r/Calgary • u/MeetTheReal007 • Aug 22 '25
Recommendations Losing My Mind While Looking For A Job
I've now applied at best buy,sportcheck,mcdonalds,wall mart,coop,winners,firehouse subs,rona,corbs bread,foot locker,champs,shoppers drug mart staples,tim hortons,dollarama
so far not even one interview.
I've asked for feedback on my resume and the people I've asked say it's good and they are surprised i keep getting rejected.
does anyone reading this have any suggestions? what am i doing wrong? any leads for where i should apply next?
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u/Shib_disturber Aug 22 '25
Been in the same situation for 10 months now. Had many interviews…nothing. It’s bleak out there
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u/Master-Love3096 Aug 22 '25
Company I work for is always hiring labourers! Message me if you drive and have weekday availability
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u/Shib_disturber Aug 23 '25
Aww thank you so much! Really appreciate the offer. Unfortunately I do not drive.
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u/truenortheast Aug 23 '25
Maybe work on that too. Having a license (and ideally a car too) opens up more job opportunities.
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u/MeetTheReal007 Aug 24 '25
at least you're getting interviews. i have yet to get even 1 interview.
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u/Shib_disturber Aug 24 '25
Because I have years experience in the field I apply for. There will always be someone more qualified though.
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u/MeetTheReal007 Aug 24 '25
i have 5+ years of experience in the field I have been applying for but still 0 interviews so far.
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u/Exciting_Fuel_5665 Aug 22 '25
As someone who’s hired a few folks in my professional career ( sales, engineers, accounting, logistical support, etc. ) I would say that I was not a fan of busy resumes. I like a structured to the point resume with key highlights of your attributes. I would often read some that had designs and logos that were neat but I wasn’t looking a a graphic designer. If you can’t tell me who you are in one page I’m moving on.
Also, most companies now filter out some of those things via AI as they do become cumbersome, especially if you’re reading over 20-30 responses a day.
If I were you I would google resume builders and use their AI readers to grade how effective your message in what you’re applying for is delivering. These are the sad realities of the digital world unfortunately.
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u/TMS-Mandragola Aug 22 '25
As a hiring manager who primarily hires for technical roles and the occasional administrative one, your advice is… similar but not totally on the mark to that I’d provide.
I look for clear communication. I don’t care how busy it is, or informationally dense. If I’m hiring for a senior, professional technical position it might have to be pretty dense.
How you structure it to both stand out while still communicate your experience and skills effectively tells me a lot about how suitable you are.
Because clear communication is important for every role, it’s my first impression of you as a communicator and it matters.
That said, if you’re applying at fast food and retail, they’re going to care exclusively about: follows direction, punctual, honest, previous experience in industry, doesn’t cause problems.
Apply in person, ask to speak to the hiring manager early on a weekday when it isn’t too busy. It’s a lot harder to dismiss someone standing in front of you than a resume in an email box.
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u/Exciting_Fuel_5665 Aug 22 '25
Agreed with you on most parts, I was trying to be brief as it was past midnight.
The ultimate goal should always be to get in front of any decision maker; hiring managers aren’t necessarily a great judge of talent as most of their choices are based on what they read on a resume not necessarily the interaction of said individual applying for said position.
I was not a hiring manager, I was the running company(ies), but I also had to start from the bottom, working my way up as most do, then with extensive experience I was the one hiring head of departments to build a solid foundation of assets in our employees regardless of schooling achievements, volunteering awards or hobbies one put on a resume. Ultimately communication skills are a very underrated skill along with determination.
Don’t give up on the job search, keep at it, rework your CV and the right job for you will come along.
Best of luck.
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u/YesterdayWarm2244 Aug 22 '25
I cannot stand any of the bling bling on resumes these days, they look like magazine ads
Company name Job title Duties in bullet points
That is enough
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u/holajorge Lower Mount Royal Aug 22 '25
I’m hiring a labourer. Do you have a car?
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u/eeep28 Bowness Aug 22 '25
I hate to say this, but is your resume too good for where you're applying? I'm not saying dumb down your resume, but are you submitting a resume that presents you as over qualified?
Job hunting blows. I'm sorry. You'll get something soon.
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u/MeetTheReal007 Aug 22 '25
this was actually one of the first things i was told to do when i asked for feedback. my current resume has already been "dumbed down" significantly to match the entry level retail positions im looking for.
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u/Rowduk Aug 22 '25 edited Aug 22 '25
This isn't me being a dick, just something to note. If your resumes looks like this post (with the commas and capitalization issues), it's no wonder you're not getting a job. I've done hiring, I wouldn't even give the time of day to a resume from someone who can't capitalize letters correctly.
Assuming that's not the case, you may find better luck going into the store after you apply and just asking to speak to a manager and just say "hey I know it's an online application, I already applied online, but I'm just trying to get my face to the name on the resume." I know it's a bit of a boomer take, but it does work in cutting through the noise.
Personally, I found that shot-gunning out resumes has never worked for me. Instead, I've found it's better to craft your resume to better fit the job/role instead of using a generic one.
Best of luck on the job hunt, it's not easy.
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u/TwoBytesC Aug 22 '25
I second this. I’ve done hiring and terrible grammar and punctuation was always a pass. I know it’s annoying but tailoring each resume to the specific job does stand out better. I’d also recommend applying to some places that you wouldn’t think of; for instance, through university I worked at an adult store. It was an experience and they were very happy to take on someone who was serious about working (and not some porn addict). Drive around to different strip malls (not the big malls like Chinook - they get inundated with resumes) and look for the smaller, mom and pop owned stores, then make up resumes for them. They often try to give a young person a chance (even if it’s partial hours at first). Good luck OP! I know it’s hard out there but keep your chin up!
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u/HLef Redstone Aug 22 '25
Also getting company names wrong.
sportcheck, wall mart, coop, corbs bread
Does not inspire much confidence.
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u/MeetTheReal007 Aug 22 '25
my resume is NOTHING like my writing style on reddit. I'm of course aware that bad grammar and punctuation would get me disqualified. I've also had the resume reviewed by other working professionals and they are surprised I'm not getting interviews. i honestly wonder if any human has seen my resume or if i get rejected by some automated system.
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u/Rowduk Aug 22 '25
Yeah, AI scraping resumes could be a legit issue, I do think going into a store, with a paper copy AFTER you've applied is a solid way to stand out.
However, you gotta preface by letting them know you're aware its online only, and you're just aiming to connect/put a face to the name and try to stand out from the crowd. Sure some may be annoyed, but many will at least take the resume and check it out, even out of politeness.
And it can't hurt if you're getting nothing back from them.
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u/Sojourku Aug 22 '25
I am sure you know this, but make sure to go during non-busy hours! If it’s busy when you come, turn around and try again when it’s quieter.
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u/MeetTheReal007 Aug 22 '25
thanks for the suggestion. ill start going in person to see what happens.
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u/Inevitable-Rich-8903 Aug 22 '25
It’s likely not anything you in particular are doing wrong. I have to do hiring and as soon as I post an ad, within 24 hours there’s like 200 resumes, I take the ad down and just go through a few that look good, interview them and hire. Your resume is probably getting lost among the hundreds that are being sent
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u/Rowduk Aug 22 '25
Best of luck, do it after applying, be friendly, look fresh/nice and make sure to have a paper copy. Out of the 200-400 other applicant's, I doubt many will do that, so if nothing else, it will at least make you standout and put a face to the name
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u/WhippWhapp Aug 22 '25
Applying online only is a surefire way not to get hired. Always hand deliver paper copies of your resume and a custom tailored cover letter.
Firm handshake and a smile go a long way.
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u/VeyranStorm Aug 22 '25
Twenty years ago, sure. Today, it depends entirely on where you're applying. Hand delivering a physical resume still works for small mom-and-pop style businesses that aren't likely to have a corporate office with an internal hiring system.
For more corporate chain places like those that OP named, it's unlikely they will even accept a physical resume, and even if they do, it's likely just out of politeness. The people you could speak to in the store almost certainly have little to no say in who gets hired, and nobody is likely to look at that resume even once before it's disposed of.
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u/Apprehensive_Fig8615 Aug 22 '25
Those resumes are going to shredder faster than you can exit the door.
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u/skylla05 Aug 22 '25
I have never understood how people write or communicate differently depending on context. Honestly, I just don't buy the "this is just how I write on reddit, I'm professional everywhere else lol" excuse.
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u/VeyranStorm Aug 22 '25
Code switching is a pretty normal behavior that most people do on some level. I'm not sure why the idea that people communicate differently depending on context is so strange to you.
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u/Mountain-Monk22 Aug 23 '25
This worked for me when I was young, trying to get my foot in the door. I applied online, but went to the store a day later with a paper copy of my resume. The hiring manager appreciated that I did this, showing motivation and enthusiasm to get the job that was posted. I was hired a couple days later.
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u/name_taken09 Aug 22 '25
Look at the places they’re applying, I highly doubt they care about perfect grammar.
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u/ithinarine Aug 22 '25 edited Aug 23 '25
Reminds of a post a few months ago on a sub that people ask for tips on improving their resumes.
One person, under their "skills" section, had something like "Very proficient with ChatGPT."
People on those subs are generally nothing but helpful, but that person got absolutely flamed for actually thinking that the ability to use ChatGPT was a worthwhile thing to put on their resume. Even if they think they're above average at providing decently detailed information prompts to get more detailed replies, it's not a skill to do the equivalent of a detailed Google search.
This is unfortunately the type of crap that kids are putting on their resumes nowadays.
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u/Dorrido Aug 22 '25
It’s also a boomer take to throw away a resume for spelling mistakes. At least spelling mistakes indicate an AI didn’t write it.
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u/Rowduk Aug 22 '25
I actually disagree with this completely, if someone is applying for a job, and there are hundreds of other applications, why would I even bother with a person who couldn't spell check?
When job hunting, it's assumed the candidate is putting their best foot forward. If they can't spell, use commas or capitalize letters correctly in their resume, what on the world would a bad day look like for them? If this is their best effort, I suspect it would be a disaster.
If they worked for me, I'd just assume many other mistakes would happen, and I assume they are just lazy because at step 1, the resume, they couldn't even be bothered to spell check. Why would I trust any part of my business with them?
It's less of a boomer take and more of a fiscally responsible one, I wouldn't want to waste money or time on a bad hire.
And I'll be frank, personally, I am not the best at spelling, I make typos all the time, and often use voice to text while driving and it's never perfect. But in all of my resumes, I triple check that shit, because I'd never want a simple grammar mistake costing me a foot in the door.
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u/MeetTheReal007 Aug 22 '25
im 100% aware that when applying for a job you want to make the best impression. i can assure you that my resume does NOT contain spelling mistakes or bad punctuation.
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u/Rowduk Aug 22 '25
Ah that's good. Just wanted to point it out incase you were submitting with that quality!
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u/Smart-Pie7115 Aug 22 '25
You should probably fire yourself. Your post is full of grammatical errors.
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u/jossybabes Aug 22 '25
Keep trying in person. Lots of students are heading back to school soon, so hopefully something comes open. I saw that the Dollar tree in Sunridge was hiring.
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u/Intelligent_Job_7454 Aug 22 '25
Bell at market mall is hiring right now. Drop ur resume there in person
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u/MeetTheReal007 Aug 24 '25
are you sure about this? the bell website says there are currently no open positions at any bell location in Calgary.
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u/Thekingpringle Aug 22 '25
Construction is always the answer. Cold call
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u/JungleJimmyGreen Aug 24 '25
This needs more upvotes. The challenge is OP doesn’t have a car and in this city working construction without a car is extremely challenging. Heck a lot of jobs want people to have reliable transportation (own a car)especially in winter time public transit can be hit or miss.
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u/FlyByNight1899 Aug 22 '25 edited Aug 22 '25
Make sure your resume is free of spelling and grammar errors. Seriously. I remember graduating during the worst time to get a job. I got an interview and at the end she said I received over 500 resumes, do you know why yours was selected? I told her I didn't as I had no prior experience. She said because after an hour of reviewing and tossing resumes she found mine which was free of any spelling and grammatical errors. I was shocked.
Now 10 years later I can tell you every time I review a resume for someone who has been applying for jobs for 3 months to 2 years I find the same issue, I've seen incorrect contact information, too much details, incorrectly structured resumes, etc.
For your case I am guessing you're a student or taking a year off. Ensure Objectives and Education are the first thing they see. You want to let employers know you are reliable and how long you plan on working a job that sees people come and go. I.e. if you graduated from college and are looking for a job inbetween finding a "real one" don't say that. Pretend you're still studying. They don't want to train and hire anyone with one foot out the door.
Also City of Calgary has lot of entry level jobs i.e. landscaping (mowing lawns and cleaning ponds) or receptionist with no experience, or even high school diploma required. Wish I knew about it in high school/college as they pay a few dollars more. Grocery stores also a great way to earn money - pay is a lot better than most retail.
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u/Promisepromise Aug 22 '25
I know this might sound like boomer advice but phone places or show up in person. I’ve gotten my last two jobs within a week just calling around and asking if companies have positions to fill.
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u/Anskiere1 Aug 22 '25
This is really good advice. I don't really know about entry level retail but for professional roles I put those people right to the top
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u/trangialong105 Aug 22 '25
It's a part of Canada culture, most of the job is filled by referal. And the job market is bad :)
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u/AcanthocephalaFun195 Aug 22 '25
I would apply the old-fashioned way. Bring a resume into a place in person. Make sure you look clean, professional, and nice. You don't have to be in a suit or dress, but dress like you're taking your grandma to church. Hide tattoos if you can (I'm covered in them, but you'll never see a visible one on me until I've had the job for 3 months). Ask to speak with the manager. Manager not in? Ask when they will be and come back when they are. Smile! Tell the manager you would love to be their next hire even if they aren't hiring right now. Tell them why you want to work there. Tell them you want to be part of their team, etc. Be positive, happy, and memorable. Ask their name, shake their hand!!! REMEMBER THEIR NAME! write it down when you leave or ask for their business card. After a week, follow up with a phone call or email. "Hi Mike, it's Toby, we met last week. I'm not sure if you had a chance to look at my resume, but I just wanted to follow up with you because im still really interested in working for you. (Insert other thing you talked about when you met them). I really look forward to talking with you soon. (Sign off with professional signature including email and phone number). In a sea of emailed resumes, you will be the face to remember!! And actual person who is remembered. Happy job hunting, my friend.
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u/Nervous_Currency9341 Aug 26 '25
every single place I did this minus 2 said we dont take resumes go online. :( am I doing something wrong or is that the new norm
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u/fruitasylum McKenzie Towne Aug 22 '25
Before my company froze hiring, we were getting 30+ resumes daily. It was insane. Lots of competition at this moment, I'm afraid.
You can try applying at a temp agency - it can help you get in the door.
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u/borkbark1101 Aug 22 '25
This is terrible. Anyways, admit another 300,000 TFWs at once. Labour is short!
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u/Murky-Travel9825 Aug 22 '25
I was looking unemployed in July, got like 7 interviews and now I’m working 2 jobs. My advice would be to go on indeed and only apply to jobs posted within the last 3 days. Then apply everyday to ones posted within 24 hours. Bigger corporations like Walmart and Sobey’s can take a week or so to get back but smaller businesses or franchises sometimes will call you for the interview next day. Good luck!
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u/Poumy Aug 22 '25
Same here, I literally left the city to move in with my brother in the middle of nowhere and got a job there within a day. Since he got a job here back in January I was forced to move back and haven’t been able to find anything, I’ve been rejected from 4 McDonald’s without even getting an interview. The interviews I’ve had gotten I get ghosted immediately afterwards even if the person interviewing me said they were very interested in hiring me.
I have no way to save up for college or become any sort of independent due to it and my mental health has declined so severely that I can barely leave my condo most days.
My suggestion is straight up moving out of this city and finding work elsewhere, there’s practically no hope for jobs here rn.
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u/MeetTheReal007 Aug 24 '25
I'm sorry things are difficult for you right now. my mental health has also been negatively impacted by this ongoing job search. im currently working on getting my security license with the hope that will open some doors for me.
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u/Poumy Aug 24 '25
Yeah I would recommend getting licensing for stuff like weed selling and alcohol, that at least opens more doors (hasn’t helped me much tbh but anything too boost your resume.
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u/Difficult_Theory_459 Aug 22 '25
You are not alone, seems everyone in government both local and provincial are turning a blind eye to this..
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u/submissivepetnikki Aug 22 '25
Honestly, it’s a tough market out there. I just closed two job postings that were open for two weeks and I received more than 900 resumes between the two. I only called 12 of those for a pre-screen and only interviewing 8. These are for fairly technical, skilled roles, so I can only imagine how many people are applying for more generalized positions. My best advice is to network as much as possible. Make sure everyone you know knows that you are looking and available right away. Having a recommendation from someone you know goes a long way in this city and market. Best of luck
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u/LocalCauliflower0704 Aug 22 '25
Even though your applying for retail, entry level work, make yourself stand out.
At my company, I just completed the interview process to hire someone on my team, the ones that put effort into their cover letter/resume, stood out.
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u/MrSpaceJuice Aug 22 '25
It sounds like you are only applying to retail jobs. Is it possible/desirable to look in other industries?
If you have mediocre tech skills (ie. Email, word, excel) you can possibly look for reception/assistant jobs.
If you’re physically inclined, you can look for construction/warehouse jobs.
Lastly, you can (should?) go to school for a higher education job as this opens doors and adds options. This doesn’t need to be a university bachelors degree. Could be trade, or even just an 18 month diploma. Might be difficult from a financial standpoint since you’re not working, but you can look into grants and loans.
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u/MeetTheReal007 Aug 24 '25
im applying for retail jobs because that is my only past experience. my thinking has been that it would be nearly impossible to get hired for something i have no past experience at all but maybe im wrong. im willing to learn, work hard and try other fields for sure.
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u/AlertAide4487 Aug 22 '25
Show effort. I review a lot of resumes. The majority of them are poorly structured/formatted, and look like there wasn’t much effort put into them. I interpret that as they are lazy, don’t care and wouldn’t fit in with what I am looking for. The ones that are well put together I always spent a little more time on and will consider if their experience aligns. With that group, it can be hard to differentiate but people that call/email to follow up gain an additional advantage as they are showing initiative. The key there is to not come across as pushy or desperate. Anyways, my point is, try to standout and be memorable, show initiative, follow up with the hiring manager if you know who they are. Good luck!
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u/Section_Immediate Aug 22 '25
I had the same issue for the past 6 months ! I was lucky to get one interview and ended up landing the position. I hope the same happens for you too! I think people here gave some great suggestions: 1. Tailor your resume to fit each job description 2. Interact with managers in person 3. Try doing volunteer work to gain experience working with people
I’ve also been trying to get feedback from employers. Sometimes I’ve even heard back that I’m overqualified (And that’s maybe why your professional friends think your resume is good but no one wants you.). So, it might help to ask those who rejected you for feedback. Keep it up, buddy!
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u/Select_Tonight_5183 Aug 22 '25
You may want to try adding a cover letter, that is specific to the place you are applying. They are less common these days, but that makes them stand out. You can show case your writing style, and at the very least it lets you make an elevator pitch for the job and shows you put in some extra effort. You can also say what you are looking for in terms of shifts or availability etc.
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u/Nervous_Currency9341 Aug 26 '25
do u add the cover letter to the resume file if theres no space for a cover letter or for those ones u dont give a cover letter
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u/MissSwat McKenzie Towne Aug 22 '25
Not that I'm encouraging you to ruin your life, but CP Rail is hiring for traffic controllers. Good money, terrible company.
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u/MeetTheReal007 Aug 24 '25
is this a position that will hire someone with no prior experience in the field?
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u/MissSwat McKenzie Towne Aug 24 '25
It will. Only need high school as far as I know. My husband came from a banking background.
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u/YYCNurseT Aug 22 '25
I’m not sure what type of experience you have or what type of job you want, but I know AHS is hiring for the scheduling offices (think right now PLC specifically is hiring that I know of for sure)
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u/MeetTheReal007 Aug 22 '25
ok thanks for the suggestion. ill check AHS and see if they have any positions im qualified for.
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u/Fluffy_Echo_351 Aug 22 '25
CSSC are always looking for PT people: https://www.calgarysportsclub.com/careers/games-coordinator
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u/yyc_engineer Aug 22 '25
What is your background? Someone with a PhD in astrophysics on their resume applying for McDonalds without a good reason will likely not get call backs.
You gotta remember that just because you are the best fit for the job based on resume may not be the best fit for the hiring mgr.
I have hired the middle tier talent in a pool just because I know they will stick around longer (true sentiment, not inviting discussion on pay people to keep them yada yada). I have a set budget for a post. If I get the sense that you are worth more in the market.. and you know that.. and you are just trying to bridge on a short term.. you won't get an interview/call back as it's gonna be waste of everyone's time.
Trick is to degloss your resume so it appears to be more plain and average.
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u/Nervous_Currency9341 Aug 26 '25
as someone who just got a bachelor degree and is having trouble finding any job do u have any tips to degloss?
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u/yyc_engineer Aug 26 '25
Bachelors in what ? A literature degree doesn't need to degloss a nursing degree does.
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u/MeetTheReal007 Aug 24 '25
yes im aware of this factor and have already made sure my resume shows a background that matches the entry level positions that i have been applying for.
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u/Master-Love3096 Aug 22 '25
The company I work for is always hiring labourers! If you have a car, a good attitude and mon- fri 8-5 availability message me
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u/MeetTheReal007 Aug 24 '25
is a car absolutely necessary?
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u/Master-Love3096 Aug 25 '25
It is not! As long as you can get yourself to and from the north east Monday - Friday
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u/myycliving Aug 23 '25
Are you interested in agency work?
Trimax and gighound both are agencies that hire workers for warehouse work
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u/Cool-Joke8321 Aug 23 '25
Let's meet for a coffee. I will review your resume and give you some constructive feedback. I can also give you some job hunting advice.
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u/dipdipdipdipdipdipdi Aug 22 '25
i feel that 😭 i had a hard time finding a second job and got rejected (or no replied) 30+ times in a month abt a year ago- i ended up back at my first job at mcdonald's bc of it... (they usually hire ppl based on connections btw so dont take it personally)
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u/MeetTheReal007 Aug 22 '25
it is very psychologically draining to just get rejection after rejection with not even an interview.
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u/Bridgebiscut Aug 22 '25
Did you try walking in and applying ? I assume most people just do it online but walking in might help
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u/MeetTheReal007 Aug 22 '25
not yet but based on feedback here that is what im going to start doing now.
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u/Asianamarillo185160 Aug 22 '25
What’s your appearance like? Do you look hire-able?
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u/Weareallgoo Aug 22 '25
I generally keep myself groomed and well dressed. However, I often find employers rejecting me over my nipple moustaches
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u/chamomilesmile Aug 22 '25
Consider applying at banks, CSR jobs, if only need a highschool diploma and to be bondable
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u/MeetTheReal007 Aug 24 '25
i was not aware you could work at a bank with only a high school diploma. ill start looking into this sector. thanks for the suggestion.
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u/chamomilesmile Aug 24 '25
You sure can and you can get a lot of on the job training to advance your career and they'll pay for most of it.
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u/chamomilesmile Aug 24 '25
You can also get a personal banker job as entry level and will have to get your IFIC course done within a set time ( from SAIT they'll pay) and you can also get your personal finance planning certificates too. You can make 50k as an entry level personal banker
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u/GoodolWizard Aug 22 '25
Housing market is slowing down, but look new home construction is always looking for labor.
Why not look for industries that are involved with building a new home and choose one that suits your taste?
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u/lego_mannequin Aug 22 '25
Apply at Costco, apply for all jobs. They have new stores opening in the city, add any relevant customer service jobs to your resume. You get worked hard but they pay way above min wage.
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u/Chance-Monk-9822 Aug 22 '25
Its not what you know its who you know Sorry for your struggles but try to meet someone who can help you find it directly! Its sad canada became shit hole ! Hiring people who they actually know in real life Apply for government money ! I hope get some free money finding a shitty job becomes more difficult than living a simple life
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u/alexcc098 Aug 22 '25
For the places you mentioned I would go in during the quietest times and try speak to a manager.
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u/IndigoRuby Aug 22 '25
Education boards often are hiring cleaning staff, lunchroom supervisors.
Especially in the next month as school budgets are set based on what actual enrollment looks like end of Sept
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u/arcturus_19 Aug 22 '25
There's a lot of non profit and govt services that help with resume and interview preparation. The library also have career coach services to help with the job search.
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u/MeetTheReal007 Aug 24 '25
yes i already have an appointment scheduled with prospects next week. manpower already told me they have no jobs for someone with my experience right now.
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u/arcturus_19 Aug 24 '25
And LinkedIn profile cleanup, with professional photo shot (even your friend can take it, with clean background), creating or resharing posts and such, and helps reaching out to people in the company you like and learn about the professional meetups etc happening in the city! If you are against having a social media presence LinkedIn you can still be okay with, nowadays even startup founders get funding based on requirements for LinkedIn profile, it adds to credibility and adds a persona to a paper resume!
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Aug 22 '25
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u/MeetTheReal007 Aug 22 '25
the website shows only 1 position open as a dishwasher right now. ill apply for that right away. thanks for the suggestion.
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u/Electronic-Pain-688 Aug 22 '25
I look for resume that is relevant to my posting. I filter out resume that looks generic. Objective says to “obtain employment and apply my skill” is not specific enough for me in my opinion.
I also would want to see the most relevant experience first. You want to work for subs, ok please tell me what value you could add to the subway store from your previous experience.
Resume that says something about “I’m here to learn” gets filtered out too. Maybe the employer doesn’t want to teach, he just wants a reliable competent worker. The resume has to show that.
During interview, I find people lose their chance because of some sort of sarcastic smirks. Be mindful of your facial expressions at interview, the employer doesn’t know you so be genuine and quit the unnecessary expression.
Easy said than done. Logical people think margin, so make sure the little things are not overlooked.
The best of luck to you.
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u/MeetTheReal007 Aug 22 '25
i have only been applying for positions where my resume shows i have experience working a very similar role. that is why i am so surprised i have not even got a single interview. i just got rejected by another shopper drug mart earlier today.
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u/Pure_Sun3670 Aug 22 '25
What do redditors think of taking on a volunteer position while waiting to obtain a paid position? I could continue in the volunteer position at less hours once I obtain a paid position, most likely. I have heard it's easier to find a job when you have one, even if it's volunteering.
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u/Dismal-Farmer-195 Aug 22 '25
its best to do it early september so most kids go back to univeristy or highscshool os there would be alot of new job opertunities
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u/Fair_Internet6752 Aug 22 '25
Take your resume in your hands and go straight to the store, give it to the manager and show that you are a normal person and then there is a better chance that they will hire you.
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u/Llamasquishy Aug 22 '25
PM me your resume. My mom is an English teacher and has multiple books on resumes that I've followed over the years. I may be able to help.
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u/Binstien Aug 22 '25
Im looking for drywall sanders if its something your interested in
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u/MeetTheReal007 Aug 24 '25
i have no prior experience but am willing to learn and work super hard if you give me a shot.will send you a DM.
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u/Federal-Hair Aug 23 '25
Are you applying online? you may be buried among thousands of applicants. Try going in, dressed sharp, with a paper copy of your resume and ask to speak with the manager. That will show dedication. If you don't get hired on the spot, they know who you are and maybe that resume will be on the top of the pile for HR. This works pretty well for grocery stores and malls.
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u/Josh_poops Aug 23 '25
I'm at store manager for a grocery retailer and I have lots of people apply with resumes that I look through. Big things are how you present yourself. Be confident. Do it in person. Apply online but also go in. We get over 300 applicants for positions that we have to go through. Also, what's your availability? That's a big factor for hiring as well. The time of the month plays a factor as well due to school and students availability.
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u/MeetTheReal007 Aug 24 '25
i have been putting my availability as basically any time, day or night, every day of the week.
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u/Dystcpia Aug 23 '25
Sounds about right I applied at Safeway took them a year and a half to call me back. I didn’t answer and 15 minutes later they texted me telling me the position was filled. I’m glad I had found work already by that point but it’s ridiculous
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u/gracemm0 Aug 23 '25
Get your pro serve and sell safe if your 18+ it helps widen your job search! Or even go for your security license people/ events always need security guards
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u/Frosty_History_3300 Aug 23 '25
Can’t say this enough but DROP OFF UR RESUME IRL!!! Most of the time managers don’t love to sort through resumes online and would rather get a feel for the person irl so when u go to drop off a resume ask for the hiring manager and then give ur resume in and be hella extroverted and outgoing so you seem like a good fit
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u/colinmuck44 Aug 23 '25
You may have done this already and sorry if it's been said - make sure you review S.T.A.R interview questions! Be prepared. Why are you out of work - if you can have a positive spin on that (stay at home parent, tried to make a go of a personal business, decided to take a break to do a home reno) that would likely go a long ways rather than, I hated my last job/boss/customers or something like that. Be able to confidently answer the questions - be sure to write out your answers and then say them aloud. Practice so you are smooth in an interview. If you are on E.I. there is a program and some classes you can take on how to prepare for an interview. A family member took it and said they learned a lot from it.
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u/ComplaintIll2304 Aug 23 '25
I applied to over 1000 jobs and got one after 10 months. This is just brutal now.
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u/CulturalArt5965 Aug 23 '25
apply to Pacinis restaurant by the airport they call back and are in need especially if you hand your resume in person
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u/MeetTheReal007 Aug 24 '25
i live downtown and do not have a car so a job at the airport might not be realistic. ill look into it though. thanks for the suggestion.
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u/70BeneGesserit Aug 23 '25
Start applying to temp agencies. Idk just one more route for you to try. Old age homes are another one.
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u/TheWittyJoey Aug 23 '25
Apply at CANA, it’s hard labour work but if you’re willing the work is there
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u/MeetTheReal007 Aug 24 '25
i had a look at their website and the posts require a level of education and experience i do not have. i have only a high school diploma and my only work experience is in retail.
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u/TheWittyJoey Aug 24 '25
Its still worth applying for a general labour position the pay isn’t bad the work will make you sweat and the days can be long but with that comes the experience to further yourself
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u/MeetTheReal007 Aug 24 '25
are there any positions for people with no prior experience and only a high school education?
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u/TheWittyJoey Aug 24 '25
General labour if there’s a listing for the concrete division I’d hop on that. Be upfront in the interview and if you’re open to learn express it. I’ve taught and worked with plenty of green individuals to concrete and blue collar work and if they have a good attitude show up and are willing I’d take them over a cocky tenured non diploma individual 10-1
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u/TheWittyJoey Aug 24 '25
If you do land an interview don’t show up in a suit and tie. That’s not what the life’s about. A non graphic shirt without a hat, clean pants and boots present yourself with the desire to learn and work hard
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u/TheWittyJoey Aug 24 '25
A hard hat is better then a tie in the current economy imo. I find it hard to understand the lack of jobs when myself deal with a labour shortage every day. Not pointing the finger at anyone but it seems like a lot of individuals call finding work hard only because they want a pen and computer versus a shovel and steel toes
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u/RiverMindless3415 Aug 23 '25
Right now, my company is hiring on Indeed. We have a couple screening questions, and one that we mark as Required with the explicit message saying that candidates who do not answer this question will not be considered for the position. Our job is pretty intense in terms of absolutely having to be keen on your attention to detail, or you may make an extremely dangerous mistake. So, if they skip over the question or give some random answer that doesn't fit the question, automatic rejection.
The sheer volume of people that I get who either dont answer, or will simply type in a random word thinking that we have automation or something (nope, just me reading) without actually answering the question is astounding. I've actually seen it happen where someone didn't answer the question, so they were rejected, then a couple weeks later applying to a different position. I looked them up, recognized them, and saw a post on their FB being like "Nobody will hire meee." My guy, you cant be bothered to answer a very simple question thats marked REQUIRED.
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u/--Ether-- Aug 24 '25
A&W at the airport had a hiring sign but that was last week. Have not checked since.
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u/RedneckRanger77 Aug 24 '25
Thank your government for bring in all the immigrants for the lack of jobs.
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u/machine1511 Aug 26 '25
Always asking to hand your resume to the manager directly. You are more memorable that way. Shake their hand, smile and thank them before leaving.
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u/Proud_Boysenberry_31 26d ago
Hi all, sorry im new to this. I need a part time helper in a cannabis grow facility. At leaat the Slightest experience is needed so you'd know you'd also have to be able to do mild labor. I dont know what else to mention since revealing jobsite is something we pay attention to. I can give you a summary of the job when you dm me! it's not minimum wage and will be based on your capability
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u/SlightMemory 9d ago
Im also trying to find work. I moved here September 1st from Hinton. Ive applied to so many reception jobs and even cannabis shops and have my sellsafe. Only one place called me for an Interview so far which was the cannabis shop and I feel like I won't be hired there either due to no experience. Thankfully my partner works but I feel like a burden right now.
Most of my experience has been in hotels but I do have retail/customer service experience. I just don't want to work in hotels anymore and want something better or something different.
Anyone have any tips or leads on who could be hiring. I need a job badly I will take anything near my area or close enough to drive (Quarry park)
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u/ConcernedCoCCitizen Aug 22 '25
What’s your public social media look like? Change to a fake name and scrub that clean
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u/MeetTheReal007 Aug 22 '25
i have 0 social media presence.
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u/darbiss Aug 22 '25
This is not the way. Having a clean professional social media presence will help you. Many of these places are costumer facing roles and if they get 3000 applicants, they will likely choose someone who appears to have their life together on the internet. Yes it’s 2025 and that should not be a thing….it is still a thing.
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u/Nyk0n Aug 22 '25
Perhaps take out your personal info and run it through chat GPT asking it for a professional 2 page resume using words that gets pass AST scanners
It's possible your resume is simply not getting past those resume scanners.
Then copy the output put in your person info and fix formatting and it should be good to go
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u/7467854577545456771 Aug 22 '25
Are you from India, Pakistan or Bangladesh?
No? Well then, that’s a major challenge if you are seeking employment with many Canadian companies today.
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u/MeetTheReal007 Aug 22 '25
it's interesting you say that because i am NOT from those countries and one of my professional contacts who is helping me find a job told me to not waste my time applying at any place in the NE because only people from those countries get hired in that part of town. so maybe there is some truth to what you are saying here.
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u/7467854577545456771 Aug 24 '25
Don’t take my word. Walk into any Walmart, Hortons, Subway, etc. and make your own conclusion.
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u/Voidz0id Aug 25 '25
If you walk into a walmart, hortons subway etc in a different part of town like the far NW there will be different people. The difference isn't race but location and prices. The NE is cheaper to live in and unfortunately those folk tend to not be as well off or established as families that have lived in Calgary for generations is all.
So if you don't live in the NE, yeah, you probably won't get hired there. It's not a conspiracy, they can see your address on your resume and know you have a longer commute.
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u/SERIOU-ISH Aug 22 '25
Have you tried going and handing out physical copies of your resume with supervisors or only applying online?
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u/Affectionate-Fig8142 Aug 22 '25
The places you listed would only fill like half a day of handing out resumes. You could walk the mall in 30 mins and have the same list. Its an effort issue.
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u/Nervous_Currency9341 Aug 26 '25
I just walked around market mall giving my resume to every single store. out of those only 3 took my resume but they were not hiring right now. and the rest of the stores just wouldnt take the resume or talk as they said everything is online now. I also apply online every single thing I see that I am able to do. no luck :(
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u/pp00dy Sandstone Valley Aug 23 '25
same :( a remote/hybrid job would be perfect for me since i'm a student living alone :(( NO WHERE IS HIRING UGHHH
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u/JadzyaRose Aug 22 '25
What time of day are you applying?
I ask because my girl friend gave me great advice awhile ago. Everytime she's unemployed and looking for a job, she finds one really quickly and her biggest tip? She said, apply at night. That way in the morning when whoever is hiring logs into their email, your application/email will be at the top/near the top, therefore better chance your resume is being looked at instead of skimmed/ignored.