Getting a Jerb

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LittleSin

LittleSin

So, guys, I want and need a part time job.
I have a one page resume, no references, no training in anything and I have been unemployed for over two years being a mother and all that jazz. So...I have to make myself look fantastic some how.

Any idea how I should go about this? My province doesn't have a poor job system right now, everyone is hiring...but every listing I look at requires either full time hours or specialized training.

Hell, I had an interview at McDonalds recently and soon as I mentioned the words 'part time' and 'two year old child' the manager told me "We can't use you right now."

What do I do?
 
Dave

Dave

Staff member
Unfortunately, with your kid you are in a hard place. First thing you do is see if there are any "Mommy-friendly" businesses in your area. Or see if there's a support group for Mommies. Truthfully, there are laws in America about what they can and can not ask, but since you are in Canada I know the rules differ. Like in the US they can't ask about age, family, etc. Canada? Dunno. But I wouldn't volunteer the information.
 
strawman

strawman

Don't tell them anything about your personal situation. Make it sound like you want a job, and that you're interested in it long-term, regardless of your real intentions.

"I'm married and haven't needed to get a job before, but I'm itching to learn more about [your company] and thought a good way to start would be as [cashier/waitress/etc]. I've just enjoyed the environment when I've been here, and I wouldn't mind the extra cash."

"I'm really only looking for part time work. If that's not what you need, I understand, but at this point, while I'm flexible on hours, I'm not interested in doing a solid 8 hours daily."

Then pound the pavement and find the job.

You will not get one from the comfort of your living room, though - go to the places and fill out the forms, and get to know the people a little bit - you'll be working with them. Don't get stuck in a job where the people aren't fun to talk to - if they're having a hard time working there, so will you.

Expect to fill out many forms at different jobs just to get one job interview, and expect to have to go to many interviews just to get one offer.

Also, use the interview to find out as much as you can about the people, the job, and the company. It's a two-way process. The ideal interview is where you both get to know each other, and you both decide if the job is a good fit for you, and you are a good fit for the job. Most interviewers want to see people take action and lead at least part of the interview. Usually they'll have to ask, "Do you have any questions?" but don't feel like you have to wait for them and let them lead the interview the entire time. Of course you have questions! Who sets the hours? When are the hours set? Do you enjoy working here? Can I chat with some of the other employees about the position? Can I take a tour? Are there benefits/discounts/etc? If you gave me an offer, when could I start? What are the career paths here (if any)?

Don't let what they say negatively affect you. You'll get rejected far more often than you'll be accepted - it's just how life is, and you have to not take it personally, especially if they meant it personally.

Good luck!
 
phil

phil

Depending on your availability, look for places that have their rush when you would want to work.

So if you can only work mornings while your kid is in daycare, try places that serve mainly breakfast items. If you need to work afternoons when your husband is off work so he can watch the kid then maybe a grocery store might work better.
 
Cajungal

Cajungal

Staff member
I can second Lowe's. The fella's mom got a job there easily, and they couldn't give her much more than 15-20 hours. It was mostly part timers at her store, at least.

Good luck to ya.
 
strawman

strawman

Quotemander Prime said:
Isn't Lowe's a lot of heavy lifting when Sin just hurt her shoulder?
Click to expand...
Most retail positions include being able to lift 25-40 pounds, but if she makes it clear that she has an injury that is currently healing, it shouldn't be a problem. It's not just lowes where you'd find yourself lifting things...
 
LittleSin

LittleSin

Thanks for all the responses guys! There isn't a Lowes here but I'll look for something similar.

As for that links, HCGLNS, according to my friends that some sort of scam. I'm not sure if its true or how it would be but a few friends have told me you have to purchase your own free samples or something weird like that.

I'll make a more detailed post later. Perhaps toss up my resume.
 
AshburnerX

AshburnerX

Let me know how the job hunt goes. I'm in similar boot experience wise (No experience outside of writing and some office stuff), so I've been getting similar responses.
 
G

Gagaoohlala

My first job after having kids was working as an on call sub at a local daycare center. If they needed me they would call in the morning or the day before stating the hours and I could choose whether it not I was "available" that day. Plus they knew I had children and I could bring them in also since it was a daycare. It cost $1 an hour that my kids were there which was just deducted from my pay. It was a great starting point for getting used to being back in the workforce.
 
K

kaykordeath

Within the next few weeks, seasonal hiring will kick into full gear as well. This means retail giants will be recruiting big time. Look at the big department stores (Macy's, etc), big box stores (Best Buy) and Toys R Us...and all of their equivalents.
 
Cajungal

Cajungal

Staff member
You could always try walking up to people, doing an amusing dance while wearing a silly hat, and then saying, "That'll be 2 bucks." That only worked for me once, but it got me the change I needed to feed the meter.
 
D

Disconnected

Safeway appears to make its living off part timers now. From conversations i have with some cashiers they all are scheduled just under full time (32 hours or less) but it also seems like they don't hire to meet demand as at any given time when I shop there they have about 12 tils but never more than 3 cashiers, with an additional 4 self check out stands.
 
Dei

Dei

Disconnected said:
Safeway appears to make its living off part timers now. From conversations i have with some cashiers they all are scheduled just under full time (32 hours or less) but it also seems like they don't hire to meet demand as at any given time when I shop there they have about 12 tils but never more than 3 cashiers, with an additional 4 self check out stands.
Click to expand...
Oh gods this sounds like the Safeway near me, except it's 2 lanes and they don't have self check-out.
 
LittleSin

LittleSin

Okay guys. I heard of an oppurtunity that I really want to get on. It's for a candy store that originated in Nova Scotia called the Freak Lunchbox. It's a really funky laid back place and I wrote my cover letter to reflect that.

I have no expertise in writing cover letters so here is what I got. Please proof read. I wrote tihs word pad so there's no spell or grammar check.

Dear Sir or Mame,

Recently I picked a up a copy of The Scope and was delighted to find that not only were you open a Freak Lunchbox in St. Johns but that you were also looking for staff. I am writing to inform you that I am very interested in a position in your new location.
As life long resident of St. Johns and the surrounding area I firmly believe I can be asset to your store. I am an extremely out going person and I am very good at making people feel welcome and at home, no matter the setting. I have a long customer service record, a love of all things new, and I am a fast learner.
I would love to work with you from the start as you build your buisness in beautiful down town St. Johns. Feel free to contact me at 781-8820 and please leave a message if I am unavailible to take your call. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,
Holly Lawrence.
 
Chad Sexington

Chad Sexington

It's a good letter, it's concise and highlights your interest, and gives an impression that you are suited to the position. Other than that, a legit FTFY regarding some spelling/grammar. My additions/corrections are in red (most appear to just be typos/ommited words. I correct not to be a grammar nazi, but because you probably want to have it all polished for a professional letter).

Dear Sir or Ma'am,

Recently I picked a up a copy of The Scope and was delighted to find that not only are you opening a Freak Lunchbox in St. Johns but that you are also looking for staff. I am writing to inform you that I am very interested in a position in your new location.
As life long resident of St. Johns and the surrounding area, I firmly believe I can be an asset to your store. I am an extremely out going person and I am very good at making people feel welcome and at home, no matter the setting. I have a long customer service record, a love of all things new, and I am a fast learner.
I would love to work with you from the start as you build your business in beautiful down town St. Johns. Feel free to contact me at 781-8820 and please leave a message if I am unavailable to take your call. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Click to expand...
 
LittleSin

LittleSin

Thanks! Like I said, I wrote it in wordpad because MS Word freezes the computer up when I try to use it. So, no spell/grammar check. Also, I am a poor proof reader when it comes to my own stuff.

I am also trying to track down the name of the owner so I have an actual person to address this thing to. My opener sounds so..cold.

Another thing, I am sending this via e-mail because the store front is not open yet. Do I just pop it in the mian body of the e-mail and attach my resume?
 
Chad Sexington

Chad Sexington

I love proof reading... but we're all awful at proof reading our own work because we fill in the gaps with what we know we want to say.

And I usually include it in the main email body myself, but I've been on the receiving end and people have attached them as a separate document, or separate page with their resume. I don't think there's a 'rule'.
 
LittleKagsin

LittleKagsin

Good luck LittleSin! I hope you can get the job!

I was going to suggest looking at schools for part time work. My mum got a job at the high school when they put in a copy center for teachers and students to use. She works every other day and just during school hours. Maybe you could find something similar near you? (She had no training prior and hadn't worked in years.)
 
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