I don't understand it!

[EZ_Bondori Zafiro]

I'm 18, I had nearly perfect attendance in school, more volunteer hours then I can count, past work experience, fantastic grades and a year of college education; I can't even get a @#%$ INTERVIEW at MCDONALDS or Wal-mart.

Is there something unhirable about me? Some other reason I why I can continue to apply at the local wal-mart, McDonalds(2), Market Place, Safeway, Blockbuster, Right-aid, Costco or other local shops and never even recieve so much as a call back?

Was my actual application sloppy? No, I made sure to write it very neat, very legable; dot all the i's, cross all the t's, and double check all the information and references on them. Maybe my references were saying something bad? No way, I used a former Information Technology instructor and employer, both were very close to me and like me.

I tried calling them, I always hear the same thing, "Sorry, we're not hiring right now, try back in a few months." I've been trying back for "a few months" for almost 2 years now.

What astounds me the most is the people that get hired at said areas! How could the annoying, rude, morbidly obese cashier at Safeway keep her job for so long when she makes rude comments to people? Why haven't they fired her and took somebody who knows how to be polite escapes me!

I blame it on my piss-poor area I live in. Ever since I moved here I've been unemployed (for 2 years). It's easier during the summertime because I can work for my father's company and make $9 an hour, but it's not summer anymore and I have zero cash flow.

I'll keep applying and calling, right now I'm just about ready to take any job doing whatever-the-@#%$ they ask me and work whatever hours they need. I @#%$ HATE Spanaway, Washington. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bon·do·ri
adj.
1. Deviating from what is ordinary, usual, or expected; strange or peculiar.
2. Random and unusual death to sea turtles.
01000011011101010111001001101001011011110111010101 11001100111111* *

[EZ_Gyorg]

If it makes you feel better, I applied to Walmart once and was turned down. Now I"ve got 3 federal government groups wanting me and I'm taking the job with the missile defense agency. Honestly, it's either your resume or your signifigantly overqualified. Start looking for interships, not retail jobs. (Or at least look for intelligent retail jobs lke best buy, circuit city, etc.)

[EZ_Dahne]

It may be that, with the economy being what it is, there are a lot more people going after low-level jobs than usual. Might be the no open positions schpiel is the honest-to-Cthulhu truth.
Moogle Charm

Have you hugged a white mage today?

[EZ_Swipey]

But... but... according to the republicans, the economy is doing great! How could it be that someone who wants worrk can't find it in that case? :P


Are you car mobile? Are you stuck in Spanaway, or can you move to someplace nearby that might offer more opportunities? (Seattle)

[Nenjin]

My guess is, they looked at your application and saw a reasonably motivated individual with set goals, ambitions, looking to always do better.

They don't want those type of people at walmart or Mcdonalds. They want people with no ambition(unless it's to become manager), they don't want people who look for better, they want people who will work there forever, and be happy being a burger flipper, or a stock-person. People who want to go to college, who ask about raises, who look at better positions, qualify to those types of stores as temporaries, cause no one in their right mind with any talent stays at McDonalds for long, and if it's one thing managers of those places hate, it's filling holes in the schedule created by people who go "man, this job blows! wtf was I thinking". The want Joe Gump, who will be there every day, and never think twice about another finding a new job.

[EZ_Emitpan]

It's simple-- you're overqualified. Those companies are looking for people who won't come up with fresh ideas and will just plod along and do their jobs dependably.

From your description of yourself, I'd venture a guess that you wouldn't be challenged by the work those large chains have to offer. Without challenge, work becomes terribly boring and unsatisfying. You'd probably identify a number of ways the job could be improved, customers could be better helped, the company could save money, etc. within only a few months of working for them.

HR departments for these corporations are trained to identify "thinkers" and weed them out. If you ever get to the second interview you'll see what I mean. At Wal-Mart at least, there's a multiple-choice test where they question you on multiple versions of the same scenario: you're working and something comes up (ex. a customer asks you for some service you know how to provide, but it's not company policy for you to help them in that way. What do you do? or You think of a way to perform your work more efficiently and your manager doesn't approve. What do you do?) -- the correct answer on the test is invariably to follow policy/manager's word whether it meets up with common sense or not.

Be thankful that you haven't been hired by one of those big stores. You don't need to put yourself through the brainwashing and aggravation it takes to succeed there.

If you really want to work in retail or food service, try a locally owned place. Not only will your ideas be more appreciated, you will be working to keep customers' dollars in the community you live in-- instead of just adding to the overstuffed pocked of some corporation. ::Emitpan fingers the silver ring she keeps deep within her pocket::
Emitpan Nimblethumbs
Redeemed Gnomish Blackguard of Bristlebane

[EZ_Urdegish]

I applied for several retail jobs, finally getting a job at a shoe shop (dont laugh) in the centre of town. There is a large degree of brainwashing in companies like my own, and independant thought is frowned upon.

Look for a job that requires some degree of brain-power. Thinking on my feet, id suggest an assistant at a University/College to a professor, something in a law firm, something in an accountancy firm, etc etc.

McD's, Wal-mart (im from england, these guys are pretty damn big arent they?) will have strict guidelines to follow when selling their products. At your age you will probably not be allowed to handle quantities of cash or any kind of responsibility that will rest on your managers shoulders.

If you managed to get hooked up with an accountancy firm, telling your next employer you had first-hand experience of handling large amounts of money, sorting and accounting etc will impress them and improve chances in future jobs (as long as you are not found stealing the money! :P).

Good luck Elder Urdegish Frogmuncha
65 Prophet
Drachenreiter
Karana Server

[EZ_mjn6172]

Like Emitpan said, try to find a job at a small, locally owned store, you'll probably have a lot more luck. Small restaurants, local stores, or the local newspaper would be a good bet.Also, in my experience, they will usually pay better and have a much more pleasant work environment.

Myself, I spent five years in college working at a local Itallian food place. Two years bussing tables, one year washing dishes, and the last two doing morning prep and occasionally cooking in the evenings when someone called in sick. Much more enjoyable than working at McDonalds, and I learned a skill that I can fall back on if I ever go insane from being a Guidance Counselor. Not to mention that knowing how to cook well always impresses the ladies

EDIT: I really need to proofread before I post Jarat Yn'Harla
53rd Level Rogue
Drunken Fishermen
Rodcet Nife

My Magelo, now I'm uber like everyone elseEdited by: mjn6172 at: 11/18/03 8:28 am

[EZ_Talius]

Considering you're in college, they might not want to hire you for a retail position because they assume you're going to be quitting for sure after 3 more years, if not sooner as your ability to get better jobs raise up.

Whereas the first year highschooler will be around for 4 years and that gives them a pretty good look at whether they're going to stay around.

I'd suggest looking for internships or work studies. They always have a set working length, so you finding something better won't deter them from highering you. Plus you might be able to find something in a field that interests you, unless that field is grease cookery, which would leave you in the clean (as opposed to being in the dirt, where you'd want to be).

[EZ_lenweni]

Do you write the word Ranger on your apps cause thats a big turn off. J/k Bondo hang in there and just keep plugging away sooner or later something will give.