Summer break

[floralcloud]

I've been out of school and trying to apply to every job I can find. My friends in Columbia keep telling me that the economy is crazy right now, that it is very difficult to find a job. I have applied to a bunch of grocery stores, pharmacies, etc. but nobody has called me back yet. I am really hoping to make some money over the summer so I will

Comments

[valkyrie_chan]

Have you tried calling back the places you applied and asked about the status of your application and if you can meet the manager? You'd be surprised how much that helps. Meeting the manager is especially important. Once they see how polite, eloquent, and well-presented you are, they are going to want to set up an interview with you.

[floralcloud]

Do you have any advice on how to go about doing it? Like, how long I should wait before calling back or how integrate wanting to meet the manager with my applications status? Thanks

[valkyrie_chan]

Sure. Every time I put in an application, I ask if the manager has time to meet with me so that I can introduce myself. If you put in an application at a time that isn't super busy, it's usually not a problem and a lot of times they will interview me on the spot/or immediately schedule an interview with me.

I'd wait a week before calling back, but if they keep ignoring you, just go up there and be all, "I put in an application ___ days/weeks ago. I was wondering if I find out about the status of my application and talk to the manager about scheduling an interview."

If you're too pushy, sure, they won't hire you. But they probably wouldn't have hired you anyway, in that case. I think most people in business like to see young people with initiative. The way I think of it is that managers aren't too concerned with hiring for shitty part time jobs. So don't worry about being a pest, just worry about getting yourself hired.

[floralcloud]

Do you go and try to meet the manager in person, or over the phone?