[TheBoredOne]

I've been filling out job applications online since around May, I've got some back and they said they only want to hire people with 10 years experience. 75% of the ones I've gotten back between May and now keep saying that. But, for me to of have had 10 years of experience I would have had to of been working since I was 6+ years old... This makes no sense. Even ones for working at stores, loading and unloading packages, that I've been applying to say this. Is this normal?

[Moogieotter]

Hey,

Sorry you are struggling. Some jobs will have that much experience as a requirement. Can you share a few postings for examples? Or maybe describe your ideal job and how you meet the qualifications. I'm happy to help.

moogs

[Altarian]

Sadly ya many places have went to this 10 year experience thing to see how dedicated you are to a job. Some use it to weed out those who are job jumpers thinking that if you have had many jobs in 10 years you won't be a good employee without actually looking into why a person has this. I'm sorry you are having a hard time finding a place that doesn't do this.

[yunomi]

i can relate. I think some employers are freaking unrealistic. Depends on what kind of job but yea mostly they require me to have years of experience, certain degree although its not related to the job, etc or i will be stuck in ****** job with less than 100$ monthly for the rest of my life. Good thing i have other skills to get better job and salary to leave this place lol.

[mindwrench]

Originally Posted by TheBoredOne

I've been filling out job applications online since around May, I've got some back and they said they only want to hire people with 10 years experience. 75% of the ones I've gotten back between May and now keep saying that. But, for me to of have had 10 years of experience I would have had to of been working since I was 6+ years old... This makes no sense. Even ones for working at stores, loading and unloading packages, that I've been applying to say this. Is this normal?

Entry level positions should not expect you to have 10 years work history, especially when your right at the age most people get their first job. If you are 16 or 17 then the some jobs will be out of reach until you hit 18 for various insurance reasons. I would hit up the grocery stores for carryout positions, and also restaurants for dish washing and bussing, waiting tables. The way the economy is and with so many educated and seasoned workers displaced into lower range jobs it makes it tough for a person just entering the market to get something real good right away.

I know a few people that started entry level in places like grocery stores and never left. They are department managers, store managers and assistant managers now.

Are you done with high school or looking to work part time along side it? Have you done any vocational training in your high school if they offer it?
You might consider a votech program with job placement just to get rolling.

[seesaw]

I think if you don't have 10 years of experience and you are looking at jobs that require 10 years experience then you are looking at jobs that you potentially don't qualify for and in your cover letter you should address why you think your less than 10 year experience is sufficient for the position.

What kind of jobs are you applying for that require 10 years of experience? Typically those are managerial positions that require supervising other employees and have budgetary responsibilities, in my experience.

Having 10 years of experience does not mean having spent 10 years at one company. It means having a work history in the field of 10 years. I have worked for maybe 7 companies in the past 15 years, each time moving on to a promotion and staying longer and longer at each company, and I qualify for jobs that require 10 years of experience or more. In my industry 2-3 years in one position is fairly typical so it doesn't raise an eye brow. Depending on your industry they may expect more longevity in a position.

So tell us what kind of jobs you are applying for and your experience. That will help us advise you.

Good luck,
Seesaw

[eyesclosed]

I feel your frustration in 2008 I the place I worked at for 18 yrs closed and the job before that I worked at for 6 yrs, but I worked heavy manufacturing and the 24 yrs actually works against me because of age and wear and tear. Some temp services wouldn't let u apply if u had no job in a year. So the job market is what is allowing them to do it. If Unemployment was really at 6.9% you would have no problem but they go by how many people are collecting unemployment toss in the peoplr who don't have benifets left the people who just gave up and sdd its more like 25% where I live

[hvert]

Employers have really unrealistic expectations nowadays. They want you to have experience but also be willing to work for introductory wages... and then they complain that no one qualified applies...