Any tips on how to get a job (i.e. local mart, drug store, etc.)?

[GodSaveAmerica+Israel]

Hey my fellow FRiends :D

This is a huge and wonderful forum with so many like minded people sticking together and helping each other out as well :)

I am in my early 20s, still in college. I still live with my family and I want to get a job badly (like so many many other people)! I hate having to live off my parents, i feel really guilty, plus I want my own income and responsibility.

Any tips you can give me to really get the job and/or make myself stand out? I know tons of you have experience! I just want a basic job, like working at a supermarket or ANYTHING.

Any tips, or ideas for a small business (no matter how hard) that people need done for them and are willing to pay? Thanks! :D

[Cindy]

Thank you Jet Jaguar and thanks for the ping.

[Jet Jaguar]

Thanks.

[KoRn]

Go get yourself some training and technical job skills that will provide someone else with a service that they will need. It could be anything from computers to plumbing, or heating/air conditioning.

Having a degree in the skill you obtain will help some in your career advancement, but hands on experience is king.

Certifications in your skill area are great too.

[blackd77]

I once took a cross-country train trip where there was an enterprising kid who walked through the cars asking if he could get food from the dining car for passenger. He just said he was bored. On tips alone, I’ll bet he made $200 during that 12 hour trip.

[eyedigress]

Ask for the manager on the day you get the app. Each day of the week is a different place. 5 days with one visit each day. Telephone won’t cut it in this environment. Show your persistence and ask for a manager each time. It will work and you will be proud that it worked so fast.

[KTM rider]

focus on your skills and talents to target your search.

if you have social skills then target a business that will have use for that, such as sales

if you have mechanical skills market yourself there

if you have academic skills and talent then try to find something that uses those skills. For instance, if strong in math, surveyor trainee, retail cashier, machine shop

Check odd places like the zoo or a small airport . First and foremost exibit an air of confidence in your abilities. Be persistant, do not give up easily. Become talented at finding the right person to ask for a job, dont get discouraged when they say "we aren't hiring" When you get an interview , be a little early. Dress above the position you are applying for, it shows respect.

think out the answers to these questions in advance : what have you done before that applies to this job ? , why do you want to do this job ? Why should we hire you ? ....if these questions are not asked , offer the answers anyway.

Make a job of looking for a job everyday, make lists of prospects, get out and network ask ask ask

never give up

[lawnguy]

Wait tables if possible. Smile, and speak well and you can make some nice tips. I recommend it highly.

[GodSaveAmerica+Israel]

So any ideas on a business I could start? Mowing lawns, I tried that but most people here either already have someone do it or they do it themselves... I suck at trying to find a business to get into. I really want to own my own business most definitely. My dream job is to be a marketing consultant :D

[smokingfrog]

Many employers have a hard time finding hard working people that will show up on time and not cause trouble. Since you don’t have a work history, you’re going to have to convince the person doing the hiring that you are a dependable and trustworthy person that can get the job done. When you get an interview, look the person in the eye and express your self-confidence. Contact some people you can use for references.

[Eye of Unk]

I just went back to work but I would be considering donating spare change to anyone one person or small groups organizing a militia.

Call it a job if you will, I;m sure many people would in this dark time kick a few bucks out knowing that you are working for freedom.

I bet its more of something you can have faith in than flippin burgers.

[eyedigress]

Get into any business. They all use marketing. Start anywhere. Thus begins your networking support. You have to start somewhere.

[blackd77]

Yep...nothing beats face-to-face meetings. And a handshake. I guess I’m old-fashioned.

Know what the prospective organization does. Know their product line. If you honestly love it, that can’t hurt.

[TheWriterTX]

Try printing companies, sales positions, and community association management (the last one is almost recession proof; I say ALMOST, but the pay is usually good and you are dealing with people 24-7).

[TruJess]

My advice would be to volunteer while you’re looking for a more permanent and paying job. It looks good on a resume, it gives you experience, and also helps with networking. You can find a ton of different volunteer opportunities at a variety of places. A place like Ronald McDonald House or another similar non-profit might be able to use your marketing education to raise $$ or market their fundraising events.

Also, utilize the career services center at your school. Ask one of the counselors or advisers about any internships or job openings. They should also have info about any career fairs in your area. The most important thing to have on a resume when you graduate is experience. In this economy, experience is what will get you hired. Employers aren’t hiring a lot of grads fresh out of college with zero work experience. They want to know they’re getting someone who has a work ethic and understands how to manage their time and responsibilities in a job setting.

[HANG THE EXPENSE]

I will second your post if you dont mind.

[Jet Jaguar]

I have a co-worker who runs his own lawn and landscaping business.

He started out by asking future clients “what does the lawn guy charge you?”

He then offered them a lower rate. About five dollars.

He got and built a client list that, now, he makes more than his regular job.

Just do not price yourself into not making a profit.

[notpoliticallycorewrecked]

I have a son your ago and here is my advice to his friends:

1. Take a CPR or First Aid class. Having those type of certifications look good on applications and resumes

2. Look into the local Adult Education school. They have all kinds of classes for cooks, data entry, computers tech, plumbing, carpentry, MAs CNAs, LVNs, Pharmacy techs and host of others. They will offer you the classes for free or at a greatly reduced rate.

3. Network with friends, neighbors, former teachers, etc.

4. Volunteer, it also looks good on your resume and is also a source of networking.

Good luck

[Brad from Tennessee]

You could clean houses, detail cars, sweep chimneys, babysit kids or pets or houses or old people, get a cordless drill and a supply of those lensed peep holes for doors. Go to each aprtment that doesn’t have a peep hole and offer to install one which takes about a minute. Charge the cost of the hardware plus $5 or $20 whatever the market will bear. Spring is arriving. If you have a pickup or a van or a car with a utility trailer go to a plant nursery, or Wal-Mart or Lowes and buy up a variety of outdoor ornamental shrubs, Women love plants. Go trough neighborhoods and sell the plants.

[Tax Government]

Tip: Have long-term personal goals for self improvement, and seek a job with the goals in mind. Even if the job you apply for isn’t directly related, potential employers are impressed by, and seek to associate with and hire, people who are optimistic and have long-term goals.

[AnotherUnixGeek]

I just want a basic job, like working at a supermarket or ANYTHING.

Why? You're in your early 20s and in college - make use of your college's career center and find a paying internship related to your major. Make some money, gain college credit from the internship and start building up real-world experience in the field you're interested in. If you can't find a paying internship, don't be afraid to try a non-paying internship for a few months - you can build up valuable experience and if you're good the company will likely want to keep you on for pay. At worst, you'll walk away with something real to list on your resume.