Is saying that I’m not available on Sundays and Wednesday nights keeping me from being hired?
Question:
I've been applying for jobs at fast food places around my area. I realize I need to be supporting my family, and I know I need more than financial aid to be doing so. However, when I apply, they usually give me a time frame of when I'm available to work. I always make sure that I never put Sunday morning or Sunday evening, as well as Wednesday evening. I don't want to miss services. Don't get me wrong, I don't think those who miss services for work are doing anything wrong, but when I have a timesheet in front of me, I know I don't want to miss services. I realize this could affect the reason why I'm not getting the job, though. Is what I'm doing in this situation the right choice? I think I would feel intensely guilty if I said service times were available for my work schedule.
Answer:
Managers consider so many factors when hiring employees that it's impossible to say what's keeping you from landing a job. What I've always told my children is to make service a priority, and God will take care of the rest.
Two of my sons worked in department stores, and both had put down that they are not available on Sunday or Wednesday evenings. They were hired, but after a month or two, each had a manager put them on the schedule for those times anyway. I told them to make it so the manager couldn't say, "no." Each found a fellow employee willing to take their time slot that day (one swapped a day with another employee). The manager couldn't complain because there was no issue. The boys didn't increase the manager's workload by not showing up or demanding that their availability time be honored. In each case, it only took a few instances for the manager to learn it was easier not to schedule them when they said they weren't available, because then they didn't have to change the schedule.
I know you also have to schedule around your classes, and that's likely making a bigger impact on your availability. But keep looking. To increase the likelihood of a callback, ask before submitting an application whether they are hiring. If you can, ask for a moment of the manager's time and ask what type of people they are looking for. That will keep you from submitting applications where there is little hope of being hired. Next, when you return, ask if you can speak to the hiring manager and submit the application directly to that person. Don't just leave it with someone at the front counter. You want the manager to have a face to go along with the application. While you're talking to him, ask if you can schedule an interview. Over half the time, the hiring manager will set one up right then. If you get an appointment, don't be late! In fact, plan to arrive five minutes early.
Dress is also important. Dress just a little better than the employees you see. It is a subtle statement that you care, just like being on time.
Look at The Top 10 Work Values Employers Look For. You want to be a valued employee.
Finally, broaden your scope. Every school has a list of local businesses looking to hire college students. Ask at your student services. Also, talk to your teachers. They often have connections to local businesses and might know who is hiring or can put in a good word for you. Also, ask if your school has a paid internship program or cooperative education program. Getting work experience in your field while you are in college improves your learning and your chances of getting hired after you finish college.
Another place to check is temporary employment agencies. These jobs don't last, but many businesses will tell a really good temporary employee to come back later and apply for a job. If you go this route, stick to jobs in your field. Taking temporary jobs in road construction when you want to be a legal assistant won't improve your prospects.
