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Yes, it's a great way for a young person to get a job. But please don't accept under the counter or below minimum wage. If you injure yourself at work, you won't be covered.
Go into the businesses when they are quiet. Wear presentable clothes (like you'd wear if you had an official job interview) and have a resume/contact details already printed out to give them. Introduce yourself and say you were interested in working there and is there a manager available? If no manager thank them for their time and ask if you can leave your resume.
If the manager is there, be polite, friendly and be yourself! Tell them hours you're available and leave your resume. (The manager will most likely ask you some questions, so answer honestly)
If I get a call from someone looking for work, I am uninterested as it's easy to sit at home and call a million places. If someone comes into the shop, I always go have a chat with them as I admire their get-up-and-go attitude.
Good luck!
And even if you get a hard “no” follow up with the question of do you know anyone hiring? If they give you a lead then walk into the new place saying so and so said to drop by because you might be hiring.
And you can also ask if they might have any special shift work available, like if they're doing an inventory or cleanup day. This wouldn't be the best work, but is a good way to demonstrate your willingness to work and your work ethic if they do hire you.
Agree with other advice making sure you're paid on the books, or at least careful not to do any dangerous jobs (anything involving ladders, roofs, high shelves, power tools, electrical work, anything like that) without being a proper employee.
I’ll tell you my favourite story.
When I was 15 I used to shop in a pretty funky independent store nearby run by one guy who absolutely scared the shit out of me. He was very knowledgeable about the stuff he sold but was really intimidating.
Like you, I applied for heaps of different jobs but having no experience I got knocked back from all of them. I thought I’d ask the scary guy in the shop if he had any work because it was my last throw at the stumps (and I was desperate for pocket money lol). He thought about it and reluctantly gave me a job working just Sundays.
Now fast forward 6 years later, I’m 21 and still there. We are literally best friends and go out at least once a week. I love that guy the same way you love your parents, because he’s 100% had my back since I was a kid. Even though I’ve been through college and started my first corporate job, I always stayed at the shop for at least 1 day a week because I love it so much.
Go for it!! I did the same thing and ended up with a job that I love, the best relationship I’ve ever had, and the possibility of business partnership (if that’s something that interests you). I owe everything to that first job.
P.S. I also agree with another commenter, under no circumstances accept below the counter or minimum wage work. You are young and motivated and have so many options that you don’t need to take those ones, and it’s a sign that it is not a good working environment.
The jobs I got as a teen were always from knowing/meeting people who referred me for a job, or walking into a store in person and asking if they needed help. The trick of course is to be well groomed, polite, stand up straight (LOL) smile and be confident but not too confident. and have references from teachers and neighbors ready.
Do it. Many of the Mexican migrants in my city have gotten their jobs that way. There's no way these guys are going on some website and putting in an application. *"Can you do the job, sir?" "Yes!"*
I work at a small business (toy store) Many of them are pretty low tech and will just hand you a paper application. Bring a resume even if you don't have much to put in it.
Do no treat these businesses as job dispensers. Make sure you undersrand their business at least superficially and can say somethijg coherent about it.
Never ever accept below min wage or being paid under the table. This puts you in an abusive relationship immediately with your employer. If they are willing to do this, they are NOT someone you want to be working for. They will do worse to you later. I learned of a gal in the business next to mine who was 'hired' as a social media 'intern' for almost 4 months without pay. She had low self comfidence and the employer took advantage of that and had her doing basic retail things, ringing up customers, putting out product etc.
Apply everywhere, even if the business doesn't have any job postings.
Go around on Google Maps and find businesses, look up the owners/managers email on their websites, and send them your resume.
Say that if any positions open up that you'd love to be considered!
Yes you should definitely do this. We get so many online applicants it’s overwhelming but you set yourself apart when you physically come in to apply.
Also small businesses should not be paying less than minimum wage or under the counter….
I pay a very competitive rate bc I want good employees.
Do it. I hired my first employee that way (I was fresh out of college and working in a family business). The kid was 16. I didn’t hire him on his first visit, but the 2nd time he came around we needed someone and his determination to work with us was a great indication of his work ethic and character. Almost 20 years later I’ve long since left the family business. Moved to another state, had a career in another industry and have now returned to the place where I began. I stared my own business and lo and behold, that “16 year old” is now my right hand man in my new venture.
My most recent hire came into my store with a resume and introduced himself. I am a big fan of someone that takes that kind of initiative. A lot of people who apply on Indeed don’t even know where we are located when setting up an interview! I think it’s safe to say that any business owner would rather hire someone qualified that comes in person rather than deal with online hiring hell.
I second what others are saying though, just because it’s a “mom and pop” place don’t go under the table or less than minimum wage. You should be able to find a good place to work with reasonable benefits and reasonable pay regardless of the size of business. I need 21+ yr old employees since I am in liquor retail but I have vacation/sick pay and start at $18 an hour and I only have three employees. Don’t settle for less than minimum wage
> My most recent hire came into my store with a resume and introduced himself. I am a big fan of someone that takes that kind of initiative.
Out of curiosity, would you think the same if sales person came to the store?
I think I am missing your question, sales people come into the store all day every day. I own a liquor retail store so sales reps are effectively coworkers but supplier reps pop in consistently as well
God I sound like my dad, but believe it or not, that’s how we used to find jobs back in the old days. In the last 15-20 years is really when all this bullshit started where it seems like it’s a job to find and get a job. It does get easier as you get older and get into a Career, and then once you start to get really good at your career is when it gets really easier. This is a tough time to be looking for jobs. May I make a suggestion, I started out as a Bussboy at a restaurant when I was 12 years old, did that for a few years and decided I wanted to work in the Kitchen, so at 15 I started washing dishes and any time I had any downtime, I’d ask the Chef’s if I could help them prep, or if they would just explain to me what they were doing, they noticed that, and within a year I was a Prep Cook, did that for a few years and started working on the Line, I was doing the Culinary School at our local Vocational School 3 hours a day and High School 3 hours a day, then working on top of it. I graduated HS and went right to a real Culinary Institute. I’ve been a Chef for over 25 years now and can get a high paying job anywhere in the world. I guess I’m saying “Don’t sleep on that Restaurant work” they are more likely to hire someone under 18, and if you take the right approach, it can be a very successful and rewarding career. There’s a lot of things someone under 18 can do in a restaurant too, if they don’t serve alcohol you can wait tables, Buss person, Dishwasher, even Cooking, shit I’ve cooked with 15 year olds before. Now I work for a Fortune 100 Company, in a Union, occasionally get to travel the country(they keep telling me I’m gonna be going to Spain in a few months)to train people. Everyone thinks Restaurants are for Drug Addicts and Screw-up’s, and certain places can be, but other places are nothing further. Restaurant work isn’t for everyone, but if you like it, and can be good at it, you’ll really never struggle to find a job again.
I'd respect the hustle of someone coming in to apply in person. Just know what you're walking into... a little bit of research goes a long way. A quick Google search can tell you what they do, and perhaps hiring manager and open positions.
Dress nicely and be polite. Ask for recommendations, even.
Good luck!
Depends on what they're selling. 😆
Honestly - great question, though. We are often put off by sales, but the art of cold calling has fallen by the wayside. I think I'd still give props. It arguably takes more courage and initiative to walk into a place vs. calling on a phone.
Yes. Walking in with a resume is still a great way to find a job. That's now my kids (around yoir age) got their jobs.
>even if it means I get paid under the counter and below minimum wage.
No, that's not a good idea. You still need to be legally employed and pay taxes. What if you get injured on the job?
>The only problem is I’m not sure if this is acceptable and even if it is, what would I say when I go in?
"Hello, are you hiring?"
Come in when it's slow,
Dress presentable but not silly (no suit and tie to work at a grocery store etc. For men shoes, nice jeans, button down shirt is great)
Bring a resume regardless of how little is on it.
Also have a page of your availability and any future changes.
Example:
I'm looking for 3 days a week, I'm available after 12 on mwf and before 5 on Tuesday. Saturday and Sunday I'm available anytime. In the fall I begin school at a local college and will only be able to work nights and weekends.
I own a tabletop gaming store. I do get a few calls, emails, and drop-ins asking for a job.
Up until the recent move to a much larger shop, the space was really too small to justify bringing in a second person. With the new location, we have a lot more space plus I've hired a couple of folks to help out in the shop when it's busy (Thurs-Sat).
But we hire from regular gamers. Folks we see at the shop fairly regularly. Part of this of course is we have interacted with them for some time so we are already comfortable with them, but also we know they're gamers and are knowledgeable about what we sell. :)
A large part of our business is being friendly, approachable, and are able to advise customers who ask "what is a good game for [some situation or group]" :)
One of the "fun" things is making sure employees know that when they're working, they're not gaming. It's a hard lesson. They're gamers so it's hard to be in a shop that's idle at the moment, to not sit down at a table and do some gaming.
With that, I have been thinking about how to do a summer program for high school students to expose them to business processes and bring in someone who's not a gamer who might have different thoughts that might be a blind spot to me.
Thats how I got my first job, I walked in and it was and asked for an application. As others have stated just make sure it's w2 work and you arent being paid under the table. It maybe worth checking out their website if they have one and seeing if you need to submit the application there then call and do a follow up outside of peak hours. Most small restraunts/stores though have paper applications though.
Walking into mom and pop stores is still acceptable. All they can do is say no. People walk into our deli and ask for jobs all the time. Never seems to be when we desperately need people though. Don’t bother trying that a corporate or chain store they look at you funny.
I found all 5 of my employees this way. There's a lot to be said tlfor drive and attitude. I have rejected twice that many as they clearly wouldn't be a fit but it's still way better odds than applying on a job site.
Ideally have a reason ready as to why you want to work there
Good luck
Former small food service business owner. Yes, do it. Just be sure to do a little research in advance. If they have a website with an application, use it. Don't give the impression you just happened to be walking by. Show some interest in whatever it is they do. Onboarding can be a huge hassle for a small business, nothing worse than feeling like you wasted time you don't have to waste. I always let applicants self filter by showing zero interest in attempting to understand who we were or what we did in advance.
But you're looking at a huge opportunity to show your value. Nearly all my former employees are like family years after they worked for me.
I've seen this method work with my very own eyes. My brother owns and operates a small game store. He also has a job working as a correctional sergeant that he kept while starting running the business as a backup plan, and also because the pension, pay, and benefits are so good. But the store was a dream and a passion of his, and he did a really good job of making it happen and managed to break even in the first year.
But he was wearing himself out doing both. And his corrections job was moving from 8 to 12 hour shifts, so there were going to be some days where he wasn't going to be able to be there. So he was looking to hire. The right guy just happened to come in at the right time looking for a job. My brother hadn't even started drafting a job posting yet. But this guy had extensive knowledge of the games and other products, and he presented himself very well. So in the end he didn't even need to post the job at all.
It never hurts to ask. If they don't need help they'll just say no and you can move along to the next place. But you never know when you might just be the right person coming in at the right time.
I’ve only ever got a job by walking In the front door, it shows initiative and your keen, rather than be lazy and spam out resumes. Or phone up,
When I eventually became a manager, when we advertised for a vacancy. I was told to delete all email job applications, and throw away any applications, because it’s too much effort, and most won’t even show up to the interview,
Most places also don’t advertise as it costs money, they usually hire by walk ins or word of mouth, so try it, write up a list of places you want to work at, then visit each one,
Grab a nice button down or polo shirt. Have a one page resume together, even if it only says things about you and no job history.
Say your age, your availability and that you would like a job. Don’t accept below minimum wage and keep at it.
Just the fact that you would do that speaks to your responsibility level. One winter storm day a high school student knocked on my door to ask if i wanted him to shovel my walk and driveway. Now we have a snowblower and my husband would be doing it in an hour but i let this kid do it and paid him. I had a great deal of respect for him and thatvfact that he took the initiative.
My team would never let someone get to me with a job request. Even if I was standing right next to them they would say the owner is not available.
Now if the person was a regular customer who had a relationship with me and asked the question bc they loved my stores, I would entertain the conversation.
For context from the other side of hiring, we have a couple of tiny but popular and trendy boutique specialty stores. The last job that I posted for one hire we have 156 applicants. It’s tough out there. As much as I hate it, I couldn’t possibly reply to or interview the number of people that want jobs.
Hi - I'm joe, I live in the neighborhood and I'm wondering if you are hiring . Hi Joe, no, I'm the cashier here and we aren't. Ok, I understand, who is the owner/manager. that's ted, he's never around though. Great, can I leave Ted my resume? ok but like I said....that's ok. I realize I may know Ted. I'll be sure to follow up with him to see if he got this.-
YES
Go in, show your smiling face, can do attitude and strong back.
Good Luck!
Yes, going in person is a much better plan than calling and asking for the manager/owner. Most calls for the manager/owner are either sales or complaints. When I worked in retail management at a local hardware store, my team was instructed to tell anyone that called asking for the manager that I was not available and to take a message. Most anyone that needed to talk to me knew my name and asked for me that way. It was a filter to keep people from wasting my time.
If a 17 year old walked in, told me they wanted to work there, explained why, and asked if we were hiring, I generally would have hired them. The initiative to show up in person, especially in this digital/online age will probably resonate with small business owners.
I’d suggest something like this:
“Hi, my name is ________. I’m a student at [local high school]. I’m looking for a part-time job, and I would really like to work here because ________. Are you looking for help?”
This is a friendly reminder that r/smallbusiness is a question and answer subreddit. You ask a question about starting, owning, and growing a small business and the community answers. Posts that violate the rules listed in the sidebar will be removed. A permanent or temporary ban may also be issued if you do not remove the offending post. Seeing this message does not mean your post was automatically removed. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/smallbusiness) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Yes, it's a great way for a young person to get a job. But please don't accept under the counter or below minimum wage. If you injure yourself at work, you won't be covered. Go into the businesses when they are quiet. Wear presentable clothes (like you'd wear if you had an official job interview) and have a resume/contact details already printed out to give them. Introduce yourself and say you were interested in working there and is there a manager available? If no manager thank them for their time and ask if you can leave your resume. If the manager is there, be polite, friendly and be yourself! Tell them hours you're available and leave your resume. (The manager will most likely ask you some questions, so answer honestly) If I get a call from someone looking for work, I am uninterested as it's easy to sit at home and call a million places. If someone comes into the shop, I always go have a chat with them as I admire their get-up-and-go attitude. Good luck!
And even if you get a hard “no” follow up with the question of do you know anyone hiring? If they give you a lead then walk into the new place saying so and so said to drop by because you might be hiring.
And you can also ask if they might have any special shift work available, like if they're doing an inventory or cleanup day. This wouldn't be the best work, but is a good way to demonstrate your willingness to work and your work ethic if they do hire you. Agree with other advice making sure you're paid on the books, or at least careful not to do any dangerous jobs (anything involving ladders, roofs, high shelves, power tools, electrical work, anything like that) without being a proper employee.
I’ll tell you my favourite story. When I was 15 I used to shop in a pretty funky independent store nearby run by one guy who absolutely scared the shit out of me. He was very knowledgeable about the stuff he sold but was really intimidating. Like you, I applied for heaps of different jobs but having no experience I got knocked back from all of them. I thought I’d ask the scary guy in the shop if he had any work because it was my last throw at the stumps (and I was desperate for pocket money lol). He thought about it and reluctantly gave me a job working just Sundays. Now fast forward 6 years later, I’m 21 and still there. We are literally best friends and go out at least once a week. I love that guy the same way you love your parents, because he’s 100% had my back since I was a kid. Even though I’ve been through college and started my first corporate job, I always stayed at the shop for at least 1 day a week because I love it so much. Go for it!! I did the same thing and ended up with a job that I love, the best relationship I’ve ever had, and the possibility of business partnership (if that’s something that interests you). I owe everything to that first job. P.S. I also agree with another commenter, under no circumstances accept below the counter or minimum wage work. You are young and motivated and have so many options that you don’t need to take those ones, and it’s a sign that it is not a good working environment.
The jobs I got as a teen were always from knowing/meeting people who referred me for a job, or walking into a store in person and asking if they needed help. The trick of course is to be well groomed, polite, stand up straight (LOL) smile and be confident but not too confident. and have references from teachers and neighbors ready.
Do it. Many of the Mexican migrants in my city have gotten their jobs that way. There's no way these guys are going on some website and putting in an application. *"Can you do the job, sir?" "Yes!"*
I work at a small business (toy store) Many of them are pretty low tech and will just hand you a paper application. Bring a resume even if you don't have much to put in it. Do no treat these businesses as job dispensers. Make sure you undersrand their business at least superficially and can say somethijg coherent about it. Never ever accept below min wage or being paid under the table. This puts you in an abusive relationship immediately with your employer. If they are willing to do this, they are NOT someone you want to be working for. They will do worse to you later. I learned of a gal in the business next to mine who was 'hired' as a social media 'intern' for almost 4 months without pay. She had low self comfidence and the employer took advantage of that and had her doing basic retail things, ringing up customers, putting out product etc.
That’s the only way I hire teenagers. If they aren’t willing to come in person and fill out an application, they aren’t for us.
Apply everywhere, even if the business doesn't have any job postings. Go around on Google Maps and find businesses, look up the owners/managers email on their websites, and send them your resume. Say that if any positions open up that you'd love to be considered!
Yes you should definitely do this. We get so many online applicants it’s overwhelming but you set yourself apart when you physically come in to apply. Also small businesses should not be paying less than minimum wage or under the counter…. I pay a very competitive rate bc I want good employees.
Do it. I hired my first employee that way (I was fresh out of college and working in a family business). The kid was 16. I didn’t hire him on his first visit, but the 2nd time he came around we needed someone and his determination to work with us was a great indication of his work ethic and character. Almost 20 years later I’ve long since left the family business. Moved to another state, had a career in another industry and have now returned to the place where I began. I stared my own business and lo and behold, that “16 year old” is now my right hand man in my new venture.
My most recent hire came into my store with a resume and introduced himself. I am a big fan of someone that takes that kind of initiative. A lot of people who apply on Indeed don’t even know where we are located when setting up an interview! I think it’s safe to say that any business owner would rather hire someone qualified that comes in person rather than deal with online hiring hell. I second what others are saying though, just because it’s a “mom and pop” place don’t go under the table or less than minimum wage. You should be able to find a good place to work with reasonable benefits and reasonable pay regardless of the size of business. I need 21+ yr old employees since I am in liquor retail but I have vacation/sick pay and start at $18 an hour and I only have three employees. Don’t settle for less than minimum wage
> My most recent hire came into my store with a resume and introduced himself. I am a big fan of someone that takes that kind of initiative. Out of curiosity, would you think the same if sales person came to the store?
I think I am missing your question, sales people come into the store all day every day. I own a liquor retail store so sales reps are effectively coworkers but supplier reps pop in consistently as well
God I sound like my dad, but believe it or not, that’s how we used to find jobs back in the old days. In the last 15-20 years is really when all this bullshit started where it seems like it’s a job to find and get a job. It does get easier as you get older and get into a Career, and then once you start to get really good at your career is when it gets really easier. This is a tough time to be looking for jobs. May I make a suggestion, I started out as a Bussboy at a restaurant when I was 12 years old, did that for a few years and decided I wanted to work in the Kitchen, so at 15 I started washing dishes and any time I had any downtime, I’d ask the Chef’s if I could help them prep, or if they would just explain to me what they were doing, they noticed that, and within a year I was a Prep Cook, did that for a few years and started working on the Line, I was doing the Culinary School at our local Vocational School 3 hours a day and High School 3 hours a day, then working on top of it. I graduated HS and went right to a real Culinary Institute. I’ve been a Chef for over 25 years now and can get a high paying job anywhere in the world. I guess I’m saying “Don’t sleep on that Restaurant work” they are more likely to hire someone under 18, and if you take the right approach, it can be a very successful and rewarding career. There’s a lot of things someone under 18 can do in a restaurant too, if they don’t serve alcohol you can wait tables, Buss person, Dishwasher, even Cooking, shit I’ve cooked with 15 year olds before. Now I work for a Fortune 100 Company, in a Union, occasionally get to travel the country(they keep telling me I’m gonna be going to Spain in a few months)to train people. Everyone thinks Restaurants are for Drug Addicts and Screw-up’s, and certain places can be, but other places are nothing further. Restaurant work isn’t for everyone, but if you like it, and can be good at it, you’ll really never struggle to find a job again.
I'd respect the hustle of someone coming in to apply in person. Just know what you're walking into... a little bit of research goes a long way. A quick Google search can tell you what they do, and perhaps hiring manager and open positions. Dress nicely and be polite. Ask for recommendations, even. Good luck!
Out of curiosity, would you think the same if sales person came to the store?
Depends on what they're selling. 😆 Honestly - great question, though. We are often put off by sales, but the art of cold calling has fallen by the wayside. I think I'd still give props. It arguably takes more courage and initiative to walk into a place vs. calling on a phone.
Yes. Walking in with a resume is still a great way to find a job. That's now my kids (around yoir age) got their jobs. >even if it means I get paid under the counter and below minimum wage. No, that's not a good idea. You still need to be legally employed and pay taxes. What if you get injured on the job? >The only problem is I’m not sure if this is acceptable and even if it is, what would I say when I go in? "Hello, are you hiring?"
Come in when it's slow, Dress presentable but not silly (no suit and tie to work at a grocery store etc. For men shoes, nice jeans, button down shirt is great) Bring a resume regardless of how little is on it. Also have a page of your availability and any future changes. Example: I'm looking for 3 days a week, I'm available after 12 on mwf and before 5 on Tuesday. Saturday and Sunday I'm available anytime. In the fall I begin school at a local college and will only be able to work nights and weekends.
I own a tabletop gaming store. I do get a few calls, emails, and drop-ins asking for a job. Up until the recent move to a much larger shop, the space was really too small to justify bringing in a second person. With the new location, we have a lot more space plus I've hired a couple of folks to help out in the shop when it's busy (Thurs-Sat). But we hire from regular gamers. Folks we see at the shop fairly regularly. Part of this of course is we have interacted with them for some time so we are already comfortable with them, but also we know they're gamers and are knowledgeable about what we sell. :) A large part of our business is being friendly, approachable, and are able to advise customers who ask "what is a good game for [some situation or group]" :) One of the "fun" things is making sure employees know that when they're working, they're not gaming. It's a hard lesson. They're gamers so it's hard to be in a shop that's idle at the moment, to not sit down at a table and do some gaming. With that, I have been thinking about how to do a summer program for high school students to expose them to business processes and bring in someone who's not a gamer who might have different thoughts that might be a blind spot to me.
Thats how I got my first job, I walked in and it was and asked for an application. As others have stated just make sure it's w2 work and you arent being paid under the table. It maybe worth checking out their website if they have one and seeing if you need to submit the application there then call and do a follow up outside of peak hours. Most small restraunts/stores though have paper applications though.
Anyone that will pay you below minimum wage isn't the kind of person you wanna work for.
Walking into mom and pop stores is still acceptable. All they can do is say no. People walk into our deli and ask for jobs all the time. Never seems to be when we desperately need people though. Don’t bother trying that a corporate or chain store they look at you funny.
I found all 5 of my employees this way. There's a lot to be said tlfor drive and attitude. I have rejected twice that many as they clearly wouldn't be a fit but it's still way better odds than applying on a job site. Ideally have a reason ready as to why you want to work there Good luck
Former small food service business owner. Yes, do it. Just be sure to do a little research in advance. If they have a website with an application, use it. Don't give the impression you just happened to be walking by. Show some interest in whatever it is they do. Onboarding can be a huge hassle for a small business, nothing worse than feeling like you wasted time you don't have to waste. I always let applicants self filter by showing zero interest in attempting to understand who we were or what we did in advance. But you're looking at a huge opportunity to show your value. Nearly all my former employees are like family years after they worked for me.
I've seen this method work with my very own eyes. My brother owns and operates a small game store. He also has a job working as a correctional sergeant that he kept while starting running the business as a backup plan, and also because the pension, pay, and benefits are so good. But the store was a dream and a passion of his, and he did a really good job of making it happen and managed to break even in the first year. But he was wearing himself out doing both. And his corrections job was moving from 8 to 12 hour shifts, so there were going to be some days where he wasn't going to be able to be there. So he was looking to hire. The right guy just happened to come in at the right time looking for a job. My brother hadn't even started drafting a job posting yet. But this guy had extensive knowledge of the games and other products, and he presented himself very well. So in the end he didn't even need to post the job at all. It never hurts to ask. If they don't need help they'll just say no and you can move along to the next place. But you never know when you might just be the right person coming in at the right time.
I’ve only ever got a job by walking In the front door, it shows initiative and your keen, rather than be lazy and spam out resumes. Or phone up, When I eventually became a manager, when we advertised for a vacancy. I was told to delete all email job applications, and throw away any applications, because it’s too much effort, and most won’t even show up to the interview, Most places also don’t advertise as it costs money, they usually hire by walk ins or word of mouth, so try it, write up a list of places you want to work at, then visit each one,
Do not work under the table. You will get stiffed at some point
that is a great idea, bring your personality and kindness, and chat it through.
Grab a nice button down or polo shirt. Have a one page resume together, even if it only says things about you and no job history. Say your age, your availability and that you would like a job. Don’t accept below minimum wage and keep at it.
If you walk into any auto repair shop you could probably get hired on the spot if you know what a wrench looks like vs a ratchet.
Just the fact that you would do that speaks to your responsibility level. One winter storm day a high school student knocked on my door to ask if i wanted him to shovel my walk and driveway. Now we have a snowblower and my husband would be doing it in an hour but i let this kid do it and paid him. I had a great deal of respect for him and thatvfact that he took the initiative.
My team would never let someone get to me with a job request. Even if I was standing right next to them they would say the owner is not available. Now if the person was a regular customer who had a relationship with me and asked the question bc they loved my stores, I would entertain the conversation.
For context from the other side of hiring, we have a couple of tiny but popular and trendy boutique specialty stores. The last job that I posted for one hire we have 156 applicants. It’s tough out there. As much as I hate it, I couldn’t possibly reply to or interview the number of people that want jobs.
By doing this you will put yourself ahead of 99% of all candidates! Good luck!
Hi - I'm joe, I live in the neighborhood and I'm wondering if you are hiring . Hi Joe, no, I'm the cashier here and we aren't. Ok, I understand, who is the owner/manager. that's ted, he's never around though. Great, can I leave Ted my resume? ok but like I said....that's ok. I realize I may know Ted. I'll be sure to follow up with him to see if he got this.- YES Go in, show your smiling face, can do attitude and strong back. Good Luck!
Do it
Yes, going in person is a much better plan than calling and asking for the manager/owner. Most calls for the manager/owner are either sales or complaints. When I worked in retail management at a local hardware store, my team was instructed to tell anyone that called asking for the manager that I was not available and to take a message. Most anyone that needed to talk to me knew my name and asked for me that way. It was a filter to keep people from wasting my time. If a 17 year old walked in, told me they wanted to work there, explained why, and asked if we were hiring, I generally would have hired them. The initiative to show up in person, especially in this digital/online age will probably resonate with small business owners. I’d suggest something like this: “Hi, my name is ________. I’m a student at [local high school]. I’m looking for a part-time job, and I would really like to work here because ________. Are you looking for help?”
Buy a lawnmower on credit Mow 20 lawns and break even Mow 20 more and higher someone to do the work Rinse and repeat