Applied for Job -- Attempt #2

[Ammer]

If you remember a topic, I tried applying for a grocery when I was only 15 (Turning 16 in 2-3 months back then) and I was rejected (Hence no call). But now, I found out BlockBuster was hiring and I sent in my resumé today. It looked very busy and it does seem BlockBuster needs help.

I just have a couple questions, it takes around a month at least for jobs to call you back if they want you or something right? And can a job actually dismiss your resumé if they find someone with the exact same qualities but the person is 2-3 years older?

[hyperflutterby]

I just have a couple questions, it takes around a month at least for jobs to call you back if they want you or something right? And can a job actually dismiss your resumé if they find someone with the exact same qualities but the person is 2-3 years older?

I don't know how long it usually takes them to call you back because I have never had a retail job (all of my jobs were family run, so I walked in, asked to see the boss, they talked to me and called me back in a couple days).

As far as the age... this gets a little iffy. Arguably no. But it can make a difference if you have adequate transportation and more flexible work hours (things the older person is more likely to have). It also makes a difference if you are applying for a job that requires an adult for whatever reason (perhaps the sale of liqour or tabacco).

[shapu]

Most people apply for 9 jobs for every one they get, or something along those lines. So don't be surprised if it takes you a while to find gainful employment. Don't get down, either - because the economy in both the US and Canada is a bit sluggish, more people are looking for work than are hiring. Thus, you have unemployment.

That said, it doesn't usually take a month for employers to call you back - at least not here in the states. It's usually closer to a week. That gives them ample time to go over resumes and applications, and to decide if they want to interview certain candidates.

When it comes to interviews, one key is to dress one step up from the standard dress code for a job. If you're applying for a job that requires a necktie or button-down shirt to work at, go to the interview in a suit and tie.

If it's a job that requires polo shirts (like Blockbuster), then go to interviews wearing a shirt and tie, but no suit coat.

If it's a job that involves wearing a T-shirt, go in a polo shirt and slacks. Make sure that in all cases, you're wearing a belt. Belts should be the same color as your shoes, and your shoes should never be a lighter color than your pants (so, brown pants = brown shoes and belt, black or grey pants = black shoes and belt, very light brown pants = black or brown shoes and belt).

Best of luck.

And can a job actually dismiss your resumé if they find someone with the exact same qualities but the person is 2-3 years older?

Forgot this one.

Yes, they can. You're not a protected age group until your 60 or older. Until then, they may prefer slightly older people. On the whole, 18-19 year olds are a more responsible group than 16-year-olds. That doesn't have anything to do with you as a person, but it's just a general case. For Blockbuster it shouldn't matter too much, but for other places it's a big deal.

[Kuri]

Unfortunately I think that they can hire someone older than you with the exact same qualities.

See I'm in an unusual position. I was hired at the local racetrack for the Novelty Stand manager. I'm 17. They ended up hiring someone in their 30's to help me just under a year after they hired me. I have seniority over her, because I'm the manager, but she doesn't like having to listen to me. I'm quite certain that if we had applied at the same time, our jobs would be reversed.

Also it took me about a month to hear back about my application and stuff. So it can take a month.

Good luck! I hope you get the job.

[Ammer]

Thanks everyone for the advice. And I'm sure going to take Shapu's dressing advice. Thanks guys.

[Charisma]

Most people apply for 9 jobs for every one they get, or something along those lines. So don't be surprised if it takes you a while to find gainful employment. Don't get down, either - because the economy in both the US and Canada is a bit sluggish, more people are looking for work than are hiring. Thus, you have unemployment.

That said, it doesn't usually take a month for employers to call you back - at least not here in the states. It's usually closer to a week. That gives them ample time to go over resumes and applications, and to decide if they want to interview certain candidates.

When it comes to interviews, one key is to dress one step up from the standard dress code for a job. If you're applying for a job that requires a necktie or button-down shirt to work at, go to the interview in a suit and tie.

If it's a job that requires polo shirts (like Blockbuster), then go to interviews wearing a shirt and tie, but no suit coat.

If it's a job that involves wearing a T-shirt, go in a polo shirt and slacks. Make sure that in all cases, you're wearing a belt. Belts should be the same color as your shoes, and your shoes should never be a lighter color than your pants (so, brown pants = brown shoes and belt, black or grey pants = black shoes and belt, very light brown pants = black or brown shoes and belt).

Best of luck.

And can a job actually dismiss your resumé if they find someone with the exact same qualities but the person is 2-3 years older?

Forgot this one.

Yes, they can. You're not a protected age group until your 60 or older. Until then, they may prefer slightly older people. On the whole, 18-19 year olds are a more responsible group than 16-year-olds. That doesn't have anything to do with you as a person, but it's just a general case. For Blockbuster it shouldn't matter too much, but for other places it's a big deal.

OMG I can't believe you know those dress rules . You don't know how many guys I've seen with belts and shoes that don't match . I wasn't aware of the "shoes can't be a shade lighter than pants" though, maybe causes I don't think that applies for us girls, I don't follow it all the time anyhow.

Sorry about that. Good luck with the job hunt , and hopefully you like where you end up. Don't be scared to apply for something that may seem a little bit out of your league as well. Who knows, they may be looking to give work experience and it may be something that will help you with your future career choice.

[shapu]

OMG I can't believe you know those dress rules . You don't know how many guys I've seen with belts and shoes that don't match . I wasn't aware of the "shoes can't be a shade lighter than pants" though, maybe causes I don't think that applies for us girls, I don't follow it all the time anyhow.

Having never worn anything but mens' clothing, I have no idea what the rules are for girls. Actually, I don't know if there even ARE rules for women when it comes to dressing for interviews, but that's simply because I've never bothered to find out.

[Medusa]

And can a job actually dismiss your resumé if they find someone with the exact same qualities but the person is 2-3 years older?

I believe they are allowed to do this, age may imply more experience which will be the edge they have on you if you have exactly the same qualities listed in the resumé. Alternatively, if you've never had a job before and neither have they, you might have the edge because their age and lack of job experience reflects badly on them. It really depends what the employer is looking for.

I don't know how the wages work in other countries but here in Australia the wages generally increase for every age. As a result of this older people doing part-time or casual work at supermarkets, video stores, restaurants, etc get reduced hours as they get older and they generally bring in younger people to pick up the slack because they have to pay them less. They seem to prefer younger workers where they can place them because it costs them less.

[Jen]

And can a job actually dismiss your resumé if they find someone with the exact same qualities but the person is 2-3 years older?

I would assume they can, since some places say they are equal opritunity empolyers (such as Movie Gallary). So, I'm guessing that is some say they are equal, then the ones that don't say that aren't.

Make sence? Not likely.

[Istanbullfrog]

Alot of transitional retail places down here (places that often shift entire staff every 6 months) WANT students, because the student wage is lower than adults. So I don't think at blockbuster or other starting jobs, that you'd be rejected for an older teen.

It really is all about perseverence and your attitude when you drop off the resume. I never do less than 10 at a time and I treat everybody with the same respect, regardless of whether I think they are a cashier, sales associate or manager.

[Jenna!]

In a couple days, call back and ask if anyone got the job. Its proven that this is a big deciding factor, to show you are really interested in it.

[Jen]

In a couple days, call back and ask if anyone got the job. Its proven that this is a big deciding factor, to show you are really interested in it.

I would kind of think that would make you not get the job, because I would take it as rude. "Hey did I get this job? I gotta make sure I'm not double booked here!"

[shapu]

It's all in how you say it.

If you're going to call in about the position, which you probably should, the best way to do it is ask for the general manager of the store. If they're not in, call back later.

Just ask him or her, "I applied for [x position] a couple of days ago, and I wanted to know the status of my application." Simple as that. It sounds professional, and it lets them know that you're really interested.

Really, you should wait about one business week before calling. Say, 4-6 business days?

[Jenna!]

In a couple days, call back and ask if anyone got the job. Its proven that this is a big deciding factor, to show you are really interested in it.

I would kind of think that would make you not get the job, because I would take it as rude. "Hey did I get this job? I gotta make sure I'm not double booked here!"

Lol! You would say it like, "I applied for the job of suchandsuch a couple days ago and I am wondering if the position has been filled yet."

My brother called in when he applied for a job someplace and they said he was on a list of a lot of people but he got the job because he called back.

[werepup]

It really depends on how organised and how desperate they are for the help. There may be more than one position opening up, so you may be offered another job.

Why not try applying for more than one job at a time? Then when you hear back from them, choose the one you would like best.