Student Failing Miserably to find Employment

Tabasco

(That's a cliche title, I know.)

I'm a full time university student who's spent the last two summers (and it looks, so far, like this Christmas) failing miserably to find employment. I know I'm not unique in this, and I don't blame employers for not hiring me since I've basically no experience except some odd work now and then.

As well as the occasional short term paid job, I've tried to spend the time I've been unemployed working as a volunteer, in charity shops and things. Last summer I hoped that would pay off but I found absolutely nowhere willing to hire me despite dropping in hundreds of CVs, sending emails and calling places. I don't expect a good job and I realise it's a bad time to be looking, but I really need to find something for this Christmas.

What I want (if you can) is advice. Is there a better way for me to go than dropping my meager CV into every business I can find and crossing my fingers? Should I be targeting anywhere in particular? How should I call back to the places I drop it in to? Should I do that at all?

My only explanation for failing so completely to mostly even get an email telling me I didn't get the job, let alone an interview, is that I'm doing something really wrong, I'm just not sure what it is. If you need more details about anything, feel free to ask.

I should also say, if it makes a difference, that I live close to Dublin.

Thanks for reading!

sylphlv

McDonald's.

Mrs OBumble

You need to work your relationships.

Who do you know who works somewhere that might hire a student?
I know, you're going to say "no one".
But that's the wrong answer. You do know some people, but maybe you don't know that they can help you - yet.

Systematically tell / ask everyone you know:
I'm looking for work (and say what sort, eg part time / weekend / summer, etc - make it what you are looking for now)
Do you know anyone who hires people for this sort of job?
You do? Would you be able to recommend me to them? Or give me any tips about how the process works?
You don't? That's fine. Can you keep me in mind if you happen to run into anyone?


Make a list of people who you're going to approach: there's no point having the same conversation with the postman every day! Use it to track your progress.

Start with the most likely people, but branch out to pretty much everyone you know, and then everyone who your parents / friends / neighbours know. That said, don't hassle people who are likely to have every single person in the world asking them - with these ones, you need to develop the relationship a bit, and then ask them in a more natural way.

Also, change your pitch to suit what you do know about the person you're talking to, eg if they work in a supermarket ask "Does XXX hire people for part time work? How can I apply? would you be able to put in a good word for me?". But the key points are to tell them what you're looking for, and to specifically ask them to help you.

on_my_oe

What are you studying? Could you target also companies that specialise in your area? Some companies might be grateful of your skills, but unable to take on a full time employee.

toadfly

Smyths, Tesco, Dunnes, Penneys etc all hire extra staff for Xmas. Most would be hired now r in the process so get your CV in now.

Tabasco

Thanks for the replies, sorry for being so slow to respond. I'll take your advice on board.

on_my_oe wrote: »

What are you studying? Could you target also companies that specialise in your area? Some companies might be grateful of your skills, but unable to take on a full time employee.

I study Arts (specifically English and History) so there's not a huge market, unfortunately.

Redser87

Do you have a good grasp of German or French? They would be in demand after mocks time for grinds... could at least bring a bit of cash in, even if it wasn't a contracted job. When I was in UCD there were a fair few jobs for students on campus - Student Ambassadors, working in the cafes and bars, even secretarial work for some of the departments. Could be worth looking into. The Student Ambassador thing was a great gig for anyone who could get it!

Puddleduck

Snap. Im in the same boat except Im 29 and have worked most of my life. Still cant find a job. Apparently evening and weekend jobs are the unicorns of the job market.

compo1

Get somebody to look over your cv to see if it can be improved, if you haven't done so already. Apart from that, network and persist.

Roquentin

like the mod said, if you know someone its beneficial. be nice to everyone but not too nice if you know what i mean......

ScouseMouse

ARGOS always hire around now. Someone I know got a job part time with IKEA, only started this week.

Keep trying !

Gstar123

Hi Tabasco! I'm not sure if this would apply to you but I came across a course in Galway Business school in salthill for a Momentum level 6 Sales Managment, PR, IT & Employ ability skills. I saw a poster for it around the city.. it says it is suitable for people who are actively seeking employment and receiving money from the DSP (not sure if you are or not!!) But it seems like an excellent course as it is free!! They said there was an open night for it on 29th of October.. Might be worth going to

endacl

Gstar123 wrote: »

Hi Tabasco! I'm not sure if this would apply to you but I came across a course in Galway Business school in salthill for a Momentum level 6 Sales Management, PR, IT & Employ ability skills. I saw a poster for it around the city.. it says it is suitable for people who are actively seeking employment and receiving money from the DSP (not sure if you are or not!!) But it seems like an excellent course as it is free!! They said there was an open night for it on 29th of October.. Might be worth going to

Why would a student apply for a course?!?

Gstar123

endacl wrote: »

Why would a student apply for a course?!?

Sorry I did not cop that, woops! Maybe that information will be of relevance to someone reading here!!