Part-time jobs not so easy to get

[writergal]

I think you should stay with something that you genuinely enjoy doing.

 

If I may ask, do you honestly think that you were good at teaching? I'm not trying to be rude, just an honest question, because if you were good at it and you also happened to like it, then there's no reason to change. There's a danger in ditching a job just because of circumstances.

 

I was great at teaching at the community college level and I've enjoyed all of my middle school and high school field experiences that allowed me to teach so far in my program. And I'm assigned a high school language arts class for my 3-months of student teaching in the fall at a private high school. So I think I will enjoy that immensely as I've certainly waited long enough to "prove myself" at the secondary level in my program.

 

 

So they made the test harder....study harder and pass it. And get back to teaching.

 

I hear you. And that's my plan at this point. Others have said the exact same thing to me here. Finally, I've listened. I still have my Plan B as my emergency parachute should this teaching program not produce my license and masters degree as planned, per my passing my state exams.

 

 

If you switch jobs every time some unforeseen obstacle jumps up, you're going to be changing careers all the time. You'll leave some careers that you shouldn't. Work through the challenges. It also looks better to prospective employers.

 

Funny you say that. I spent my 20s and 30s doing exactly that; not finishing what I started as far as job opportunities go. But if I can't pass my state exams then I have to cut my losses and pursue my Plan B. Life is too short.

 

One more thing. Think about every skill, every talent that you have. Make a list of them. Also, education isn't wasted. What did you learn in school? How can your knowledge benefit someone else?

 

I think that's where that book "What Color Is Your Parachute" will come in handy for me. Time for me to sit down and really dig deep.

[pink_sugar]

May I ask what type of skills you have and experience? I've noticed it's usually the retail job having a 45 minute application process online. When I got my Aa degree, I started applying for office jobs and those don't really have the online facet so much. I actually think full time employment is much harder to find than part time because employers don't want to give medical benefits. I do agree that it's lazy of HR nowadays to do that instead of actual interviews, because you don't really know if they are a good fit or not until you actually interview them. I think it's just to eliminate applicants.

[writergal]

May I ask what type of skills you have and experience? I've noticed it's usually the retail job having a 45 minute application process online. When I got my Aa degree, I started applying for office jobs and those don't really have the online facet so much. I actually think full time employment is much harder to find than part time because employers don't want to give medical benefits. I do agree that it's lazy of HR nowadays to do that instead of actual interviews, because you don't really know if they are a good fit or not until you actually interview them. I think it's just to eliminate applicants.

 

Well I think office jobs are just as difficult to get because most of the time you have to go through an employment agency to get an administrative assistant position with a company. About 90% of the admin. asst jobs advertised on various job seeking websites are through employment agencies precisely because those companies don't want to provide medical benefits to a new low-level office employee.

 

I'm just trying to find work for the next 7 weeks so I can pay my rent and bills before I student teach. I'll receive a nice refund this fall that will be used to pay my living expenses throughout the semester, and again in the spring when I complete my masters. But finding a job is proving to be difficult.

[SarahRose]

where are all the illegals getting jobs? show up there and get some work. don't they queue at the home depot or something and then people who need work pick them up?

 

Can you clean house, offices, do yard work, babysit, run errands for the elderly and so on?

 

if you can't find work in the US move to another country. there are other countries with very vibrant economies and many jobs.

[writergal]

Can you clean house, offices, do yard work, babysit, run errands for the elderly and so on?

 

Those kinds of jobs don't pay a livable wage. That's why college students can handle those jobs because they have parents who pay their rent.

[Engadget]

I mean no offense, but when you take yourself out of the running for employment, you let someone else step in your place. You have to get creative. Like really, really creative. And you have to be diligent.

 

Look on the internet for some good inspirational reading material. I remember about a few years ago I was bummed out and feeling desperate to get a job before I had to start paying loans off. A friend of mine recommended 'What Color is Your Parachute', and I couldn't stop putting it down. It was a great read and I recommend it to anyone (no, I'm not selling anything). You could read other material out there, too, I'm sure, but that one was particularly helpful. Think of it like one of those dating guides, except it's for getting jobs.

 

You just prove my point, the entire system is ****ed. Busting your ass day in and out and stressing, struggling and paying out the ass just to get over on someone else so you can survive is bull. That's what I'm saying.

[d'Arthez]

Enter a bank / big insurance company and say: "I am here to sell my soul. When can I start?"

 

It is a very difficult situation to be in writergal. Hope you can find something that suits you and pays the bills.

[carhill]

IDK, one of my tenants had a couple of his workers do carpet in one of my rentals yesterday and I tipped them out, in addition to what he paid them. I've got another worker doing everything from painting to concrete work around the place; he's been contracting part time for a bit over a month now, interspersing my work with other jobs he's working on. He's a full-time concrete finisher but that work is slow right now so he's filling in.

 

That's one of the benefits of being a 'jack of all trades'. There's always something to do. Myself, when I don't work, it's by choice. Not having a professional degree perhaps limits and closes off certain paths, but there are plenty of other paths in life. Something for everyone.

[LittlePrince]

So before my fall student teaching (yes I decided I'm going to go through with it) begins I have to find a part-time job or two for the rest of the summer. I just finished a long-term temp job today.

 

I don't think part-time jobs are as easy to get anymore because now you have to go on the company's website and suffer through a 20-30 minute application process that also includes an assessment. What happened to just walking in to a restaurant and filling out a hostess application? Those days seem long gone.

 

I've covered the temp agencies but those are unreliable as you never know when you'll get called with an assignment.

 

Anyone have any advice how to bypass those online applications faster? I thought of asking to speak with the manager to let him/her know that I did the online application, in hopes that will speed up the interview and hiring process if they see me in person and can put a face to an online application. Mind you this is all for a minimum wage job.

 

Getting a job was so much easier 20 years ago. Technology just gets in the way with all this online application red tape.

I use snagajob to find open hourly jobs and apply to every business I can think of checking to see if they have online apps first. You go to the store and they have an online app they'll just sit you in front of a kiosk with the same app. Career sites aren't that good for hourly jobs.

 

There was a pbs program on finding a job from the 80's. It said expect to treat the job search like a job. If you want a job that is 20 hours a week expect to spend at least that much time searching for it. Full time job will require a 40 hour a week job search at the very minimum.

 

The most likely place you'll find work is where the teenie boppers don't want to shop and don't want to work. That many times means old department stores like Sears, JCpenneys, etc. Places like BestBuy, Abercrombie, etc. you'll have a hard time getting a job at. There is too much competition. It isn't about being the best. It is about focusing on where there is the least competition or where there is the highest turn over rate. Walmart is where the poor go to shop and find jobs. The poor are usually on narcotics. Guess why I have a job right now. Most applicants can't pass the drug test on top of walmart expecting too much work for what they pay so you get a lot of skedaddlers. High turn over rates and unsatisfied employees are your friend. When you are out and about look for signs that people are very unhappy, miserable, and are seconds away from going postal. That's where your jackpot is waiting. People don't like working at night. Night jobs are a good way to go for employment making 24 hour establishments a decent application investment. Remember to pay attention to any help wanted signs in the windows of all businesses you pass.

 

The more criteria you use to find the job of your dreams the less likely you'll find a job. Be open to working any and all jobs. If you really are hungry you'll eat sht and call it a banquet. If you are of a refined disposition and will only eat fancy feast you won't be doing much feasting.

 

Employers use psych tests at about all levels. You'll just have to get use to them. It is pretty easy to tell what is the right answer most of the time. Lie through your teeth. They are a piece of cake and after awhile you'll be plowing through them. They many times use the same questions or similar ones because professionals lack imagination and many companies use the same firms to put together their online apps.

[LittlePrince]

Those kinds of jobs don't pay a livable wage. That's why college students can handle those jobs because they have parents who pay their rent.

Yet the mexicans are still here. You might need to take 2-3 jobs if you want a livable wage.

[Art_Critic]

Employers use psych tests at about all levels. You'll just have to get use to them. It is pretty easy to tell what is the right answer most of the time. Lie through your teeth. They are a piece of cake and after awhile you'll be plowing through them. They many times use the same questions or similar ones because professionals lack imagination and many companies use the same firms to put together their online apps.

 

Why would you want to do that ??

 

If you are not the right person for the job it will show and you will be not happy.

The tests are for matching positions with people who will excel and be happy in those positions and if you lie you waste your time and the employers.

 

and... those tests are also better than you realize...

 

Normally we have one consultant in our interviews that match the person with the profile before the tests are given.. so if a person tests way different than their interview showed they don't get hired for the simple reason that you wouldn't hire someone who lies.

 

Refuse to take the test.. you just profiled yourself.. the type to refuse to take the test usually fall in one type of profile.

[LittlePrince]

Why would you want to do that ??

 

If you are not the right person for the job it will show and you will be not happy.

The tests are for matching positions with people who will excel and be happy in those positions and if you lie you waste your time and the employers.

 

and... those tests are also better than you realize...

 

Normally we have one consultant in our interviews that match the person with the profile before the tests are given.. so if a person tests way different than their interview showed they don't get hired for the simple reason that you wouldn't hire someone who lies.

 

Refuse to take the test.. you just profiled yourself.. the type to refuse to take the test usually fall in one type of profile.

The psych tests aren't even about finding the right person. Employers only want to employ a very particular sort of person with a disposition like those who work in a Disney park if they had their way. It is an unrealistic metric for the majority to live up to so for the rest of us who have to work for a living we'll need to lie. They want yes men who will be ecstatic with any sht slung their way. Many times they can't get their way which is great for us schlubs. Keeps us in the running. This forces them to pick the closest fit. This is where lying comes in and can mean the difference between the bread line or gainful employment.

 

Fooling the interviewer is easy and many times they never even saw the results from the psych eval. The only info they have on you are the basics especially at the hourly wage level of employment.

 

Employment isn't about happiness. It is about a paycheck. Happiness is what you have a crack at in your off hours.

[Art_Critic]

The psych tests aren't even about finding the right person.

 

In my case they are.. I'm an employer that uses them to find the right person for the job..

My whole company is filled with people who have taken them and been matched to make sure they are the right kind of person to fill the position..

Most of my employees have over 20 years of tenor.. many up to 30 years..

 

For example.. in accounting.. receivables.. you want a certain personality that is trustworthy and has certain traits to clerical needs that are part of the job.

[Art_Critic]

Employment isn't about happiness. It is about a paycheck. Happiness is what you have a crack at in your off hours.

 

Goodluck.. you will find it hard to get a job worth being happy in with that attitude..

[LittlePrince]

Goodluck.. you will find it hard to get a job worth being happy in with that attitude..

I'll have plenty of company. It is called the human condition.

[LittlePrince]

In my case they are.. I'm an employer that uses them to find the right person for the job..

My whole company is filled with people who have taken them and been matched to make sure they are the right kind of person to fill the position..

Most of my employees have over 20 years of tenor.. many up to 30 years..

 

For example.. in accounting.. receivables.. you want a certain personality that is trustworthy and has certain traits to clerical needs that are part of the job.

Many people I work with have been around for double digits. If we used profiling to determine their suitability they would fail yet in practice they are the best people for the job.

[SarahRose]

Those kinds of jobs don't pay a livable wage. That's why college students can handle those jobs because they have parents who pay their rent.

 

I thought you were looking for a part time job until you finish your studies?

 

Isn't any income better than no income?

[SarahRose]

Why would you want to do that ??

 

If you are not the right person for the job it will show and you will be not happy.

The tests are for matching positions with people who will excel and be happy in those positions and if you lie you waste your time and the employers.

 

and... those tests are also better than you realize...

 

Normally we have one consultant in our interviews that match the person with the profile before the tests are given.. so if a person tests way different than their interview showed they don't get hired for the simple reason that you wouldn't hire someone who lies.

 

Refuse to take the test.. you just profiled yourself.. the type to refuse to take the test usually fall in one type of profile.

 

 

Have you taken your own test?

 

Really I have to chuckle at your seemingly dependence on a test to find the best candidate. You are profiling yourself as someone who has poor judgement when using your own brain and instincts.

 

Are potential employees allowed to test you and do background checks on you?

 

I recall years ago working in a manufacturing setting having to administer those types of tests to the existing guys out in the plant. Over 70 percent of them failed the test. These are men who had been there 20 to 30 years.

 

In your world, would you have fired all of them?

 

What the director did was get rid of the test and go about business as usual. It was a costly experiment and a waste of company dollars.

[Art_Critic]

Have you taken your own test?

 

 

Of course... and others as well.. deeper more intensive

 

Really I have to chuckle at your seemingly dependence on a test to find the best candidate. You are profiling yourself as someone who has poor judgement when using your own brain and instincts.

 

 

While you are chuckling my company is enjoying it's 34th year in business and this year we are slating almost 25% in growth.

 

What does that tell you ?.. with the worst economy in over 50 years.. we are here thriving and hiring..

 

Where in this thread did I say we use the test exclusively.. I will say though that we will NOT hire someone who isn't the right fit.. profile or not.

 

Are potential employees allowed to test you and do background checks on you?

 

They do if they are smart...

But I will tell you that after 34 years in my type of business I can tell you that our reputation precedes us..

Normally they already know who we are...

 

 

I recall years ago working in a manufacturing setting having to administer those types of tests to the existing guys out in the plant. Over 70 percent of them failed the test. These are men who had been there 20 to 30 years.

 

In your world, would you have fired all of them?

 

Testing is part of the HIRING process.. so firing someone for not passing is well.. kinda N/A

 

What the director did was get rid of the test and go about business as usual. It was a costly experiment and a waste of company dollars.

 

Good for them..

 

Our company isn't run by patterning off of someone else..

We do what works for us..

We have had people retire after being here 30+ years and at least 75% of our work force has a 20+ year tenor..

 

What we do works..

Edited June 18, 2012 by Art_Critic

[Leigh 87]

Without a degree, for a women, it is extremely difficult to get a job.

 

Guys have it easier; they do not have to get a degree, and instead, they can get licenses for heavy machinary ( baco's, escavators, trucks). Men can have a comfortable living with these non degree types of jobs.

 

.. Then enter the jack of all trades - men appear to be naturally more apt at fixing practicial probems at home; building and fixing things, for instance.

 

For women, there are courses that last less than a degree does, that get you more skilled employment, rather than basic retail and hospitality/cafe work...

 

- beauty therapy gives u a qualification in one year and in Aus is paid for by the government to some degree if your on government assistence

 

- hospitality, retail, and business admin all have year long courses, and you can then do a management course so you can manage stores.

 

 

Without a degree, if you want to improve your life, and get a degree one day, and a higher skilled job in the meanwhile while you WAIT to get your degree, you NEED to live at home, or be one of those maniacs who not only gets a low wage job that requires no qualifications; but u have to have 2 - 3 jobs, have no life, and only have time to work, and an hour each evening to yourself. If that. Say goodbye to working out daily.

 

So, Write girl - PLEASE take comfort in that you HAVE a degree! Imagine having to DEPEND on those low wage jobs for your entire life!

Many people who mess up their 20's do not get a second shot, at going to school or getting higher qualifications - because they are stuck working 2 - 3 low wage jobs to survive, giving them no time to further their prospects.

 

 

 

.............. I am just trying to help you see the positive in this situation! At least you ave a degree:)

 

...... I screwed up my 20's and life so far wit chronic pot smoking whe I was younger and mental illness. I have long stopped that, and want to get a degree in my early 30's, but the only reason I ave ANY hope of getting a degree or furthering my skills wit those other options I mentioned above - is because I LIVE AT HOME.

 

If I did not live at home, I would be screwed. Living in a 1 room apartment, probably ccleaning toilets for al iving until a " nice" retail or hospitality, minimum wage job came along. There would not BE a time to further my skills, apart from not sleeping so I could study at night. So, work full time, with no sleep ( albiet 2 hours , 3 on rare nights) JUST to pay the bills, and further my skills.

 

 

 

 

.. so. At least u have your degree, and just need to get by until u find a suitable job:)

 

It is near impossible to get a job tese days, but at least you ave more options than a person wit no degree, who is living off of the government.

Edited June 18, 2012 by Leigh 87

[Leigh 87]

BY the way - a few keys on my computer are basically ruined, hence the lack of spelling ( words like have are " ave).

 

LIke many people on this website have assumed, it is the keyboards fault, not because I am seriously uneducated.

 

 

Lastly - even with a degree, it is hard to find work. I can assure you, it is MUCH, MUCH harder without a degree.

 

Just thank god your almost through the degree process. Really.

[SarahRose]

We do what works for us..

We have had people retire after being here 30+ years and at least 75% of our work force has a 20+ year tenor..

 

What we do works..

 

So you are based solely in the US?

I have to give you credit for creating jobs that are so badly needed.

 

I have to ask what is so interesting about your company/product that people want to work there for decades?

[writergal]

I thought you were looking for a part time job until you finish your studies?

 

Isn't any income better than no income?

 

Well, those types of jobs you mentioned don't pay a livable wage and all require those online assessment tests. My goal is to find a suitable temp job that pays between $12-20 an hour. I'm going to attend job fairs, and continue to bombard employers with my resume and cover letter. Like a previous poster mentioned, finding a job is like a part-time or full-time job. All I can do is try. I can't control the outcome, just the effort I put into finding a job. I can't work in the fall as I'll be teaching in a classroom for 3 months (un-paid) then in the spring will be writing my masters thesis (which my program requires us to base on an aspect of our student teaching. Mine is going to be on literacy in the classroom since I'm a language arts licensure).

[writergal]

BY the way - a few keys on my computer are basically ruined, hence the lack of spelling ( words like have are " ave).

 

LIke many people on this website have assumed, it is the keyboards fault, not because I am seriously uneducated.

 

 

Lastly - even with a degree, it is hard to find work. I can assure you, it is MUCH, MUCH harder without a degree.

 

Just thank god your almost through the degree process. Really.

 

No worries about the keys. My laptop is the same way with some letters. So half the posts I write make me appear illiterate.

 

I agree. After I finished ranting about college level algebra (the major hurdle to my license), I decided to he** with it. I've got to pass that da*n test or I will never forgive myself because I"ll have worked hard for nothing. I will pass it. It's like Scarlett O'Hara said but I'm more nonviolent about math.

[SarahRose]

Without a degree, for a women, it is extremely difficult to get a job.

 

Guys have it easier; they do not have to get a degree, and instead, they can get licenses for heavy machinary ( baco's, escavators, trucks). Men can have a comfortable living with these non degree types of jobs.

 

.. Then enter the jack of all trades - men appear to be naturally more apt at fixing practicial probems at home; building and fixing things, for instance.

 

I don't know why this myth keeps being perpetuated but it simply isn't true. Men aren't any better at those types of jobs. The myth is social conditioning. You could certainly become a truck driver or work in a mine on heavy equipment or in construction.

 

For women, there are courses that last less than a degree does, that get you more skilled employment, rather than basic retail and hospitality/cafe work...

 

- beauty therapy gives u a qualification in one year and in Aus is paid for by the government to some degree if your on government assistence

 

- hospitality, retail, and business admin all have year long courses, and you can then do a management course so you can manage stores.

 

these are the pink ghetto jobs and women should avoid them like the plague you ever want to make money and be successful.

 

Without a degree, if you want to improve your life, and get a degree one day, and a higher skilled job in the meanwhile while you WAIT to get your degree, you NEED to live at home, or be one of those maniacs who not only gets a low wage job that requires no qualifications; but u have to have 2 - 3 jobs, have no life, and only have time to work, and an hour each evening to yourself. If that. Say goodbye to working out daily.

 

without the right degree

you are more likely to get a decent secure job if you get a degree in one of the STEM areas and women are needed.

 

and my keyboard has a bunch of keys on the blink lol