Bad employment history?

Question

I am having a hard time finding a job because I have a really bad employment history. I have had almost 20 jobs since I was 14 ( I am 20 now), I didn't stay at any of them more than 6 months, and I quit most of them without notice. Essentially, I screwed myself BIG time. I am in a huge financial rut, unemployed, and I need to find a way to start with a clean slate. I fully intend to stay at my next job for at least a year, but I am having a really hard time getting one. I don't know what to put down for reasons for leaving, I'm just picky and stupid I guess, and I don't know if I should leave anything out. I don't need anyone else to tell me that I screwed up ( I know it and regret it) , I need someone to give me advice on how to approach potential employers with this. I would appreciate anyone's help, especially if any of you are in a similar situation or managers yourself somewhere. Thanks

Answer 1

Try to think of any one of these jobs and see if there is anything positive aobut either one of them.  Maybe one helped you to determine the type of work that you wanted to do once you completed high school, or one taught you something that you didn't already now about being in the working world.  You dont' have to list all of the jobs that you have had in the past pick a few and list them.  Try to be as honest as possible about why you left each one, and also be honest about wanting to start fresh, you just might find a job that you will have the ability to grow with.

Answer 2

Go apply to a temping agency.  They won't be as concerned as a regular employer.  Then bust your butt on any assignment you get.  Many employers will use a temp employee as a testing pool (I know people who got offered a permanent job everywhere they temped).

Alternately go back to school or move and then fudge and say that the jobs conflicted with your plans for school.

Answer 3

Do not list all of your previous jobs on your application.  At age 20, you are not expected to have a lot of work experience.  Only list those jobs that make you look good.  You can say you were traveling, in school, helping a sick relative etc. to explain any gaps in employment.  

Lying on an application is not a very good practice, but your  situation requires it.  

Go get a job, or even two if you are in financial trouble, and stick with at least one job for a year or more.  

Be the best employee that you can be at every job you hold, always give 2 weeks notice, and do not burn any bridges.

Good luck, I hope you have learned from your mistakes.