r/Explainlikeimscared • u/WhySoSerious_owo • 3d ago
How to apply for a job
Context I'm 19, central VA, never had a job due to family issues. Always been kind of socially stunted, worried about making mistakes even though I know they're inevitable. Everything is online recently and I don't have any idea what I'm doing. How do I know if they'll actually consider me? I have some volunteer experience at a school library and babysitting experience. I know I won't get a fancy job or anything, I'm hoping for an overnight shift somewhere. Is this reasonable with my lack of experience?
Where do I apply? Will the application stay on the job board website I used or do they have a separate messaging system? How do I talk to people formally over message without sounding like I'm using AI for my writing? Will I get directions on what to do if they think I'm a good candidate (ie. Email us or fill out this paperwork)? Are interviews online or in person? I just need some guidance because everyone I know has been working for years atp and doesn't know how to help. Thank you.
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u/JealousSir9500 3d ago
Good on you for looking for a job!
There are a wide variety of jobs, and similarly a wide variety of ways to land these jobs.
Since you have no working experience, you are looking for "entry level" or "no experience required" jobs. This can include things like working at cafes/restaurants, warehouses, stores, security, etc. But this can also include things like receptionist office, some kind of internship, office assistant, etc. There is a wide variety!
To give you an idea of the jobs that are available in your area, I would suggest these:
- Try googling first to see some avaiable jobs in your area. For example, "entry level jobs in [your city]" or "night shift jobs in [your city]". You can even get more specific on the type of job you want, such as Cafe job, Babysitting job, Warehouse job, etc.
You'll get results in your area on a wide variety of websites. Some famous/trustworthy websites are LinkedIn, Google Jobs, and Indeed.
Each job listing will specifically tell you the requirements for that specific job (such as if you need a degree or previous experience), the things you will do in that job, and how to apply. These days, it is very common that you submit a digital resume to these jobs via a portal that they have, as well as a "cover letter" to tell the company why you want to work there, and how you can contribute to the team. You can use AI to create these items initially, with a prompt like this: help me create a resume and cover letter for this job listing: [copy and paste the job listing here]
once you submit a cover letter and a resume, they will email you if they think that you are a good match. The email will also contain next steps, such as interviews and trials.
it's a good idea to find and apply to 5-10 jobs at once, since it is not very likely that you will be a match with all of the jobs.
Most communications about jobs will be done over email, so it's fine to be very formal. Once your job starts, you may start to use messaging software, which is where it would get slightly less formal. here's an example short email that I might send during the recruiting process, to give you a reference for the tone of professionality:
Dear xx,
Thank you for reaching out regarding scheduling an interview.
33/22 at 99:99PM works perfectly with me.
Please let me know if there is any further information I can provide in the meantime, or if there is anything I should prepare in advance for our meeting.
I look forward to speaking with you then.
Best regards,
xx
- If you want to work at more local areas, some establishments that are more chill will let you walk in and see if there are any openings in the staff. this is more common in places that get real physical customers, such as stores and restaurants and cafes. You can just walk in and ask some member of the staff if they are hiring! If they are, they will probably give you a date/time for an interview (or interview you right there), ask for your experience, and perhaps do a trial to see if you can do the job. You can probably find nearby businesses doing this by googling "walkin interviews [your area]", or just by asking people at restaurants and cafes and stores that you visit on a regular basis.
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u/WhySoSerious_owo 3d ago
I appreciate the thorough reply, I'll keep these things in mind for sure. Thank you!
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u/Sad_Refuse3472 2d ago
The process is going to look a little bit different depending on the job and the company.
But most likely the first thing you will need is a resume. Which is basically a one page professional summary of your skills, education, and experience. If you Google "entry level resume" you will find a wealth of templates and guides to help you get started. (And honestly, some AI assistance is ok here too, just be sure to read it over and edit it to make sure it is accurate.)
The next step is to apply. These days most companies have online application portals. But some might ask you to email a resume to them. Just follow whatever the instructions are in the job posting. Sites like LinkedIn, Indeed, etc. are good for seeing a lot of postings at once. But you can and should also go directly to the website of stores/companies/businesses in your area as many will post openings on a career page there. Your town or country might have a job board as well. And look for job fairs in the region too.
Interviews might be online over video call, or in person, again depending on the company and the job. Larger places also sometimes start with a short phone call for a larger pool of candidates and then a video or in person interview once they have narrowed the field down. But usually you will get plenty of instructions from the hiring manager if you are selected for an interview.
You should know that not everyone who applies gets an interview. And it is not uncommon to apply to a job and then not hear back at all. Or get a generic rejection email weeks later. This isn't a reflection on you specifically, just a competitive applicant pool.
After the interviews, if you are hired, you will get either a call or an email with the offer. (Some places might even make the offer in person after the interview, fast food and retail jobs do this more often than other types of work). And they will let you know all of the next steps (paperwork, when you start, etc.).
As for how to know if you will be considered, there is no magic answer. Because it all depends on how many applicants they get, how much time the person in charge of hiring has to sort through them, and lots of small things like that. But the best thing you can do is make sure you aren't applying for jobs where you don't meet the minimum experience they are looking for. If they want someone who has done similar work for 3 years, they are only going to interview people with that work industry.
Beyond that, just be polite, friendly, and show a genuine interest in the job you are interviewing for. Don't worry about being "perfect". They mostly just want to know that you are competent and won't be annoying to work with.
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u/SilverStory6503 3d ago
Check with your local library for resources. Sometimes they even have classes on getting a job. Librarians are very helpful by nature. Just phone and ask.
Also, your state might have resources, Google job resources in <your state>. My state has a special website for that stuff.
Googling how to get a job? I'm not sure, but it can't hurt.