Tips

I need tips on getting a job. I do babysitting and petsitting every now and again but I want something more frequent and reliable. Something that'll allow me to spoil my animals rather than just provide and support. I've never had an official job really. I've volunteered and such but never anything that's recognized as a legitimate job. I've tried filling out applications but I must be doing something wrong. I've filled out many and majority of the places I never heard back from. I've only actually heard back from 3 and a half.

First place was chick-fil-a. I wanted to work their because I've heard they have a great training program and my brother's girlfriend vouched for them and my lifelong friend's brother works there. I got an interview and I believe it went well but I never heard from them again.

Second was Michaels. If you don't know what it is its a craft store. I love making things and drawing and what not so I thought it'd be a great place to work. Got an interview but they later told me they found a more suitable match.

Then Starbucks, got an interview, never heard back.

And more recently; petsmart. I adore animals and love working with them and providing others with knowledge and such they may need when taking care of their pet. I got an email saying I passed the first review and that I'd hear from an employee soon. That was months ago. A couple weeks after I had submitted the form I called the store and asked about it and get a "we'll call when we get to your form" in a very rude tone.

I'm a very socially anxious person so this is really hard for me but I really need to get a job so I can have a stable income. I don't know what I'm doing wrong.

It's unlikely but does anyone know any jobs an 18 year old who doesn't yet have her highschool diploma can do from home or just minimal interaction? Or jobs that are very likely to hire? I understand chain places like petsmart and Starbucks have an image to maintain but idk I'm just at a loss and will take just about anything at this point.

Go back to Michaels! Tell them that you greatly appreciated their interviewing process and professionalism. Tell them that you are very interested in working in this profession and would be very appreciative if they could /would help you better understand what they are looking for in an employee and what additional skills you would need to be successful!

Most individuals interview poorly! Commonly, because of a lack of self-confidents. Speaking in front of other people is a skill that near everyone needs to work on. If you are a member of a Church or other social organization, ask to be allowed to provide a small talk, presentation, etc. to help increase your comfort level.

With a bit of effort, you could be working at Michaels before Summer starts!

"Second was Michaels. If you don't know what it is its a craft store. I love making things and drawing and what not so I thought it'd be a great place to work. Got an interview but they later told me they found a more suitable match."

That's a really good idea and I'll try it out next time I go or I'll end up emailing them.

Owlet said:

That's a really good idea and I'll try it out next time I go or I'll end up emailing them.

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Understand that the person you interviewed with is likely getting a 100 emails each day! The goal is always face to face and understand that sometimes, you may have to sit and wait! I hired and fired over the years and one of the biggest things on my list is: What level of effort the candidate put into this process!

Check out Indeed.com ...lots of my friends found work through there, some of it work at home stuff. Heavy on computer stuff but there are lots of things listed. Also, Craigslist ... my sister and her husband own a window replacement company and they advertise there when they are hiring. There is probably also a job listing on the local city or county website. Lastly, check out TaskRabbit. This is where people post when they need an errand run and what they will pay, and others post what kind of things they will do and what they will charge. It can be anything from "check the mail" to "walk the dog". Come to think of it, I know people who hire dog walkers and dog sitters for when they go on vacation, I think it's $40 a day to dog-sit and $10 a day to walk, minimum. Good luck!

I've tried Craigslist but majority of the things I find are people looking for experienced and/licensed people. Such as elderly caregivers, teachers/tutors for young kids, contractors, etc. Or its out of my range. So many people are moving here lately all the jobs are being scooped up and as someone with very little experience it usually puts me at the bottom of the hire list.

I talked to someone the other day about looking after their puppy during the day when no one else can for 15$ an hour but she ended up sending the pup to basically puppy boot camp till may 5th-ish. I don't understand how someone can just get a puppy and immediately send it off for a month. I'm not a professional but I have some experience training pups and it would have been cheaper </3

Been using a neighborhood app to see if anyone needs any help. Have talked to one other family about babysitting and they'd just call as needed. Which again, is unreliable.

Ugh, I totally feel your frustration on this!! Going through the process of finding open positions, applying, waiting, interviewing and so on is almost more stress than actually getting the job.

I have found success with Indeed.com, Monster.com , Careerfinder.com. It's great for finding open positions in the area. Check your local newspaper for job ads. Stay away from Craigslist as many of these ads are scams.

Do you have a reliable source of trans potation? This is important for most, if not all jobs. If you love animals, check the local veterinarians offices, they may have positions open every so often for kennel work. Not great, but it certainly will get your foot in the door. What are your plans for the future, after you graduate? Do you plan on going to school somewhere, college? This is also something to think about when looking for a job, as many companies will not necessarily want to hire those who will be leaving for school after a few months.

Do your best to try to develop an internal attitude of, I really do not need this job, but from what I have heard about your company it is a place that I would like to work with! When you are too anxious, during interviews, that really comes across! Not much different than petting a dog while being a bit nervous around it, the dog can feel the nervousness and interpretes it incorrectly!
FYI, the advice from the one and only sailboat, is right on! We of the older generation understand this quite a bit more, but many of you youngains, are still not quite seeing it!
But I must say, the mere fact that you were asking about this, puts you light years ahead of the crowd!

I must add, my biggest breakthroughs, careerwise, was just by going around door knocking and trying to sell myself! I happened to walk into an extremely prestigious account that their top engineer had just challenged them saying he was more important to them than anyone else in the company, and the person in charge did not take this very well! With all of that said me then walking in, I fell into a job that was amazing!
Remember to consider yourself as a product, what makes you so valuable that people will want you! That has been my drive all of my life and I must say, I have only been out of work a week and a half my entire life! Even though I have been milking it lately, because I have been with IBM for 30 years now!

You are 18?? I must say, you are head and shoulders above the competition! Most 'kids' in your age group are pushing for socialism so that they don't have to work! You remind me very much of my daughter number two, Holly! You will do very well!

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwww... what a sweet soul you are! You just gotta let it shine through.
My secret weapon...
When the interview is almost over and they ask if you have any questions/statements... look 'em rght in the eye and say "if you hire me, you will never regret it". Just a bit of a smile, genuine. MEAN it. Cuz it's true. They WON'T regret it!!! I have never failed to get a job using this.

While you're looking for work, consider volunteering someplace that is meaningful to you. Helping out at a vet's office, zoo, bird rescue, animal shelter, special needs kids....you will gain experience, meet people who can give you good advice and maybe help you in your future endeavors and give you good references. Then if you find a better job, you can take it or stay with the volunteer work if you find that more rewarding. You have a lifetime to earn money, earn it doing something you love.

Unfortunately majority of animal related things that would accept volunteers are really far away. I really planned on going to a community college nearby but I've recently doubted that plan even though it's the cheapest and easiest plan and I could always seek further education if I want it and I'm financially stable enough to support it. But I've recently wanted to go to Cornell University because I've heard they have great animal related courses and I've been really wanting to get into biology. I have very mixed feelings now and I'm really confused and stressed. Anyways, thank you everyone for wonderful advise.

Walk into your Community College and tell them that you are planning on going to Cornell University and want to know, which classes transfer and those that do, at what level. Then by mail, email or phone verify at Cornell.

Stay far away from Ocean Biology!

Owlet said:

Unfortunately majority of animal related things that would accept volunteers are really far away. I really planned on going to a community college nearby but I've recently doubted that plan even though it's the cheapest and easiest plan and I could always seek further education if I want it and I'm financially stable enough to support it. But I've recently wanted to go to Cornell University because I've heard they have great animal related courses and I've been really wanting to get into biology. I have very mixed feelings now and I'm really confused and stressed. Anyways, thank you everyone for wonderful advise.

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Getting that first job is a challenge! I would definitely approach Michaels once again and thank them for the initial interview. Persistence can pay off, and there is always turnover, so their next opening is inevitable.

Fast-food restaurants have long been a favorite initial job, even if they are messy and impersonal. They do teach valuable skills of organization and teamwork.

Summer is approaching, and should offer a good variety of jobs. Good luck!

Owlet said:

Unfortunately majority of animal related things that would accept volunteers are really far away. I really planned on going to a community college nearby but I've recently doubted that plan even though it's the cheapest and easiest plan and I could always seek further education if I want it and I'm financially stable enough to support it. But I've recently wanted to go to Cornell University because I've heard they have great animal related courses and I've been really wanting to get into biology. I have very mixed feelings now and I'm really confused and stressed. Anyways, thank you everyone for wonderful advise.

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SailBoat said:

Walk into your Community College and tell them that you are planning on going to Cornell University and want to know, which classes transfer and those that do, at what level. Then by mail, email or phone verify at Cornell.

Stay far away from Ocean Biology!

Owlet said:

Unfortunately majority of animal related things that would accept volunteers are really far away. I really planned on going to a community college nearby but I've recently doubted that plan even though it's the cheapest and easiest plan and I could always seek further education if I want it and I'm financially stable enough to support it. But I've recently wanted to go to Cornell University because I've heard they have great animal related courses and I've been really wanting to get into biology. I have very mixed feelings now and I'm really confused and stressed. Anyways, thank you everyone for wonderful advise.

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Please don't abandon your college dreams unless you wish to replace them with some sort of vocational training that is of great interest. For most occupations, attending a community college, earning an AA degree, then transferring to the desired college is a great way to go. Your final degree is from the "name brand" institution. Some occupations are snooty for various reasons and prefer ivy-league or at least the 4-years stint at a major university.

Have you considered becoming an RVT? (Registered Vet Tech) A niece is currently in school, and takes many of her courses on-line. She is now working at the vet clinic that will host her practical learning session.

I have considered vet work of some kind but I don't think I have the heart for it, I get too involved and would be devastated if (when) we ever lose a patient. I'm honestly a rather fragile person and I don't think I could handle the pain of losing patients along with everything else.

The only thing that's really throwing me off from going to Cornell is because of Lincoln. I only got him now because I was so sure I was going to go to the community college and live from home. Since Cornell has been highly respected in the animal community, I'm hoping they have some exceptions to when it comes to housing with animals, but I haven't been able to find anything on their site and haven't yet called.

1. Right now, the idea of dealing with an animal's suffering might seem overwhelming. Good studies show that people consistently overestimate how hard things will be. Life will evolve, and you may find yourself growing strong enough to bear the difficult times with an open heart without losing your sensitive nature.
2. Since Cornell has such an excellent vet program, especially avian medicine, you might find them surprisingly sympathetic. The faculty and staff will be listed online, and any of them - seriously, any of them - would talk to you about what options might be available. There's nothing a teacher loves more than somebody who wants to learn.
3. I used to be in sales, flogging assorted software products around the world. If the idea of "cold calling" someone like that feels intimidating, you're normal. PM me or anyone you feel comfortable with, and we can practice writing a "script" and making practice calls.
4. The number one rule of life is to learn what it is you love to do and have a knack for. The next rule is don't hesitate to ask the universe for help when you need it.