I'm 18 and can't get hired anywhere, how does other teens get hired so easily?

Question

I am having the hardest time getting a job, and I don't know what's wrong! I'm 18 and have had some previous job experience, seasonal at Toys R Us and a mom and pop cell phone shop (only worked 3 months because I got laid off).

I applied at restaurant's, grocery stores, and multiple places. I've gotten good scores on my personality tests, but I still don't get hired. I haven't gotten any call backs or interviews. I only got an interview at Gamestop but I think I didn't get hired at that gamestop because I'm black (there are no black people that have ever worked there) and at Sprint it's because I don't have enough experience (I don't have a full year of experience yet).

See, I just want to get to the interview, but this doesn't seem to happen for me. What could I possibly doing wrong. Should I check the status of my applications even more (note that I the call backs I did receive was for the fact that I sent letters to the hiring manager even then some places didn't work).

I'm really stressed because I'm going to college and I desperately need the money for a car and some books. I could go back to toys r us, but its in the rich area of St. Louis (Chesterfield) and its 30 miles out-with today's gas prices its ridiculous.

I seriously need help. How do you guys get jobs so easily? How should I talk when I as about the status of my application? Should I be super fiendly and outgoing instead of serious (I thought you were supposed to be). Please help...

Answer 1

im 17 and in the SAME situation as you, ive applied like everywhere.. as in clothing stores and stuff.. and i think the reason why im not getting any calls back is cause i look young and you have to be 18.. and at the time i just turned 17 so i dunno if thats it.. im gonna try some grocery stores and all that maybe tomorrow or next, what i did well now anyways, i played up my resume on my experience and im hoping that this time i might get hired.. i noticed that ALOT of the stores in the mall at least want you to have "some" experience.. and before i had none ... other then "baby sitting".. anyways wish me luck <33

dont worry im sure you will get a job, make sure that you apply at places that are diverse and not only white people, cause im almost positive that if i were white i most likley would of gotten hired at aeropostile and hollister.. ALL of those girls are white.

Answer 2

Well I'm almost 16 and I work as an on-air personality at a radio station.

If you have a friend with a parent that runs something, apply there. Especially if you're on that parent's good side. Just be prepared that if you and that friend have a fight, work won't go so good.

Also, make your resume professional. Don't be afraid to brag about yourself. Make yourself look good. Write a cover letter and use proper format for that. It makes you seem more interested in the job!

Answer 3

don't worry about its happened to me too. don't stress

Answer 4

most teens get their first job through someone. if you have a friend or family member that has a store , or works somewhere , where they can recommend you.

on an interview, just be yourself.dress clean and be polite. bring a record of any work history and  letters of personal reference with you. from people other than your family. maybe old teachers that liked you. anyone that you've done an odd job for or something like that.

if you have applications in, it doesn't hurt to call and ask about them. it makes you look like you are serious about working.

Answer 5

you sound very genuine in wanting work, you need to be very friendly and outgoing, not serious as people in the retail world want you to meet your customers with a friendly face not a serious one.  I say its not about your application and ability its about how you approach people

You need to work on being more relaxed and not so stressed  

Answer 6

I Know How You Feel.

Some People Land A Job On Their First Try.

:(

Answer 7

yea the job market is bad right now, but be persistent, it pays off, trust me. get your resume and cover letter together and send it out to as many employers as you can. use craigslist. from my experience career builder is a waste of time. but just keep going at it.

Answer 8

I have black people working at my gamestop...

Answer 9

Perhaps you were making spelling or grammar mistakes on your applications.  You certainly made a few in your post.  If you are too outgoing and friendly, they may think that you will do more talking than working.  Strive for balance.