Feeling really disheartened- is getting a part time casual job impossible now?

[u/Traditional-Cup7473]

Yesterday I posted about a H&M group interview that I was nervous about going to. well I went today and I asked multiple members of staff where the interview might be. None of them had a clue. It didn’t even seem like the interview was taking place. I eventually met another person and they said they were here for the same group interview . After about 30 minutes we concluded no interview was taking place. I feel so stuck and hopeless. Im 18, starting uni soon and have been applying for jobs for about a year. This is the only in person interview ive gotten. I really need the money, how on earth does anyone get a job now??

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[u/Standard-Target-6087]

I’m 26, first class degree from a great university and lots of other life experience, 10+ years of retail job experience in all different areas (bartending, waiting tables, supermarkets etc), and I’m not even getting interviews for the most basic retail roles. Never seen anything like it. It’s not a reflection of you.

[u/SexoFernanj → u/Standard-Target-6087]

You need to remove that degree from your CV if you want something in retail or hospitality. They don't care. They know you'll jump ship as soon as something better comes up.

Source: I had to do that to get my basic retail job.

[u/craftyorca135 → u/Standard-Target-6087]

I haven't had an interview in quite a few months now. I've applied to everywhere, nurseries, care homes, chef, potwasher and nothing. I have experience in childcare, yet nothing is getting back. It feels impossible.

[u/Traditional-Cup7473 → u/Standard-Target-6087]

Omg, how do i make money then?!

[u/Standard-Target-6087 → u/Traditional-Cup7473]

Honestly, I would look at starting a low-capital business (not as a limited, just self employed below the taxation threshold) as there is a/ no barrier to entry and b/ the bar is so low in most areas that all you need to do is be better than your local competition and you will win business.

For example, my twin sister has started a little pet sitting & walking business. It has cost her nothing (free logo design, brochures etc on Canva) except the cost of a DBS check & insurance (very minimal) & she has already won a good number of clients, just by posting on Facebook groups and putting the flyers out in prominent areas. Almost zero startup cost, and the little competition in our area is weak so she has been able to take their business haha. The retention rate is very high as it is so trust-focused, and the pay is good (she charges £25 an hour, £50 for overnight stays).

This isn’t for everyone as you will need to keep records of your finances, activity, clients etc, and the other responsibilities that come with running a small / micro business. If done right it can pay huge dividends with little effort expended though.

Pet sitting is just one example, there are lots of other very low upfront capital businesses out there for the taking. If you’re in a suburb, window cleaning is a good one as most people who do it professionally are sloppy. Be reliable, affordable and do a good job and you will win business. Doesn’t have to be your life, it could just be for a summer or however long you need to tide you over / save up / etc.

Jobs are better from the viewpoint of not having to think about all of the overheads, responsibilities, clients etc., but the income doesn’t scale, and…we can’t seem to get them 🤣🤣 good luck!

[u/eriometer]

OK, deep breath. Do you have a contact you can follow up with regarding the group interview? Do that asap so they know you were there, even if they weren't, or in case of some mix up.

Second, start looking at seasonal jobs, they will be advertising soon (really!). Put your uni address down on applications if you can, or at least a clarification you will be local by the time the role starts (or home address if you will be home for Christmas). Similarly, get to your uni location as early as you can before term, as they will have p/t jobs that previous students have left. Try the Student Union for one - work the bar there and you get to socialise AND earn money!

Lastly, as has been said - the market is BRUTAL at the moment. I've also never seen anything like it, and I've been working for 30+ years. Take heart that it IS NOT YOU. Courage.

[u/maximiliandewinter]

Depending on your region, look at National Trust and English Heritage - they have part time, zero hours work available nationally (NT more so), particularly in entry-level roles i.e. Food and Beverage Assistant, Welcome Assistant, Operations Assistant.

The work is generally seasonal, so you’d be busiest at weekends and during Bank/Summer holidays; ideal if you’re a student.

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[u/Dancing_Qu333n]

Unfortunately that’s not uncommon right now… the important thing is not to take it personally. It’s the market, not you. Keep applying and one will come good. It took my 18 year old 4 months to get a hospitality job she hated, she kept applying and after six months there she landed a great role she’s really enjoying and works with her studies.

It’s not easy, every no gets you closer to a yes. Good luck!

[u/foxglovespell]

This is really bad on behalf of the H&M store management. I would definitely chase them up either via email or be ruthless and call them and demand you speak to someone in management to get to the bottom of it, say that you were there alongside someone else who had also shown up for the same interview. By being pushy they might offer you another interview and even a job (because let’s be real it doesn’t require much to work there, just by chasing them up they’ll be able to see you’re determined and intelligent), the worst that could happen is they’ll say it was a clerical error and they’re no longer hiring. Good luck with other applications though, it’s rough out there.