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Job seeking, 21 years old, no experience?

I m 21 years old and currently taking a break from school. I ve decided that it s better for me to just focus on working right now. Unfortunately, I ve yet to be hired after about a month of searching. I have no previous job history. What are some key points to remember when job-seeking at entry level? Any advice is appreciated.

7 Answers

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  • 4 years ago

    What type of entry level job are you seeking? For which ones are you qualified? They say that seeking employment is a catch 22, since to be hired one must have previous professional experience, yet to have experience one must first be hired. In other words, it depends on what you have studied in college - for example, if you studied a science, look to apply to be a lab technician. This applies to any field, really. If you have any generic degree or none at all, then working in apparel or for a small local business can also be suitable. Anyhow, since you did not specify any of the above, I can only offer some general advice.

    Aside from the question of actually finding a position to which you would like to apply, your cover letter indicates much about your motivation for wanting that job. There are several ways to write this, but you should do it in your own style. Your CV should be organized and concise, often never exceeding a single page (oftentimes they never read past the first page, especially if there is a lot of competition for the spot), and an employer can surmise much about you just by seeing your highlighted achievements. Also, a reference is the single greatest asset you can have outside of what you state about yourself in the CV, cover letter, interview, etc. While you are searching, try exchanging email correspondence with a professional in your field or meet with them in person, if they are willing/have the time to do so. Get to know them, and ask for a reference. Having one shows that other professionals trust you, so they should to - this alleviates much of the need for previous job experience.

    Finally, your interview will likely seal the deal. Research the company's vision and goals and attempt to understand the mindset of the business there. Align yourself with that perspective and project it in your interview. An interview is entirely about convincing someone you are the right person for the job, right? So, you must act as if the job is meant for you and you are meant for the job. Be prepared, and be professional. Be able to say how your education thus far has prepared you exactly for the position, how this position will help your future and how you in this position will be able to augment the company. Be technical too, as it means you know your stuff and have unlisted experience. Humor helps, but otherwise be congenial and a team player.

    Never disregard appearance or poise either, even if your interview is over Skype or the phone. There have been studies conducted where employers receive two differently-dressed applicants with the same repertoire, and the better-dressed one is always chosen.

    I hope this is enough to help you get started. Best of luck!

  • 4 years ago

    I suggest you check your resume. There can always be something you can improve.

    Read this blog from career and salary research site called PayScale for job hunting tips including cover letter & resume writing, interview tips, and more - http://bitly.com/1omMNdz . Use the search function on the right side to find related articles.

  • 4 years ago

    Go to a local temp. agency. They will place you in a job where you will gain knowledge and experience for future job opportunities.

  • Anonymous
    4 years ago

    what you - and others like you - need to do is look online for the main job listing sites....there's only a few that are legit...apply to openings that you have transportation to.....if you are not contacted w/in 2 weeks, then send them an email asking about your app

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  • 4 years ago

    U should get an employment specialist to help u find a job

  • Judy
    Lv 7
    4 years ago

    Try grocery stores, pizza places, and fast food and other restaurants. also warehouses. good luck

  • ?
    Lv 6
    4 years ago

    It's hard but I would try leveraging any contacts you might have.

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