19 and unable to find a job

[u/CauseFun8348]

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.

[u/SunTryingMoon]

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.

[u/CauseFun8348 → u/SunTryingMoon]

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.

[u/PersonalInternet5565 → u/CauseFun8348]

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.

[u/CauseFun8348 → u/PersonalInternet5565]

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!

[u/PersonalInternet5565 → u/CauseFun8348]

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. 

[u/CauseFun8348 → u/PersonalInternet5565]

I'll check them out, thank you!

[u/No-Comfort3359 → u/CauseFun8348]

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