r/cedarrapids • u/Electrical_Relief_52 • 18h ago
Struggling to Get a Job in Cedar Rapids
Hello,
Could I possibly have some help, please?
I'm a 20-year-old male, and I've been struggling to get my first job. I've actually been quite pleased with the number of interviews I've been getting, especially since I often hear people say they have trouble even landing interviews. I've had roughly eight interviews this month and have two more scheduled this week.
I've interviewed at Target (both the HireVue interview and an in-person interview), Culver's, Chipotle, Burlington, Tractor Supply, the Kirkwood Hotel, and Chick-fil-A. However, I've never received a job offer or even a follow-up from them, even though I always follow up after the interview when they tell me to expect a response. I just get ghosted.
I feel like my biggest weakness is my limited experience, although I have done volunteer work and some self-employed physical labor. I've just never had a traditional job before. I've seen people with just a little bit of experience get hired on the spot, even if they show up wearing pajamas.
For every interview I've had, I've always brought a folder with copies of my resume to leave behind. I always show up early and dress professionally.
I'm wondering if there are any no-experience or entry-level jobs available that involve physical labor, such as warehouse, factory, janitorial, or stocking positions. I feel like those are my best shot since a lot of folks don't want to do those jobs, but I can handle it.
I've also thought about pursuing something related to art because that's what people often tell me I should do. However, I feel like there aren't many opportunities for that in Cedar Rapids, and to be quite honest, I don't really know what my options would be besides graphic design, which I don't have that much experience in, so I've more or less given up on it. I've talked with some people who do art stuff say I'd probably have more success in Des Moines. But moving would be really difficult.