Okay, the last time I tried to write this post, the board ate it. Let’s see if I can do it this time.
Basic situation: I’m an undergrad in college, looking for part-time work in an entry-level retail job (like something in a mall or generic stores). I have no experience, except for a telemarketing-style job that I did last summer. My supervisors told me my customer service was excellent, but the problem is, I only worked at that job for a week. I couldn’t handle the stress of calling people who don’t want to talk to me and asking for their money.
Now I’m going to start filling out applications soon. My question is, should I list this previous experience on my application? I know that either way, my (lack of) experience looks like a black mark. No need to elaborate on that, I know. I’m just wondering what the “lesser of two evils” would be here; should I look completely inexperienced, or should I look mostly experienced and incapable of holding my previous job?
I’m thinking I’m just going to leave the employment section blank, but if anyone accustomed to interviewing has some insight for me or could guide me in the right direction, I would greatly appreciate it!
I’d leave it off. Even if your supervisor said you were excellent, it was a week. Everyone can be excellent for a week. Putting it on is going to lead to questions about why you left in a week and while I completely understand the horror of working as a telemarketer, you don’t want to go into an interview saying you couldn’t handle the stress of a previous job and quit after a week. A week’s worth of experience isn’t going to help you anyway, so I think it’s better to leave it off and get the job based on your personality and enthusiasm. Good luck!
Yeah, I agree, and if they ask you about previous customer service experience, you can say you briefly worked as a telemarketer because you like working with/helping people, but that sitting behind a phone all day doesn’t fit your personality the way being face-to-face does, “which is why sparkling smile I’m so excited about the possibilty of working here!”
Beware going overboard with that kind of shit. It can seem fake. But put me in the “leave it off” camp. For the types of jobs you’re going after, experience really isn’t an issue, but if you bring up the fact that you left your only other job after just one week, it does not put you in a favorable light. So, don’t mention that job at all. In fact, if they ask if you have any experience, say “no.” It’s better to have no experience than imply if you’re unhappy you’ll walk out in a week.
Dress well, be polite when they interview you, act like someone who would show up on time, do your job, and not whine, and you will do fine.
I sometimes help vet applications for my boyfriends job, since such a small percentage of apps are worth-while. Less that he has to read through and I get a hoot out of it.
You can spell and have more than a passing familiarity with grammar, you’re already ahead by a mile. Realize that you’re up against folks lacking these traits, as well as far too many people without basic grooming capabilities, relax. You’re so far ahead of the game of “can I be your hourly drone please?” it’s laughable.
My personal favorite WTF on an application so far: in the space on the generic application form that allows a listing of any special accomplishments one candidate replied “Christians don’t brag.”
