Okay.. so I'm 16. I desperately need a job because I need a cheap car. I have to drive 20 miles to my college, because i am going to college instead of high school this fall as a junior in high school.

ANYWAYS. I have applied everywhere in my little town. Every fast food restaurant.. I even walk in, shake the manager's hand, give them a RESUME (for a freakin fast food restaurant), and call them to check up on my applications. I dress up nice and proper, smile and act friendly and professional for them. I'm very clean with no piercings, etc. AND I am available FULL TIME. I've probably applied 8 places. Ive turned in a couple applications and resumes to some jobs each. WHY cant I get a job still? Its been 3 weeks with no call-backs. I am desperate.. If I were to get ANY job I would probably cry with happiness.

;_;

Any tips for a 16 year old desperately needing a job? How can I get one quick?

EDIT: Sorry, but one pet peeve I have are seeing rude, disrespectful teenagers working at those places who look mad at the world and emo, while I am very smart and clean and SUPER friendly and professional... Though I cant get a job but they can. @

does your family have "connections" at all?

Edit: Sorry, didn't read your whole paragraph.

But yea, I would have to say "connections" would probably help you a lot. :/

Would it give me more of a chance when I get older, too? I hear people under 18 is a liability to the company or something... =/

No connections.. Darnit :(

Well, the economy sucks and almost no one is hiring, to state the obvious. Just keep applying everywhere and try to be patient? It even took my brother several months to get a job, and he's pretty good at getting hired quickly.

And yeah, I would imagine being at least 18 or 21 would help in some cases. In stores it means you can sell cigarettes and alcohol, for example. Maybe there are also more restrictions on an employer if they hire a minor rather than an adult, but I dunno.

I'm in a similar predicament. Not many people are hiring anymore, and when they are, the adult will pretty much always get it over you. Keep handing apps in to the same place(s), if they see your name enough, they'll know how bad you want it. Two apps doesn't always cut it.

try doing some volunteer work employeers tend to employ people with some experience rather than none.

also think its just an age thing, im 16 and ive applied for loads of places! still no replies though :(