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How can i get a job when my Linkedin is dry and i can't seem to get accepted for jobs?

Hi guys! Im looking for help, Ive been trying to find a job that pays decent ($13+/per hour) but each time I apply to jobs they never seem to send an email back or just ghost. I have no work experience but i have volunteered at a Catholic School as an assistant Teacher (since sept 2023 - current time) and a Front Office Employee (sept 2022- may 2023). Ive applied to Canes, many retail stores at malls, target, and any local stores around my area. I email them my resume but they seem unphased.

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Subject: Career question for you

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Kimā€™s Answer

Alina,

Are you following the process provided for on the employer's website? I ask, because you said you email them the resume. Most of these entry-level jobs want you to fill out the on-line application, provide the option to upload a resume, or even use texting!

It could be that with your experience they consider you to be over-qualified, or you aren't demonstrating customer service experience on your resume. You want to show how you interact with parents and administration to resolve problems for the betterment of the school and child.

It also helps with these types of jobs if you can find a slow time at the business and introduce yourself to the manager, or have a friend who works there make the introduction.

You will find something, it's just a matter of being patient and persistent. Unfortunately, technology has drastically increased the number of applicants per opening.

You may want to ask someone to check your resume and see if they think it is appropriate to the positions you are applying for. You need to find someone who will be frank with you, rather than just reassure you it is good without giving you any feedback.

Kim
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Docā€™s Answer

It is essential to tailor your resume to each position you apply for. This means customizing your resume to highlight the skills and experience most relevant to the job. If you use the same resume for every job position you'll same answer every time.

1ļøāƒ£ SELL YOURSELF AS BEST CANDIDATE
Summarize who you are as a professional before providing all of the details. This section can take up two or three lines on your resume and should include your area of expertise, such as ā€œSales Specialistā€ or ā€œAward Winning,ā€ and a list of your most relevant skills. For each job you apply to, think about which skills the employer would likely hire you for and include those. You can often determine what's most important to the potential employer by examining the job listing. Try to keep your skills list specific and quantifiable.

2ļøāƒ£ COMPELLING OBJECTIVE
In addition to conveying confidence in your abilities, this section can demonstrate to employers that you are intentional about your career and the application you are submitting. A resume objective can expand what you include in your area of expertise section by listing your professional goals and what youā€™d like to contribute to the company to which youā€™re applying.

3ļøāƒ£ HIGHLIGHT QUALIFICATIONS
Your resume needs to show that you're the best candidate for the job. Review the job description to fully understand the role for which you're applying. Determine how your qualifications align with the job and organize your resume in a way that best highlights these qualifications. Ensure your resume's experience And education sections align with the requirements for the open role. Make sure to only include relevant information. For example, if you're applying for a teacher position, it's important to include any roles in education you held in the work experience section of your resume.

4ļøāƒ£ USE JOB DESCRIPTION KEYWORDS
Read the job description and note any keywords or phrases. Consider how they match your qualifications and use them throughout your own resume. Since many employers use an applicant tracking system, using keywords can help this software detect your resume and ensure it reaches relevant hiring managers. In addition, the use of these keywords and phrases emphasizes your relevant qualifications to hiring managers.

5ļøāƒ£ AVOID MISTAKES
Finally, proofread your resume meticulously. Spelling or grammatical errors can create a negative impression. Consider asking a friend or using online tools to catch mistakes you might have overlooked. In summary, customizing your resume, highlighting achievements, maintaining a professional format, keeping it concise, and ensuring it is error-free are vital steps in creating an effective resume that captures the attention of potential employers.

Hope this was helpful Alina
Thank you comment icon Thank You Kim. Your hard work and dedication don't go unnoticedā€”thank you for making a difference. Doc Frick
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Zā€™s Answer

Hi Alina,

Sorry to hear that. Are you still in school? If so most schools have either a career center or career counselor's office who can share job listings that the school has access to. These jobs are usually great starting points for students to gain work experience. If not, I would recommend reaching out to friends or friends of friends who are in jobs that you'd like to work to ask them if there are openings or any referrals available. A lot of cold applications will go unanswered but an insider referral can help significantly in a job search. Don't give up - all job searches take time!

Best of luck.
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Tracyā€™s Answer

Good question and you do have work experience as a volunteer as you stated. I would focus on that. Ask around and networking is important. Tell everyone that you are looking for a job. Best of luck to you finding a job that is right for you.
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Jadeā€™s Answer

Hey Alina,

Sorry to hear you're not having much luck finding a job. There's some great answers on here already but can I ask, have you registered with any recruiting agencies?
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Jeromeā€™s Answer

I think many people are struggling right now. In my opinion, knowing people who work where you want to work and networking are still great ways to get work. There are many free or low cost networking experiences out there.

You can also go into some of the places and ask to speak with a manager. While they may still direct you to go online to apply, that human connection might be enough to make your name stand out.
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Taylorā€™s Answer

Hi Alina! My recommendation especially when you are applying to larger chains or companies is to ensure your resume uses the key words they are looking for. There are online tools (try Job Scan) that you can run your resume through which will tell you how well it has been tailored to that job description. Good luck!!
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Taylorā€™s Answer

Hi Alina! My recommendation especially when you are applying to larger chains or companies is to ensure your resume uses the key words they are looking for. There are online tools that you can run your resume through which will tell you how well it has been tailored to that job description. Good luck!!
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Rachelā€™s Answer

It's great that you're proactive about improving your job prospects. Here are several strategies you can use to enhance your chances of getting hired even if your LinkedIn profile currently lacks content or connections:

Enhance Your LinkedIn Profile:
Complete Your Profile: Ensure every section is filled out completely, including your headline, summary, work experience, education, skills, and endorsements.
Professional Photo: Use a professional-looking headshot.
Compelling Headline: Instead of just listing your current job title, use your headline to describe what you do and what you are looking for.
Keyword Optimization: Use industry-specific keywords in your profile to make it easier for recruiters to find you.
Detailed Experience Descriptions: Describe your past roles in detail, focusing on achievements and impact.
Recommendations: Request recommendations from colleagues, supervisors, mentors, or clients to add credibility.
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Michelleā€™s Answer

Hi, Alina !

Advice and a story - let's start with the story.

I acquired two projects through Linked In. They were local and I had years of experience to do the position. The one thing to know about Linked In is that they use an algorithm to separate resumes that are qualified for the position. If you do not answer their qualifying questions a certain way, the resume may go unread or unconsidered.

When I applied for the one project, I submitted my resume through Linked In and then mailed a hard copy with my materials snail mail to the person at their office who was responsible for hiring. It went directly on his desk and he not only had my CV, Cover Letter, my Acting resume and my 8 x 10 photo (more than Linked In allows to submit) he called me for an interview and an audition and I was hired.

Now for the advice. You do have experience. My advice is to go in person to the local School District (Board of Education) building and apply for substitute teaching or teacher's aid jobs and any other entry level positions. Also apply at all of the private, parochial schools and any Waldorf or Montessori schools near where you live. I know this is the 21st Century and all, but do not hesitate mailing or dropping off your cover letter and resume directly to the place you're applying to. It's worth a try, and with everyone applying online, you just might stand out. Yes, apply online at their websites, too, but try that extra mailing and see what happens. Just a suggestion.

P.S. Advisor Justin's advice is spot on and true. Many employment notices that are online are not real job openings, just to make it look like they're busy or as Justin said - to impress stock holders or other people.

I hope this helps and I wish you all the very best !
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Cicelyā€™s Answer

Hi Alina!

Have you tried applying in person? Businesses receive a ton of resumes every day so yours might be lost in the mix. I recommend two things:
1. Make sure to follow up with the business regarding your submission. Following up on applications also demonstrates persistence and genuine interest.
2. Try applying in person by going into the location and requesting an application and to see the hiring manager. Applying in person can be a great way to stand out, especially for roles in retail, hospitality, or smaller businesses that value face-to-face interactions. This shows initiative and may result in an on-the-spot interview.

Apply these tactics with the suggestions from above and the right business will see your value.

Good luck with your search and don't give up!
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alanā€™s Answer

HI there,
As folks have said, remain positive, and I would encourage you to ask your neighbors, friends and your friends' friends for advice, and any job openings.
There are many career sites, do you have other sites beyond LinkedIn?
There are too many to list, find one that suits you and maybe think about freelancing and that way you would have more work experiences to list on the resume.

Ask for referrals. Have resume copies available or build a website that showcases your talents.
Also have someone review your resume, there may be layout, or words that would need to be upgraded to have you standout.
Focus on your accomplishments, solving problems and creating value for the current role, and put that on your resume.

You will do great things.
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Gwenā€™s Answer

Remain Positive!! Update your Skills in your LinkedIn Profile, Review your Resume information that you have on LinkedIn. Try to find some Networking Events that you can attend. This will help you meet some people. New Connections can always be helpful to boosting your confidence and helping to jumpstart your job search.
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Justin T.ā€™s Answer

Ok so my answer will probably be different than most. Probably because I'm an entrepreneur. So first in order to find a job you need to research the economy, what it's doing. if the economy is doing well then sure follow the steps like people said and peresevere. But I would say also research why things aren't going well. You might find things like companies are posting fake jobs to impress share holders or something like that. Maybe companies in your neighborhood are struggling etc. Always have more than one way to reach your goal. If i knew all cards were stacked against me in job hunting I would try to make money another way or use time to make money.

I did this when i was really young, I worked for companies that could pad my resume for free. after I did this I used this free labor to brag and In turn it helped me get paid clients. I remember one company had celebrities attending the events. I used all this even though they had me working there for free.


Also I suggest in your free time learning ai. not just to impress people but you could create an ai agent to search jobs, apply, and create resumes for you. All while putting that experience on your resume. This is free, all it take is time and a change in mindset. Right now you're thinking I'm nothing and i need help when In really you have what older people in corporate towers don't, youth and time. EVERYONE wants that.
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Drā€™s Answer

Alright, Alina! Time to tackle this job search with some humor and a healthy dose of job-hunting superpowers. šŸ’ŖšŸ˜Ž

### **1. The Resume Overhaul: A Little TLC Goes a Long Way**
Your resume right now is probably like a half-finished puzzleā€”good potential, but it needs a few more pieces. Time to give it a makeover! Hereā€™s the deal: **customize** your resume for each job you apply to. Yep, just like how you wouldnā€™t wear flip-flops to a job interview (unless youā€™re applying to be a beach lifeguard, in which case, go for it), you want your resume to match the job youā€™re applying for. šŸ©“āž”ļøšŸ‘”

- **Sell Yourself**: Add an "objective" or "summary" at the top. Show them your *why*ā€”why youā€™re passionate about this role and what makes you the perfect candidate.
- **Skills & Keywords**: Job descriptions often have hidden keywords (like "team player" or "customer service wizard"). Use those words in your resume to get past the digital filters. Think of it as your secret code to unlock the job! šŸ•µļøā€ā™‚ļøšŸ”‘

**Pro Tip**: If youā€™ve got volunteer experience, make that shine like a new pair of sneakers. The fact that youā€™ve been an assistant teacher and front office employee is solid goldā€”highlight those transferable skills!

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### **2. The Follow-Up Game: Not as Creepy as It Sounds**
So youā€™ve applied, and *crickets*ā€”but don't let silence be your cue to panic. Think of follow-ups like sending a casual text to a friend asking, "Whatā€™s up?" Just make sure you donā€™t overdo it (weā€™ve all gotten those texts that make us roll our eyes, right? šŸ™„).

- **Send a Polite Follow-Up Email**: A few days after applying, check in with a polite message. Something like, "Hey, I just wanted to follow up on my application for the [job title]. Iā€™m really excited about the opportunity and would love to hear more about next steps."
- **Pop in and Say Hi**: For retail or food jobs, walking in to say "hello" can sometimes make your name pop in their minds when theyā€™re reviewing applications. Plus, it shows youā€™re proactive, like a ninja in the job search world. šŸ„·

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### **3. Networking ā€“ The Secret Weapon (Yes, Even In 2025!)**
Okay, Alina, picture this: youā€™re at a party (except this party is full of employers and you donā€™t even need to wear fancy shoes). Thatā€™s *networking*. Sometimes itā€™s less about applying blindly and more about knowing the right person. The best jobs arenā€™t always listed on the internet, so itā€™s time to turn your connections into gold. āœØ

- **Talk to People**: Chat with people in your network. They might know someone whoā€™s hiring and can put in a good word for you. ā€œOh, my cousin works at Target!ā€ (Boom, connection made. šŸ’„)
- **Find Someone Who Works There**: Do you know someone who works at Canes or Target? Ask them for a referral. Personal recommendations go a long way!

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### **4. LinkedIn: The Wild, Mysterious Land of Professional Networking**
You said your LinkedIn is a bit "dry"ā€”donā€™t worry, itā€™s not a desert; it just needs some watering. šŸŒ± Hereā€™s how to give it some TLC:

- **Complete Your Profile**: Fill in every sectionā€”skills, experience, and especially that headline. Instead of just saying ā€œStudent,ā€ why not get creative? "Aspiring Educator and Front Office Proā€”Eager to Learn & Grow in Customer Service."
- **Be Active**: Comment on posts, share cool articles, or even post something about your volunteer work. It gets you seen without having to be all formal about it. Plus, itā€™s like a resume, but with extra flavor. šŸ•
- **Get Recommendations**: If your Catholic school or front office job was awesome, ask for a recommendation! A good word from your past gig can seriously boost your profile.

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### **5. Apply In Person ā€“ Youā€™re a Rockstar, Let Them See It!**
I get it, applying online is easy, but itā€™s also like tossing your resume into a black hole. So, how about going old-school?

- **Go to the Store/Location**: Dress nicely, smile like youā€™re auditioning for a TV commercial, and ask to speak with the manager. Youā€™d be surprised how many people *remember* someone who walks in with a big olā€™ smile and a positive attitude. šŸ˜

**Bonus Tip**: Bring a printed resume, because in some cases, handing it over in person makes you stand out WAY more than a digital application.

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### **6. Donā€™t Get Discouraged ā€“ Youā€™ve Got This!**
I know, it feels like the job marketā€™s an endless series of ā€œno thank youā€ emails. But trust meā€”*rejection is just redirection*. And who knows? Maybe your dream job is waiting for you on the other side of a few more applications. So take a deep breath, drink some coffee, and keep pushing forward. ā˜•šŸ’Ŗ

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**Keep it up**ā€”job hunting is like finding your way through a maze, but youā€™ll definitely find the exit. And remember, the right job is out there; you just need to give it a little nudge to notice how amazing you are. šŸ˜Ž

Got more questions? Iā€™ve got you covered, Alina!
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