuition reimbursement. You can always hook up with AVON like today or tomorrow. Good luck. Oh yeah, try craigslist.org too.
