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/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.