DD is applying for jobs, but getting no replies?

[mumtoateen]

DD (15) has applied for around 15 jobs, written letters, and done follow up phone calls. Nobody is replying to her. It's making her feel down, and I have no clue what to do. How can we make her feel better, without pressuring the issue? She's looking for her first summer job, and doesn't have any where else to apply. Any help?

Were the jobs advertised and was there a cut off date? I know a lot of people who just write to shops etc expecting them to have jobs (not saying this is what's happened btw).

Did her cv stand out?

What jobs was she looking for?

Not sure what, as a mum you could do, as ultimately it's her that'll have to do the job. I'd encourage her to follow up with phone calls.

Some places can or choose to only hire 16+ yos

Hardly anyone employs that she group anymore. All the traditional weekend/summer jobs are taken by adults!

I agree it's almost impossible to get jobs at that age. DD found at that age most shops only wanted over. 16s, in part because of the restrictions on how many hours and on which days under 16s are allowed to work. Licensed premises are also not keen as under 18s can't be serving alcohol so restaurants etc tend to restrict under 18s to kitchen type duties.

Do you live in a tourist/ seaside area? my nephew does and one year aged. 15 he got a summer slot serving ice creams etc from a beach cafe and taking the deck chair money. He got those by looking presentable and just walking in. He got a trial shift because the shop was really busy on the day he walked in and they were desperate.

Other than that you could try calling one of those free newspapers which come through the door. Sometimes they take on delivery people.

I am afraid you've just got to wait it out, although like PP's have said she is unlikely to get anything under the age of 16. DD2 turned 16 last November and continuously applied for jobs/handed out CV's and it was only in May she got a job, and we live in a seaside town only a few miles from a popular resort so not short of restaurants/cafes/hotels.

I work in retail and the absolute minimum age we would be willing to recruit would be 16.
I would suggest she uses the time between now and turning 16 to do as much volunteering or community work as she can to set herself apart from all the other 16 year olds.

Maybe approach smaller business's that are just looking for an extra pair of hands. For example my friend runs a bouncy castle business and in summer he often pays his teenage neighbour to help out with deliveries or manning the bouncy castles at fetes.

I agree that it's seemingly impossible to get a job if you're under 16. The best way seems to be to watch the big retailers who recruit online. A lot start to recruit for September (when lots of current staff move on to University) and just before Xmas. It is soul destroying but she'll get somewhere if she perseveres. Oh, and her friends will be able to tip her off about upcoming recruitment exercises. Tell her to put a call out on twitter or fb or whatever that she's looking - that helps as well

I don't think it's just an age issue, I have been applying for loads of jobs over the past couple of months (at least 150) and had very few responses. If there's a high volume of applications they seem to only reply to applicants shortlisted for interview, very demoralising. I have now secured a position for Sept and a temp job for now but it took a lot of trying! (Am a LOT older than 15 )

Just a thought, at that age I worked weekends in a local market, if you have one locally may be worth asking the stall holders if they need any help?

Employers don't tend to reply anymore due to the sheer volume of applicants for each job.

It is correct what other people are saying, there are strict rules on how many hours that under 16s can work. She might have more luck once she is 16. Keep an eye on the JobCentre plus website, even weekend jobs are advertised on there in this area.

Dd is 16 she is having the same problem tbh I think they wait till they have an ni numbertthese days but they should reply imo

Think a lot if places are put off employing under 16s because of the restrictions on hours. If they are going to follow the rules the company will need to apply to the council for a permit for the child as well. Paper rounds are about the only thing. Have a look on the internet and it will tell you what hours they can and can't do - it will then make sense why companies aren't employing youngsters. One thing they can do from 14 is be a football ref (not sure about other sports) although you are restricted to the football season and matches are cancelled at the last minute because of bad weather
Hope she does find something

Should say for football refs - there is upfront costs those being the course and the kit but the fees earned aren't bad

I went to enquire about a job, and was asked how old I was. "16" I replied. The lady looked a bit disappointed and told me they only hire 17 year olds.
So I went back the next week, and when asked the same question I replied "I'm coming up 17". Got the job.
If she is nearly sixteen make sure she tells them so.

My DD used to constantly check online to check vacancies with all the high street stores. Think Cardiff is probably right about only employing 16 yr olds. My DD noticed that chains not only wanted you to be 16 but 16 and of school leaving age. Something will turn up

Try local hairdressers as they take saturday staff, local garden centres but expect to do heavy lifting.

Try voluntary jobs as well, helps to get experience and something to put on CV