All right, so September 7th is drawing near, which is when school begins (I'll be a Senior), and I am planning on looking for a job after first semester ends so that I can have one when school ends (at the end of second semester). However, I'm not really lucky with job hunting. I was discussing this same thing with Okabe yesterday, so to save time on typing, I'll just copy and paste one of my responses to him: Any advice will be appreciated!
Well, I never did resumes. I just went into those places and got the standard applications to fill out. Personal information (name, date of birth, etc.) Yes and no questions
Apply to small businesses. I'm going to be a Junior in HS and have been working at a privately-owned animal hospital for the last two years, didn't even need a resume when I applied and plan to be working there until I graduate. So, basically, don't discriminate over where you apply. Also, you may need to volunteer here and there to get some experience before you get hired a job.
I would actually strongly suggest doing a resume. It will let potential employers know you a bit better. i.e. If you're a hard worker (based on any awards/recognitions), if you are active in your community (community service/afterschool activities/clubs/etc.) and can leave a lasting, and most importantly, good impression of you, which could make the job interview all the more easier for you when it arrives.
I was actually interviewed twice at McDonald's for the written out applications I did, so I have some experience, but like I told Okabe, I never received a phone call back regarding whether I got the job or not.
make sure you put down things that are actually important on the application. That, and make sure it's a job you know will hire your age. I've got bad luck with that.
Double check your applications and then check them again. Make sure all information is there and up-to-date. A friend of mine had to apply twice to a job he was promised because he forgot to put his number on the first application so they had no way of contacting him. My mom always told me to insist. Call and ask if your application has been reviewed, and if it has, when you can expect to hear back. Remind them that you applied, etc. Also, apply for several things in case you do get rejected.
Firstly if this is recent i wouldn't worry too much about Mcdonalds. They have a tendency to sometimes get around to your orientation/confirmation of employment roughly a month after the invterview. Secondly, make sure to get a resume. Put references down on it of people you know will say good stuff about you to employers, good qualities about yourself in regards to working, and last but not least, don't give up. Sooner or later someone will see the good within yourself and you'll get that job so desire.
Also make sure everyone you know is aware that you are looking for a job. I've got the job I do now because it went down the grapevine back to me. Another is to see if you can't work odd hours. Harder to do in high-school but I almost got a job at UPS based off little more than I could work the late night shift.
Are you sure you are qualified? It seems like everyone expects you to be qualified, even if it's for a job at McDonalds. That's not necessarily the case.
This. Part of why it's tough for teenagers to get a job is because many places insist that you have work experience--unfortunately, if you're just now entering the job market, you're not going to have any work experience, leaving you at a serious disadvantage. Think of anything you can write down--community service/volunteer work, helping out at family businesses, anything where you handled cash, etc. Otherwise, I'd agree with Mixt, make sure people know you're looking; I got my job because of a friend. Ask your friends if where they work have any openings, if your parents know anyone looking for someone to help out, etc. Even if it's unpaid it might be worth it to take it just for some job experience.
