Finding a part-time job

I have to put college on hold for a year because the program I applied for is full.

I want to find part-time work as a cashier or something similar (bagging groceries...etc). I have limited experience in this line of work.

I visited the Safeway grocery store website and they state that they provide training.

I also visited the Starbucks website but their application requires many professional references which I don't have. In addition, I don't feel comfortable listing my two last employers. I left both jobs due to poor working environment that affected my mental health. My first supervisor didn't like me at all and treated me (and other workers) like absolute crap! My second employer was very nice to me and the other workers but I left the job with only an hours notice. I had a stressful day at work and was on an anti-biotic that blocked the receptor sites in my liver that allow my medication to work properly (and I eventually had a full blown manic episode...not at work). I know the anti-biotic thing sounds odd but my former psychiatrist researched it for me and that is what he found out about this particular anti-biotic and my medication...etc.

My only work experience is in child care and a brief time working as a hospital gift shop cashier. I volunteered at both (no salary).

I do have post secondary education in psychology and child care (but no degree or certificate).

I do have ppl that could give me references such as friends and a previous volunteer supervisor whom I am still in contact with.

Any suggestions on how to make my resume and cover letter more interesting would be most helpful! Or any comments, suggestions...etc.

Zen,

Not sure where you are, but personally, I wouldn't recommend any employment resource centres right now. In the past they had more integrity but currently they are all vying for provinical monies to keep going so they seem to be pushing their services (by the way this competition was happening before the transfering of federal to provincial funding.) There just doesn't seem to be a watch dog for them or a sense of accountability. Unfortunately, it seems to be more about staying afloat than helping clients. There are likely are a few that have maintained their integrity but finding them would be tricky.

You have some wonderful references without mentioning the other two places you have tried to work at. Having seen a number of people's resumes, in my time, I would say yours is as good if not better than many. Mention the skills learned and tools you bring with you from those places and you'll be a winner! You can find on-line places to practice your interview skills too. Heck, you can find on-line how to do your resume too. Let me know if you need any help.

You also now have the personal knowledge about yourself that you didn't have before. I support you!

At Safeway you can go into a store and fill in a application form and just offer the two volunteer positions as reference. They may or may not ask you for a resume. If they do you can have it ready to give to them. Give your volunteer references, a heads-up, that they may be receiving a call. Let me know if you need any help.

Have you taken a Foods course? I think they are about $50. Gives you a bit of edge. Also, what about taking first aid training? I think you can do it in one day and it also shows them you are taking the initiative.

Also, just wondering if you would enjoy working in a less high profile environment. Those coffee shops are frequented by some fairly intense caffeine addicts , who can be quite demanding at times . (I take about two coffees a week, presently, and that is quite enough for me. Heehee Or, are there some smaller coffee shops around that may have more people coming in for the ambiance and maybe a bite to eat rather than those intense coffee only shops

Hope this helps some.

H

What are you taking at school, if you care to share?

I have heard that both Target and Costcos are good places for part time employees to work. Unfortunately most places are going to inquire about your work history. If asked why you left the other jobs, it is best to leave out your personal feelings about your boss or fellow employees and just state that you felt not suitible for the environment you worked in. No blame but factually acurate, most employers will be smart enough not to push for details beyond that.

I am looking for part time work myself and applied at the local target and best buy

Good Luck Zen!!

TJ

Hi Hunny

Interesting that you should mention employment agencies! My college counselor is sending me a list of agencies that are suited to ppl with disabilites. My only disability is bipolar 1 and PTSD. I also consider being on 4 different medications that make me sleepy a disability . You are Canadian as well ... right? I could PM you the agencies website addresses and see what you think of them?

I have learned how to do a proper interview when I was in a psy daytime program. I just have to research the company...etc. And I am a little apprehensive about applying to the Safeway nearby where I live because some of my neighbors may shop there. And some of them have witnessed my manic episodes. My concern is that they would tell Safeway of my past biazarre behaviours. I am stable now. I am asymptomatic except for my anxiety problems.

I have taken 2 CPR + First Aid courses but my certificates have expired as of this Spring.

As far as my education goes...I didn't complete my BA in PSY but took many senior level PSY courses...etc. I took a child care program and got a GPA of 3.8 for the first semester. Currently, I am waiting till October to apply for the program that is closed...office medical assistant.

Thank-you for your support Hunny!!

Zen,

Regarding the local employment agencies that support people with disablilities, well it's more about you and what you think and feel, Zen.

Seems like you are checking out a number of options by talking to your college counsellor. Sure, PM me the websites but I'm not sure what province you are in so I may not be able to comment. I am not trying to downplay your psychological disability Zen, but I have worked with numerous people over the years who have taken meds of various kinds of things and they didn't report ahead of time. That being said I have no knowledge of the degree of your concerns.

I would definately investigate before I walked through the doors of any employment agency catering to people with disabilities. Some cater to developmental disabilites, psychological and physical disabilities and I think they have their focus.

They still are in competition with each other. This doesn't make any one of them necessarily better, as we know. One thing I'd be sure to ask them for, is their 'Code of Ethics' and how they would support you through that code. They are supposed to publicly post their Code of Ethics at their place of buisiness or on their website but I know many don't. Some of them don't even have a Code of Ethics. They are trying to rectify this but it will take some time.

You might do better at a position that is a little less stressful. What about applying to a store in the mall? And, I still think using your volunteer references is your best option. The paid positions may be mentioned or you can just mentioned what you learned from them.

Zen, I'm not sure what you mean by 'closed' but with your self-knowledge, education and desire to find just the right position, I'm sure you'll be good at anything you try. Your previous jobs were a learning experience. We all take time to learn. Be gentle on yourself about what happened or what happens work-wise, in the future.

Looking forward to hearing how it goes for you.

H.

If anyone has anymore great ideas I would appreciate them all!!