How on earth can you get even an entry-level job!!

I've been applying for jobs left and right the past month, hoping to get a part-time job at the airport (LAX or BUR) that I can start over the summer. I love the industry and want an entry level job like a ramp agent or customer service rep that gets screamed at. But even these so called entry-level jobs require so much previous employment that I don't know what to do! How does anyone go about getting their first job when every job requires previous employment these days?!?!

Sorry just getting really frustrated

 

find some one you know that works there and start asking for favors

 

I've found more jobs though friends and former co workers than any other source.

 

^^ networking is the #1 way to finding a job

 

ya, networking is the key. i got my last 3 jobs through friends of friends.

 

I know how you feel I've been applying for jobs since I could work but have yet to even get a call back. I've always called them to check on my application and make sure they've seen it but until my dad got on the phone with a friend of the family that manages 3 hotels I couldn't get anything.

 

Its all about connections my friend, I would probably be working at a fast food joint this summer if it wasn't for a friend of mine setting up an interview for me.

the more you network, the better chance you have of finding a job

 

That's pretty unanimous then, networking is key! Damn it, I fail in that department lol

 

aks parents friends, family friends who know people and can give you recommendations, you probably have more than you expect. I got my interview that I was talking about through a high school calculus teacher. ask anyone who you knew in school, old teachers if you knew them well are great. parents, friends, relatives who know people, etc...

Just take the time and look, and you will probably find more than you expect.

 

go make some friends, they will help you lol.

Although the last job I got involved zero networking. I applied and got the job 2 days later, they were desperate for more staff.

 

All is not lost. Networking is the easy way but if you're short on network, you just have to make up for it. May I ask how you apply for jobs? The reason I ask is because a lot of people send it in via email or a website. So if you dress decently and actually walk up to the person who will be interviewing you, shake their hand, and talk to them, you'd be surprised how far it gets you.

Sounds like you're following up with phone calls and thank you letters. It takes persistence and a good attitude. I've done job searches where the attitude was the hardest part, not letting the constant "That position was filled" get to you. Set goals for getting resumes out and meeting people bur don't forget to do things to keep a good attitude. Go play pool with some friends, relax. If you think about getting a job as your job, remember to give yourself a "weekend" once in a while. Helps keep you fresh and feeling positive.

 

That's kinda how my industry is. My company could hire 200 people right now, but we can't find enough people with the minimum qualifications.

 

Wow, thanks! I really appreciate the time you put into this answer and I will definitely try to abide by the tips you put there. Honestly, I have been applying through websites and have sent emails. I haven't been actually going to potential employers. The main reasoning is that they are at the airport, and I'm not really sure how I would get a hold of anyone responsible for hiring while I'm there. Also, although I am looking for a job, I want a part-time job to compliment my school work, not for the money but for the experience, so don't worry, I wont turn searching for a job, into a job

Thanks again though to everyone!

 

You're welcome, I hope it helps. Navigating the airport to meet the appropriate people will be really good, if you can do that (I have no idea if security is going to be a problem there). Not many people will make the effort. Call around, see if it's possible to get into their office.

I think meeting an actual human being face-to-face is probably more important than ever. I think just in general we are cut off a little bit from people, thanks to all this awesome technology. Email and text messages are awesome but we haven't changed, only technology has. We still like to interact with humans, people are social, it's how we have survived the eons: in groups, not alone. So actual contact with a person probably goes farther in a job search now than it did before. Just my opinion. Good luck!

 

Depends how you work when you're there. I've gotten my last 2 jobs because I applied and then a friend has pestered their boss into hiring me. And sure, someone helped me get the job but once there it's up to me not only to keep the job but not to make my friends look bad to our boss for helping me out. And that means working hard. Hard work means I have a good reputation both in the company and with our customers (any of whom are potential future employers for me). That help from your friends or your dad isn't laughable at all, it gives you an opportunity. What you do with that opportunity is up to you.

Also, he wants a specific job. McDonald's isn't helpful advice for OP. Just sayin'.

 

Get a job at McDonalds INSIDE the airport? Maybe you'll get to rub shoulders with the folks who work where you want to work? Just an idea. I'm not a shiny example of how to network either.

 

You want to work at LAX or Burbank?... Wow props to you ha I could never do it. All those people look so unhappy too.

 

Well sounds like school is his job, he's looking for part time work anyway. I'm guessing OP is fairly young and a lot of people in high school and college have never looked for a job. It's a skill and unless someone gives you a little direction most people don't know what to do. I know I didn't; I 100% followed the advice of a friend who has a knack for landing jobs. He's never interviewed for a job he hasn't been offered, and he rarely applies somewhere he doesn't get an interview. If that means calling in a favor with a friend who already works there, cool. Following his lead I've been pretty successful.

So now OP knows he needs to do some research, find out who to talk to, and how to contact them. There's so much focus on online job searches that those skills just aren't really mentioned much. So now he has had his prospects broadened a bit, he'll start seeing other ways he can make it work.

And if we are comparing jobs searches to car loans, sometimes you do ask dad to co-sign. You get a better deal, and it's an opportunity to build your credit so next time you need a loan you have your own credit to use. And jobs work the same: sometimes you ask someone for help, you get hired then start building your professional "credit."

 

Network. Network. Network.

And Linkedin can be very helpful too. Start building those contact lists.

 

AGREED!