dadofandrew

If it's a phone interview, write down what you want to say. Otherwise, be positive and say what you want. Right now, it's nothing for employers to get 75 apps for a single job. 3 interviews and no job offers is nothing. It ain't the late 90's when I'd apply for 8 jobs, get 5 interviews and 3 offers.

No, another store manager's job.

I did a decade ago, took about 30 minutes, basically same questions. They asked a couple things tryintg to get me to be critical of my boss.

I'd tell her you're going to be in the area in a week and ask if you could set up a time to interview. This would be a good thing to put in a cover letter.

I used to hire a ton of PT people, and admittedly, did not use letters and resumes, but certainly did not hold it against them.

Decided to get everything ready to send out my cover letter/resume (or take them) to local hotels, and was surprised to read that cover letters for PT jobs are all but unheard of. In fact, sites say you really do not even need a resume, just go in or online and fill out the application. While I was aware this was what happens in the real world, I'm surprised that it's also recommended on employment/writing websites.

Very little in my area, but I'll keep my eyes open, thanks.

Thanks Nate. I know those jobs tend to have very high turnover in part due to high quotas.

I am currently looking for a PT job. The places I am going to apply are hotels, convenience stores, and grocery stores...trying to avoid food service for the time being. I just read through the whole thread, and none of these things came up. 1. Besides filling out their app, and paper clipping a resume/cover letter, and asking for manager on duty when I drop it off, any other bits of advice? 2. Any other high turnover jobs not involving food? 3. Is there any place to look I may not be thinking of? Classified ads are almost nonexistent, and I've seen no ads on Careerbuilder for basic entry level jobs.

Almost everyone gets unemployment, unless your former employer says they will hire you.

Hardly anyone calls previous employers, as they never say anything anyway. I've never worked anywhere that could do anything other than verify employment dates and say they no longer worked there. That's how nurses that steal drugs keep finding work. You usually find out far more if you ask the person what they would say if you called their former employer. Do not be fooled. Check the termination box no and tell folks it was a poor match.

You might be suffering from your long unemployment more than anything. Hard to believe a law degree would not be able to garner you a job, and that might be what employers are thinking. You might want to either get any job just to get rid of that or come up with an excuse (writing a novel, health, caring for a sick parent) and put that in your cover letter.

No problem sir. I have been on both sides of the fence in regards to looking for a job and people.

1. I'd mail it, and use nice paper. That still matters, and may get you an interview. 2. To Whom It May Concern would be correct, if you do not know who will be reading it. 3. Personal stuff like that is fine, and again, may boost you over George Generic, who is from Chicago, went to school in IL, and is now applying. If you will not require a relocation fee, mention that as well. 4. They will call references if you make it far enough, so only put down people you are ok if they contact. I used to put "references available upon request," until it occurred to me that sending them another sheet later is a pain for me, and likely isn't looked at fondly by them either. I just put 'em on the resume.

Well, everyone has 4 grandmas...

If you have to explain an absence from the job market (you know, took a 2 year break and lived off your girlfriend), the phrase "I spent the past couple years helping to take care of my grandmother. She passed away two weeks ago. I'm ready to get back in the real world." They can't verify it, and if anything, it'll probably get you the job. Plus, if you get hired and want to stay on, the best thing you can do is show up early, stay late, and cover an extra shift or two if asked. Ask to talk to the manager on duty if you fill out an app in person. Be confident but let them know you want a job, and can begin when needed. Call every 2-3 days, at various times, and ask for the person in charge of HR, or a manager. And never put on an app you can't work Fri/Sat nights, or Sunday, if you want a job in retail or restaurants. Even if you can't, explain it later. Half the battle is getting an interview. If they ask fluff questions like "Why did you apply here today," put down you are a regular shopper, or if you know an employee, say that, even if you're not close to them. Attach your resume to the app, bring your own paper clip. If you're a guy, short hair, no cap, and business casual attire. No athletic shoes. Firm handshake, clean shaven. If you're a woman, almost anything is ok except prostitute attire, but conservative is better. Don't hide the fact you're attractive, though, it'll get you employed at plenty of places. Easy on the cologne/perfume, I've cut interviews short because of it. Remove piercings and cover tattoos, unless you want to prove a point...that you like being unemployed. Sit up straight, and if you think you might be there a while, a bottle of water is fine. Don't mumble, bring a pen, pencil, and 3-4 resumes in a plain folder or manilla envelope. If they ask questions about school, be honest, they might come back to it later, but never say you are worse than a C student. Don't say your favorite subject is history if it's not, because they might ask a similar question later, and you'll have to recall your fib. If they ask your best quality, think of what your grandma would say about you, "honest" or "loyal", not "good at math". Weaknesses? Turn it into a positive. "I used to be unorganized. Then, I took a class on it, and I'm much better. In fact, I organized the garage sale at church last year." Embarrassing moment? Same thing, minor negative, turn it around. If you have to fill out a test about your behavior/beliefs, on a scale of 1-10, every answer should be a 1 or a 10. If you're not sure, answer it like the pope or a nun would. Don't overthink. EDIT: You can say prostitute but not hook-er? Heh.