Resume help/tips on getting first job.

[catycatcat4]

Hey can you guys help me out with my resume and cover letter?

I am making a resume and cover letter for my first job
Yes i have googled i have only found a couple sites aimed at my age.
Cover letter/objective
My objective is to get a job learn new skills and excell at doing so i want to do a REALLY good job at whatever job i get I enjoy making people happy by doing a good job.
I will not quit after summer i still want to be working there in the fall.

I have no idea how to word it for

Things i want the employer to know.
That i'm home schooled and have very flexible hours.
I'm not going to disrespect or give the the boss any crap
I am happy and bright, friendly and will come be the whole time i'm working.
I'm serious about my job.
I want to do an extremely good job.


As for the resume:
Should have different ones for applying at Restaurants and stores.
I do have some waiting experience i was a drink server at madrigal dinner theater and this valentines dinner a few years ago.
I have sales experience from being a merchant (i really did sell stuff i didn't just play a merchant) I also helped organize the items being sold backstage two years in a row.

I cleaned for a neighbor in 9th grade a couple times.
I have done other on and off stage theater experience such as working curtains and concession stand once
I also managed to sell a good amount of candy for a fund raiser.


Getting the job.
How should i dress when i go to ask around for applications is jeans and a polo maybe i'm guessing a t-shirt is to casual?

When i go to a place to ask for a job i ask for the manager introduce my self (is it ok to shake hands with the manager?) and ask if they have any job openings?
If they don't is it ok to give them my resume?
If they are hiring what will happen?
When i'm given an application is do i need to fill it out and give it back right then? but if i don't it might be a week before my parents will drive me back to turn it in.
I'm really worried about my hand writing i don't have very good hand writing (due to learning disability no and i'm not a complete idiot) if i write really slow and am really close to the paper i can make it decent.
Should i mention/apologize for my hand writing and tell them that its due to a learning disability.
I'm also worried because i can't use spell check on my hand written paper.

When i go in for an interview the only thing i can think of that might work is these black dress pants i got for doing candlight at epcot a dressy black shirt and dark blue flats they won't look the cutest together but would it work?

This lady i know told me to go back over and over to ask if they have an opening because someone could have left is every weekend to often?

Thanks in advance and any help is greatly apericated.

 

[FireDancer]

I think introducing yourself and actually talking to the manager is a very important step. At your age you can't let experience be your differentiating factor, you have to be your differentiating factor. I would try to ask some open-ended questions about the job or company so you have a chance to leave an impression with the manager.

If you do take the application home (which I recommend) make sure to see when that same manager is working and make sure to hand it back to them when you bring it back. Have another conversation at that time. If you are turning in an application along with 10 other people you want them to remember you when yours gets to the top of the stack and put your face to the paper. If the conversation goes well it can make that manager an advocate for you.

I have been in the position for evaluate candidates for jobs and the biggest piece of advice I can give you is how you answer a question is just as important as what the answer is. At your age that is possibly more important because you don't have a resume or degree behind it, you are interviewing based on your personality as much as anything. Look the interviewer in the eye and no matter how unsure you are of something answer it as though you are completely confident in the answer.

There are ways of saying "I have no idea what the heck you are talking about" in a way that makes you sound completely confident in your ability to tackle the problem you have neither heard of nor understand in the slightest. If there wasn't at every election "none of the above" would win in a landslide.

As for dressing, always dress better then you have to. I would wear a shirt and tie even when I was just asking for applications in high school.

 

[AnneR]

Sierra -

These are very thoughtful questions!

As someone who oversees alot of hiring, I am always looking for people who have put thought and energy into their job search process.

My suggestions -

You can visit what is called a One-Stop Center - not sure what they are called in Florida, every state has a different name - you find lots of employment services there including unemployment. They have people that can help with resume development and most have special supports for young job seekers.

Honestly, for many jobs you will not need a resume itself but need to know the information that goes on a job application. So, take the time to get that organized. You can pick up applications at most places of business to see what types of information they are looking for. Some larger businesses now are only doing online applications.

I think the most important thing for you to do is to take some time to think about your answers to the typical job interview questions - and given you thoughtfulness, this should not be hard. Organize your thoughts for these questions so that if you get nervous when a manager is asking you questions, you know the things you want to say.

I think most important is be yourself, you clearly have much to offer an employer and make sure that share this.

Good luck!

 

[catycatcat4]

Thanks guys.

I think introducing yourself and actually talking to the manager is a very important step. At your age you can't let experience be your differentiating factor, you have to be your differentiating factor. I would try to ask some open-ended questions about the job or company so you have a chance to leave an impression with the manager.

If you do take the application home (which I recommend) make sure to see when that same manager is working and make sure to hand it back to them when you bring it back. Have another conversation at that time. If you are turning in an application along with 10 other people you want them to remember you when yours gets to the top of the stack and put your face to the paper. If the conversation goes well it can make that manager an advocate for you.

What do i ask and what do i talk about?

 

[kbelle8995]

You can go to any state employment agencies and they will have information on how you should build a resume. Florida's unemployment office offers resume classes and can look over your resume for you. They also have a website and a one Stop center. Sell yourself. I too am looking for employment after budgetary cuts ended my job. Its rough out there job wise so be prepared to sell yourself in that resume. Customer service is important no matter what job you choose.

Websites are more and more leaning towards where you can download your resume and sometime applications just want very brief information. So again a resume can sell you better than a application.

Is your neighbor willing to be a reference for you? You might want to compile some references as this often comes up. Also former employers can be good references.

 

[schoen]

If you want to work at a restaurant you will want to emphasize that you are willing to work flexible hours. I am always interested in applicants that have a lot of availability. If that is something you have, it is an asset.

You won't need a resume for a restaurant job. I generally take note of how the applicant is dressed when they pick up and drop off an application, but I am more concerned with their appearance during the interview.

In the hospitality industry it is important to smile and be friendly, especially if you are looking for a front of the house job (hostess, server, busser) a smile will go a long way.

Best of luck to you!

 

[JenniBugInPink]

Hey can you guys help me out with my resume and cover letter?

You really won't need a cover letter if you're applying for the jobs in person and filling out the applications on the spot. If you think you might pick up the applications and then bring them back in later (which might not be a bad idea, especially since you'll be self concious about filling it out with your handwriting, etc.), you could attach a cover letter explaining why you're interested in the job, the fact that you are very flexible in regard to your hours, and that you will want to continue working beyond just the summer - all really great selling points for a potential employer. I think you could even work in your "extensive involvement in an Internet message board devoted to a primary theme park in Florida where people tell me I am highly respected for my knowledge and communication skills."

Yes i have googled i have only found a couple sites aimed at my age.

How old are you? I'm just curious, 'cause I've never known.

How does this sound for an objective for your resume? Is this what you're trying to do?
Emplyment Objective
To aquire a job which will allow me to utilize my experience and interest in working with the public while learning new skills.

In this section, your words are in blue - It was going to get messy to have everything "quoted".
Things i want the employer to know.
That i'm home schooled
Put your schooling in an "education" section on your resume.

I'm not going to disrespect or give the the boss any crap
I am happy and bright, friendly and will come be the whole time i'm working.
I'm serious about my job.
I want to do an extremely good job.
All things that you could put in a cover letter, or that you can explain in an interview.
Also, remember that anyone you talk to, even if they AREN'T the person in charge, can and will, report anything you say back to the person who is in charge of hiring. So when you go in to get an application, be professional, smile, be friendly, but not overly chatty (when I'm nervous, I talk WAAAYYYY to much!!). You're liable to say something you don't mean to if you just talk and talk - how do I know this? I've done it SO many times!!

As for the resume:
Should have different ones for applying at Restaurants and stores.
I think, at your age with your level of experience, one resume will be fine.

i was a drink server at madrigal dinner theater and this valentines dinner a few years ago.
I have sales experience from being a merchant (i really did sell stuff i didn't just play a merchant) I also helped organize the items being sold backstage two years in a row.
I cleaned for a neighbor in 9th grade a couple times.
I have done other on and off stage theater experience such as working curtains and concession stand once
I also managed to sell a good amount of candy for a fund raiser.
Put all this under "Experience" on your resume, because your aren't really going to be able to list any unpaid experience on the application form. The only thing you'll be able to list on it is previous 'employment'. I'm not sure if I would include the last 3, since the experience is rather limited. That's up to you.

How should i dress when i go to ask around for applications is jeans and a polo maybe i'm guessing a t-shirt is to casual?
I would wear pants other than jeans if you have them and a nice shirt (NO T-SHIRTS, you're correct!).

When i go to a place to ask for a job i ask for the manager introduce my self (is it ok to shake hands with the manager?) and ask if they have any job openings? If they don't is it ok to give them my resume? If they are hiring what will happen?
Yes, but you may not get a 'yes' answer when you ask to see the manager. Often someone will just hand you an application and tell you to fill it out. If you do meet the manager, it is very appropriate to extend your hand and say something like, "Hello, I'm Sierra Smith(?) and I'm interested in applying for a job here at Acme Food Mart." They will then tell you if they have any openings and what you need to do. If you don't get to talk to the manager, then just say that to whoever you do get to talk to. Big places like Wal-Mart have standard procedures for applicants, some very small places don't. Most places take your application and then get back in touch with you if they're interested. If they're not, then you usually never hear another word from them.

When i'm given an application is do i need to fill it out and give it back right then? but if i don't it might be a week before my parents will drive me back to turn it in. I'm really worried about my hand writing i don't have very good hand writing (due to learning disability no and i'm not a complete idiot) if i write really slow and am really close to the paper i can make it decent. Should i mention/apologize for my hand writing and tell them that its due to a learning disability. I'm also worried because i can't use spell check on my hand written paper.
IF this is really a big problem for you, I think it would be worth it to take the application with you and fill it out at home where somebody could take a look at it with your and assist you while you fill it out. I would not mention your learning disability because people are idiots. I'm not saying YOU are an idiot!! But, people can be so judgemental, and they'll make all kinds of assumptions about you that won't be true once they hear the words "learning disability". It will affect your ability to get hired, whether it's legal or not. If you're not applying for a job where your handwriting would be an issue (and I presume you wouldn't, since that probably wouldn't be a comfortable situation for you), then your employer doesn't need to know. Don't tell folks more than they need to know.


When i go in for an interview the only thing i can think of that might work is these black dress pants i got for doing candlight at epcot a dressy black shirt and dark blue flats they won't look the cutest together but would it work?
If you can't get new black shoes to go with the black pants, check out places like Goodwill, or thrift stores. You can get great stuff for almost nothing. I know, because I just sent great stuff to a local thrift store that supports animal shelters - 5 huge boxes. I've lost 107 pounds, and finally got the nerve up to get rid of my too big clothes and shoes. I love thrift stores!

This lady i know told me to go back over and over to ask if they have an opening because someone could have left is every weekend to often?
I would check back, but I'm not sure that checking every week is a good idea. I'll let somebody else answer that.

Thanks guys.What do i ask and what do i talk about?

If you're talking to the person doing the hiring (or someone who could influence them), let them do most of the talking. They will ask you questions (trust me!), and you should answer them honestly, but don't give them a lot of extra information. As I said earlier, the more you talk, the more likely you are to say something you wish that you hadn't.

Now that I have babbled on and on, I am going to stop. I hope that this has been helpful. My cats are all screaming to get fed. Best of luck to you!! It seems like it wasn't all that long ago that I was looking for my first job during high school, but it was actually about 35 years ago!

 

[irisbud]

Good luck to you!

I screen applications at my place of employment when we are hiring (and to keep in a file for when we are not) and some of the most important things that I look for are:

How the potential applicant is dressed even if he or she is just picking up an application. If they don't look clean and reasonably well groomed, at a minimum, it leaves a bad first impression. Individuals who at least appear to have made some effort when preparing to come in leave a far better impression (or no impression either way, which is FAR preferable to a bad impression).

How well the potential applicant speaks. If he or she uses poor grammer, speaks too informally, or simply does not communicate well it leaves a poor first impression. Those that are able to speak and communicate well always leave a good impression, as that, unfortunately, seems to be a dying art.

Spelling etc. on the application. This just shows whether or not you care enough about the job to take the time to make sure everything is correct.

Neatness of the application. Applications that have lots of scratch-outs, etc. are more difficult to read.

Many places DO have you apply online now. It would be helpful to do a followup call if you go that route (and can find a number to do so) as they may get many, many more applications than they would if they did not accept applications online.

Best wishes!

 

[catycatcat4]

Grrrrr my mom told me i'm not allowed to work on weekends is that going to stop me from getting a job?

 

[irisbud]

It depends on the place. For my first job as a waitress at what is essentially a fast food chain, I told them up front that I could not ever work weekends because I was heavily involved in equestrian competitions at the time, and travelled to another city on weekends to practice if there was no competition. I did the same at every job I had in high school. Finding an office type of environment to work in may help with this; they might not even be open on weekends so your inability to work at that time would not be an issue.

They needed people to work in the evenings during the week, so this worked out fine. I had tried a few other places prior to this though and they were not interested.

Just be up front about it and hopefully something will work out for you; it just might take a bit of extra searching

 

[FireDancer]

Thanks guys.

What do i ask and what do i talk about?

I would ask opened ended questions about the company or the business in general. The questions will depend on the industry and the company but it gives you the opportunity to show your conversation ability and how well you communicate.

As an example, when I was a senior in H.S. I applied for a job at Circuit City (electronics retailer). When I went in initially and spoke with the store manager to kick off the application process we spoke about some of the audio and video technology that was coming down the pipe. It showed that I was interested in the industry the company was in and the products they sold.

 

[wishspirit]

When i go in for an interview the only thing i can think of that might work is these black dress pants i got for doing candlight at epcot a dressy black shirt and dark blue flats they won't look the cutest together but would it work?
If you can't get new black shoes to go with the black pants, check out places like Goodwill, or thrift stores. You can get great stuff for almost nothing. I know, because I just sent great stuff to a local thrift store that supports animal shelters - 5 huge boxes. I've lost 107 pounds, and finally got the nerve up to get rid of my too big clothes and shoes. I love thrift stores!

This lady i know told me to go back over and over to ask if they have an opening because someone could have left is every weekend to often?
I would check back, but I'm not sure that checking every week is a good idea. I'll let somebody else answer that.

These are the only two questions that I can really help with!

Dress:
To an interview, I always wear black trousers/ skirt, with decent looking (not scruffy) black shoes, and a pretty but conservative top, which is as smart as possible. I always wear a smile too, that helps Also keep your hair, nails and face as neat and tidy as possible. My first job was at a supermarket, and they really pay attention to good hygiene and presentation of the company.

Applications:
I know how you feel about the spelling and handwriting thing! I am pretty slow too, I am volunteering at a school at the moment, and they giggle because I carry a note pad around with me to try out words before telling children the way to spell things. I just tell them that I find spelling tricky too, a lot of people do! I would definitely ask to take it home, so you don't have to rush!

Asking again:
When I went for my first job in a supermarket, I went for an interview that went really well, however they just couldn't work around me not wanting to work on the cheese and deli counters. However they sent me a letter saying to ring back in 3 months to check if they had any jobs. I called back 2 months later, and I got a call the next day giving me a job! So yes, persistence is good, but maybe wait a month or so, if you haven't already found another job.

Interviews:
The best bit of advice is to know something about the company. At the supermarket, I shopped there frequently, knew their tag line and they were really into the history of the supermarket and it's values. So I did some asking around, and searching the internet, and the interviewer seemed really impressed!

Best of luck!