Job Hunting and Resumes

Dread Pirate Arbuthnot

I'm sixteen and I'm looking for a part time job. There's like, three plazas surrounding the area and a mall nearby so finding a place shouldn't be hard, I'm just not sure how to go about it.

Should I make a resume and a cover letter or just ask for an application?

Grundlterror

At your age I doubt you'll need a resume. Just go in there and confidently ask if you can fill out an application. At this point if they aren't looking for anyone they'll probably tell you. Fill out the application and then FOLLOW UP. When you hand in the application ask how long it should take before you hear from them and if they don't contact you within that time show the initiative and call them up and ask them the status of your application.

redx

you don't really have anything to put on a resume, and you don't really need one for a retail job.

well... mabey up in canadia. You folks don't even know what bacon is.

You'd not really need a resume in the states for that kind of work.

Thanatos

Having a resume will differentiate you from the rest of the pack. In a lot of places, it won't help, but in some places, it'll make a difference. I don't think it would ever hurt you.

I got the best job I ever got because the guy who owned the place (an arcade) was impressed that I took it seriously enough to submit a resume to him, and that I was determined enough to do it a couple of times (about a year apart, but still).

smokmnky

Resume or not let me tell you this one thing...

Dress Nicely. Don't go "rolling in" in your normal everyday attire i.e. hat, hair unruly, stained shirt, torn jeans or anything like that

This doesn't mean you need to go in a 3 piece suit or anything just wear a nice shirt or sweater or something, slacks are good but nice jeans would be ok as well. Show them you care about your appearance. It will reflect well on you and show you actually care about working at their shop/store.

Also ask to hand in the application to a manager, shake their hand and thank them for accepting your app. Try and talk to them and setup an appointment/interview (assuming they're looking for someone).

Dread Pirate Arbuthnot

I picked up four or five applications, but I need to write a resume to apply to the better jobs in the area that have unions and such. I have no idea how to write a resume. Help!

Grundlterror

How i got my job at HP: Google resume examples and replace everything with your information. At 16 you obviously don't have much to put down just put down your relevant skills. If its a computer job put what programs you are familiar with, your WPM etc etc.

DaySleeper

General resume tips: Don't go too text heavy, make sure everything is spelled and punctuated properly, only put stuff that has some kind of bearing on the job at hand (unless you have very little). My mum's resume, which I used as a model for my own first one had all sorts of crap on it about interests and marital status and things. Nobody wants to know those things, in fact it is illegal to ask about them. Put it on nice paper, nothing textured or anything but make sure you get some bright white and a mid-weight paper.

Put your phone number and email address on it. If your email address is dude+_boner_+dude@scuzzmail.gov or something, take the time to get one that is firstname.lastname@gmail or something similarly professional.

nexuscrawler

For retail jobs it shows alot of dedication if you just ask for a resume, sit down somewhere and give it right to them. If you go back another day don't just hand it to anyone ask for the manager you spoke to to start with. Also always ask for a manger when you get the resumes from them. that way the person who will have some say in if your application get looked at will know your face.