So you're looking for a job...

[KarenAylwood]

Well I worked retail for about 5 years...

Please explain to way have dress up like I am at a interview just pick up a application. Say it at night and I happen to see a now hiring sign in your store. You is saying that I can't pick a application becasue I am dress shorts and a t-shirt. That I have go back home put dress clothes to pick up a job application.

Well I don't necessarily think that you need to dress up to pick up an application. As long as you don't look like a slob I would think it's ok. I mean, if you look like a total mess and the manager is on that night- it might not look that good for you, but who knows if they will even remember you (or be working) when you come in neat and clean the next day with your application filled out.

That is wrong advice again. Many places is looking for early morning help that can work Mon-Fri and day shift. The store I work at can't get anyone too work the dayshift. Everyone is following the advice retail stores only hire for weekends only.

I think the point that was trying to be made was that if you specifically say you CANNOT work weekends AT ALL, it looks worse than someone who is available all the time. You can put that your preference is to work days, and maybe you'll get that- but to put that there is no way you can work weekends shows that you aren't flexible and makes them less likely to hire you. The first job I had I said I was available anytime- well they needed people for days so that's what I got (it was a so-so store in a mall with no college kids around- mostly teens who went to high school worked there) and then I worked at a nice retail store that had a lot of college kids around and many adults that wanted a job there- they didn't need people during days at all. Those positions opened up less often because these woman were in their 40s and it wasn't a short term job for them (one had been working there 10 years).

But for both jobs- I had to be available weekends otherwise I wouldn't have gotten the job.

That's is wrong advice right there. I know many stores have early morning hours receiving and shipping early mornings. My last job I work 7:00am.-Noon and it was Monday-Friday.

Retail places is known for working people 2 hours sending them home. I know my friends does like work retail because the employers do not tell them the truth about there hours.

I think it depends on the management. Out of 2 and a half years at the same place, I was sent home early MAYBE twice. If the management knows how to schedule people, you don't usually have them sending you home early.

That is so not true. I know me and this other worman bust our tells to get the work out and they would cut hours like crazy. Have us come to work for 2 hours and send us home. They give the lazy people our hours that does not get the work done. So me and the other walk out the door and quit. It depends if managers know how to management people. Is not on a bubby system and give people the hours they like.

I have never seen this where I've worked. If you have lazy people on who do nothing, why schedule them when you can get someone who will do their job? At my first retail job that I had for three years, I worked with a friend of mine- she came in late, didn't call, and would do nothing while she was there. I worked my butt off and when we both came home for Christmas breaks- I'd get 25 hours and she'd get 5. Works the same way at the retail job I just left. If you have bad managers, that's a whole different story.

Also many times managers have to cut hours all around because business isn't good- not because you're doing something wrong.

 

[ducklite]

That is good advice. Made sheet on my computer that all the places i work and references. The common ask questions. I have come with reponses to the questions.

Please explain to way have dress up like I am at a interview just pick up a application. Say it at night and I happen to see a now hiring sign in your store. You is saying that I can't pick a application becasue I am dress shorts and a t-shirt. That I have go back home put dress clothes to pick up a job application.

That is wrong advice again. Many places is looking for early morning help that can work Mon-Fri and day shift. The store I work at can't get anyone too work the dayshift. Everyone is following the advice retail stores only hire for weekends only.

That's is wrong advice right there. I know many stores have early morning hours receiving and shipping early mornings. My last job I work 7:00am.-Noon and it was Monday-Friday.

Retail places is known for working people 2 hours sending them home. I know my friends does like work retail because the employers do not tell them the truth about there hours.

That is so not true. I know me and this other worman bust our tells to get the work out and they would cut hours like crazy. Have us come to work for 2 hours and send us home. They give the lazy people our hours that does not get the work done. So me and the other walk out the door and quit. It depends if managers know how to management people. Is not on a bubby system and give people the hours they like.

[/QUOTE]

I want to say something to you and PLEASE, this is constructive, don't take it personally. If I got a resume and cover letter or application from you I wouldn't bring you in for an interview. Your grammer and spelling leave a lot to be desired. I don't know if you've maybe got a learning disability or English is your second language, and again please I'm only trying to help you, but you really might want to have someone help you with your resume, cover letters, and applications. I've been reading a lot of your posts, and some of them are simply unintelligible.

Unless you were applying for a job in fast food or a stock clerk, there's no way you'd even get your toe in the door based on your written command of the English language.

Again, I'm just trying to give you constructive advice, because you are saying you are underemployed and can't find a decent job--and that's probably the reason why.

Anne

 

[buddy&wooz]

Develop that resume using the volunteer work as long as you've got references to back it up. Did you work as part of a team? Do any accounting/record keeping? Clerical work? Fundraising/event planning? All that will work on a resume! In your cover letter touch on your previous employment and stress any mangement skills you had--staff development, cash handling, etc.

As far as what to ask, monster.com has a great tool that will allow you to get ranges for any given job in any given area. Because of your years out of the work force, I'd probably start a bit above the bottom of the monster range and give a ten percent pay range for yourself. Lets say the job you were targeting had a range of $30-38K. I'd say I was looking in the $32-35 range. Unless the employer specifically asks you to state income requirements, leave it off. If it's an hourly type of pay--like non-management retail, the answer should be "prevailing".

Anne

Thanks, especially for the wage suggestions. I realize I would need some training to get up to speed and I'm perfectly fine with a lower wage to compensate, but I also don't want to sell myself short- I hope my "life experience" is worth something, anyway!

I also have a gmail account with my proper name. And I'm going to get one of those nice portfolios- I typically use silly looking folders (the kind middle school girls love) for my volunteer work, because, well, why not , but I know better than to walk in to an interview with one of them!

 

[KarenAylwood]

I want to say something to you and PLEASE, this is constructive, don't take it personally. If I got a resume and cover letter or application from you I wouldn't bring you in for an interview. Your grammer and spelling leave a lot to be desired. I don't know if you've maybe got a learning disability or English is your second language, and again please I'm only trying to help you, but you really might want to have someone help you with your resume, cover letters, and applications. I've been reading a lot of your posts, and some of them are simply unintelligible.

Unless you were applying for a job in fast food or a stock clerk, there's no way you'd even get your toe in the door based on your written command of the English language.

Again, I'm just trying to give you constructive advice, because you are saying you are underemployed and can't find a decent job--and that's probably the reason why.

Anne

He/she does have a learning disability and started a thread "what's your learning disability" just last night on this board- the post was:

Hi all,
I was wondering does anyone has learning disability on board. Mind is written dysxia and I can write worth a darn. I know it.

Plus I have AHDD.

Make it so bad is I have IQ of a genuis.

Show me something one time and I got. No more teaching need.

He/she understands it, and I'm sure it doesn't mean that they can't do a job correctly, but I guess writing is not their strong suit. He/she knows this is a problem and I'm guessing (and would hope) that they would get help with an application before submitting one.

 

[ducklite]

He/she does have a learning disability and started a thread "what's your learning disability" just last night on this board- the post was:


He/she understands it, and I'm sure it doesn't mean that they can't do a job correctly, but I guess writing is not their strong suit. He/she knows this is a problem and I'm guessing (and would hope) that they would get help with an application before submitting one.

Thanks, I hadn't seen that other thread. I hope that Crazelion takes my suggestions as constructive rather than bashing, that was not my intention. I know a lot of people with LD's who are very smart, but need help to get their foot in the door. That's all I was trying to accomplish for her.

Anne

 

[crazelion]

I want to say something to you and PLEASE, this is constructive, don't take it personally. If I got a resume and cover letter or application from you I wouldn't bring you in for an interview. Your grammer and spelling leave a lot to be desired. I don't know if you've maybe got a learning disability or English is your second language, and again please I'm only trying to help you, but you really might want to have someone help you with your resume, cover letters, and applications. I've been reading a lot of your posts, and some of them are simply unintelligible.

Unless you were applying for a job in fast food or a stock clerk, there's no way you'd even get your toe in the door based on your written command of the English language.

Again, I'm just trying to give you constructive advice, because you are saying you are underemployed and can't find a decent job--and that's probably the reason why.

Anne[/QUOTE]


I do have a learning disability. I English and grammar does not make sense. No matter how much i help i get for it. I know when I was in college I use to spend hours in writting center 5 days a week for someone to help me. Then go tutor in math and computer and help other people math and computers. I have someone write my resume and my cover letters for me. Lord knows I can't do it. I know it.

In TN we have something call the Southeast career center which help with resume and cover letter writing. I go visit them everytime I need to writing resume and cover letters. The best part it's free.

I know where to get help at. That's what makes a difference world. First you have willing to help yourself first.

I was just pointing out some employers has poor management and does not follow this advice.

 

[Poohnatic]

Crazelion,

Understand that the advice I have given here is based on nearly 20 years of retail managment.

No date night clothes means if you're coming in, save the sparkly, belly baring top. My suggestion was to "Dress Neatly", not that you had to be dressed for an interview. You can come in dressed neatly in shorts and a decent top. I'd preface asking for an application with "I happened to see your sign, may I have an application?"

Most productive gets the most hours IS a fact of life. In many retailers, the part timers get much less than forty hours because we may be allocated a total of 180 hours a week to staff a store and management takes up 120 of it.

Specialty retailers (not department stores) tend to staff light Monday through Thursday days. Heck, many run with one person until noon. If you're looking for a job at A Hot Topic, American Eagle, Bath and Body Works, Build A Bear, The Body Shop, Disney Store or a store of that type, no, we DON'T have openings for M-F. These are the retailers that comprise a majority of the mall.

In our store, the first thing we'd tell those asking for an application is that it's about 8-12 hours a week, weekends are REQUIRED and that we prefer previous work experience. Those looking for something with more hours were referred to other retailers we knew that would be able to accommodate this.

As for not working for a long time and re-entering the workforce, that's reasonable and doesn't keep me from interviewing. One of the managers I hired in at my most recent employer came to us after being a SAHM for 7 years.

Suzanne

 

[rayelias]

When I was in school, they reminded us to get the, "Dude, I can't come to the because I'm too wasted" message off our answering machines. I hope they are telling students today to clear up anything that is identified with them on the web.

You wouldn't believe the number of applicants we get whose answering machine messages are a joke. You're applying for a job for your CAREER! Whether it's flipping burgers or entry-level management... you're putting your phone # on applications/resumes. Make the message PROFESSIONAL!

My favorite machine messages are the ones with 45 seconds of hard-core hip-pop followed by "You know what to do." BEEP.

Yep, THAT'LL get me to leave a message.

The good part about all the "horror stories" we're sharing here is that it REALLY makes our job of finding the right applicant easier. I sure save a LOT of time weeding out the bad ones when they bring Mommy or Daddy to the INTERVIEW, or those with unprofessional phone messages, or the spelling mistakes, or the hygene/clothing.

I'd rather find out up front that an applicant is the way they are instead of after hours of interviews and possible employment.

So, as far as I'm concerned - keep on doing what you're doing and then wonder why you can't get ahead. I'm more interested in spending time grooming the good applicants into their career path.

 

[Megster]

I have a question for all you managers!! I'm in college at the moment. I've worked as a lifeguard for the last three summers and work at my mothers office during school breaks; now I know those aren't the best jobs, but it is job experience and I've always been asked back so I take that as they like me . My question is - when I'm filling out an application (usually for during school) and it asks about previous employment, how do I write in those experiences. On most of the apps I've seen it has blanks for you to fill in exact dates (start to finish). However, since both my jobs are seasonal it doesn't fit well. Any tips or suggestions on how to best fill that part out to make it easy to read/understand and still look clean and neat on the app? Thanks!

 

[KarenAylwood]

I have a question for all you managers!! I'm in college at the moment. I've worked as a lifeguard for the last three summers and work at my mothers office during school breaks; now I know those aren't the best jobs, but it is job experience and I've always been asked back so I take that as they like me . My question is - when I'm filling out an application (usually for during school) and it asks about previous employment, how do I write in those experiences. On most of the apps I've seen it has blanks for you to fill in exact dates (start to finish). However, since both my jobs are seasonal it doesn't fit well. Any tips or suggestions on how to best fill that part out to make it easy to read/understand and still look clean and neat on the app? Thanks!

Well, I'm not a manager but I've applied for my fair share of jobs. I handled summer/college break jobs by putting down all the info, and then under exact dates I would put 6/2004 - 8/2006, summers only. Or 5/2000 - 12/2005 college breaks only. Most college students have some sort of "break only" employment- employers are used to seeing this and understand what you mean.

 

[crazelion]

Crazelion,

Understand that the advice I have given here is based on nearly 20 years of retail managment.

No date night clothes means if you're coming in, save the sparkly, belly baring top. My suggestion was to "Dress Neatly", not that you had to be dressed for an interview. You can come in dressed neatly in shorts and a decent top. I'd preface asking for an application with "I happened to see your sign, may I have an application?"

Most productive gets the most hours IS a fact of life. In many retailers, the part timers get much less than forty hours because we may be allocated a total of 180 hours a week to staff a store and management takes up 120 of it.

Specialty retailers (not department stores) tend to staff light Monday through Thursday days. Heck, many run with one person until noon. If you're looking for a job at A Hot Topic, American Eagle, Bath and Body Works, Build A Bear, The Body Shop, Disney Store or a store of that type, no, we DON'T have openings for M-F. These are the retailers that comprise a majority of the mall.

In our store, the first thing we'd tell those asking for an application is that it's about 8-12 hours a week, weekends are REQUIRED and that we prefer previous work experience. Those looking for something with more hours were referred to other retailers we knew that would be able to accommodate this.

As for not working for a long time and re-entering the workforce, that's reasonable and doesn't keep me from interviewing. One of the managers I hired in at my most recent employer came to us after being a SAHM for 7 years.

Suzanne

I understand where coming from. The manager should have never told me I would get 20 to 30 hours for a 10 hour a week job. She has been lieing to people and interviews and now has a bad rep with employment agenies now. it bad when the unemployement office recommend that you don't go there for a job.

Now she has a hard time getting people to work for her.

Thanks for advice.

 

[va32h]

And once you've taken all this great advice and been hired, here are some tips for making your first day on the job a success:

Be on time. Early even! If you start at 8, that means you are in the office, ready to work at 8, not peeling into the parking lot at 8.

Don't start your first day at work by immediately asking when you get a break and/or lunch.

Don't follow the lunch question up by asking when you'll get a raise, or if you could maybe go home early today.

We do want to get to know you, but please don't share all the details of your marriage, family problems, opinions on every current event while we are trying to train you.

Don't make or take a bunch of personal calls.

I'm sure your old office was great, but you're not there anymore. Please try to learn the way we do things, even if it isn't the way your old office used to do.

You probably have lots of great ideas about how the company could improve production or save money. Your ideas will have much more credibility once you've been working here for more than two hours.

Ambition is wonderful, but please don't ask me how you can get my job, when you haven't even finished learning how to do the job you were hired for.

 

[mylightshines]

I have a question for the employers out there. My husband was laid off about a month ago. He has a job interview with a large university here in town. It's actually the interview before the interview. I think this guy meets potentials and if they are qualified, etc., then they get to go to the next step.

Anyway, the interviewer told him to "dress casual." Normally, he would wear a suit to this type of interview, but since he was told to "dress casual," I don't think he should. Do you think a polo shirt and nice pants with dress shoes would be appropriate or do you think he should wear a shirt and tie with nice pants and dress shoes?'

Thank you!!

 

[ImarriedGrumpy]

I used to be the program director at a summer camp and was in charge of hiring all the counselors. I'll add a few tips to the application/interview advice...

*If your handwriting is illegible, type your application or have someone else print in your responses. I cannot count the number of applications I received where I just could not read the handwriting.

*Fill out ALL the parts of the application - don't skip questions without explaining why. If there are spaces to list 3 prior jobs and you've only had 1, then make a note of that rather than just leaving it blank. If the application asks for 3 references, give 3 references.

Because our applicants came from all over the country, I did about 95% of the interviews by phone. While this isn't common for most jobs, I do have some advice for anyone who ends up with a phone interview:

*Turn your background music/TV/computer/etc. OFF. Focus on the interviewer on the other end of the phone and eliminate background distractions. If you are driving or unable to focus at that time, simply say "I'm unable to talk right now. When can I return your call?". Schedule a time to resume the interview, and then HONOR that time.

*Speak up, speak clearly, don't use slang, and provide verbal confirmation that you have heard the question, even if you need to take a minute to think of a response.

 

[ducklite]

I have a question for the employers out there. My husband was laid off about a month ago. He has a job interview with a large university here in town. It's actually the interview before the interview. I think this guy meets potentials and if they are qualified, etc., then they get to go to the next step.

Anyway, the interviewer told him to "dress casual." Normally, he would wear a suit to this type of interview, but since he was told to "dress casual," I don't think he should. Do you think a polo shirt and nice pants with dress shoes would be appropriate or do you think he should wear a shirt and tie with nice pants and dress shoes?'

Thank you!!

I think I'd split the difference and wear an oxford (rather than a polo) with chino's and loafers, and throw a blazer on over it--"executive" business casual. Good luck to him!

Anne

 

[Poohnatic]

I second what Anne says. Oxford or dress shirt, crisply pressed, top button unbuttioned.

It was such a shock to move to Florida and find that due to the heat, people don't wear suits to interviews. I got looked at weird at the first interview I went to-so I switched to button down shirt and a nice skirt.

Suzanne

 

[Maleficent13]

I want to add something about the phone messages:

If I call you and I get a sermon on a machine, ending with a "Let us Pray" and "Have a Blessed Day" accompanied by hymn music, well, I'm not leaving a message. Sorry. What is wrong with, "Hi, you've reached Jane Doe. Please leave a message and I'll call you back."?

Oh, and I echo everything va32h said about behavior after you're hired.

 

[NMAmy]

I didn't send a thank you card because I knew they were going to be making their decision either that night or the next day, so a card wouldn't have reached them in time and would have done me no good. A short and sweet, correctlyl spelled email was enough.

Just a thought on this--send the thank you note anyway. There may be another position opening soon and I do remember former applicants. Or I might see your thank you note and, if you were a strong contender for the original position, I might call you and ask if you'd like your resume/application placed in the pool for a different position. Keep your options open.

I'm on a search committee for three positions and I've had 18 interviews last week and this week. (I'm exhausted!) Our interviews are very structured--I can only ask specific questions and I can't probe for more information. Answer the questions thoroughly--and when you get an open ended question like, "Is there any other information you'd like to give us?" DO NOT say--"No, I think I've covered everything." This is your opportunity to really sell yourself and shine. Don't let that slip away.

And, please, have someone proofread your resume. We got one from an applicant who spelled HER OWN NAME incorrectly at the top of her resume. It was spelled in the traditional manner everywhere else and was obviously a typo. Of course, attention to detail was listed as one of her strong suits.

 

[Miss Kelly]

I'm loving this thread. Thanks!


Resume Question -

Do potential employers prefer that I put an objective on my resume or rather a summary of qualifications? Any other resume tips, especially for a recent college grad with little or no experience?

 

[ducklite]

I'm loving this thread. Thanks!


Resume Question -

Do potential employers prefer that I put an objective on my resume or rather a summary of qualifications? Any other resume tips, especially for a recent college grad with little or no experience?

I never give more than a cursory glance at objectives, because they are all the same blabbity blah blah blah.

If there's no objective listed, I'll never miss it. IMHO the cover letter is a more appropriate place to state your longer term goals--it can actually be a good opening sentence to express why you'd like to work for the particular company.

Anne

PS--Haven't seen your resume come through yet, would you be at all willing to relo to Abingdon? The regional manager there would LOVE to speak to you!