More of an employee thread

[Preemo]

Hey,

This is kind of aimed at anybody.

I'm 16 years old, and I left school yesterday. I have a lot of ambitions in life, starting an I.T business or a proper Web Design business is one of many. I hope to one day do this.
I'm a very sociable person, and I like to go out with my friends on weekends. But of course, you need money to do this. However, I'm not in a situation where I can turn to my parents and ask for money, like most people my age. Therefore I think it's time I searched for a job.

What's the best way in finding local job opportunities? I've been turned down so many times due to my age, lack of qualifications, or the normal saying "if anyone comes up, I'll keep you in mind". It gets to a point where I spend more time getting turned down, that actually getting genuinely considered. I'm not really picky on what type of job yet, as I'd like it to only be a part-time job.

Best Regards,
Ryan

 

[Chris Ashdown]

One of the best ways is to chose the area of work you want to work in be it building, welding or printing etc and then target the personel departments of this area with your cv but also why you want to work in that field and maybe some knowledge you have picked up about the company ( google them etc)

Many thousands of jobs are not ever advertised to the general public

 

[Podge]

Many thousands of jobs are not ever advertised to the general public

How do these thousands of positions get filled if they are never advertised?

 

[E Storey]

How do these thousands of positions get filled if they are never advertised?

daddy has a word in someones ear?

 

[Dawg]

How do these thousands of positions get filled if they are never advertised?

Word of mouth
Internal promotion/appointment

Easy one really....

 

[luckystar]

Definately worth getting a CV together...another avenue is maybe asking the HR dept of companies if you can carry out work experience and getting a feel for the role that you would like to do firsthand. Then as Chris advises, research the company. I understand your frustrations but it may be worth a try and get your foot in the door so to speak. Obv you won't get paid but if you donb't have luck securing a role, try that route. GOOD LUCK!

 

[BizGurl]

How do these thousands of positions get filled if they are never advertised?

Most of the jobs I've had hadn't been advertised...just sent in spec CV's/cover letters enquiring about possible vacancies...much much MUCH better success/response rate then applying for the same job as hundreds of other people.

 

[oliver3487]

maybe email a very short video CV. Being different is the key. (if your up for doing any job then its not hard at all to get one at the moment)

 

[Igneous D]

Most of the jobs I've had hadn't been advertised...just sent in spec CV's/cover letters enquiring about possible vacancies...much much MUCH better success/response rate then applying for the same job as hundreds of other people.

Couldn't agree more - just make sure the covering letter is personalised and discusses why you want to work for company X and what you can bring. Don't just send out standard letters. The personalised approach takes a lot longer but will get more results

Igneous Marketing

 

[Preemo]

Thank you everyone for your responses! I've worked on a CV for a couple of days now (checking through it, adding more information, re-checking through it lol) and I believe it's at a good standard - I'll make sure I keep it up to date.

I'm really interested in the work experience idea - I think that if I ask them for let's say, a 2 week trial, and I do impress - they may see how committed I will be.

Once again, thank you for all the responses!

 

[BizGurl]

Good luck.

 

[JohnnyCash]

Thank you everyone for your responses! I've worked on a CV for a couple of days now (checking through it, adding more information, re-checking through it lol) and I believe it's at a good standard - I'll make sure I keep it up to date.

I'm really interested in the work experience idea - I think that if I ask them for let's say, a 2 week trial, and I do impress - they may see how committed I will be.

Once again, thank you for all the responses!

It should NOT take a 16 year old a couple of days to write a cv... you've got next to nothing to put in it.

Why are you looking for a part time job? Laziness isn't an attractive quality in potential employees and to me thats what its going to look like when you're applying for other jobs.

 

[BizGurl]

It should NOT take a 16 year old a couple of days to write a cv... you've got next to nothing to put in it.

Why are you looking for a part time job? Laziness isn't an attractive quality in potential employees and to me thats what its going to look like when you're applying for other jobs.

Why is it lazy that he only wants part-time work? He's made it clear that he intends to start his own business and so part-time work would be ideal in his case. At least he does want to work and is willing to do work experience (which will most likely be for free)...plenty of people want to work only part-time for many reasons...hardly makes them lazy, get over yourself and stop being so quick to shoot people down all the time.

 

[JohnnyCash]

Why is it lazy that he only wants part-time work? He's made it clear that he intends to start his own business and so part-time work would be ideal in his case. At least he does want to work and is willing to do work experience (which will most likely be for free)...plenty of people want to work only part-time for many reasons...hardly makes them lazy, get over yourself.

Because he's 16 years old with no money, and he can't get any from his family either. You can't start a business with £0 so he needs to be working. A real job will let him understand how business actually works before he tries anything on his own anyway.

Stinks of laziness to me from whats been posted so far...

 

[SparkMediaIndustries]

Hey,

This is kind of aimed at anybody.

I'm 16 years old, and I left school yesterday. I have a lot of ambitions in life, starting an I.T business or a proper Web Design business is one of many. I hope to one day do this.
I'm a very sociable person, and I like to go out with my friends on weekends. But of course, you need money to do this. However, I'm not in a situation where I can turn to my parents and ask for money, like most people my age. Therefore I think it's time I searched for a job.

What's the best way in finding local job opportunities? I've been turned down so many times due to my age, lack of qualifications, or the normal saying "if anyone comes up, I'll keep you in mind". It gets to a point where I spend more time getting turned down, that actually getting genuinely considered. I'm not really picky on what type of job yet, as I'd like it to only be a part-time job.

Best Regards,
Ryan

Preemo,

All I can say is GOOD LUCK and I respect you for only being 16 and wanting to work, Its not lazy at all so ignore Jonny there is always some one to crap on a post really.

I am not saying to get at you so don't take it the wrong way. Why not apply for part time college, Do Business Studies, Business Management, Web & Graphic Design courses and maybe a part time job doing something to gain abit of cash.

I asked my mum and dad for £10 and started my company and its been great since I have another 3 building slowly now.

Good luck and wish you all the best.

 

[JohnnyCash]

Its not lazy at all so ignore Jonny there is always some one to crap on a post really.

Its undeniably lazy. He doesn't even know what he wants to do yet - why can't he work full time while he decides? Just another dreamer kid heading for failure.

If he was working a full time job & a part time job while he saved and planned for a business I'd think "this kid has a chance" but from what I see here he has none.

 

[luckystar]

At least he is willing to listen to advice and not sit around all day like some 16 year olds. Give him a break.

If he works part time in a role to bring in some money and does some work experience in another role regarding his career choice or does a college course which has also been suggested then it shows that he isn't being lazy at all...just keen and willing to learn.

As for CV taking so long..If you have never done one before and want it to stand out then it may take a little longer.

 

[KateCB]

Well, from the initial post, the written English is at least good- coherent at least which is more than can be said for many 16 year old school leavers these days, however, given that at 16, you have little experience of anything, I would seriously consider going to college and either taking A levels in the core subject, or decide on a course of action and study for a qualification - web design, graphic design courses etc. You then have 2 years to achieve this, and employers in that field will take you more seriously - someone just out of school, at 16, is to many employers and parents (and indeed the law for some things!) a child.

There are many people who are qualified to do jobs who would love part time work - people who NEED part time work due to family commitments; I daresay that most of us on UKBF started our businesses whilst working FULL time, earning the money, putting the food on the table, burning the candle at both ends - why should this person have it in effect 'easy' - why defend his requirement to work part-time?

In order to 'experience' work, its responsibilities, its requirements,it rules and idiosycrancies, a full time job, preferably with a career path and training included is what is needed; whether such a thing is available in this climate is another matter....

 

[Christine Hough]

Look into all the apprenticeship opportunities by contacting local colleges and make sure you use the careers advisory service (is it still called Connexions)?

Especially if you want your own business... no where better to learn than helping someone else thrive in their business first. It is also a low risk strategy to see if you would really enjoy the pressures and work involved. Sadly schooling is little preparation for the working world and you need to learn from others.

Apart from that all the best and I hope you get all your dreams.

 

[Preemo]

Sorry for such a late reply, personal problems.

I appreciate all the helpful comments on the thread. I'd just like to clear a few things up (as well as getting a little bit personal).

I've applied for a college course which focuses on programming, server management and online marketing. The course lasts 2 years, and by the time it ends, I will be 18. Hopefully when I finish, I can get a job in web design, where hopefully they can polish over the things I'm not too sure on. By that time, I hope to know a fair bit from what I've learnt at college. Whilst having the job, I want to try and study a business course (I'll have to pay for that as I'll be 18) in the evenings, maybe a few days a week? Obviously that's just what I hope happens.

But anyway, the reason I want a part-time job is so when I'm not at college for 4 days a week, I can be earning money. This money could pay for my course that I want to do when I'm 18, and it would also help me have a bit of spare money. I've been brought up to work for your money, not get handed it. Also, my parents aren't in a position to give me money here and there.

Thank you again,
Ryan

 

[BustersDogs]

'Most' families don't have money to hand out to 16 year old kids, mine left school on Friday and has already been told *he* will be the one handing *me* money if he wants to live here, just to give him an incentive to get out to work.

I found it really hard to get a part time job when I was a teenager - that was in the last recession and I was desperate so would take anything. The places I was applying told me I had no chance as they knew I would be off as soon as I found a full time job.

There are lots of places to find jobs who will take 16 year olds knowing they have no experience - I have a few 16 year olds working for me. It just depends if you are willing to take any job. I took a Saturday job working in a burger bar as my dad told me to get out and not come back without a job one day. Couldn't get anything else!

 

[Preemo]

I'm in the same situation then, I've got to start contributing towards the house, as well as earning money for myself to do whatever with.

I'm honestly willing to do nearly any job, I just have applied for that many and have never been successful - that I'm starting to run out of options.

My local town center isn't exactly the busiest of places, so not a lot of companies actually need an extra member of staff.

Thank you
Ryan

 

[Robert_M]

I'm in the same situation then, I've got to start contributing towards the house, as well as earning money for myself to do whatever with.

I'm honestly willing to do nearly any job, I just have applied for that many and have never been successful - that I'm starting to run out of options.

My local town center isn't exactly the busiest of places, so not a lot of companies actually need an extra member of staff.

Thank you
Ryan

Have you thought about getting some work experience? You could just email some companies in your local area and ask if they have any opportunities for work experience - it would be a great enhancement to your CV and would stand you in good stead for your future ambitions. I see you're in Cambridgeshire - maybe try emailing some Cambridge departments for starters? Good luck, let us know how you get on

 

[Preemo]

It isn't a bad idea actually, especially now I've finished school for good and won't start education again until September.

Thank you for the advice!

 

[gordano]

It is a tough market, and not having any prior work experience makes it even tougher.

Whilst I understand your need to get a paid job why not get a charity job for the interim, you work for free but gain experience. At the very least it will look better on your CV.

 

[Podge]

I know of two multi-national retailers who offer work trials.

To the extent that they would employ as many as possible simply to save on the wage bill.

Who'd a thought it hey employers exploiting the high unemployment figures

 

[Chris Ashdown]

Two jobs that require little start up money andgood rates of pay are window cleaners and garden help like grass cutting and garden maintanance, I bet if you placed a advert in your local parish magazine you would get some reply's and be able to charge £10-15 per hour using their equipment

Flexible time should allow for college and far better rates than Big Mac's