pete98 wrote on Mar 26^th, 2015 at 3:05pm:


I commend you in being steadfast in looking for a job. However, if you're not being hired such as you say then it's more of an economic issue and not a personal one so don't beat yourself up over this.

Even if you don't possess much of a resume don't let discourage you. Instead, tell your potential employer what your strengths might be. Are you mechanically inclined? Are you good at math? Do you work well with people who, let's face it, are not these most pleasant people in retail settings. Anything you see as a personal strength exploit it in an interview conversation without overselling it.

Also look for work close to your area, if possible. Employers do look for those who have reliable transportation so if you are lucky enough to have a car tell them that or you are well versed in bus routes and schedules. If not, then learn them.

Are you willing to work nights, weekends, and graveyard shifts? Sometimes when applying for a job it's no surprise you'll find yourself on the bottom on the totem pole and will have to adjust yourself to such schedules. It's not easy but starting new never is.

Finally, be assertive and confident when applying. Look at your potential employer straight in the eye when talking to them. Don't shy away if they happen to ask you tough questions (whatever they may be). Don't figit away or break eye contact for too long. Always shake their hand before and after the interview. Sit upright and dress nice. Employers do look for how well potential employees groom themselves and speak, so do stray from saying "Um, er, ah," in your answers.

And do follow up on your application(s) (which you seem to do). Depending upon the job, I would not wait more than two weeks to hear back or, call back to inquire. Keep on having a plan B so you're ready to move if the job your presently hoping for does not pan out.

It's hard at the moment it's not just you do not become discouraged
It's a numbers game keep knocking on doors
You will get there,then make sure you invest in some training

John Smith wrote on Mar 26^th, 2015 at 8:01pm:



A quick check of how they hold the brush is a pretty good indication.

If they're holding it like a bat or tennis-racquet, they probably aren't a painter.

pete98 wrote on Mar 26^th, 2015 at 4:12pm:


this is the best advice you'll get..

man up and walk straight into Businesses..

what makes you stand out with the other thousands that email in resume's? ........ nothing..

but if you dress up with a tie and a short hair cut you'll stand out from the rest of the plods.. don't take a phone into a business..

one of the biggest things that's pissing off employers at the moment is young folk on smacking mobile phones.. 

go and do a Barristers course... and then work for free in a café for a few weeks on weekends...

same with any other business you are interested in... go to bunnings and work for free on weekends..

"work experience"

make it happen... your first step was to come on here and seek advice.. the next thing to do is to take that advice and put it in to practice...

I worked as a manager for an agri business some years ago and most of the apprentices that I hired were from school based work experience.. the kids would come down and work once a week... if they were any good, I'd employ them at the end of the year...

Kat wrote on Mar 28^th, 2015 at 7:42am:



that's usually the way ... but in this case he didn't eve know what a brush was. 

Lisa Jones wrote on Mar 28^th, 2015 at 8:11am:


If you are going to embellish, you had better be certain that it's something they are unlikely to notice. The problem with painting is that everyone thinks they can do it ... but a professional can spot an amateur a mile away.

John Smith wrote on Mar 28^th, 2015 at 8:15am:



Painting is easy - it's preparing the surface that's hard.

Lisa Jones wrote on Mar 28^th, 2015 at 8:20am:


I don't agree.  You hire a professional if the job's too hard (say, the upstairs guttering and eaves for example), if you're too busy and don't have the time, or if you're just too lazy to do it.

"Professionals" invariably have to compromise on quality of finish so they can get the job finished in a short time.  Painting is the sort of job where you'll usually get a better result if you do it yourself.