Fired... sigh.

[MamaMootz]

Hello,

Well I got let go from my work at home call center gig because I needed to schedule my break in order to be able to pick my daughter (5) up at the bus stop and they would not let me schedule my own break times - my break had to be at the time THEY designated.

I'm sure it meets their business needs, blah blah blah but I need to find another job. I've been employed in the business sector for quite a long time, but I'd like to be able to get over to the retail end of things because those are the jobs that are available here and I need to be able to work late nights in order to take care of my daughter.

Any advice for a person who has no tangible retail experience, but a ton of office experience and a degree? I'm thinking of applying for overnights at the local Loaf 'n Jug but I'm not sure they will hire me without retail experience.

[Boozy]

What's that? You want to work third shift in a retail environment?

No advice necessary, my dear. Walk in and get hired.

[MamaMootz]

Actually, I do need some advice because most of these places don't want to hire me - I've applied at Wendy's, MickeyD's, the local gas station, and Wal*Mart - all requesting nights or overnights. No calls.

I think they think I'm expecting a ton of money or something, which is SO not the case. I really need the overnights so that I can be at home with my daughter during the day and able to get her from school and not interfere with my husband's work schedule.

Maybe when I hand in my application to the store, I should ask to speak to the manager at that time so I can explain that?

Money is not an issue (well, it IS an issue because I need to work, but I also know they are not going to pay me $60K for working at Loaf N Jug either - I know to expect minimum wage to start and that's fine) and I think it's partly my lack of retail experience coupled with the salaries I made while doing office work that's scaring them away.

[Boozy]

Ah, I see.

This is where a well-crafted cover letter is your friend. Use it to explain why it is you're looking for this kind of job. Let them know that this isn't just a job you'll use to get by until a position in your field comes around. Explain your situation and indicate that this job opportunity is "exactly what I'm looking for."

If you're handing in an application and they don't want a resume and cover letter, definitely speak to the hiring manager.

It seems that they just don't understand your situation. You have some very valid reasons why this type of job would work for you. You just have to get that across to them.

[MamaMootz]

Okey dokey, I'm applying by e-mail.

If I said something like

Attached please find my resume for the position of ? at your company.
I realize the experience on the resume has a concentration of office positions, but I am seeking a transition to a retail environment, where I am able to work evening hours.

I am a parent who needs to work evenings/late nights/overnights to allow me to be home during the day with my young children.

Does that sound OK? Does that give out too much information? I'm really not quite sure how to phrase this so that I don't sound like I only want this temporarily or that I'm not qualified.

Help?

[Boozy]

That sounds pretty good to me!

You might be surprised how much of your office experience will be valuable in retail, and so might they. So spell it out for them: highlight anything you have done involving customer service and cash balancing. Use the phrase "I believe these skills will translate well into a retail environment."

If these are minimum wage jobs, they'll be willing to train - so they're just looking for reliability, enthusiasm, and commitment. Put those three words in your cover letter.

I think you're in good shape.

[MamaMootz]

OK here's the cover letter I sent along with my resume. Fingers crossed.

Attached please find a copy of my resume, which I am sending to you for a position at Loaf 'N Jug. I reside in XXX and would be interested in obtaining employment at either the YYY or ZZZ locations.

I realize the experience on the resume is concentrated in office positions, but I am seeking a transition to a retail environment where I would have the ability to work evening hours or overnight shifts due to childcare needs at home. I am very excited about this opportunity, since this position is exactly what I am seeking.

I am a reliable and responsible employee, and I always meet my commitments. As the attached resume shows, I have many years experience in providing excellent customer service in postions such as Sales Support Specialist and Inside Sales Associate at Big Computer Company, where I provided call center and technical support to customers as well as inside sales representatives. I also managed the financials and operations of a home-based internet small business. These are skills that will translate well to the retail environment and enable me to become a valued employee for Loaf 'N Jug.

I am available to start work immediately. I look forward to hearing from you soon.


Boozy, if this works, I'm' sending you home made cookies. I swear. Thank you for your help.

[Boozy]

That is a really good cover letter!

Seriously, if they don't hire you, something is wrong with that company.

I've got my fingers crossed for you. Please keep us updated.

[MamaMootz]

No word. I think my application and resume just went into a giant black hole someplace. I have to stop by the store today anyway, so I'll see if I can talk to a manager while I'm there. He's a really nice guy, and I'm sure he'll let me down easy :-)

[Painted_Lady]

I've found that quite a few chain stores take a bit of time before you hear back from them, then right about the time you've forgotten you applied they start calling. Don't give up hope.:)

Also, look for some places that aren't chains; they tend to be a bit more relaxed about what they're looking for, and judge more on how your personality fits than hard-and-fast requirements. I used to manage a privately-owned convenience store, and I figured I could train you if you didn't know anything, but I couldn't change personalities to make you fit with the crew.

Right now there should be a few "temp" jobs opening up for the holiday season, a great way to get your foot in the door and fill out your resume with some applicable experience. Alot of those jobs are also thrilled to get someone to work the later shifts and restock, etc.

[MamaMootz]

Thank you, Painted Lady. It's funny because after I posted this, they called. I missed them because I was out at my daughter's school, but I tried to call them back - the manager is out til Monday. So hopefully, this is at least an interview.

If anyone has any tips on interviewing, let me know.

[Painted_Lady]

Since you're "changing careers", stress how much you're looking forward to learning something new, how you enjoy working with people, how you're a fast learner, etc. LOOK enthusiastic during your interview , like you're excited about the possibility of working for them.

I've found it's good to go to the business beforehand, see what the employees are wearing, and dress a few steps better; you want to look like you're trying to make a good impression, but also like you'll still fit in. However, I'd hesitate to wear a suit (unless they wear them there); you don't want to look like someone who's just looking for a temp. job that's "beneath them" until something better comes along.

Also, remember, you're interviewing them, too. Don't be afraid to ask questions about the company, responsibilities , etc., (of course, vacation time and money are better left alone at this point), it makes you look interested in the company. Make sure you'll be comfortable there if you're planning on a long term commitment (for instance, I'd be uncomfortable with a bunch of teens at A&F at my age, so I wouldn't enjoy (or be good at) the job.

I know all this is basic, but personality, earnestness, and enthusiasm always won me over when I was interviewing. Good Luck, I'm sure you'll find something you'll love out there!:)

[MamaMootz]

Thanks again . I'm getting a little frustrated with this place at this point.

Friday, I got the message from one of the people regarding my application. I had to play her message back 5 times to figure out what she said because it was garblewarblefarbled.

I call back Friday after I deciphered the code, and was told the caller had gone home but to call back Saturday at 9 and she'd be there.

Called Saturday at 9 and was told "she went home, call back tomorrow at 9."

Call Sunday at 9 and was told "she's not here today, call back tomorrow at 9."

Call today at 9 and finally got the person. She can't find my application and she needs to ask somebody else where she put it. She leaves me on hold for 15 minutes looking, then comes back and says she'll call me back right away as soon as she finds my application.

It's now 12:48 and nobody ever called me back.

So now, did they lose my applicaiton? Should I reapply? Should I call her again tomorrow?

[Zeeko]

Also, look for some places that aren't chains; they tend to be a bit more relaxed about what they're looking for, and judge more on how your personality fits than hard-and-fast requirements.

I got my current job without even applying for it. I was just a regular that got to know all the staff along with the owner because I was always buying something! Small shops are better I believe, a lot of larger companies have requirements (i know a few that won't hire over a certain age because they are cheap arses).

[worddork]

If you have office skills and a degree, try applying at your local police department to work graveyard shitf in records. That's how my mom got started and she's been working for our local PD now for over 30 years. You'll be consider as a civilian employee so you don't have to go through academy training. Plus most PDs have great health benefits.

[Enigma]

Not sure if this is too late, but here's my two cents:

If you're looking for a third shift position, they are ALWAYS needed, the best places to try are ones that need overnight stockers, seeing as those jobs have a fairly high turnover rate. Also remember that the best way to get a job is to not wait for them to call back, but to check up in the next couple of days. That way they know you really want the job, and they push you further up on the list.

As for the current job: If they are this unorginized in hiring you, do you really want to work for them? I say check up on you're other aps and keep smiling.

And as far as interviewing- I don't care if the employees where jeans and raggidy t-shirts, dress to impress. That shows you once again want the job, and want them to have a good impression of you. Be sincere in you're answers- even if you need to stop and think (at least they know you're putting thought into it!). Smile and ask questions if you need too.

[CancelMyService]

It's been my experience that if anyone with even a sliver of a decent resume applies for retail, especially third shift retail, the management will immediately think "why is this person applying HERE?" and end up not wanting to hire you because they just assume you're only biding time until the next job in your previous field comes along.

[Hello Kitty]

So...what happened? :popcorn: