[Ginger]

Thank you all for your advice. I do appreciate it and it has helped me ~

[Batty]

Hah, it makes me feel a bit better that a few others are in my position, too. I have no previous work experience, and I've been applying to places like hell. I've been calling back at least twice a week, etc etc.

Don't give up, Ginger! We both can do itt!

[Hoshi Astarte]

I was in your shoes for quite a long time. I was over-qualified for McDonalds (their words, not mine). But most other places said I didn't have enough experience and would not even bother to call me back. I suggest a few things that might help you. Make sure you are a decent typist and know your way around a computer. Knowing Excel, Quickbooks and/or Microsoft Office will also help. As was stated earlier have total availability including nights, weekends and holidays.

As to making your resume look better, list any groups you were in during high school. Things like sports, A Plus or academics awards are a good thing to mention. Also list volunteer work such as helping at a family business or the public library. Lastly, keep positive, the current economy is not good for jobs so the hunt will likely be extremely difficult. Just keep submitting or asking for applications everywhere you go, even if they are no hiring at the moment. Also look online for jobs, many places do online applications.

[Gallowsraven]

I'm on Jobseeker's allowance right now Ginger, so i know exactly what you're going through, the only plus is because of that allowance i have something to live off in between.

Why don't you try volunteering somewhere? It'll rack you up some experience and keep your days busy at the same time. I did. A local charity shop would probably be glad of the help, and then the big bosses can't turn around and say you've got nothing behind you. It'll also show that you have drive, as you won't be paid to do the work and so it proves that you'll get up and do something instead of just waiting for it to fall in your lap.

Also, have a look at the recruitment agencies and such, their work might not be as regular as you'd like but it'll be something. And do you have a scheme like Jobseekers? (sorry, not sure where you're from) because they'll help you find work as well as you getting something to live off in the meantime, even if it is the bare minimum.

[Saiyouri]

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(｡◕‿◕｡) I'm sorry to hear that Ginger.
My husband lost his job of 5 yrs
with amazing benefits and couldn't
find one for about 3 months. So he
took the easy way out. We didn't
have much money and had to live
off what we did have until he
found a new one. He went to truck
driving school and is doing
amazing in it. He got a job
already and he's only half
way done with the entire schooling.

I know it won't help you but I'm
sure you will find something.
I just hope it doesn't take too
long for you to find something
decent. I'd say you like but with
this economy that is a dream >.>;



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[CupcakeDolly]

Like others have said, you HAVE to put SOMETHING in that previous experience spot on your application. I'm pretty sure employers will just move your application out of the way if you leave that part blank. My mom happened to have a business grooming dogs, and I would help her out at times (or more specifically, be forced to help) for no pay, and I was able to put "assisstant groomer" as my previous job, and said that I had skills in "cleaning, customer assistance, and time management." I'm sure that helped immensely in my getting hired.

Also, like Fey said, make your demands as LOW as possible. Be available to work nights, weekends, whatever you need to, and don't ask for a ridiculous amount of money starting off. When asked what I would like to be paid, I said $5 an hour, which is technically less than they are forced to legally pay you now anyway.

Don't give up! There's stuff out there, you just need to grab it at the right time and never let it go!