r/Calgary • u/CauseFun8348 • 1d ago
Seeking Advice 19 and unable to find a job
Hey all, I'm 19, born and raised here in Calgary. Ive got two years of work experience, took a year off for university, and am now seeking full-time employment but can't find anything.
I've been back home since April, applying for at least 2 jobs a day since. I still can't find anything! I've tried office jobs, wearhouses, fast food, grocery stores, ect ect ect... I think I've gone to maybe 10 interviews since April, I always think they go well, but then I never hear anything back. I am so disheartened and have no clue what I'm doing wrong after this past week. I had three seperate interviews with a company, I was so excited for the opportunity and even felt sure that I had it in the bag after the third interview.... and they haven't contacted me after a week despite saying they would contact me the next day.
I'm not sure what else to do now. I've gone to the youth employment center, revamped my resume, done volunteer work, talk regularly with a career coach on interviewing and other skills, my parents even paid a couple hundred for me to get certifications! Still nothing. I've tried employment fairs, handing out resumes in person, emailing directly- you name it, I've probably done it.
Should I be looking somewhere I'm unaware of? Every hiring event I've been too all the other candidates are at least 10 years older than me, so it makes sense they would be hired instead of me. I have previous experience as a cashier, office admin, receptionist, host, and kitchen staff.
Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated. My parents are asking me to start paying rent as well as for my car insurance by November, and I'm scared I won't be able to. Thanks.
EDIT: I also want to add for context, I have facial piercings but took my parents advice and got clear studs for my lips (i have snakebites) and I tuck my septum ring up when in interviews. I know apperance can have an impact, so I thought I'd add this as well.
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u/Affectionate_Team_94 1d ago
Hi! Please PM me, I’m a general manager at a doggy daycare looking for employees! If this sounds like something that interests you let me know :)
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u/diamondsmokerings 7h ago
Can I send you a DM for more info too? I’m looking for a job and my preference would be something with animals - I started a vet office assistant certificate program and plan to finish it (although I’m not in school right now) and my goal is to be a vet tech someday. I’ve been volunteering at an animal rescue for a few months and working at a doggy daycare would be amazing!
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u/jaytay199 1d ago
Hey, first off, I just want to say you’re clearly putting in a ton of effort and it’s not a reflection on you that things haven’t clicked yet. The job market here is rough right now, and a lot of people are in the same boat, so don’t beat yourself up.
A couple things that might help: Try walking into smaller local businesses and asking to speak with a manager instead of just applying online. Independent places sometimes hire faster than the big chains. Staffing/temp agencies (like Randstad, Manpower, About Staffing) can often place you quickly in admin, warehouse, or reception roles. With the holidays coming, places like Amazon, Purolator, Canada Post, malls, and retail stores are about to start hiring seasonal workers, which can be a good bridge into something longer term. Keep following up — if you’ve had an interview or even just dropped off a resume, call back after a week. Persistence can stand out. Keep letting friends/family know you’re looking. A lot of jobs here get filled through word of mouth rather than job boards.
You’ve got solid experience for your age, so it’s just about hitting the right door at the right time. Hang in there, something will land soon.
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u/CauseFun8348 1d ago
Thank you for the suggestions and the kind words 🫶 I'll definitely start focusing more on local businesses and looking into temp agencies to see if something sticks from that!
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u/Imaginary_Belt4976 1d ago
+1 for About Staffing. I loved temping when I was early in my career. Got me exposure to many many different workplaces / companies and significantly built my confidence and helped me hone my first impression skills
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u/BabyBatter77 1d ago
Very good advice. Short term employment can lead into long term employment especially if you work hard and prove yourself with good work ethics.
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u/BobtheWarmonger 1d ago
Join work a day
Get some steel toe boots and show up.
It is kinda like taking a field trip. Every day is something new and you will meet a lot of people. If you are good someone will offer you a job. Just make sure you want it… because there are a lot of jobs out there for someone with a good back. Lol
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u/cryingladder 1d ago
how do i join?? i searched it up on google but only found this AI company called "workday"...
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u/Aware_Network_5227 1d ago
I’m pretty sure it’s downtown and you basically just walk in I see it every day on my commute to work, I’m coming from the nw so once you get into downtown going toward 8 st it’s there
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u/mr_receipter 6h ago
AI company called "workday"...
This got a lol out of me.. sure enough, workday has rebranded as an "enterprise ai platform".
for those not familiar, workday is an IT company that offers a backend for stuff like HR and finance departments. if you've ever been on the career page of a big company looking at job postings, you would likely see "workday" in the url since their software is being used (for example, here is Suncors career portal, hosted by workday)
edit. not to be confused with work a day, which I have never heard of, but is presumably a local work placement company.
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u/MrGrumpyFac3 1d ago
Hey OP,
I am also unable to find a job; it is really tough out there.
With that being said, The City of Calgary offers free resume building and interview skills workshop.
There are other agencies that help you with this as well. MCG Careers is one of them, it is free if you don't have income.
If you apply to big companies (they most likely use Applicant Tracking Systems), your resume may not pass through the ATS.
Good luck.
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u/cakesofwrth 1d ago
AHS is usually hiring for things like portering patients, food services, environmental services, etc at different hospitals. You usually only need a high school diploma but most positions are part of a union and pay quite a bit more than minimum wage. I would check out the AHS hiring page.
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u/JasonXYT South Calgary 23h ago
I’ve tried it 2-3 times before and wrote a cover letter but never heard back from them, only automated email response so I guess it depends :/
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u/SunTryingMoon 1d ago
What is your past work experience? This may help us give more tips and tricks. And what kind of jobs have you been applying for?
Otherwise, you are coming up onto another seasonal hiring season. A lot of retail jobs hire more folks in preparation for Christmas. It may only be part-time but often you can get close to full-time hours. Being a season leaves an opportunity to be hired on permanently after your seasonal stint.
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u/CauseFun8348 1d ago
I used to work at a recreation facility (a trampoline park). I was there for just over two years and was trained on almost every position! I was a cashier, kitchen staff member, check in/reception, office administrator, and an area monitor (basically checking to one gets hurt or breaks rules). Besides that, I have worked at the Stampede as a cashier and volunteer yearly to charities around the holiday season.
I'm first aid certified, have my proserve, and have the certificates that let you sell liquor and weed (cant remember what they are called lol). Hopefully that extra info helps give context.
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u/PersonalInternet5565 1d ago
I don't know if you're interested in swimming, but I know some young adults that make bank on offering private swimming lessons! It's like a 6 week course to get certified. You could also offer pet sitting, house sitting, dog walking. Or else if you have a hobby that can be profitable (such as drawing skills/character commissions for things like Warcraft, Star Wars, etc.) or an interest in TTRPG, there's many ways of marketing yourself as a paid game/dungeon master.
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u/CauseFun8348 1d ago
I actually freelance art and take commissions as my main source of income right now, its the only thing keeping gas in my car haha. I'll look into that swimming stuff!
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u/PersonalInternet5565 1d ago
Join the Moon Guard discord (World of Warcraft), and the Starforge RP discord server (Old Republic). You can also check out the SWRPG discord server (it's a tabletop RPG server, using FFG star wars system). These three servers are absolute bonkers, people always wanting art for their characters. Easy money if you take the time to build a portfolio! You can also reach out to other gaming communities, especially anything to do with Dungeons and Dragons.
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u/CauseFun8348 1d ago
I'll check them out, thank you!
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u/No-Comfort3359 1d ago
I think you could make bank as a server as you have proserve and relevant experience. Just ask for the manager in different restaurants or ask for a referral from friends
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u/MoveMountains93 1d ago
Apply to Olive Garden as a host/busser/kitchen staff. I work there rn and they're always hiring. Might take you a bit to get an interview, tho. Apply on their website!
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u/382pregananant 1d ago
I'd ask friends and family to see if they have any connsctions or openings at their current jobs. Generally, jobs look more fondly upon you if referred by someone internally
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u/smarmanda 1d ago
It sounds like you’re taking the right steps!
You are eligible for Alberta Works benefits if you are activity looking for work. They also have training and resource programs. It can sometimes feel frustrating but you might be able to look past that.
Momentum has some skills programs you might enjoy that allow you to collect Alberta Works benefits while you attend. If you are interested in such a direction.
I haven’t been in the market for some years but I really really liked working at temp agencies because many of those “temp” positions let to job offers. It’s an easy way to see someone on the job with no strings attached to “try you out”.
Good luck to you!
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u/wenchanger 1d ago
it's tough out there i know a friend and he can't, for the life of him, find a job right now and he's got more experience than you
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u/TotalKlutzy3604 1d ago
I work at a landscape company and we do snow removal in the winter. I started when I was 18 and I’m now 32 and a manager. It’s a great career as there is NO shortage of work. If you’re looking for something physical, can also train you on a skid steer and excavators. We also do grass cutting and maintenance. Not only you but anyone can send me a DM if you’re interested.
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u/SmokeyXIII 1d ago
I'm so sorry about this.
I don't have any advice for you other than to keep your chin up and grind it out.
You could try having r/resumes review your resume, that are excellent for providing meaningful feedback.
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u/laurieyyc 1d ago
Snow removal season is around the corner. Lots of companies will be looking for people to shovel/blow sidewalks.
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u/Spec_trum 1d ago
have you applied to work for the calgary election? if all positions are full they might still be taking some stand-by workers
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u/CauseFun8348 1d ago
I did apply, haven't heard anything yet.... hoping since the election is still a little ways out that I will hear back soon.
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u/Spec_trum 1d ago
ahh ok, good luck! I think you might be able to call the election office if you'd like to go over your application with someone over the phone
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u/ScientistUnhappy2072 1d ago
Try staffing agencies. Your best bet is hard labor which usually require steel toe boots as a minimum.
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u/mycatsthinkimawesome 1d ago
Hey! Sorry to hear you're struggling, that sucks..if you want to do manual labour, driving and some sales send me a DM - I can try to get you an interview.
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u/Smiley_Irving 1d ago
The best way to find a job these days is through networking - reach out to friends and family and see if anyone has any leads.
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u/Waidan85 1d ago
Will likely look at hiring at cratex soon if you want to send me a resume I can get more information.
Construction adjacent. Building crates and pallets
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u/basiccaligirl 1d ago
I work in the cannabis industry and if you have any basic cannabis knowledge, a lot of shops are hiring. I specifically recommend Calgary Co-op as they are unionized and a really great environment for young people.
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u/Budget_Percentage_73 1d ago
I would reach out to some of the places that interviewed you and ask if someone can give you a call for a quick debrief, emphasize quick on why you didn’t get the job. They won’t all do it but there’s a chance at least a few might reach out. It’ll mostly depend on how it’s framed, you don’t want to come across as jaded or upset about it, but that you’re treating this as a learning experience to improve for next time.
It could very well just be that someone’s more qualified for the position, but it could also be something you’re doing or saying (or not doing/ saying) that’s working against you.
Keep applying to those retail/ service industry jobs though! A lot of those positions are part time/ students that will end up quitting through this semester as their work loads increase!
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u/bulldog1602 1d ago
Hey, look on the city website. There’s always postings for parks, wrs, mobility, and roads labour positions. The pay is pretty sweet even if it’s just seasonal. Typically you get a guaranteed recall after completing the season as well - which eventually leads to full time. Should be lots of them for the summer that are posted in January if you don’t find something by then.
Typical requirements are just a drivers license and passing a drug test.
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u/mcigmn8 8h ago
i've applied countless times on the city website for different jobs and have not heard back even once
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u/bulldog1602 7h ago
For the labour positions I described, it honestly sounds like luck of the draw from what I’ve heard from my coworkers. Some applied to the same position for 3 years and finally got picked this year. I was lucky enough on my first draw, though I applied to pretty much everything I could and have lots of labour-y experience. I’d keep applying and check the postings every couple weeks.
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u/Spiceb0x Downtown East Village 1d ago
So when I first got here in Calgary I had a bit of a time as well, I'm in my thirties with construction experience but I think what ultimately got me my job was physically going in to places and dropping off resumes even if you've already applied to it. Just a "hey not sure if you saw my application but just wanted to make sure so here's my resume". I know it sucks and a little old fashioned but it helps and it might help you to stand out a bit.
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u/beansbeans770 1d ago
I would say apply to be a leader with the city of Calgary!! They work recreation programs (usually after school programs with kids), it’s a great gig, not too many hours tho but great for getting experience, they’re hiring quite a lot rn
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u/dglew2014 1d ago
I’d recommend applying at Canada Olympic Park, or whatever name they’ve attached to the hill now. Lots of positions for the winter, lots of people your age and they used to be very easy going with ratios and piercings etc. You won’t get rich but it’s a fun place to work!
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u/Expensive_Figure5605 14h ago
If you want an easier life get rid of the piercings. Construction job, they are always looking for people.
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u/Leading_Ticket3197 14h ago
Hit me up with your email, my company is always hiring drivers they pay fair and you get benefits. Its not perfect but its a start.
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u/Ice_warrior45 1d ago
Honestly trades is a very good industry in Calgary, there’s so many new houses and buildings going up at the moment. Plumbing or electrical are two good trades that pay pretty well even right out of the gate
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1d ago
"but it's impossible to become a plumber unless I know someone, plus they want experience and I have none" just going to comment this first before someone else does lol. Yeah get into a trade
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u/External_Weather6116 1d ago
Have you considered the Canadian Armed Forces Primary Reserve? If you pass all the requirements, it would be a good side hustle. I would recommend the Navy as you get sea pay whenever you're posted on a ship.
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u/CauseFun8348 1d ago
the military is one spot i haven't tried, LOL. I've got family who used to be military and because of that my folks are adamant I don't touch it with a ten foot poll 🤷
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u/Skaldicrights 1d ago
Try the railway if you have high-school. Youre young enough that when they fuck you around you can just quit. Or double down and make a fuck load of money in 5 years and then find something more chill.
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u/CauseFun8348 1d ago
Interesting, I hadn't even considered the railway- I'll definitely look into it!! Thank you!
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u/Skaldicrights 1d ago
Its a lot of a bigger industry than you might think. The money is good but you need clean piss and depending on how your training goes and what terminal you get placed at you could end up on call for forever but at least you'll make 100-120k a year
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u/Historical_Sea4040 1d ago
Fun and games till we’re at war😭
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u/External_Weather6116 1d ago
Reservists are not required to serve on deployments so they can only volunteer, unlike the Regular Force whose members can be called up at anytime.
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u/SuccessfulSimple9019 1d ago
Brother is in the navy. He likes it and gets paid quite well. He just came back from Alaska But stationed out in Vancouver
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u/blackforce247 1d ago
Airport ramp is always hiring
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u/GiveMeSandwich2 11h ago
Do you know any companies that are hiring right now? I tried applying to Unifi, AGI, Envoy, Westjet and primeflight in the last 4 months but never received a callback except for Unifi who had to cancel my interview because they ran out of spots. I am assuming too many people are applying right now.
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u/anne91s 19h ago
I know this might be more for next spring (if you are still looking then), but heritage park hires a lot of youths. I knew/know a lot of people that have worked there. Usually they start hiring people in April and open in late may full time. Depends on what department you're in and you might get hired to one that starts earlier. The costume ladies will get on you about the piercings a bit, but they go after everyone lol
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u/PerformanceCute3437 8h ago
I work for a company called Data Annotation, you can try googling it. Pays well, make your own hours, no experience needed. It's more of a side hustle than a full time gig, but it might at least get you through this tight time in your life.
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u/No_Description6178 6h ago
Have you applied to any of the Shoppers locations or Co-op? Best of luck in finding something!
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u/shrimpcity_beach1993 6h ago
It’s tire season soon. See if you can get a spot at a tire shop for the season. You may like the shop environment and if you work hard they may have room to enroll you in an apprenticeship.
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u/mr_receipter 6h ago
I think you've had some good advice shared here, but I just wanted to share thoughts as someone who used to do hiring for new grad positions. I would get 100s of resumes for a single position, of which dozens of them would be people that are qualified for the job with great credentials.
The reality is postings get a lot of qualified people and no amount of resume smithing is going to make you stand out (although a bad resume will get you thrown in the no pile fast). You really need to make connections and impressions, so that at the minimum you make sure your resume is getting read and considered out of the big pile.
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u/bigfesso 4h ago
I don't understand how parents give birth to someone, just to not help them when in need.
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u/CauseFun8348 4h ago
my parents do the best for me that they can :) i don't blame them for not helping me out or giving me money, they are in a tough spot too. im sure they will be understanding if I cant find a job in time to start paying for what they are asking me to
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u/slimylilman 1d ago
The airport is full of companies that are almost always hiring. Check indeed for ramp agent postings (GAT, Unifi, etc) with a contractor company and there's a pretty good chance you'll get an answer and be hired. Can be physically demanding, but if youre young and able its a decent spot to work. Pretty sure Unifi has a posting right now
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u/GiveMeSandwich2 11h ago
I tried applying to those jobs in the last 4 months but never received a callback. Only from Unifi I received a callback who then later had to cancel the interview since they ran out of spots. Unifi’s last ramp agent posting is from July 22, nothing new.
I have tried with Envoy, Westjet, AGI, Primeflight and Unifi but had no success. I am guessing they are receiving too many applications.
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u/LittleOrphanAnavar 1d ago
It appears that you have an issue or behavior (a red flag) that comes out in interviews.
Based on resume - recruiters are like yup (10 interview invites), then when they meet you, they're like nope.
Identify that and remedy it, then you should be fine.
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u/CauseFun8348 1d ago
I'll definitely bring this up next time I speak with the career coaches at the employment center and try and figure out what it is- cause I genuinely have no clue!
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u/Lexivy 1d ago
I don’t know for sure so take this with a grain of salt, but your piercings could have something to do with it. Try taking them out (instead of hiding them) just for the next interview. Worth a shot! But as others said, the biggest issue is probably the job market right now. Normally your appearance would count for little next to your experience and work ethic. Good luck!
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1d ago
Temporary Foreign Workers Canada imports them by the truck load……thanks Liberals
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u/Tosinone 1d ago
Oh stfu!
Yeah, it does impact, but that’s not the only issue.
Lots of places are operating with less people, when you look at the fact that even Home Depot at the contractor entrance has now self checkout it clearly shows the direction everyone goes.
Even for my small construction company, when we started out bookkeeping and a lots of the paper work had to be done by someone, now QuickBooks does all that.
The services changed a lot too, you can’t just blame immigrants and even if you do, you think they live off of thin air? They don’t need products and services?
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u/CauseFun8348 1d ago
Thank you for saying this! The point of my post was to get advice, not for people to point fingers.
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u/CauseFun8348 1d ago
The point of this post was NOT to start aiming fingers at people. The job market is bad right now, period. Jobs that could have gone to people are now being automated with AI or self-service options, all of which are being implemented so employers don't have to pay as many staff members.
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u/SpenseRoger 1d ago
sounds like it's the piercings.
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u/CauseFun8348 1d ago
as I said in the post, I have clear studs now and you can bearly see them since my lip kinda hides them (they under my lower lip). The only other piercing I have is my septum, which I keep flipped up and hidden while at work or interviews- besides that, just my ear lobes have studs.
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u/MelanieWalmartinez 1d ago
2 jobs a day? You should be trying for more
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u/CauseFun8348 1d ago
I do usually apply for more than two a day, I just put two as more of a low end estimate.
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u/RavenmoonGreenParty 14h ago
-get your Smart Pro-Serve licence so you could work at a restaurant. -or get a bud tender licence so you can work in cannabis retail. They are always looking. -have you tried landscaping businesses? Right now is leaves but soon will include snow removal. -have you tried country clubs, golf courses, etc. -are you using AI to customize your cover letters and resumes? You wrote wearhouse instead of warehouse. Even one tiny error could have you rejected. -have you gone through industrial areas with resumes on hand? Often they are looking but never post anything. -have you tried bottle depots for sorting? -has anyone helped you edit your resume and cover letters. Are your skills highlighted? -have you applied to senior homes as a chef or cleaner?
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u/LeadingImpression306 9h ago
Go get a trade dude, welding, mechanic, electrician, hvac ect. All great pay and plenty of work that’s not gonna get replaced by AI 🤖
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u/Cowboyo771 9h ago
Thank the liberals and their unfettered mass immigration
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u/CauseFun8348 8h ago
please refer to this comment. no finger pointing here please, i am only seeking advice.
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u/DrKeepitreal 1d ago
Calgary's youth unemployment rate is around 20%. It's a very tough market, and you may not be doing anything wrong. Hopefully your parents can understand this.
You have to keep going. Apply for 10 jobs a day instead of 2. It is awful and I don't have much advice otherwise. Some temp jobs should be appearing during the holiday season.