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

Took me a year and a half after graduating to finally get my entry level job. Only got it too because I had done some work previously for them. Best way is networking.

 

I hated hearing that "need XXX years in expericene"..If you wont hire me, how do i get those years?

 

I agree if you know someone that could help you it will make a difference. I know that's the way it is at alot of places where I'm from (Chevron refinery, Huntington Ingalls, etc.)

Good Luck! Keep Trying!!

 

Some great points people made so far. IMHO after 20 years of trying to make a living networking has always been #1. That doesn't always mean trying to make friends. It starts with having a clear idea of your short terms goals and at least a vague idea of a long term goal. Like somebody said, always send a "Thank You" note after each interview to everybody that you spoke with. A humble attitude and showing a willingness to work hard once you get somewhere will work wonders. You have all the time in the world once you're older to be a prick at work.

It is tough getting your foot in the door - maybe a couple of courses related to the travel industry while you search would look positive?

Keep a positive attitude even when it's difficult and kick ass once somebody gives you a chance. Good luck!

 

getting a job in a field is like earning credit, when you apply for a credit card its always insufficient credit history and same with a job you don't have enough experience...

 

How well are you applying yourself to getting this job?

I cant tell you it has a lot to do with selling yourself. I have put out ads and hired people... and I can tell you that I had no interest in people that came in looking for an entry level job. Its it the people that come in and sell themselves. When they left the interview, I wanted them to work for me.


For past experience, ignore it unless it is obviously mandatory. When you worry about previous experience and all of these other "requirements" employers ask for, you are just putting obstacles in front of yourself. They are just guidelines a lot of the time.

look at it this way... Should you be looking for the employer, or should the employer be looking for you?

Easier said then done, but if you keep this mindset, you up your chances of getting somewhere.

 

Getting an interview is the first priority. Any way you can. Most companies have that xx number of years to weed out resumes. My experience is that once you get the interview, all that "experience" doesn't matter. It boils down to: Can you impress/relate to/fit in with the person or persons interviewing you. Also, find a way to associate your life experiences into something that relates to the job you want. Seen it done many times.

 

agreed, dont be cocky but surely confident you can do what they need to be done. from the first handshake when you give them a resume personally (very important), to when you go ask for that raise you know you deserve....that is of course assuming someone instilled a work ethic in your head, which seem more and more rare now. keep your chin up, and dont be afraid of being told no

 

As the old saying goes, "it ain't what you know, but who you know."

I'd say that over the last 15 years, every gig I have landed was via networking. Not only does that get you moved to the short list, it also gives you insight on what the position is really like.

Strike up conversations and work your way into the 'so, what do you do for a living" question. If it's something of interest, let it be known. Often times, the good positions never get advertised because they get filled via networking.

 

I would imagine security checks for airport jobs are pretty common place you have been a good boy haven't you? When you fill out the forms except any hours if that is possible late out or early morning jobs often are harder to fill.

 

All good advice here and I entirely agree with networking. The larger your network, the more opportunities to make a connection that will be fruitful. Another alternative, if you belong to a church, is to ask for assistance through the congregation. You never know, but some members may own their own businesses, are in a position to hire, or can point you in the right direction. Also, maybe get involved with some charity work. Many businesses support charities and many business owners take part in philanthropy. By demonstrating a work ethic through charity, you may impress someone in a position to give you a paid position elsewhere.

The way you present yourself is key. Clean, neat, and dress for success and always monitor your speech. If your a smoker, stop. As a person has interviewed many people over the years, I can smell smoke on their clothes the second they walk in the door. It is off-putting (and I smoke cigars on occasion). "Yes, Sir... yes, ma'am's," also go a long way as well as addressing someone formally: "Mr. Smith, Miss Jones," whatever. No "yeahs," or "uh,huhs." Never talk about how some other prospective employer treated you poorly. Basically, never ever whine. Look someone in the eye when you talk with them which conveys sincerity, interest, and confidence. Never slouch... stand tall. Use a firm handshake. Be positive and smile. No one wants to hire someone who looks like they have already been defeated in life. Simple things, but often lacking by inexperienced folks entering the workforce.

I think your persistence will pay off. I know it will. Go out there and bust your butt... sell yourself. Good luck!

 

... or giving favors

 

Hang in there... a certain you know who just needs 4 more years to get things straightened out.

 

A couple weeks ago I applied to 9 companies, so far I have 4 interviews: one done and 3 scheduled. That's the highest callback rate I've ever had on a job search. Fingers crossed!

 

If it helps you any I've moved back home from Myrtle Beach and over the course of the previous month I've put in around 300 Job App's and Resume's to anyone that would take it and haven't even been called back once. IMO it's bull shit they could at least call you back and say that they aren't interested in hiring so I'm not left wondering.

 

Don't hold your breath. If you have a stack of 200 resumes and you're interviewing 10, in addition to your regular duties and possibly double duty filling in for an open position... are you going to spend 2 days calling everyone you don't want to hire?

Call backs and rejection letters are for people who have interviewed. Before that I don't think there's an expectation that you will call them to say no thanks.

 

Tis not what you know, its who you blow.

 

No matter what kind of job you get, your future emploment
depends on how much you apply yourself after you get it. Even if you do not plan on doing the job for the rest of your life at least treat it like it is(you never know who is watching that can help later). Always do everything you can to move up.
You get out of life what you put in it....................................

 

It's possible. One of my instructors at the academy is employed by the agency I work for.....

 

but in today's shitty ass job market, a job's a job