How to Be more attractive(Job wise) than a Highschool student?

[quietGuy13]

i'm in my early 30s. but i'm slow and not a good speaker. So i've not even had a career, just general office jobs that anyone can do even Highschool students. SOme of my jobs lasted weeks, some months, and the longest were 1.5 years.

 

 

Some, not all but many, highschool students are already great speakers and quick learners and smart and I feel.....actually I know, they are better than me. So why would they even pick me over a highschool student?

 

Any tips?

[PelicanPete]

I feel you actually have an advantage over younger candidates. Depending on the work place, employers prefer a more experienced and mature employee that is more likely to stay at the job for awhile, compared to the young immature stereotype of high school students that often quit on a whim or have of experience in general.

 

I'm a 20 year old college student with great references and job experience, dressing to impress, always on time, but I'm still stereotyped as a stupid kid with lack of overall work experience. In fact I didn't get a job that I was fully capable of because of my age.

 

Good luck to you I'm sure you'll find something.

[yoonie16]

I think you're selling yourself short! You don't need a career to be happy or satisfied. I've known people in their 60's who's worked at disneyland for 30+ years and they love it. Your job is what you make of it, so just try to think positive.

 

Although education is important, I think the proper experiences and skills can trump it. One thing you might have the upper hand over a high school student is company loyalty. Many small businesses look for those that are in for the long haul and high school students really can't give that to them. Chances are they will stick around for a few months and quit once they find another priority. Show that you are loyal to the company and willing to learn. If the business has the time, they will help you grow with them.

Edited May 25, 2011 by yoonie16