Why are employers so damn picky and choosy on who they hire, give interviews too? it pisses me off

[Anonymous]

Because I'm really struggling to get a job right now, I'm in my early 20's and I've only had 1 job in my entire life, yes I know I'm a rarity, because the vast majority of people have had more than 1 job before age 25, well I didn't get my very first job until I was 19, and I only worked there for 3 months, I was fired from there, and what pisses me off is that why haven't I been given a second chance? Don't people deserve second chances in life especially when it comes to jobs? Because we all have to work for the rest of our lives, we have to work for a living. How do you get a job if you are inexperienced? It's not fair because how do you expect to gain experience if nobody gives you a chance? Rome was not build in a day.

Updates

+1 y

why do employers feel they can judge an applicant before they completely know him/her? and I f***in' hate those personality assessment tests, the ones with multiple choice questions, I use my common sense and still get rejected

Updates

+1 y

alright, I'm 23 and I've only had 1 job in my entire life, I know that's weird, shocking, but still I can't change the past

Updates

+1 y

I'm really desperate for a job, but how do I gain experience if nobody gives me a chance?

Updates

+1 y

The worst thing is, these tests aren't being administered to high level executives, or government officials. We're talking about cashiers and fast food workers. Is all of this screening really necessary? I'm referring to those personality assessment quizs

[Darkfairie17]

I completely agree with you here. I have worked as a cashier for 3 years, received excellent reviews, was even promoted. But I still can't find employment, even at the same chain I worked at before (different location tho). It's frustrating, and I also agree with you on the personality tests. I know they do screen some higher level excecutives but honestly, is it necessary? To some degree I can see why they would, they want to make sure the person applying is a good fit without having to talk to them. But I think that is counterproductive. You can bullsh*t a test, you can give them what they want, and then turn around and be completely different. I have seen it! If only I was given an interview I could show how nice and hardworking I am. And because of this disconnect, employers miss out on good employees.

I just recently took an online assessment for a job application, and it had me do things like "list these numbers alphabetically" I don't understand what they meant by that, don't they mean numerically? I have gone to college and lots of these assessments I feel are unfair. I do really well in my classes, I have a 3.8 GPA, I am not stupid. But I think these assessments are punishing people who would be otherwise good at the job. And if someone makes mistakes they don't even get an interview to prove they are not stupid :S I have failed tests, but have done really well on the application style questions involving math. I have some sort of learning disability, so I feel they are unfair, because I have received 90s on tests before, but they were for my business courses. I almost failed math and I hate logic questions, they mess with my mind :S

I am one of those people who is hard working, good to work with, and I get along with everyone. But I still have trouble getting in. I think there is a trick to it that I have yet to figure out.

What I would recommend to you is to do some volunteering. Walk into a store, or a business and say that you are looking for a job, but need experience, and would like to see if you could volunteer, for free for a little bit. Say it's okay if they aren't hiring, all you are looking for is to gain some experience. And then ask for a reference after you do some work for them. That will show you are motivated and willing to work hard.

Hopefully you can get something!

[Asker]

i started volunteering about 2 months ago, still doing it

[Anonymous]

I've had 2 non-serious job (temporary) before 26. At 26, I started having serious jobs, got fired from the first 2 within a year. I'm on my third one, been here for about 8 months and they love me. All I can say is most people who aren't given 2nd chances are because they are not well-liked at the workplace, maybe they don't fit in well and the employers just need an excuse to let you go at the first chance you mess up. Lastly, I highly dislike working with women. I know I shouldn't say that because I'm a woman myself but my past experience in working with women were not very pleasant ones. They were mostly bitchy and very two-faced.

Anyways, to answer your question, employers are picky is because they are pretty much stuck with you. Just think if you were in their shoes. An organization, family, or group is trying to find a new addition to their clan...anyone would be picky because they want to find the best fitting person because they will be seeing and interacting with that person almost everyday.

[Opinion Owner]

I also had similar experience as you do. My solution: I joined organizations and volunteered so I can put skills on my resume. You need something to talk about during your interview to show off the skills you possess by participating in groups. Employers want to see team players and someone who try hard. Rarely will anyone turn you away when you want to volunteer.

[Opinion Owner]

Also, by volunteering, you will meet a lot of people. People who have their own connections. Sometimes you'll click with someone and you just never know if someone they know is looking for someone to hire. If you tried a way and it's not working, you have to figure out another way in solving your problem. Be more proactive. It was tough getting a job after my master's 2 years ago. Everyone wanted people w/exp. degree means nothing.

[Asker]

what if you were fired from your first and only job?

[Opinion Owner]

you get over it and find another job...isn't that kind of obvious? At some point, most people will get fired at some kind of job...it becomes experience so you learn what to work on next time. Instead of asking people to give you a chance, you should let them know what you can do for them. you are wiling to learn and not easily give up. Employers are interested in what they can get and not what they can give.

[Asker]

yeah because I'm wondering if being fired from my first and only real job has been the main reason why I've been struggling to get a job, it's not really fair because c'mon, people in life deserve second chances, especially when it comes to employment, because we all have to work for a living

[Opinion Owner]

No, it's something you are carrying around with you that you are not noticing - making you unable to get a job + economy just sucks. For example, instead of being passive, be more proactive and positive. I was unemployed for 9 months after my graduation but it was because no one was hiring, I couldn't even get an interview. People only cared for experience and not in your degree collection. So, if I were you, I'd get your resume proof read by someone...

[Opinion Owner]

and if you are still unable to get an interview, that just means economy sucks. Some people will tell you it's because of bad economy and it will make you feel better. But I like to think from the point of view of...what is the next person doing that I am not, that makes employer want to hire him instead of me, considering we have the same experience. Maybe he knows someone that I don't, which means I should put myself out there more..etc.

[Asker]

and how do I get a job at places like a movie theater, retail, customer service if I am inexperienced?

[Opinion Owner]

Try to appear to be more confident and responsible? tbh, idk...those jobs sound pretty entry level. Employers would more likely prefer someone who had the experience but I think if you appeared to be confident, likable, responsible, team player, etc, I don't see why they wouldn't bother to train you since it's entry level and those jobs have high turnover rate.

[Asker]

and will volunteering look good on my resume?

[Opinion Owner]

IMO, volunteering could only bring out positive points about you and that's the point of interview. Volunteering would be vouching for your ability, degree of responsibility, etc. Interviewers want to hear situations, problems, & what you did to resolve them. They only have 15 min to hear everything about you and determine if they want to work with you. It really comes down to if you are a problem solver or you add problems to the equation. You have to think like a salesman. Sell yourself.

[Asker]

yeah but whenever I apply at places, I never get a whiff of a response back, not even an interview, so it's like I don't have anything to tell them about me because they don't interview me

[Asker]

why are entry-level jobs so picky and choosy as well too?

[dragonxlli]

People don't even read the online sh*t. I totally agree that this country's work hiring crap, is bull sh*t.

I've been looking for a job since June '10 is June '11 and I haven't gotten sh*t. I've had 3 jobs, and I'm starting to think that I should just put down no work history.

Nd those bull sh*t assessment quizzes. God, I wish I could email the people and say "if you want to get to know me, f***ing call me for an interview!" don't make me sit her for an hour and answer your god damn questions about work morales that no matter what I answer, it's wrong!

Then the best part, when you finish the application, and in less than 30 seconds, you get an email that says your not qualified for the position.

People don't even read sh*t anymore.

[Asker]

i hate how employers want someone with experience, it is not fair because how do you gain experience if nobody gives you a chance? there is always a first time for everything

[SourShoes]

you're trying to get a job in a sh*t economy. that's most likely what the problem is. employers are in a great position in that they don't have to just hire "anybody to fill the job" at the moment. the fact that you're inexperienced as far as what a potential employer will see on paper is not helping you. you just have to keep trying. persistance prevails. I wish I could tell you that you'll magically find a job, but you're in for the long haul. just check websites on how to prepare for interviews better (dressing before the interview, what do do after the interview) so you can say the right things to impress your interviewer. good luck. hopefully things will get better with the economy and there will be more jobs.

[moviedude714]

I know, tell me about it man!, The worst thing about those personality assessment tests aren't being administered to high level executives, or government officials. We're talking about cashiers and fast food workers, movie theaters, or just jobs, employers where most people will not be working at for the long-term. Is all of that screening really necessary?

[Belleza]

join the club - however I went through more jobs then you but I question it every day - the purpose of interviews - you don't get to know a person through that - people lie either way to get that job and wow! But I am in the same boat as you right now - I am so tired - it is so not funny - I mean why not but just have faith but do yourself a favor - don't tell employees that you got fired! Just make something up and as for contact get your friend to be your previous manager a lot of people do that because everyone gets screwed like it is nothing just have faith something should come along your way!

[Asker]

For me, I'm referring to how get a job, how to get hired at places where most people won't be working at for the long-term, Fast-Food Places like McDonalds, Burger King, retail clothing stores, cashier jobs, stock, movie theaters, you get what I am saying right? I think people refer to these jobs as menial jobs or non-menial jobs, I forgot which one

[Jonny_]

It's because they can often pick and choose and they have to pick what is 'best' for the company. They'd rather have the experience instead of taking the risk of someone who may or may not be able to reach requirements for the job. It is stupid that you need experience, but can't get it because you need experience. Which is why I left University to join the Navy.

[Anonymous]

It entirely depends on your field of work- people aren't going to hire people who aren't experienced in things in certain fields, like medicine or business. You need to be able to go into a place with an interview and KNOW that you can do that job. That confidence is what people want in interviews.

[Asker]

well how does someone gain experience if nobody gives you a chance?

[frustratedchump06]

because once they hire you it is more difficult to fire you

[Belleza]

They are called people - just take it easy - I am telling you - something will come your way so please have faith - I know sound like a church person but you really need to believe in yourself!

[Anonymous]

Because they want the best person they can get. No one wants to hire a slum who doesn't put their all into their job.

[Asker]

well I feel it is wrong they judge somebody before completely getting to know them, because I know I am not a slum

[AlbinoBunny]

They want to hire the right person.