Quote: "How can you stand out amongst 100 other people if you have no experience? Tell me that Crispex, because using your divine employment knowledge, I might actually be able to carve myself a bloody future in this desperate hell-hole of a country."
Here's an idea: You have legs. You can walk. My first job was 3 miles away from my house, far out of town. I had no ride there, I walked that highway every day. I was paid under the table, but was only paid around $3 an hour. It was a cleaning job at a bakery.
You've got to make calls to get what you want. An employer sees it as, "Man, this kid REALLY wants to work, if he's that dedicated and calling every 5 days, he MUST want a job." Seriously, sounds like pure BS, but as an employer, my father tells me he looks for people who show more initiative than others.
You can't solve anything by sitting around moping saying, "There are NO jobs!" It's called get out, pound the pavement, and get a job. Here's why most people don't have jobs: Lack of motivation and a high ego.
Trust me, I used to say, "There are no jobs! Everyone is in line for them!" Funny, because I'm talking with my friend James who lives in Britain, he works at a juice bar. He got hired among 100+ other applicants. You need to stand out. If you don't have experience, you need to stand out with likability.
Likability means: Clean yourself up. Long hair, torn clothes, etc. only make you look like an idiot. Shave, get a haircut. Don't be rude, or have an arrogant tone. Be laid back. Employers ALWAYS ask, "What makes you the right choice for the job?" And you better give one damn good answer, because they're looking for people who are honest and can bring something to the table.
Here is what I honestly told my interviewer, "I've got to start somewhere. I'd like that place to be here. There are limited jobs, and I want one of those limited jobs. Sure, there are people with more experience, but how can I get experience if I have no job?"
I got a call 2 days later. It's about motivation. Employers look for upbeat people who are willing to work. Just because it doesn't pay good does NOT mean to do a crappier job. If you give it your best, promotions and better jobs will come your way. Also, make sure you're filling out the application with references who will actually give a good review. I had a few family friends, and when I asked them, "Did you get a call from anyone?" They said the employer called them and asked about me. Your neighbors and friends know more about you than you think, and they're not afraid to say it.
And Ply is absolutely right. Work for free. I worked for my father for years without pay, yet he was willing to vouch for me as an employer reference. I had to work my ass off to get him to do it for me.
I just now realized I've had a typo in my signature for the past 3 years.
