why can i not get a job? what am i doing wrong?

Before you dismiss my suggestion I think you should hear me out. Try McDonald's!

Just to blow the myth that people who work for McD's are stupid, I go to university and am just finishing my third year doing a masters in chemistry. When i was 16 I was in the same kind of position. I wanted a Saturday job but struggled to get one.

Infact my dad suggested that I go and try McDonald's and I told him I never wanted to work there because being honest I thought it was kinda an embarrassing place to work. My dad actually called up McDonald's and pretended to be me and got me to hand in an application form.

When I found out about it, I wasn't pleased but I decided to go along with it anyway. I handed in my application form and got an interview within a couple of days and after a couple of weeks I was working there.

They job was surprisingly pretty hard but I got the hang of it eventually and the pay was pretty decent for someone who was 16. Infact I was one of the best paid out of all my friends, even if i did get a few jokes here and there.

When I was on school holidays, I could work extra shifts no problem and when I was studying for exams I could take all the time off I needed.

5 years later I still work there as a part time job to keep me through uni but I have made a lot of good friends, made pretty good money and got promoted a few times. So now I run the store when I am there, but I can still take all the time off i need to study and work as much as I need when i'm off uni and it looks pretty good on my CV because it has taught me so many skills I could use in many different future jobs such as:

Handling Cash

Cooking Food

Serving Customers

First Aid

Management

You also don't need to worry about training because they give you all that

If you are really finding it hard to get a job then why not try there.

First of all, I'm American. I've never heard the Term CV before, and people around here usually don't say bakery. So, I'm guessing your from elsewhere. My point is, hiring practices may be different where you are at than over here. For instance, 16 years old, college = highschool; univeristy = college...right?

I remember trying to get a job when I was that age. It's a *****. You have no experience working, am I correct. That's part of the problem. The other reason no one is hiring you is because of your availability. No business wants to hire someone who can only work one day of the week. Summer vacation is coming up soon, no? Perhaps you will be available to work more hours then?

Here are some tips that have gotten me jobs in the passed. (in order of their helpfulness)

1. When you go in, ask to talk to a manager. If a manager is not there, ask when they will be. Hand in your app, and then call back when you know the manager is there.

2. Make a follow up phone call a week or two after you turn in your application. Let them know you're still interested and serious about getting a job.

3. Apply at places where you would be most likely to get hired. A Bakery sounds like an excelent place. First place I worked was an ice cream shop.

4. "Stretch the Truth" on your job applications (or CV's as you called them). Job experience? If you have none, lie. Not a big lie, just a small one. Say you used to babysit, or did lawn work, or worked for your friend's dad's business, or the school store. Something like that.

5. Any of your friends have jobs? If they do, go through them. Have them put in a good word about you to their boss. Plus they could tell you whether or not the place is hiring.

6. Keep at it. Sometimes it takes a while for places to call. Keep checking back every few weeks to see if theirs an opening.

7. Never tried this, but thought it sounded creative... Applying to a bakery? Why not bake up something really good and bring it in when the manager is working. Just a thought.

I understand. I'm having job problems myself. Usually employers want "experienced" people. But at 16 you don't have a lot of experience. So then how are you supposed to get a job? Is what I ask myself. The only thing you can really do is keep applying to jobs because something will come up and maybe fix your resumé up. Maybe something's wrong with that?

Good luck. :)

Have you signed up with your local Job Centre Plus? They have hundreds of thousands of job right across the UK.

You don't say what town you are living in.

Jobcentre PlusProvides help and advice on jobs and training for people who can work and financial help for those who cannot. Site offers information on job hunting and ...

http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/

Visit the above site - sign up with them and then start searching for the kinds of jobs you're interested in near where you live.

This next bunch of sites are all devoted to helping you at your next job interview.

Job Interviewing Do's and Don'ts for Job-Seekers Do your research and know the type of job interview you will be encountering. (See types of job interviews.) And do prepare and practice for the interview, ...

http://www.quintcareers.com/interviewing-dos-donts...

Job Interview Skills - Going for a JobThis is not just a list of what you can do, but some personal examples that paint the whole picture. There are no right answers to job interview questioning ...

http://www.impactfactory.com/gate/new_job_intervie...

How To Have A Good Job Interview - Follow all these tips and you should get the job! If all this does not work and you do not win the post, ask for a debriefing interview or telephone ...

http://www.rogerdarlington.co.uk/Interview.html

Job Interview Do not smoke, chew gum, or eat garlic beforehand. Wear suitable interview clothes. Take copies of your CV with you. Arrive on time for your job interview. ...

http://www.cvtips.com/job_interview.html

Useful tip - before you go for any job interview, try and find out as much about the firm you want to work for. You can usually do this by checking them out at their website. Get the name of their personnel manager (HR Manager) and find out if possible what he/she is like.

most employers are looking for experienced employees..

like in my dad's office,, people with first-hand experience have greater advantage than the others..

so i suggest that you do some volunteer work.. attend free seminars..

and when you create your resume.. make sure to put all those volunteer works & seminars that you've attended.. you'll have a greater chance of getting a job..

in an interview make sure that you are dressed properly and you answer the questions with confidence and certainty...

"what position would you like to get??"

if in one of your interviews you encounter this question.. make sure to answer "anything".. even the lowest positions will do as long as you work hard.. all big things start from small things.. so think of it.. if you will start from a low position and rises to the top.. if you will be deciding to resign you'll find it easy to find a new and better job.. cause you've experienced different types of work...

hope i was able to help you..

Did all of these companies have job openings? Did you take any classes related to the jobs? Were you in any school organizations related to the job? Did you indicate that on the job application? Were you being too picky about the days and times you want to work? Aside from telling them you need a job, did you tell them you were very much interested and a fast learner and that they won't be disappointed? Did you tell them anything negative about yourself?

If you just want to land your first job, don't over do it. Just fill as many applications everywhere, don't spend too much time in one or put too much information. On the mean time become a volunteer at a church or do something creative at home, that way you dont get too concentrated or stressed looking for a job. Is rare but it works when ever you are active you always get more opportunities.

Maybe it's because you said you can only work on Saturdays. Most employers want people who are more flexible about the days and hours they can work. If you can open up your availability to include evenings and weekends (Sat. and Sun.), you might have better luck.

One will come along.

Just keep applying. Whatid you study at college? Maybe try get a job which involve the course you did.

iaca has good advice but be careful not to have too many jobs either - as then new employers think you won't be wanting to stay with them either.

Good Luck