A few months ago, I wrote about a detestable retail job I had. Well, I lost that job due to unfortunate circumstances and have spent the last month searching diligently for another source of income to pay for rent and ramen noodles.
Several Web sites appear helpful, but often yield nothing more than an inbox full of annoying requests. Sure, Kroger's might be hiring, but do I need three notifications a day? I guess you get what you ask for, but when it comes to sifting through all of these e-mails, I could spend my spring quarter digging for something worthwhile.
A few of these sites you might be aware of: Columbus Help Wanted, Monster.com, Ohio State's handy-dandy job-finder page or any of the other numerous data-mining sites masquerading as a job-finder.
OSU's Web site was somewhat helpful, and after e-mailing out about 10 copies of my resumé I came across Ohio State Calling. After encouragement from a friend and discouragement from a roommate, I applied and am going to training. What bothers me most is the fact that, although it is not a last-resort, every job I interviewed for ended on terms regarding my availability, experience or connections.
As a student, making time to work is usually a problem. What a college student needs is a steady schedule to fit around their classes, whether or not the shifts are at random. Campus jobs offer this flexibility, but if one ventures off campus he or she probably will not end up as lucky. These employers need wiggle room for one's schedule and without it, they will probably pass on the application.
Sometimes the excuse is given that one does not have proper experience for the job. There is only one problem with that: How are we supposed to gain the experience if no one will give us a chance in the first place? Usually, this is not even a problem though, as possible employers look to college students for fresh new ideas.
The biggest hurdle I found in my job hunt was the fact that I just did not know the right people to push me through the door. Sure, if a friend works somewhere, they can put in a good word for you, but you had better hope the manager likes them. Otherwise, you are on your own. If you can manage a good impression right away, this can be avoided. First impressions boil down to appearance, and if you dress over or under the employer's expectations you are doomed. Smokers might have to spray on cologne in case the employer is an avid non-smoker.
In the end, there is a job to be found buried under a pile of bad impressions and dead-ends. So smile, iron that collared shirt and keep trying. One has more connections then one thinks, talents they thought were useless and a huge university with offices and programs that might not have advertised publicity, but a creative and experiential atmosphere.
Amy Hoover is a junior in journalism. She can be reached at hoover.226@osu.edu.
2008 Woodie Awards
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JPE
posted 3/26/08 @ 4:12 PM EST
I worked full time as an undergrad. It's tough but can be done.
And to the question, "how are we supposed to gain the experience if no one will give us a chance in the first place", the answer is like the rest of us, figure it out on your own. (Continued…)
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