I have no work experience! How can I acquire a job?
It's time to pull my own weight, yikes! Recently I applied to various famous franchises online, the only problem is, they never responded :( . With no success online I decided to visit a "now hiring" good ol' McD's and ask for an application. I completed the application and returned it to a manager. After waiting for a couple weeks, still no response. I even went back to the McDonald's, gave them a hello, and "showed initiative" as my mom suggested. Still without response I feel quite discouraged (a big no no in the job hunting process). I've been told getting a minimum wage job for a kid like me would not require a resume, but I feel like it may be necessary to create one in order to land a job since I have no work experience (but plenty of volunteerism and extra curricular commitment!). Any tips for creating a resume? Whats the best way to go about landing a job? How did *you* land your first job? #resume #hiring #first-job
7 answers
aftab’s Answer
Hello,
First, remember that everyone begins with no experience—so you’re not alone.
- EMBRACE YOUR REALITY
If you’re applying for entry-level positions, most people aren’t expecting you to come in with a resume filled with experience. Instead, embrace your inexperience and leverage it as motivation to learn. Highlight examples of your dedication, curiosity, and commitment to learning and growth. - IDENTIFY YOUR SKILLS
Make a list of all the skills listed in postings for the role you’re looking to get: computer skills, technical skills, communication skills, research skills, problem-solving skills. - EMPHASIZE "SOFT SKILLS"
What will make you stand out from the rest? Remember to showcase qualities like friendliness, professionalism, responsiveness, and follow-through. Strong soft skills can go a long way, because they can’t really be taught. - NETWORK
Building your personal network is a reliable path to a great job at any stage of life. Connect with everyone you know—and in turn with everyone they know—through social media, community and professional events, setting up lunch or coffee dates to stay in touch, any way you can find. - KEEP LEARNING
- START VOLUNTEERING
Yun’s Answer
If you don't have a degree and can't get proper training by yourself, can you find a mentor from someone you know? Relatives, friends, anyone you know who can teach you how to perform certain job. This is similar to "The apprentice", but it's all real. Or the real old school way, finding a training book that you can read and learn by yourself. You have to find a way to learn and grow.
The bottom line, if you don't have a basic skill for an employer to train and grow you, then you have to make sure you acquire the basic skill yourself, which is the traditional education path most of people have gone through.
Dong’s Answer
If you're starting out with an entry level job, you can build your resume based on your volunteer and extracurricular activities. Emphasize on the soft skills learned from those experiences (ie. teamwork, helping the community, commitment, dedication).
Cynthia’s Answer
Miriam Alonso
Miriam’s Answer
Hello Grant,
I would suggest definitively to create an attractive resume, you can do that if you have some school projects that would be interesting and maybe some outside experience with your thesis. Also, do not feel disappointed if you do not get any offers any time soon, if you keep trying you will get a job.
Kim’s Answer
Hi Grant!
Since you posted this last year, I hope you have found a job!
You are correct in that many first jobs are in fast-food. McDonald's is only one. Try others. Bill Miller's pays well. Even people WITH experience need to submit many applications before they get hired. Don't give up!
In addition to fast-food, San Antonio has lots of call centers. West/Alorica is one. Many youngsters start at the Pizza Hut call center. As you gain experience, you can apply to others, such as Insurance or Rx drug call centers, which pay more.
Depending on your age, and your areas of interest, you can also get jobs requiring physical labor. Construction helper - just walk up to the construction site and ask for a foreman. Plumbing companies, roofing companies, landscaping etc all need "helpers." People to load and unload the truck, pick up the trash, etc.
Hospitals? Patient transporters take patients from their rooms to the xray dept. , usually on a wheelchair. Dietary aides prepare meals, "environmental services" do custodial work.
Your application/resume should focus on what makes you a good candidate. Companies want someone who is dependable. Showing up every day, on time, is important. You can show this through school sports, for example, where you had to be at practice every day. Be careful not to list too many current extracurricular activities! The employer will think you don't have time for them! Also focus on things that show you are aware of the company's desire to make money - customer service (even if volunteer!), safety, regulatory compliance, etc. Your job is to make money for the company, or at least, not cost them any money through on the job accidents/ fines.
San Antonio has 5 Workforce Solutions Alamo offices, with a Youth Services dept. within each one. Stop at your nearest center and see what is available. It is possible you can get help finding a job, or even with training or education!
Good luck!
Kim
