Applying for Jobs

[Magnet]

I think its about time I find a "real" job. I am young and need to start making a little bit of money because I am running out and need to pay for school.

I have had three jobs since I was 18 but havent really had to fill out a real application.

My first was a summer job in my moms office. My second job was at GM which my got me. My third was for a neighbor.

The problem is I have no clue what to put down for some of the answers on the application.

I am currently filling out an application and it asks what my Salary Requirement is. I am applying for hourly pay, part-time employee.

I have no clue what I should put for this. When I worked at GM I was spoiled and made $20+ an hour. I know I am not going to be able to make that much working at a retail store.

So if anyone has any suggestions, please chime in. Like I said I really need to get a job!

 

[Sab]

You mentioned you were going to school. I suggest you consider a job that will earn you experience in your field. For example, a future doctor would do well working in a hospital or as a pharmacist's assistant. A business major might consider a sales position and strive to achieve some sort of top salesman status.

Do whatever bitchwork you can find in your future field and sport that on your resume in a few years. It will open doors.

 

[meesterperfect]

the most important thing is to tell them you'll work any hours.

Today usually a human resources person who knows very little about the job which you are applying will collect a ridiculous amount of applications to justify her own semi useless job then choose one applicant based on some private personal opinion.

good luck

wow 2500

 

[Legzman]

I wanna find a job that pays at least 12 an hour starting out and no fucking random drug testing shit. A test to start is fine, but random, fuck that. Any suggestions?

 

[Magnet]

I wanna find a job that pays at least 12 an hour starting out and no fucking random drug testing shit. A test to start is fine, but random, fuck that. Any suggestions?

General Motors...but good luck trying to get a job there.


Well my major is general studies because I have no clue what I want to do for my career.

I am just trying to apply to a bunch of retail stores (best buy, Dicks Sporting Goods, Academy Sports, Target, etc...) because I need a job.

What does a general employee make there starting out? I think I am just going to put $10 for that answer.

Hopefully in the next year or two I will be off doing a sports administration degree and working an intership for a sports organization, but in the mean time...

 

[Galactic]

I think its about time I find a "real" job. I am young and need to start making a little bit of money because I am running out and need to pay for school.

I have had three jobs since I was 18 but havent really had to fill out a real application.

My first was a summer job in my moms office. My second job was at GM which my got me. My third was for a neighbor.

The problem is I have no clue what to put down for some of the answers on the application.

I am currently filling out an application and it asks what my Salary Requirement is. I am applying for hourly pay, part-time employee.

I have no clue what I should put for this. When I worked at GM I was spoiled and made $20+ an hour. I know I am not going to be able to make that much working at a retail store.

So if anyone has any suggestions, please chime in. Like I said I really need to get a job!

As far as salary requested/required, I have always found it to be perfectly acceptable to say $100/ hr.......nah, I'm fuckin' with ya. Just put down Company Policy......as long as the company policy isn't 2 bucks an hour, you should be fine.

 

[Nester6]

As far as salary requested/required, I have always found it to be perfectly acceptable to say $100/ hr.......nah, I'm fuckin' with ya. Just put down Company Policy......as long as the company policy isn't 2 bucks an hour, you should be fine.

I agree. Just place "company policy." Employers like reliable employees. Say what you mean and mean what you say.
I worked retail many years, loved it. It taught me so much and helped pay for school.
Today I am a professional making big bucks, in part, due to my retail training. FORGET 20 bucks per hour, and when Obama takes over, you'll be taxed beyond belief.

 

[Ceska]

Today usually a human resources person who knows very little about the job which you are applying will collect a ridiculous amount of applications to justify her own semi useless job then choose one applicant based on some private personal opinion.

^^^ Unfortunately this is too often true.
All too often human resources personnel (both internal and external) don't understand the positions well enough. To cover their own butts they try to request (even mandate) everything including the kitchen sink. Poor management will overlook this type of incompetence. This particular piece of info though is often required because it has the added advantage of causing you to expose your bottom line prior to negotiation.

Many try to claim it is there so they can weed out unqualified or overqualified applicants but this is a farce. If this were really their concern, they could just as easily perform this function by stating the range themselves up front.

They should be able to state the salary range of the position. If it is not listed, ask. Then if you are applying, they can assume that you are comfortable with that range. If they are unwilling to state a range, or you are submitting a general application, then the salary can be considered negotiable and you can apply as such.

Therefore, there is no reason why you shouldn't be able to put Neg. (If they like your qualifications you will get a call back anyway) or (if you are still too nervous) submit a range. If the HR staff member / company is willing to reject / pass over the rest of your application for this, you should ask yourself if you really want to work there.

If you still feel you must enter a fixed number (I would not recommend it), ask friends that work there or visit a site like the one below with salary surveys for various positions (including companies such as Target and Best Buy etc..)...

Target Salary Survey
Best Buy Salary Survey

for example...
Target:
Summer Intern $16
Team lead $11
Backroom team $7
Flow team $7.25

As you can see it varies quite a bit. There is no need to unnecessarily limit your negotiating power at the front end. You should be paid what your contribution is worth.

Good luck.

 

[ChefChiTown]

I have no clue what I should put for this. When I worked at GM I was spoiled and made $20+ an hour. I know I am not going to be able to make that much working at a retail store.

So if anyone has any suggestions, please chime in. Like I said I really need to get a job!

My suggestion is to leave it blank and wait until you get interviewed. The only reason that companies put that question on their applications is to weed out the people who ask for too much money. Leave it blank, wait until you get interviewed and, even then, still don't bring it up. Wait until they have interest in hiring you to discuss your pay.

When pay is discussed, don't mention what you made at GM, as this will only make them less likely to hire you. Why? If they are willing to pay you $10/hr (for example) and they know that you made twice that amount while working for GM, they will probably have the attitude that $10 isn't enough to keep you around for very long, as you are used to making more.

Also, while in an interview, when they ask you how much you are looking to get paid, don't answer them. Instead, ask them what they're willing to pay you. They'll probably low-ball you, so when they do, ask for a little bit more than what they are offering, prompting them to "meet you in the middle".

I've never been to a job interview and not been offered a job. I'm not saying that I'm an expert or anything, but my tactics have always worked.

 

[young_guns]

apply online

 

[Wainkerr99]

the most important thing is to tell them you'll work any hours. Today usually a human resources person who knows very little about the job which you are applying will collect a ridiculous amount of applications to justify her own semi useless job then choose one applicant based on some private personal opinion.good luckwow 2500

That is is so often true. The human resources creature that occupies that position - well somebody tell me how the frell he/she got that job - will have zero interest in you, ply you with endless questions, then tell you will be called. Next!!! I noticed a graveyard shift position for Netflix call centre running still after 1 1/2 months. One job. No wonder there's unemployment.

Sadly, also, companies, like for instance ACS who like to boast about how they help people find jobs, only interview so they can show the world how much they supposedly care. They interview for their monthly stats, to show a certain percentage. This gives them tax cuts. Especially now Obama has said he wants to help companies that will employ people. Corporate America couldn't give a fuck about it's own people. No wonder everything is made in China.

They do it routine, just to get through it. Then Mr. round open face with black hair, or Mr Dufus who won't question the system - ever - , or ya babe with boobs, gets the job. Of course fast food jobs are out of the question. Walk into any, for example, Wendy's and you'll see why.

Oregon basic is now $8.40 an hour, by law. Funny enough California's is really low, and a couple of other States. So maybe go $2 more. BE OPEN TO NEGOTIATE ONCE THE INTERVIEW IS ALMOST OVER. The person who negotiates well from a position of strength gets more usually. Don't ever underestimate your worth. Think back carefully on what you did. Then scribble it all down.

Oh, and listen up. What gets you an interview? A cover letter. We woke up in 2008 and found we all need to be literary geniuses. Google cover letters then study 'em.

I went to Fred Meyer for a job. I should have tried harder. One manager told me at his school reunion it turned out he was earning more than almost any one there! Always be prepared to study a bit extra if and where the job calls for it.

Don't give up. (Nice Sinead O' Connor song feat. Willie Nelson).