Went to a hiring event today

[KikiDeAnime]

Wait...FIRST job? Your profile says you're 22...how? That's probably the issue...you need to explain the gap on your resume. Who wants to work at a dumb ol coffee shop anyways I'd keep applying. Try retail. With the holidays coming up you can get seasonal work very easily. If you work hard enough they might keep you at the end of the season. If they dont at least you have the experience. You could also try just asking around and dropping off your resume places. My sister's first job was cleaning the kennels at the vet, eventually they promoted her to a receptionist. Either way, your first job doesn't have to be something you hate

I've been applying to many places for 4 years already. I've only been to 3 interviews in the entire time but nobody wants to hire me.
And every place I've applied knows how old I am and on my resume it shows my volunteer work.
And at this point, I'm ready to work anywhere even if I get treated like crap. I just want to earn more money to put into my savings account.

 

[Kiki]

I've been applying to many places for 4 years already. I've only been to 3 interviews in the entire time but nobody wants to hire me.
And every place I've applied knows how old I am and on my resume it shows my volunteer work.
And at this point, I'm ready to work anywhere even if I get treated like crap. I just want to earn more money to put into my savings account.

Apply to 3 places every single day for a week or two.

 

[KikiDeAnime]

Apply to 3 places every single day for a week or two.

I apply to 6 places every day. Sometimes I apply to even 10 places a day

 

[Ninjasquirrel]

It's gotta be something on your application I would think. Have you tried calling any of the places you applied? Just ask for a manager and ask if they've had time to review the application? The other option is when you turn in the app get the manager and hand it to them. Shake their hand, say it was a pleasure to meet them, etc. Also dress nice. No blue jeans. No low cut tops. If you have tattoos keep them covered. If you have piercings take them out. And wear makeup. Not a lot, just natural tones. And most important: SHOWER.

Assuming you know all this already, it is possible they see all your volunteer work and dont think you would have enough time to invest with them. People dont like to see that you have other responsibilities. They want 100 percent from you. And call your references...maybe they are saying something about you they shouldn't.

 

[Miss Lydia]

How about cashier at grocery store better than nothing? Sorry you missed on this job

 

[Ninjasquirrel]

I'd also try WorkSourceWA. They might be able to help you

 

[Perris]

I apply to 6 places every day. Sometimes I apply to even 10 places a day

I feel for you; getting that first job can be really tough, as you've found. But it will happen, and the next will be easier.

 

[drumstick diva]

Ninja Squirrel has some good ideas

 

[Acre4Me]

Call and ask.

One job I got in college was at a hospital. They had this job posted for x days (there was a date on the job posting). I sent in application. Then, on that date (closing date of the job opening that was posted) I called to check up on application with valid reason: is my application complete? is today the closing date? Since it was a large place, I was calling HR. They answered me and told me x process occurs (weeding out those not qualified, etc). So, I proceeded to call every other day. Several calls in, the HR person informed me "decision soon, and my file was on the top of the list" Likely bc I kept calling to check and always was pleasant and brief. By then HR, at least, knew my name. I got the job and kept it for 4 years. It was on an as-needed basis and part time, so sometimes I had nearly back-to-back schedules (off at 11pm, back again at 6am), but it paid well, and was flexible with my schedule as that job was technically a 24/7 job, but part timers were only 6am to 11pm and FT people did the overnight. So, call to check up on application, but be pleasant and brief.

When I lived in another city, there was a large global employer whose world headquarters were located there. They had great benefits, however, very hard to get in. Nearly everyone I ever spoke to that wasn't in a specialty field (advanced or very specific degree recruited by this company) got their actual job there by working as a contract worker. These Contract workers would work at this company and then might be eligible when a job opening was posted that was open to outside applicants. They had some experience and then also had internal employees that might be a reference for them as they had been working there already. I never worked for this company, and never applied there either, but in my field did interact with some of their employees, and hired some people that had been contract workers at that large company. So, register with these type of companies that provide contract workers. The contract company looks at your resume and decides where you might be a good fit. They then send your resume (possibly along with a few others) for the end company to review. the job may be 4 weeks, may be 6 months, may be 1 year. It will have an end date, but gives you experience.

Government jobs. I lived in WA for a couple of years (East and West sides). I know some friends were temp workers for Dept of Wildlife/ Fisheries. Likely there are other govt agencies with temp jobs. Actual goverment jobs are listed at usajobs.gov.

Of course, there is always the military. But, not for everyone. But FT pay and benefits. Many jobs are stateside and can be regular hours doing regular things. A relative has a job like this in the military on a 4 year enlistment. Works in the continental US, in a field very applicable to civilian work - meaning, they would easily be able to get a regular job once leaving the military. They have regular daytime hours with nearly all weekends off. Also, money for school. Oh, and that relative had never had any job, of any kind, before joining the military, although I know the parents tried to get them to get a job for a couple of years before they eventually enlisted. Relative is happy they enlisted, but doesn't plan to stay in for a career.

Good Luck!

 

[ShrekDawg]

Awww I am sorry you didn’t get the job and that you’ve had such bad luck!

You will find one eventually! Hang in there! Keep applying!

Have you considered something like pet sitting or dog walking? It’s fast, easy, and fun and would get some money flowing until you can find a better job.

I started just with friends and family’s animals, neighbors, etc. but you can join a site like Rover or Wag! And get started right away. Lots of people use those sites nowadays so it’s fairly easy to get started and find clients. Wag! might not be available in all areas, it’s not in mine yet, but you can look and see on the site, and Rover is pretty widespread and available everywhere. I am planning on joining Rover soon and I too am also looking for a “regular” job.

I would just say keep applying.

You’ve gotten a lot of good advice from everyone here and lots of good ideas on places to try applying to.

You will get one eventually!!

Also I know it is hard but I would say try to keep a positive outlook. You will find one!

And I also do not think it was a waste of time at all. You got the experience! That’s important too.

Good luck!