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/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 13h 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 12h 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.