I look for jobs every day but there is literally nothing for people in my area like me who pretty much just got out of high school and need a first job. The ones that do show up I apply for, follow up on (i got an interview once) but then of course am not hired at. (otherwise I wouldn't be so frustrated...)

[lost_inthecrowd]

I can understand--I just got out of college and things are not looking all that sparkly out there lol. I'm just getting involved with some volunteering and will see what can come out of it. Never know if someone else knows something of value, even if it's just a small little thing of a job.

[venusss]

I am in the same situation... and sometimes I feel like throwing rocks through fancy windows of Office parks or the government's headquarters... j/k.

But I really really hate the situation.

[splitimage]

I don't know how it works where you are, but up here there are gov't employement agencies specifically for youth. The age range they help is typically 26-23. They can help with resume workshops, interview skills, additional training, and some even have job listings.

Try checking with whatever agency is responsible for human resources development in your area.

I know finding that first job can be frustrating, but keep at it.

--splitimage

[venusss]

We have the department of employement... but they are kinda unhelpful. They said my CV was fine... they offered my one position, which I had to turn down, because it required speaking Russian fluently (while I have just a basic pasive knowledge). I don't qualify yet for any training (and i have no idea what could actually be any use to me... I've done a tour guide course, which I had to pay for myself...

My other problem is that with my skills (translator/tourguide...) many companies are willing to think of possibly hiring me just on the basic of business deal, where I would enter the contract on my business licence... but if I get the business licence i have to pay for my health insurance (which I do anyways, since I am making money with partime jobs and don't qualify to have it payed by the govt., but as self-employee, I would have to pay twice as much) AND I would have to pay the minimal tax, regardless what I earn...
and I am unable to get some part-time job where the employee would pay my insurance... you have to have a special training for a waitress... I searched all shopping malls in the Prague and no, they do not want sales-clerks... Than, I feel I would be just wasting time if I went as aupair somewhere or worked in supermarket in 12 hour shifts... I need to gain relevant experience... I am not really that young anymore...

[Timgt5]

I think part of the problem is that high unemployment has driven people to taking entry level jobs, that would not have applied for them in the past, which then drives those seeking their first jobs out of the workplace altogether. There is some good advice here. While joining Americorps or something similar may be a voluntier thing, it can gain you some good experiance on the resume. The other advantage of voluntiering is that it can create a good networking opportunity, letting you meet people that may know if their companies have positions that are not being advertised.

I agree with alot that's said here. I remember when back in the day if you lost your job, you could always rely on a temp agency to find you an assignment, those days seem gone it seems. I hate to say it, but they have NOT been of any help to me as many as I'm siged up with. The jobs I apply for alot don't have ways to contact them. Alot is asked to send your resume and if your skills and qualifications match, you'll get a phone call. I haven't received any phone calls. I've followed up with some retail places, and I get the runaround. There seems to be a lack of communication between the hiring managers. One says one thing, one says the other, sort of thing. I think employers need to look and see how the job seekers are being treated, not fairly. Of course on their end, it's easy for the job seeker to just send the resume, convenient for them, then what happens from there you know? Of course they get hundreds of resume's possibly, but then there has to be a better system in place. I just don't know what that is. I just don't think it's fair that I was born here in the US, and people that are coming here taking jobs from us/me. Anyone with half a brain knows the cost of living and everything else is high, one can'tmake it on $8/hr. Then there's been empty office buildings sitting year after year, for lease, why not put jobs there, no a retail store will go there, good grief!

[Hunny]

How's the job search Kaika? Any leads on a volunteer position?

Hunny