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| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| defboat |
Posted - May 22 2011 : 10:39:06
Anyone have any suggestions on what to put on a job application when you have absolutely no experience?
After almost a year trying to find a full time admin / data entry / secretarial position in my area, I'm having no luck. I've decided to change directions and apply for any food / cafeteria type job in my area. I'm a great cook and love the atmosphere of a kitchen / cafeteria. Also, this would keep my weekends hopefully, clear for boating.
I need any advice or suggestions anyone can offer because most of the jobs require experience and I have nothing but 'life' experience in a kitchen.
Thank you! |
| 9 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Flutterby |
Posted - Jun 26 2011 : 18:02:57
Well, best of luck. Keep on doing what your doing and stay positive. It isn't YOU, it's the economy. It takes hundreds of resumes, but only one "yes"!!!!! It will happen. I hope sooner rather then later, for your sake.
Visualize that perfect job; it will eventually happen.
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| defboat |
Posted - Jun 26 2011 : 11:06:06
quote:
Originally posted by Flutterby
defboat, how's the job hunting going????
Thanks for asking! I haven't had time to lurk at my fav website here. Two 'interviews' a phone one which never even got that far! She emailed back & sorry that she didn't call and I emailed back and said no problem, anytime, but nothing since! An interview last week and didn't get the job.
I'm with 6 agencies and tested at 77 wpm and data entry at 98, 99 and 100% accuracy and nothing, they all say basically the same thing, no jobs out there.
I have to start the 'food' resume and an RO here, in HR, said he would help and gave me some tips to start, but I haven't had time for the start yet. I will have to make time for that. No time for boating either between the weather, etc. But thanks for thinking of me! |
| Flutterby |
Posted - Jun 23 2011 : 18:30:03
defboat, how's the job hunting going????
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| oneillch |
Posted - May 24 2011 : 12:02:20
Your volunteering for the pot lucks and being the social director, kitchen crew, etc. showed that you had "Strong interpersonal skills" and "The ability to work in a team environment." DO NOT OFFER information that isn't requested, such as your age, the year you graduated or your salary. Stating that you worked at a volunteer organization immediately flags that you weren't paid. For example, you could list your job at the Power Squadron like this:
Power Squadron, New Castel, NH (1995 - Present)
Secretary responsible to.......
The point of the resume is to get you in the door for an interview. If you're at an interview and asked about salary, then you can let them know that was a position where you had the opportunity to give back to the community by volunteering and be sure to stress your importance and accomplishment within the organization.
Lady C |
| BornToBoat |
Posted - May 24 2011 : 08:11:24
I used to work for a staffing agency. I agree with the previous suggestions.
I suggest starting your resume with a "Skills" section. You can get creative and follow that with a Challenges and Resolutions section. Show some of the things you have been able to accomplish.
You are really in the same situation as a recent grad, only you are more mature. Your experience on interviews for the past year may give you valuable insight into how those companies you interviewed for work.
One very important insight. Everyone on a job interview claims that they are a "quick learner" when faced with a skill or experience requirement that they don't have. Hiring managers pretty much ignore the claims of a "quick learner". You have to substantiate the claim if you make it. For example, "I am a quick learner. I was helping a volunteer organization once, and there was no one there to process (whatever) on the ecomputer. I spent a bit of time navigating the system and was able to pocess (whatever), and I ended up training 3 other people on how to do it." You have to substantiate whatever you claim as a skill in terms that the hiring manager can see the value of you within their organization.
Good luck! |
| defboat |
Posted - May 23 2011 : 18:54:26
quote:
Originally posted by Flutterby
You have plenty of experience at a multitude of "jobs", you just haven't been paid for any of them!!!!
Besides cooking, I bet you have managed a budget; made purchasing decisions for [kitchen/household/???]. You may have managed the care and maintenance of appliances, vehicles, etc.
Have you taught anyone how to use a computer? How to use xyz software? By now you may be getting the idea.....
Also, you may have done a lot of volunteering. Think about those activities and work them into job descriptions. Focus on the skills you developed and used, not the "job" title or how much you were paid. Look for jobs which need those skills and create a resume which details these. Putting down volunteer work will not be discounted during an interview.
Also scan through info from Tory Johnson at this link and read what interests you. http://abcnews.go.com/gma/tory_johnson
Best of luck and have confidence in your abilities!!!! Don't sell yourself short and you will do GREAT!
Exactly what I needed - thank you so much!
After being Secretary (volunteer of course) for the Power Squadron for over 16 years, all during that time was volunteering for the pot lucks and being the social director, kitchen crew, etc., etc.
Thank you again. I needed to see it presented like this.
I love this website (when I have time  to keep up with it)
BTW - the boat is splashing FRIDAY - YEAH! |
| oneillch |
Posted - May 23 2011 : 11:33:21
As Flutterby says, don't ever sell yourself short. As a homemaker you have a multitude of experience. Take a look at any of the "entry level" posiitons on the job websites and pull out the "buzz" words in the descriptions. I'm sure that you have many of these "Skills and Abililities" that you could include on your resume.
GOOD LUCK and keep us informed.
Lady C |
| pdecat |
Posted - May 23 2011 : 07:11:24
The above plus you could volunteer at a soup kitchen to gain direct experience and maybe network contacts. |
| Flutterby |
Posted - May 22 2011 : 21:03:03
You have plenty of experience at a multitude of "jobs", you just haven't been paid for any of them!!!!
Besides cooking, I bet you have managed a budget; made purchasing decisions for [kitchen/household/???]. You may have managed the care and maintenance of appliances, vehicles, etc.
Have you taught anyone how to use a computer? How to use xyz software? By now you may be getting the idea.....
Also, you may have done a lot of volunteering. Think about those activities and work them into job descriptions. Focus on the skills you developed and used, not the "job" title or how much you were paid. Look for jobs which need those skills and create a resume which details these. Putting down volunteer work will not be discounted during an interview.
Also scan through info from Tory Johnson at this link and read what interests you. http://abcnews.go.com/gma/tory_johnson
Best of luck and have confidence in your abilities!!!! Don't sell yourself short and you will do GREAT!
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