Any tips for finding jobs other than filling applications at stores, Craigslist, Monster and Careerbuilder?

I am a young unemployed new immigrant in the U.S, without any profession (I’ve mostly been a solder). I am searching for minimum wage jobs within the North Chicago area.





Job searching in the states is much harder and time consuming:


• All the employment agencies weren’t able to help me out because I have no profession or previous job experiences.


• Filling store applications just takes too long (a lot of intrusive questions) and hasn’t proved to be effective because it just takes too much time and effort to apply for all the stores in my area.


• Most of the job offers on the online job sites (Craigslist, Monster and Careerbuilder) are irrelevant because the employers are searching for trained or experienced professionals.





I have skills in Photoshop and building websites but as far as I understand, because I did not study it and have a work experience in that field, no employer would hire me to work doing that.





Any ideas of other actions I could take to find a full-time job?

Any tips for finding jobs other than filling applications at stores, Craigslist, Monster and Careerbuilder?
I think filling out store applications is still your best bet. It may take longer (and you do have to answer all the questions), but they usually move faster when hiring people than companies that place ads online. The average ad costs about $300-$400 so they want to leave it up as long as possible to generate enough applications to make it worth their while, which slows down the hiring process dramatically.





Have you considered doing something with your hands like road construction? Or working freelance from home to build up a portfolio? Try a site like getafreelancer.com (or search Yahoo for similar freelance computer help sites).





Good luck!
Reply:Have you tried registering with temp (temporary employment) agencies? Though you're looking for permanent work, this is often a good place to start. Temp work is a good way to get experience that will help you get a permanent job. Some employers prefer to hire people who have already worked for them as temps or they may suggest another employer who is hiring. I usually found it necessary to register with several agencies. Some universities or other large employers have their own temps, but every large town or city has several agencies. Be honest with them. Tell them that you're looking for permanent work, when you've put in applications, if you don't want to take a long-term position because something looks promising... any of those things. They're usually willing to work with you, as long as you make them look good to the client.
Reply:Get out the yellow pages and call places that do websites and find out if they are hiring assistants to handle the phones, etc. As you have knowledge of the field you will be better at handling their calls than someone off the street. If they like you they may make you a trainee.
Reply:The employment agencies offer resume building programs. If you have little or no work history, you can build a resume that will highlight your skills and abilities rather than actual work experience. Also, if you know what type of work you are looking for, you may want to try typing in the name of a position into a search engine. Sometimes, doing this will bring up many more employment agencies. If you know what company you would like to work for, try finding their website, and you should be able to apply directly. Military experience goes a long way, so try to search for jobs that will utilize what your military experience will reflect. Also, have you thought about going to college? There are many great internships, that will provide you with full time employment while you attend school, and with so many online universities now, it's even easier. Good luck! I know it's tough to find a job right now, the market is not very good, even if you have a degree or the right experience. That's why it's good to think about your long term goals. I hope this helps!!
Reply:check with the local unemployment offices and temp agencies. Go with the larger temp places such as snelling, manpower, officeteam.





Consider going back to school. Since you were military they should help you pay for it. Good Luck!