I'm not avoiding paper apps, and I'm not trying to exclude online apps. Most of them are basically the same. Personal info, school info, work history... and unlike a resume, I can't just clump together all my retail stuff into catagory. And even if I did apply for jobs that required a resume first, I'd still have to fill out an app where my prior work history would come to light with dates and manager's names.
When I applied for jobs I ALWAYS attached a resume, even when I applied to scoop ice cream on a form that I filled out on the spot. Believe me, the preparedness stands out. (If one person receives your application and passes it to another person to file, the fact that there's an attached resume -- you may need to acquire a pocket stapler -- may cause the 2nd person to pause and read it.)
Remember, adding a resume gives you an opportunity to reorganize the same information that you're trying to put on the form and worrying that it doesn't fit the blanks properly.
When it comes to doing that, do I just omit jobs like home depot, the temp agency, or party city??
I think it depends a lot on what kind of job you're trying to get. If you are applying for a Loew's or golf course maintenance job, include Home Depot because you learned relevant skills there. If you are applying for a retail job, include home depot and party city. If you are applying for a secretarial job, include the temp agency (and possibly list longer-term temp contracts separately if they apply). If you're applying for a photography position, then, you might as well drop these three jobs as irrelevant.
Reliatex, Gamestop, Disney where about the only jobs that had a significant learning experience, that I gained something more from that just a paycheck.
Reliatex, I was the office gopher. My aunt actually taught me every position, so when she would work saturday's by herself, she could have me sit at a desk to catch up on that work (usually if some one took a vacation). The final thing I did there, and declined to do full time was the consignment inventory. I had to keep track of all the rolls, if they were going out to other companies, purchased by us, and about every other month, go out there and count all the rolls.
Gamestop was my first retail. I learned the whole register, pushing extra items (bah stupid reservations and subscriptions). I became more comfortable talking on the phone. I still had to keep up with stock (checking in shipments) and keeping things clean. I'm very OCD about the shelves being stocked, which can sometimes become time consuming, but the store always looked neat and clean.
Disney was just an overall kick in butt reality check. Yeah I let the worst of me get to me at the end. But sticking to it for 2years was tough. I learned how to deal with managers, I learned how to deal with guests who you really couldn't help without giving them a million dollars and chaufer them in a golden carriage. I learned how to provide high customer service. And as a bonus I learned a lot about cameras. Most of it was just hands on and listening to other's talk. But I can deal with almost any camera out there now. (as long as it's free handed... studio cameras are a bit more complicated).
Home Depot was nice too for learning about plants. I got hired at the start of spring, so I got to go to lots of training classes at different stores, nurseries, even Scotts testing grounds. I even did enough PK classes online to become a garden specialist, and I was also elected to one of like 3 lawn care specialists (to deal with mowers and stuff), but that sorta went over my head. I liked the plants outside.
The way you're starting to phrase things here is much better than before. I know that you are currently worried about getting TO the interview, but, thinking about what you'll say during the interview is equally important. I twice happened to walk in with an application as a manager was entering a store and I ended up with an on-the-spot interview. (In one case, I walked out with a job.) These moments are pure luck, but, you don't want to miss one if it's available.
My ideal job, probably just delivering pizzas. I love being behind the wheel, ...
Since you don't want to do temp work because you cannot guarantee having a car, you probably shouldn't look at other jobs that require a vehicle at this point. Plus, if you have anything on your driving record, you'll need to stay away from these jobs until it clears.
Most large businesses will only confirm dates of employment, pay, position/title, and if the termination was voluntary or involuntary.
You are overthinking the resume thing...KEEP IT SIMPLE!
Game Stop - November 2002-March 2003 - Sales Rep
Home Depot - May 2003-December 2003 - Sales Associate
Walt Diseny World - April 2004-September 2004 - Photopass
Thats all you have to do, mention the name of the employer, the dates worked, and the position you had. Dont bother with names and telephone numbers, it wont help you at all. Even if your new employer were to contact your old boss at Disney, your old boss would only direct them to the HR department to confirm your dates.....
Organize by dates worked, most recent to oldest. Get this done tonight, print it off, get up early tomorrow morning, and hit the pavement!
Agreed! (Although I'd correct the spelling of Disney
before using it.)
It seems very few stores where managers that work out on the floor are the same ones that do the hiring, so you don't even get to talk to the person that accepts your application.
When I was standing on the other side (it happened a lot at Gamestop), it was kind of funny how people tried to impress me when they turned in an app. I knew we weren't hiring, and wouldn't be for a long time. On top of that, I had no decision making power in who's app was actually reviewed. I just always picture the person I'm handing my app to, as no one that has any saying in the HR area and all my effort is for nothing.
Despite your experience of people trying to impress you when you had no power, I'd recommend you revisit this perception and view everyone as someone to impress. Although it is usually true that you're handing an application to a person without power, you never know what the reality of the current situation might be.
Sometimes an owner is working in their own store. Sometimes management listens to staff opinions -- I frequently influenced management decisions about new-hires before I was a manager. Etc.
Plus, the person you hand an application to is someone you're hoping to work with and getting along well will be important then. So, be assertive and give it a try.
Simple question, should I omit jobs I feel are irrelavent? Should I mention them if in an interview, and asked about the employment gap??
Unfortunately, I don't consider the answer simple. I think that it really depends on the job in question.
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