[solitude_is_bliss]

18F/FL and I've been actively seeking a job for 2-going on 3-years now. Everyone tells me to keep applying ... So I did and its not working. Marshalls and Publix never fell through, they did the same thing Rainbow did.

I applied to Rainbow again and was led to believe I finally got it. I applied on October 5th. I called and went up there every day for 8 days and was finally promised an interview by both managers. Then weeks of silence passed… I tried to call and check in but nothing worked. She was always on vacation or on sick leave. I took this as a polite rejection and began to apply to other areas.

October 31st, I received a call at 4:30pm but missed it unfortunately. I don’t have a valid excuse for missing the call, I was simply asleep because I wasn’t expecting it. I was able to reach the hiring manager on November 5th, to which she asked for a copy of my ID and SSN which I provided that exact same day. She was ecstatic I had turned them in early and I noticed she had three other folders on the counter. I asked her about them and she said they were the other applications she was going through, but not to worry because she knew I really wanted to work here and personally wanted me on her team.

She gave me an employee pamphlet and some rules to review in order to speed up the interview process. I completed the packet turned it the very next day, to which I was told by the assistant manager that she was out sick until November 16th and hadn't gotten around to the check… I haven't received a call at all. I called back Dec 2nd and got in contact with the other manager who said they were still performing the background check?? However, they would not be hiring anyone after Dec 10th.

I had an interview at Applebees Nov 21 that went smoothly and was told to call back Monday so they could proceed with the second round. Before that I needed to fill out a personality survey that would be emailed to me. They never sent the survey and are not hiring anymore.

I feel distraught and trapped… I don’t know how I keep letting myself get led on like this. I don't have any warrants, charges, or tickets. I know my record is clear and I just don't understand why its taking this long. Should I just write this off as a loss?

If I'm unable to get a source of income I won't be able to attend college. Not, I can go next semester or next year, I will not be able to attend for the next 2-3 years. I have to move out when my sister graduates (6-7mo) so I will be homeless soon as well. Can I tell them this? I've tried the approach of being sweet and polite but I haven't gotten a response. I'm starting to feel desperate.

[Skeezyks]

Hello solitude_is_bliss: (I'm sorry... I don't know what 18F/FL is.) I'll just mention that, prior to retiring, I was a vocational rehabilitation counselor. So I guess this is sort-of up my alley, as the saying goes, although I will say that it's been quite a while now since I was actively involved in the job market. So I'm not up-to-date with regard to what's happening in the job market today.

I obviously know next to nothing about you. So I can't give you any specific advice. And I don't know where you live, or what the job market is like there. But, if you've been applying for jobs for 2 or 3 years & coming up empty-handed, then my inclination is to say there's something wrong somewhere. I can't know what it is. But something is raising red flags with employers you apply to.

You list your location as being in the U.S. So I assume there must be some sort of state employment services office in your area. Have you had an opportunity to talk with any of those folks? Are there any not-for-profit agencies, or community colleges for example, that offer job seeking skills training classes to the public? Somehow, I would suspect, you're going to have to find someone where you live who is knowledgeable with regard to the job search process. Then you're going to need to sit down with that person & figure out what's going on. At least this is my thinking with regard to your situation as I understand it.

[BadWolfC]

It took me 3 years to get my first job (I was 18). My younger brother is 21 and he still hasn't been able to find one. Depending on where you live, it can be very tough. It sounds like you are doing everything right, so as tough as it is, try not to be too discouraged. The best advice I can give you is to definitely look into a state employment office, they may be able to help you find something.

[winter4me]

Also talk to the school, see if they have any jobs for students who need them.
Is there any place near enough that gives day work? (check with employment office) Generally you show up and get paid for the day, usually unloading trucks or things like that.
It might be worth it to do volunteer work, choose a place you might be able to work in (eg: a health care facility (kitchen, housekeeping, personal caregiver, etc) or other ...
Do you know anyone who runs a small business? (if yes, ask...)
Try restaurants if you haven't---high turnover, generally needing help these days
Widen your search, put out lots of applications....
Hang in there....I know how tough it is