Retail jobs that will hire anyone

[Saydrah]

My SO needs a job. Unfortunately, he has a major resume issue. His last two employers both folded and left no trace. One did even worse- folded and was bought out by a company with the same name, but which trashed all the old employment records. The job before that paid him under the table and was with a non-profit that will deny they paid anyone because they bill themselves as an "all volunteer organization." So, he might as well just fake a resume for all the proof he has that he ever worked. He's also spent a very significant portion of the last few years as primary caregiver to his ailing WWII vet grandfather, so has not worked as much as most young males would at his age. So, most employers-to-be get suspicious and think either he is lazy or he was selling drugs or in jail or something during those gaps.

I know how to write a resume. I've been paid to write resumes. My grandmother who made a career in hiring at the highest levels for national and international chains has told me my resume is better than some CEOs she's hired. But this is a problem I can't just fix away with creative spin without totally bullshitting- which I personally would do (my ethics are sometimes dubious regarding retail employment) but he's not comfortable with (his aren't, he balances me out).

So, what I need is suggestions for an employer- preferably retail, not overnights, not food service, though he would do food service if it came down to brass tacks and that was the last option- who will hire almost anyone with a pulse. No pet stores due to the danger to our pets at home via contagion. He will gladly work for minimum wage if it means getting some experience that can actually go on a resume with a phone number and an address next to it, and without needing 10 minutes of excuses and explanations in an interview.

Where have you worked that hires whoever walks in the door?

[CancelMyService]

Most department stores will hire just about anyone who doesn't drag a corpse in the interview with them. Most of their staff are college kids on their first job or retirees looking for something to do. I had 2 gaps in my resume, one from being in school and another for needing to get my head straight after my dad died, and I found as long as you can pass a background/drug check you can get hired pretty much anywhere in retail that is looking for help.

[ArenaBoy]

I was about to ask this, it's been nearly 9 months since I've last been employed. I just applied to a couple of places and I heard that a grocery store is looking for help. Just waiting for them to call.

[Pedersen]

Hey, Saydrah, the first two jobs you mentioned which have folded? And the one which destroyed employment records? I think I've got an answer for you: Did taxes get taken out?

Grab W-2's. If those aren't available, grab tax returns. If those aren't available, get back copies of both from the IRS. Might also be able to go to the Social Security Administration to get the info.

With all of that, the interview issues are much simpler. "BTW, I apologize, but previous employers are difficult to locate due to having gone bankrupt, getting bought, etc. Here's copies of forms from various government agencies which will provide proof of employment."

[Boozy]

The job before that paid him under the table and was with a non-profit that will deny they paid anyone because they bill themselves as an "all volunteer organization."

There won't be any W-2's for that job.

I'm confused about why he won't list those jobs on his resume anyway. If he just wants a job doing stock or as a cashier, HR probably won't bust their asses following up on his resume. Put it out there and see what happens. Its not like he's lying about his experience.

My last two jobs never contacted my three previous employers in any way. I know, because I still talk to all of them.

[Irving Patrick Freleigh]

My company would.

Exhibit A: CBFH

Only thing is we no longer have stores in your state.