Job Searching and more...

[itzel 336]

Some of us have already been approved and have even received our EADS and SS Cards...now the tough climb begins....

This topic is for us to share our experiences and tips upon entering the workforce.

Ill start by sharing mine:

I worked "under the table" and never attempted to use my SS # because of the NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT restriction, neither did I use a fake one for fear of getting caught and the consequences.

This "under the table" jobs dont qualify as experience and shouldnt because I shouldnt have been working in the first place.

Needless to say, the economy SUCKS. At this moment as we approach the holiday seasons, is when more jobs should be available but it seems they arent availble to those "unexperienced"

Ive been applying mostly at retail jobs, heres my list:

Kmart

Sears

Pet's Smart

Pet's Barn

Radioshack

Dollar General

Family Dollar

Ross

Jack In the Box

Macys

Local supermarkets

Clerical jobs at local businesses

Local Laundromat

Some of these places have already sent me emails from their human resources departments that I cant be considered for the position because I have NO WORK EXPERIENCE.

Its sad and disheartening but all I can do is continue.

I prepped up my resume with special skills to see if I'd catch anything with the following statement:

I am highly skilled in the use of computers and the Internet, including Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook and Internet searches.

I learn very quickly, possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.

I am fluent in both English/Spanish and possess the ability to speak, read and write at an advanced level.

I can type 55 words per minute and am a firm believer in providing exceptional customer service.

I am currently training at a local business as a cashier.

I started intershiping/training as a cashier at my father in laws business. Hopefully Ill be able to learn quickly and find a job ASAP.

Some jobs ask if you have a DL, be sure and obtain this ASAP. It shows one is prepared. Im still in the process of obtaining mine but will eventually.

My personal advice is:

Many doors will close but when that "golden" door finally does open, its because it was meant to be.

[angela 9]

Hello Itzel. I don't really see a problem with putting your previous work experience. Your possible employers wouldn't go out of their way to get you in trouble for it. I have had a variety of jobs ranging from hostess, office assistant, retail, and the list goes on and on, and have always put my experience and even made it up in some occasions or exaggerated it. I think a few times they did care for experience, but not in general. Getting a customer service job in the end boils down to how you present yourself in the interview. By experience watching my bosses discussing whether to hire an applicant I heard them asking if the person seem happy/smiley/peppy enough. It seems ridiculous, but they just wanted someone that can keep a smile plastered on their face the hole day.

So my advice is to not be afraid to put your previous experience if you have any.

If you can't shake the worry of getting into trouble and don't want to put it anyways, it still shouldn't be a problem.

[JamRock 22]

Hi Itzel,

I agree with Angela. This is my story.

So according to my timeline, I recently got my EAD and still awaiting my SSN. I still did not allow this to stop me. The very next day, I hit up my local mall to start sending out those apps.

I applied at,

• Macy's
  
• Lord & Taylor
  
• Barnes n Noble
  
• Express
  
• Bath and Body Works
  

I've had 3 interviews with Macy's, Lord & Taylor, and Express. I was late for the one at BB because of the rain and public transportation (I know, bad sign and that's why I applied to the mall. Note: I don't have a car so all these places are in the same mall and 7-10 mins away by bus).

Happy to say, I landed all three jobs; two on the spot. These are my tips:

• Use school extracurricular--I worked in a lab, I was on a Mock Trial Team
  
• Use internship experiences (even if unpaid)--I interned at a latino cultural center, community center, and law firm
  
• Use community activities (church, cultural organization)--I helped out in the office at church
  
• Use sports
  
• Use teachers, counselors, friends as references--I used friends and family friends. Some applications want to hear what your co-workers have to say about you.
  

In the interview

• Make eye contact (very important)
  
• Make small talk while the interviewer is settling down/shuffling for papers (usually looking for your application)
  
• In retail, compliment them on something (your necklace is beautiful, nice lip color lol)
  
• Be confident (sit straight, hands on lap)
  
• Answer questions directly (don't blibber blabber lol, I tend to do that in everyday convo)
  

I have had a lot of interviews and have been to mock interviews so I'm just sharing what I learn.

Another note: do not settle for less. E.g. I intern at an immigration law firm. I started earlier this year. The position is unpaid. It is a small practice and I am the first "employee." Now, she offered me a position in August and I was excited but nervous at the same time due to my situation. Anyways, I went along and learned a lot about DACA and applied. Then, I waited patiently and prayed for a quick turn around. A couple weeks ago, my employer said that she wanted to pay me $9/hr.

SAY WHAT!?!

I was crushed. She is definitely taking advantage of me. Although, I do not have a lot of experience. I know her company in and out and the starting rate for inexperienced legal assistant (my title and position) is $12/hr. Anyways, with my mom's counsel and my own intuition, I gave her my resignation letter last week. She was disappointed but accepted and we're still cool.

Anyways, long story short, do not allow employers to take advantage of you. You may feel inferior because of your lack of experience but still determine what you will accept and what you won't when applying for a job. Know what the standard rate for different levels of experience is in that industry. Just my personal take!

I hope this helps and lemme know if you have questions.

[JamRock 22]

Another thing came to me lol (even after my lil Pulitzer Price essay above ), Itzel, have you had a career center look over your resume. I'm going to do that this Tuesdday and this is about the 3rd or 4th time I've had my resume revamped! If you get a good career counselor they help you think of things that you didn't even remember you did. Sometimes when I come out after speaking with someone, I look at my new resume and say, "who is that chick? that ain't me lol!"

[roadrunner11 167]

Resume Tips - I went to my college Career Center and got these handy tips

FIRST AND FOREMOST- Read the job description and analyze it! How does my job experience fit the job description and qualifications? What personal skills do I have that will be benefitial for the company? Do I have work experience in a related field?

1. Type a general resume with your contact information, profile, education and skills, work experience and references. You can find templates online to make it more organized and eye appealing.

2. Have someone else help you edit/add to the general resume

3. Tailor your resume to the specific job you are applying to. For example, read the description and relate your work experience, skills, coursework to it.

4. Use "hit" words!!! - So the job description asks for computer software knowledge list Microsoft Office, Quickbooks or any other software you are familiar with. Or they ask for a multi-tasker and adaptable person, make sure to list something you have experienced that relates to it. They are looking for such things and since there are tons of applicants your "hit" words will make your resume stand out.

5.List relevant references such as previous bosses, coworkers, teachers, professors, a friend with a job in a related field.

6. ALWAYS ALWAYS ask a friend to proofread and edit your resume.

If you guys need help with your resume you can reach me at [email protected].

Best wishes!

[pswa83 302]

great post Itzel!!!

i listed my previous jobs in my work experience. however, what i did was, i listed someone who knew about my situation as my supervisor at that job. i dont see it as lying at all. i see it as making the best of my situation with what i was given. why should we not use our past job experience, if one can, when applying for jobs now? in my eyes, that would basically saying the skills and knowledge we can from those jobs, didnt happen and dont exist. just because on paper, legally i did not exist, doesnt mean that i need to throw everything that i have done and learned out the window.

[itzel 336]

Thanks for all your input girls!!

Im glad to say I went to an interview Friday and am waiting for response..I'd really like that job, but I have kept my schedule open for other interviews.

Today I have 2 interviews and tomorrow 1. Im sure Im bound to get one of them.

Unfortunately, my previous experience cant be listed in my resume because my employer was taking advantage of me, and I left in bad terms. I want to leave that bad chapter of my past where it belongs, in the past.

Regarding career centers, I have looked into those and did obtain help "prettying" up my resume.

Good thing is I have volunteer experience and I went to my city hall to get "official" paperwork of my typing speed which I can attach to my resume. In my resume I list my special skills and that includes Im awesome with computers. Hopefully all this info helps me with my interviews. Im hoping to get a receptionist job but honestly any job at this moment would be good.

Good luck to all of us girls and may God keep blessing us as he has up to now....

[Marlivil 0]

I haven't received my EAD yet, but I am looking at jobs...I want to know from you guys that already graduated, but couldn't work in a job that needs your degree. I have two questions that I don't know what I should do:

1. Do you list under-the-table jobs on your resume?

2. What do you say about the period of time that you were unable to work in a job?

3. Do you tell a potential employer that you only have a EAD for 2 years?

[EnJR 39]

I haven't received my EAD yet, but I am looking at jobs...I want to know from you guys that already graduated, but couldn't work in a job that needs your degree. I have two questions that I don't know what I should do:

1. Do you list under-the-table jobs on your resume?

2. What do you say about the period of time that you were unable to work in a job?

3. Do you tell a potential employer that you only have a EAD for 2 years?

Hi Marlivil, in my opinion:

1. Yes, you don't necessarily have to say that you worked without a work permit. You're just listing them because of the experience you gained from them.

2. Just tell the truth, say that you were unable to find another job during that period of time, again, you don't have to necessarily say that you did not have a work permit.

3. The future employer will know your EAD will expire in 2 years because they will ask you for your EAD and they will see it's gonna be valid for 2 years only but remember it can be renewed. I asked this before at Chase (I asked the requirements to work at a bank) and the manager told me that if i have a work permit and it has to be renewed every certain amount of time, i just have to notify the bank before my EAD expires and that I will have to provide them the new EAD to keep working with them.

[roadrunner11 167]

I haven't received my EAD yet, but I am looking at jobs...I want to know from you guys that already graduated, but couldn't work in a job that needs your degree. I have two questions that I don't know what I should do:

1. Do you list under-the-table jobs on your resume?

2. What do you say about the period of time that you were unable to work in a job?

3. Do you tell a potential employer that you only have a EAD for 2 years?

Hi Marlivil

1. ABSOLUTELY include your past work experience. It doesn't matter what your previous status is; you already acquired the experience and that is something you didn't need a work permit for.

2.Do not mention anything about not being employed unless they ask. You can just say for personal reasons I was unable to work during this certain period.

3. It is not necessary to tell them about EAD they will know if they make a copy of it or if they use e-verify. The work permit is renewable so in case they ask tell them you are able to renew it after it expires.

[chris_oswaldo 6]

Some of us have already been approved and have even received our EADS and SS Cards...now the tough climb begins....

This topic is for us to share our experiences and tips upon entering the workforce.

Ill start by sharing mine:

I worked "under the table" and never attempted to use my SS # because of the NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT restriction, neither did I use a fake one for fear of getting caught and the consequences.

This "under the table" jobs dont qualify as experience and shouldnt because I shouldnt have been working in the first place.

Needless to say, the economy SUCKS. At this moment as we approach the holiday seasons, is when more jobs should be available but it seems they arent availble to those "unexperienced"

Ive been applying mostly at retail jobs, heres my list:

Kmart

Sears

Pet's Smart

Pet's Barn

Radioshack

Dollar General

Family Dollar

Ross

Jack In the Box

Macys

Local supermarkets

Clerical jobs at local businesses

Local Laundromat

Some of these places have already sent me emails from their human resources departments that I cant be considered for the position because I have NO WORK EXPERIENCE.

Its sad and disheartening but all I can do is continue.

I prepped up my resume with special skills to see if I'd catch anything with the following statement:

I am highly skilled in the use of computers and the Internet, including Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook and Internet searches.

I learn very quickly, possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.

I am fluent in both English/Spanish and possess the ability to speak, read and write at an advanced level.

I can type 55 words per minute and am a firm believer in providing exceptional customer service.

I am currently training at a local business as a cashier.

I started intershiping/training as a cashier at my father in laws business. Hopefully Ill be able to learn quickly and find a job ASAP.

Some jobs ask if you have a DL, be sure and obtain this ASAP. It shows one is prepared. Im still in the process of obtaining mine but will eventually.

My personal advice is:

Many doors will close but when that "golden" door finally does open, its because it was meant to be.

You should check out www.snagajob.com

Lots of job opportunities on there.

[pankaj 7]

SO SUD I PUT MY UNDER THE TABLE JOB EXPERIENCE OR NO...IS IT WORTH IT FOR THE RESUME.. BCUZ I HVE WORKED AT HOTEL ALMOST A YEAR ND NO I AM WORKING AT PIZZA PLACE WAS GETTIN PAID UNDER THE TABLE BUT NOW I GOT SSN THY WILL PAY ME WIT CHECKS//..PLEASE HELP THANK U I GOTA MAKE RESUME ASAP..

SO SUD I PUT MY PAST WORK EXPERIENCE I HVE WORKED AT HOTEL AS FRONT DESK UNDER THE TABLE AND NOW I WAS GETTIN PAID UNDER THE TABLE AT PIZZA PLACE NOW THY KNOW I GOT SSN I WIL BE GETTTIN CHECKS ND I AM LUKIN FOR MORE JOBS SO SUD I PUT THE JOBS I HAVE HAD AS MY EXPERIENCE OR NO ? NEED HELP PLEASE AND THANK U HOPE U UNDERSTAND OF WAS I HAVE SAID THANK U AGAIN ...(IADD IN AS RESUME)

[itzel 336]

I have a job at a law firm and when asked about previous jobs, I was honest about it, "I just legalized and this is my work experience although I was getting paid under the table". Its really up to you if you put that info or answer the question if asked.

[pankaj 7]

ok thank u

[chrzt1an 14]

i been aplying at many places. and man its so hard. to get hired. i wonder if its because my ssl its so new. i mean anything else its great.

[Santi 353]

Resume Tips - I went to my college Career Center and got these handy tips

FIRST AND FOREMOST- Read the job description and analyze it! How does my job experience fit the job description and qualifications? What personal skills do I have that will be benefitial for the company? Do I have work experience in a related field?

1. Type a general resume with your contact information, profile, education and skills, work experience and references. You can find templates online to make it more organized and eye appealing.

2. Have someone else help you edit/add to the general resume

3. Tailor your resume to the specific job you are applying to. For example, read the description and relate your work experience, skills, coursework to it.

4. Use "hit" words!!! - So the job description asks for computer software knowledge list Microsoft Office, Quickbooks or any other software you are familiar with. Or they ask for a multi-tasker and adaptable person, make sure to list something you have experienced that relates to it. They are looking for such things and since there are tons of applicants your "hit" words will make your resume stand out.

5.List relevant references such as previous bosses, coworkers, teachers, professors, a friend with a job in a related field.

6. ALWAYS ALWAYS ask a friend to proofread and edit your resume.

If you guys need help with your resume you can reach me at [email protected].

Best wishes!

Great advice by the way!

I am Santi, and I approve this message...

2 things:

• Use action verbs (Managed, Assisted, Created, Supervised, Promoted, Developed, etc etc)
  
• You still use Hotmail??!!! what a Dinosaur!!! LOL (JK creeper! - you know I luhhh you!)
  

In my case, it has been a pain in the butt to look for work...

I mean, thanks to God I have a college degree and some experience, but being out of a job for a while kinda hurts my marketability...

This is me looking for job openings in my school's Career Management Website:

Another strategy I am employing, is the use of Executive Recruiters (or, staffing agencies) to help me find positions that I qualify for...

Perhaps it is another strategy to consider?

If you have been approved and are looking for a job, I wish you much success!

[Wisedevil22 24]

I've applying at many places and is soo hard when you do not have work experience/history....