A very frustrating problem
Well I 19 years old and I want to get better job thean the one i have right now. Unfortunately i get judge a lot by my size. i'm 5 ft 1 IN and when i walk into an interview i give a firm handshake, know my answers well, but i see how they look at me when i walk in. Thier first thoughts are she's really young, so she's not responsible. How do i get them to see around my young appearance. I dress appropriately, I act very appropriately. Is thier any suggestions or encouragement.
Hair, makeup and style of clothing can do a lot to make you look older but when it is all said and done, you're still quite young. Your problems may also have to do with lack of education. I highly recommend that you go to college or get training in some specific career. The time that takes will give you time to get a little older but also greatly increase your long term earning potential. In the meantime, jobs like retail sales seem to target young, hip applicants. You may find something there to tide you over for a while. A makeover at any cosmetics counter can help too.
Good luck! Tess I hate to point this out. Please take this as constructive criticism. Your spelling and grammar are very very bad. If you are applying to jobs that require you to provide a resume and/or fill out a job application (most jobs out there require at least one of them), and if you make the same types of errors in your resume/application as you have made here, that can be part of the reason you are not taken seriously. At 19, you are expected to know how to write. If you simply weren't paying attention here, I suggest that you get into the habit of paying attention to spelling and grammar regardless of the situation. You shouldn't have to concentrate in order to spell words correctly and construct proper sentences. It should happen automatically. If you need help in this area, you should take classes. It will be time well spent and help you in your career, regardless of what field it's in. Mayflower. The majority of jobs are won or lost because of education, skills, experience and attitude/cultural fit. Some jobs are won or lost based on looks, stereotypes and otehr random disciminatory things. Focus, as Tess says on those things that impact your skills, experience and attitude/cultural fit. I think you should read this thread, it might help give the bigger perspective http://monster.prospero.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?tsn=1&nav=messages&webtag=mstinterview&tid=401 What job field or industry are you trying for? Where are you now? Are you in college or are you taking a year off to gain employment experience and decide what will best suit you? (That will probably take more than one year, but at least you can determine what you don't want to do) You are 19 and so the first thing anybody will think is that you are young. Whether or not they automatically think that you are irresponsible is not exactly a given, but unfortunately, depending on the job your are interviewing for, the irresponsibility may have been proven by previous applicants or employees in your age bracket. Another thing that you may want to recognize in your job search is what you are suited for. Don't read about a job in the paper of on a job board that asks for the type of experience you don't posess. Or the skills you haven't learned yet. Entering into a situation that you are unqualified for is going to possibly make people view you as irresponsible. Try for jobs in fields you have an interest in that state in the advertisement that you will be trained or that training is offered. Always make sure that you are early for an appointment. Tardiness is a sign of irresponsibility and you will be viewed negatively for that. The same can be said for not showing for an appointment. Call and let them know that you need to reschedule. And if they cannot accommodate another day, suggest a later time that same day. Bring a copy of your resume and/or on-line application. Bring along your own pen (not a priority) but it will show preparedness and, at the very least, keep you from getting the oft-given dirty look from the receptionist when you ask to borrow a pen to fill out an application. And speaking of resume and application, grammar, spelling and punctuation are three of the most important qualities in your writing and are the first that are looked at by not only the interviewer, but by the receptionist. Most, if not all, offices look for applicants who posess at least a basic understanding of the written word. If you are going after a receptionist job, a more than basic understanding of verbal communication is what will be sought after. As your interviewing skills improve and your confidence grows, I am sure that you will be looked at less and less as not a responsible individual.
One of the first things you mention is your height, I'm 5'2 and I've never noticed that to be a problem, I'm 23 and I look 17 and again, I've never had a problem. I've never had people look at me like I'm too young. I dress professional, I ALWAYS wear comfortable heels usually 1-3" high. For me though, I sound extremely mature and responsible when I interview, I do not act in the work place like a 23 year old with only a little experience. I have an impressive resume and am able to fill out an application. When you look at my resume, you can tell that I haven't been out of college long, but on paper my short career looks impressive and when I discuss it, it sounds even better. Just because you look young doesn't mean you can impress an interview, be prepared, speak professionaly, knock their socks off and make them wrong about any first impressions.
When it matters I am very careful with my grammer and how I write my sentances.
I am trying for a simple receptionist job. I am a Junior in college and getting a general studies degree with three minors. I don't like being stuck at a fast food restrurant, I can't stand it. Where am i sposed to start if no administration will hire me so i can get expiriance. Its very hard to go to work five days a week than go to an internship after work and still have time to breath. I really need a good paying job that gives me expiriance in something other than flipping hamburgers.
Thanks for the encouragement PunknPrncss.
Try for a job at a call center. A lot of them let you work graveyard shift and some will even let you study during business hours during down times. | |
|
Career Tips
|