Why is it so hard to find a job in retail in Chicago?
Asked by Babycakes
I have an Associate's Degree in Fashion and I'm working on getting my Bachelor's Degree in Fashion and Retail Management. I've always wanted to work in retail. Right now I would like to find part time a position as a sales associate. It's always taken forever for me to find any type of job and I always ended up working in fast food or overnight inventory or something. Even with those jobs it took me like 9 months to 1 year to find a job. I've applied at too many places to count and just can't get into the retail business. I'm starting to think I should quit school because I think it's a waste of time and money to go to school for something that it's impossible to even get an entry level position in and I'm thinking that the time I've spent in school so far has probably been a waste. Any suggestions? When I apply I put down that I'm almost completely available anytime and most of the time I can't even get an interview. So, I don't think it's got much to do with interviewing. The times when I've looked for a job, once I actually got an interview I got hired but it's nearly impossible to get an interview. In fact I almost got a job last week but the hiring manager was never able to get a hold of my reference so I didn't get the job.

Best Answer:
your situation is so simler to me in china trust yourself you will have your place

It is hard for you to find a job in retail because you don't have the availability needed for a part time job. Stretch the truth about your availability a bit. Say you're available all the time but are limited with your hours when the next semester starts. In retail, you should even be able to find a temporary summer position (which usually evolves into a permenant part time position). DO NOT BLAME THIS ON CHICAGO. I bet there are over 1,000 retail classified ads right now in the paper and on websites like monster.com Perhaps you're not interviewing well. Your college should provide you with a one on one meeting with an expert who will help you with interviewing skills. Good luck.
Answered by Emily Chicago