Originally Posted by
dontknownuthin
yes - know that the job market is tough and do not take rejections personally. It will take time. If you aren't getting responses to your resume or applications, seek out help in tweeking the way you are presenting yourself. And you hit on one thing - volunteering - in your original question. You haven't done much, well, do more. If you worked at a soup kitchen it would be relevant to a job in a restaurant. If you worked on a Habitat for Humanity project it would be relevant to getting work in construction. Help planning an event at church, and it will also be relevant to organizing events for a business.
Target who you want to work for and ask around if anyone you know has connections there, and whether they could put a good word in for you or hand-deliver your resume or application to the hiring managers. Do any of your friends have jobs where you would like to work? Ask if they are hiring and see if the friends will help you.
You do have to apply through the prescribed channels like websites but you can also work on jobs from additional angels. For example, say your friend works at Target - fill out the online application but also hand a copy of your resume, with a nice cover letter addressed to the manager of the store (find out their name - call the store and ask or it will be posted in the front of the store probably if you look), telling them that you want to work for Target, some reasons why, and that you have applied formally through their process. Ask for an interview.
Here's a sample letter to give you a general idea (obviously it would be adjusted depending on the job and employer you are targetting):
Dear (name of manager):
I am a long-time customer of Target and have always been impressed by the quality of service and merchandize that you offer. As I prepare to enter the workforce, Target stands out as my ideal potential employer and I will greatly appreciate your consideration.
I am a 20 year old, entry-level worker but have a great deal to offer. First, I very much want to work, succeed and grow with my employer. My hope would be to secure an entry-level position with you, prove myself over time and earn the opportunity to train one day for a role in management. I will accept any work and be grateful for it.
Among my most relevant qualifications are:
- High school diploma
- Computer literacy
- A strong work ethic
- Loyalty, maturity, timeliness and reliability
- A positive, can-do attitude
I understand that Target utilizes online application processes and have submitted my application through your website. I wished to additionally reach out, as I imagine thousands likely apply. My good friend, Joe Smith, was kind enough to offer deliver this letter to you so that I can personally ask for an interview, and express my sincere interest in working for you. Thank you for considering my request.
Warmest regards
Your name
Phone number
email address
