Fixing Your Unemployment Status

For jobs that don't require a resume, a Letter of introduction is the way to go. State your name, age, experience and any other reason the company should choose to hire you, and your phone number. If you aren't much of a writer or speller, find somebody to help. Remember the boss is busy. Make it short and to the point. Get a lot of copies and pass them out to companies that interest you. Wait a day or two and call the companies that are hiring to "check back". If an employer is interested, you will receive a call to fill out a regular application.

I have had nothing but success with letters of introduction. They save time. They get noticed. They  originality and slightly professionalism to a simple letter of introduction also shows that you might have the potential to take on more responsibility than the average Joe.

Today's Date

Dear Hiring Supervisor,

I would like to take a moment of your time to introduce myself. I am a responsible woman in need of employment. I have over 15 years of restaurant and customer service experience, including line cook, prep cook, fry cook, food service, expediting, hosting, stocking, inventory, training, and retail. I can work all types of cooking appliances, slicers, cash registers, credit card machines, lottery machines and computers.

I am available any days and any time. I live around the corner. Transportation will never be an issue. My children are older. Lack of a babysitter will never be a problem. I am interested in cross training and advancement. I can provide excellent business and personal references. My pay is negotiable.

If you would like to speak to me with the possibility of hiring me, please call 5555555555.

Thank you for your time. Have a nice day.

Sincerely,

Me

Spend any excess time without work volunteering and note it on your application. This shows that you are a go-getter and uncomfortable being idle. It also provides opportunities to learn something new, and exposes you to people who may be able to hire or recommend you.. I suggest that all unemployed construction workers, or anybody interested in learning construction work, volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. Food service workers can volunteer at local festivals or meals on wheels. Industrial cleaners or lawn techs can volunteer at a church. Child care givers can volunteer for the church nursery or homeless shelter. Retail associates can volunteer at thrift stores. Etc., etc., etc.

Use word of mouth. You need to ask around and let people know you need steady work.

Many businesses started out with nothing more than a vehicle and a $30 business license. Examples: taxi service, delivery service, housecleaning, house/pet sitting, girl/guy Friday, mobile car wash, handyman services, basic lawn care, etc. Your local job service may be able to help with flyers, letters of introduction or a resume.

Although it sounds horrific, and usually is, day labor may be the way to go. Although you may sit for weeks and not get worked, you can easily enough, by using eyes and ears, find out what companies need employees.

Find one that has a good reputation and offers a variety of services. Although it may seem as though most center around the construction industry, there are other types of companies and jobs, such as retail and housekeeping, that use day labor services.

Many companies weed out bad employees through temp services. One application and one interview can open the doors to a lot of jobs. Temp services offer a variety of positions, from construction and maintenance, to medical and clerical. If you prove to be a good employee, the company leasing you will hire you when your contract with the temp service expires or even buy out your contract outright.

Just because you are leased through a temp service doesn't mean that the service owns you. It only means that if they contract you out to a company, you cannot leave the temp service and work for said company for whatever amount of time your contract states, usually 90 days.

Take any job available. Get in the door so somebody within the company can see your worth. Most companies prefer to advance from within.

Show up for interviews the way you will show up for work, ten minutes early and properly groomed for the position the company is hiring for.

Think before you speak. Avoid "Huh?" and "Uh" and other useless noises from the mouth.

Shake hands and use your manners. This shows respect.

Avoid providing personal information that doesn't apply to your skills or your ability to be dependable. A lot of people have hungry kids at home.