First job :3 (advice?)

[Bibii]

Hi everyone...

I started to look for a part-time student job for 2-3 weeks now ^-^ I sent about 15 CVs (I know it's not a lot ^^ Still sending), but I've never really worked :C

I'm not too sure where to apply. I mostly applied to clothing stores... although I'm very interested in photoshop related work, but no one would give me a job if I have not taken a serious digital art class :C

Any advice ? About how to get a job ? For interviews ? Everything ?

Thank you so much ^^

[thatlauralass]

Ugh, the dreaded CV. x_x I might not be much use here, since I haven't had a job for a while (yay for being a student). However, I do recommend catering your CV to each individual place that you apply to.

 

If you're applying to a store, consider WHY you're applying to said store; for example a clothes shop, you want to express through your CV that you have a strong interest and passion for fashion, and enjoy creating your own co-ords/ outfits from different clothing articles in your spare time. Even if you're so-so about it and just want a job, you need to appear passionate to someone who's looking to hire (why would you employ someone who couldn't care less?).

 

You also want to express several of your interests/hobbies that make you stand out from everyone else, be it enjoying illustration, running, swimming, or creating digital graphics with photoshop. Even if it's not related, there's always ways that these hobbies could integrate into the job and it just makes you seem like an interesting individual that would socialise well with others if you have things to talk about.

 

Which also leads on to, you need to always blow your own trumpet when it comes to your socialising skills. Even if you're shy around strangers (I totally am), you never put an emphasis on that in your CV. Always cater to your strengths. i.e. "I consider myself to be an all round friendly individual, and I love meeting new people."

 

Really just the more positive and upbeat, sweet and easy to read you make it, the more luck you'll have in getting to the interview stage. ^_^ Of course, grammar and spelling as VERY important as well. Make sure the presentation sings.

 

 

As for interview… I honestly can't give any advice as such. :c If it's an interview for a fashion store though, you want to dress smart obviously, but dress in similar clothes to the ones that are sold - it'll bestow more thoughts into the interviewer like "I could picture this person working within this environment".

I hope some of this helps!

[emily_speck_15]

For the interview, dress nice for where you are going to work. Don't just wear the nicest clothes you own. At a clothing store, dress in clothes you might buy there, or maybe one step nicer.

[Novelista]

My biomom always told me to dress professionally for an interview...unfortunately, I've since gotten very annoyed with the idea of showing up wearing suits and the interviewer is vastly underdressed. (I think the time the interviewer was wearing jeans, I was in a suit--not cool!)

 

I usually shop at JCPenney...I'm not sure if they ship to Canada (they might!), so made the word into a link, anyway. I like buying slacks and nice shirts there--button-down for the winter and tops for the summer. I generally go with one solid color all the way through. (When I was first starting out, I had some ugLY patterned shirts that I wouldn't be caught dead in now. Yikes!) I'm sure once you look at the site, you'll think of some store/chain there that you might go to that's a little more local. :)

 

 

It's hard breaking in, but once you're in, as long as you keep a good track record, you'll be able to continue. Since I wasn't very comfortable with driving even right after high school, I didn't want to drive to the next biggest town, so I was very limited on options (not wanting to go back to fast food). Worse, no one wanted to hire me!

 

My first real-real job (not counting the one I had as a junior or the random trio I had right before college) was at a dollar store. I had trouble getting decent jobs the first few years, but like I said...once you're into retail (and have been in for a few years), you've proved yourself and can fairly easily get a job. After about a decade, I'm thoroughly sick of retail, I won't lie. Buuut I have no social life (except for here on TDN, apparently! *laughs*), which means I have an open schedule. That, combined with my years of experience and willingness to close (a lot of people prefer to work mornings/early afternoons) seem to make me a worthy candidate. (Most of the time.)

 

 

I wish you the best of luck. And don't forget to try online applications--most retail places have gone to that, these days (at least here in the States). I tend to save my resume for postings on job boards or when the business is out of applications.

[Rebecca~]

Best of luck! Getting your first job is such a pain. Even the most entry level jobs want experience, which makes it super difficult for people that are just starting out. You're not completely out of luck though! Ask any adults in your life- parents, other family members, teachers you're close to, etc- to read over your CV and give suggestions. Writing CVs and resumes can be tough- there's a reason why some people make a career of writing them for other people. You have nothing to lose by getting ideas about other things you can put in there.

Don't minimise any work you've done previously- if you have babysat kids, that's a huge perk. It shows you're responsible and attentive, and bonus points for minor first aid and feeding kids and stuff like that. Same if you have worked with kids in your schools to do tutoring at any point.

 

As for places to apply to, this is one of the times when it's worthwhile to just throw as much against the wall as possible. You can apply for positions working with photoshop, but it's unlikely you would be considered for those. If you're really interested, you should look into some classes. Hit up every retail place you can find though- A lot of bigger chain places have online applications, which makes things really easy. No longer do you have to spend hours going from place to place. (Personally, I've always had luck with grocery stores, and they tend to pay quite well, are often in unions, etc. The major downfall is how ugly the uniforms always are). As said already, if you have a strong preference for clothing stores, make sure you show that on your resume. Talk about your interest in fashion.

 

 

Interviews are pretty terrifying, but unless you're really unlucky, your interviewer is going to try to put you at ease. They'll ask you questions about why you want to work there, and a lot of general kind of getting to know you questions. At the level you're at, they just want to get an idea of who you are, how you will fit in, and what your work ethic will probably be. You can google common interview questions, but many of them are for higher level positions, and may just end up worrying you!

There tends to always be questions about something you found difficult and how you worked around it, or dealt with it, situations where you had to work with someone who was difficult or you didn't like, something you consider a flaw, etc. Never (ever ever ever!) actually say anything bad about yourself. Talk about a flaw you used to have, but have taken steps to rectify (ie, I used to have a lot of problems getting to school or other lessons on time. I would wake up with only ten minutes before I had to leave, and I would rush around trying to get everything together in time. Since then though, I have started preparing everything I need for the next day right after I get home, and I haven't had to rush since!) or a flaw that's not really a flaw, or not much of one (ie, I sometimes take too long working on a project because I want to make sure that it is the absolute best quality that it can be).

 

As for clothing, I have always dressed quite smartly in interviews. I tend to be dressed more professionally than the people interviewing me, but I feel better going in that at the very least my outfit won't be the reason I didn't get hired. A pair of black dress pants, and a simple button down shirt or other nice blouse is simple, not too dressy, but looks smart and professional, and is sure to make a good impression. If you do get an interview at a clothing store, it would be smart to wear some items of clothing from that store, but still try to make it as smart as possible. Even if they sell ripped jeans and club wear, it may not be the best to show up at the interview in that clothing- maybe pick some accessories from that store, or a similar store, with accents that show you know (and like) their style of clothing, but that you're classing it up.

 

Sorry if this is just a big wall of text. There is so much advice floating around about how to get jobs, and a lot of it is contradictory. It may take some time to get a job, especially since the economy isn't the best, but you will get one. :) Make sure your CV is the best it can be (without falsifying anything), and practice some interview questions, and you'll be grand. :)

[Bibii]

So many replies ♥ Thank you for helping me ^^

@Laura, For now, I only made one CV, the one that will fit for clothing stores, but I'll keep in mind to change it if I ever find some other interesting job offers. I think I put enough positive elements, I'm not sure whether it made me stand out from the others though ;/ Same, I can be shy around strangers, but I'm working to be more social :) Thanks for the tips ^-^

 

@Emily, Oh yeah, That's a really good idea, thank you :3

@SweetD, yes I have applied to some store online, but others I went in person :) Thanks for sharing with me, it's good to know that it's only the beginning that's hard and once it's over, it will be a lot easier :) A dollar store seems like a pretty good place for a first job !

@Rebecca, Yeah ^-^ It's funny how jobs require experience, but having experience requires having a job... My dad who works for an online shop told me that there are people who crop pictures of models and it's a fairly easy (but boring) job that anyone with a really basic picture editing skill can do. They will not hire professional because they are pricey, so he told me to look more into that category if it interests me. Oh grocery stores! I have not thought about this, I will look through them right now :3 & thanks for the interview tips, I will definitely google for more :)

[Xepha]

(Totally unrelated but I voted for your caption!)

 

I have gone to a lot of interviews, and one thing I always do is remain myself.

 

I landed my first job when I was 18, after applying only to one place. It was a framing store and I stayed there almost 2 years as part-time employee. I liked it because I was able to see great pictures, paintings, etc... My CV back then was nothing special and I had no experience. I think they only called me for interview because they really needed to hire someone before summer vacations. I had 2 interviews there. The first one was with the manager and she asked me stuff like how I would act when I'm there, if I knew anything about art, etc. It was pretty laid back and I remember we ended up chatting more than interviewing ahah. And I had a second interview with the store owner. I think he just wanted to check if I was trustable, since I would have to deal with money.

 

The next couple jobs I have had were through friends. Those were easier to land because someone had refered me. Never underestimate your network! Tell all your friends you are looking for a job and to keep their eyes and ears opened for you.

 

Right now I'm looking for a job that will let me get started with my real professional career. I want to get away from retail and customer service. It's a lot harder since I have no experience and the market is kinda saturated with creative people. If that's where you want to go eventually, keep in mind that you need to have a strong portfolio of your best pieces.

 

Call centers can be a good place where to apply if you have no experience. They are usually willing to train you (paid) and very flexible with hours. Obvisouly, it can become a bit frustrating to work there after a while... but you never have to see customers' faces and that can be a plus too.

 

Something that hasn't been said yet. Landing an interview is like 80% of the job. This is really want you want since it will be your best occasion to showcase who you are. It's always a plus to call back or email your interviewer to thank them the next day. It shows that you care. Also, if you have no news after 10-15 days of sending your resumé to a place, you can call them and ask for the person in charge or hiring. It's often human resources or a manager.

 

Good luck with your job hunting, and I hope you get hired soon! :)

[agrinwithoutacat]

In addition to what's been said already, just keep applying and try not to get discouraged if you don't hear back from a lot of places. I recently got my first job, and it took applying to almost everything in town (to be fair, it's a small town) before someone offered me a position. Just keep at it and eventually someone will take interest in you. :)

[Bibii]

@Xepha Awe thank you! Oh a framing, it is something that would interest me :3 I'll try to look for something like that too ;3 Mmh, yes it is indeed hard when we have no experience at first :C I guess once you start someone, it will be easier... Good luck!
My dad told me to call them if they do not give me any news after a while, but I'm afraid to bug them :S They might find me annoying no? Like they told me they would call me back when I gave them my CV... & Thanks a lot :3

@Agrin, awe thanks for the encouragement! Congratz on your new job ♥

[viviennev]

if you don't receive any news from them it is better if you search something else, send your cv everywhere and you'll find someone ready to hire you :)

 

if you need some good job offers I can suggest www.strike-jobs.co.uk, there are also many useful tips about interview and work life

 

good luck for your job! :)

[Bibii]

Thank you Vivie, I'll definitely check that website out :) Yes, I will ^^

Hey, I was wondering, usually how much time does it take for someone to get back to you if they want me for an interview?

[Novelista]

A week or less. Don't count on it, but sometimes, people who are really interested (or desperate, haha) will ask you for an interview as soon as you turn in your app. My last job, it wasn't a good fit, but I applied and was interviewed on the same day! (Let me tell you, that's only happened once!)

 

Some may surprise the heck out of you and call months later. There have been a few times where I applied ages ago and they'll suddenly call...then when I hang up from scheduling the interview, I'll be like, "Wow...I applied there [time...maybe spring] ago!"

[Bibii]

Ooh Ok I see, thanks for the info, I'll keep looking then :)

[Pookies]

A week or less. Don't count on it, but sometimes, people who are really interested (or desperate, haha) will ask you for an interview as soon as you turn in your app. My last job, it wasn't a good fit, but I applied and was interviewed on the same day! (Let me tell you, that's only happened once!)

 

Some may surprise the heck out of you and call months later. There have been a few times where I applied ages ago and they'll suddenly call...then when I hang up from scheduling the interview, I'll be like, "Wow...I applied there [time...maybe spring] ago!"

 

At least they saw your resume, I'm assuming.

 

Just want to take the time to saw be careful for those who do not even glance at your resume. There was someone recruiting at my university and I called...they said that was the last day to interview so if I had time I should go to their office for the interview. They hired me but when I went to the orientation....eek. They were very sketchy about how they made sales and I left. A few months later something similar happened but with another company. This time I just left right after their "interview". Both places had a pyramid scheme business model and I wasn't going to get into that. Currently, an acquaintance of mine is in something similar (or worse since she has to spend her own money to make money...does that even make sense...no :/) with a different company. She was trying to recruit me but I wasn't into it, either. Sketchy, sketchy things but no real jobs for me so far :/

 

hopefully you all have better luck than i do and dont run into these types of companies.

[Novelista]

I got into one...I can't remember what it was called, but it was a water-based vacuum that was like, $2,000. Almost everyone left during the first half of "orientation" when the guy said we wouldn't be paid for training.

 

But also bear in mind that "pay money to get money" is how a few legit places work. I can't speak for melaleuca (even though I have a friend that claims she earns a lot of money with it), but Mary Kay and Avon work that way. My biomom has been doing MK for 29 years come August and...well, I can't tell you how much money she's made! Yes, you have to buy your own product ($180 minimum for your first order as a consultant {it may be more by now}); but then again, if you sell enough during a certain year, you earn a car! Thanks to MK, my mom didn't have to buy a car from 1988 (or 1989) to 1997! Of course, she had to do Mary Kay full time and work her little tush off, but getting a brand new Grand Am (candy apple red the first few years and bright red thereafter) every two years was worth it. ^_^

[masonn]

I've only officially worked one job and that was at Topman, my first job, the cv and such was very simple and straight forward, just need to present yourself as a responsible individual, as should all interviews go, smart casual or formal. I wouldn't really exactly say you'll need to dress in the store's clothes.
It took me about a month for them to call me back, but i was still pretty excited to join the company. (:

My advice for the photoshop related jobs, google up "designers cv" and search up on similar stuff, you'll be able to show your creativity and also skills with just your cv. You don't need to bound yourself to a plain black and white piece of paper, although you might want to include a copy aswell for formal reference.

Your working time frame isn't the best when it comes to the eyes of these companies though, they'd usually want a month/3months minimum (in my country).

[Pookies]

Ah, I forgot about MK. True, some places may work that way...this company was just sketchy, tho'. I was recruited by being told it was going to be a workshop or a practice presentation...whatever. I go there a few more people join later... the presentation starts and it's something totally different. They say the reason they do it that way was because if they tell people off the bat, they wouldnt believe all the great opportunities they have with the company yadda yadda. The work was recruit people so they could recruit people, basically. I went online and it turned out you need about 60 people under you for the monthly purchase to pay itself. Yikes.

[Novelista]

That was definitely a pyramid scheme. Scream and run in the other direction!

[masonn]

All those multilevel marketing schemes are.. pretty tough. But if you have the connections and dedication, you can pull through and do well (:
I personally wouldn't take it though.