Can someone please help me? I am desperate.

[l0nghairdontcare]

Hey everyone I am still early in transition. I am not presenting as totally female since my name and gender marker are not changed yet at this time. I also still need to complete electrolysis, but since I cannot find a job this is becoming more and more difficult.

At this time I am trying to find anything that I can do. Does anyone know of any part time or full time positions that I should apply to? I have tried many places but I just never seem to get called back after an interview, and I am starting to believe it is obviously because I am transgender. I have interviewed at walmart all the way down to my local adult store VIP. I just cannot seem to get a job.

I was terminated from my last permanent position for making mistakes on my register. I did not fight with anyone directly but my manager came to really not like me. I am thinking that maybe this has something to do with the reason why I am not getting jobs. Maybe she is giving me a bad refernce?

My last seasonal position last year also left off on a bad note. I was being treated badly for being transgender. Just not being taken seriously by anyone really, of course talked about by customers and employees, given the least amount of hours in the store. The manager who hired me even was "demoted" after she did when the seasonal halloween store closed and we became a seasonal toy store until january.

I am loosing hope, I have been unemployed since last january! I was receving unemployment while seeking a job but my unemployment ran out in december. I now am getting to the point where I have dipped into the little savings I had and that is also running out fast. I do not have a vehicle and now am not even able to get an inexpensive one nor could I afford insurance even if I did. My boyfriend has a crappy car that I am afraid will not be working soon. He has EDS and is in the process of applying for disability and has no income at this time. I have no one else to bring me to and from doctors appointments and I am terrified that my doctor will make me stop transition if I am not able to come to all of his appointments. I hope that will not happen and there is something we can work out if worse comes to worse? I just really do not want it to get to that point but it seems I am getting there fast.

I truly am in awe of this whole situation, I can actually remember me feeling bad last February about this and thinking that more than likely next valentine's day won't be so bad. It is actually going to be worse  I really don't even care though I just want to have income coming in. And fast.

Can anyone help with my resume? I will post it if some of you are willing to help me.

Does anyone else have / had this same problem and can help me?

Does anyone else live in CT that knows of any jobs I can apply for?

There are more details here that I am willing to respond to if I am asked I just do not want to post them right now since they are personal if no one is willing to help me.

I hope some of you do  :cry: 

[Jamie D]

I have been a hiring manager.  I have looked at hundreds, maybe even thousands of applications and résumés.

I find that those who use a qualifications brief get my attention.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Qualifications-Brief-Will-Make-Your-Resume-Stand-Out&id=1324822

A Q-brief tells me what skillset and experience you have for the job I have open.

[Jessica Merriman]

Have you ever considered dispatching or working in the field for Fire, Police or Emergency Medical Service's? It is a great job with good benefit's and you never have to worry about layoff's or down sizing. The major metro service I worked for was very receptive to GLBT applicants and our Field Medics were open about who they were or identified with. It is just one of those career fields where no one cares what you identify as long as you know your job and are proficient. They recognize that LGBT applicants are very good with complex issue's and are creative thinkers as well as caring and compassionate. Worth at least looking into. Hope this helps. Emergency Medical Service (Paramedics) are the best place to start and some will send you through all of your training and pay for it if you sign a one or two year commitment. It is just recession proof.

[l0nghairdontcare]

Thank you for the responses so far ! Taxi and emergency work are not things I had considered. Although they are things I will keep in mind. I am not sure how well I would do being a taxi or if my boyfriend would feel safe or I would feel safe doing that but it is something I will keep in mind.
As far as paramedics go I highly doubt they would give someone who is 21 and only worked retail that kind of position. I hope this does not frustrate you because I do appreciate the help so much, but I have anxiety issues and I do not think I would be able to handle seeing people in near death situations it would be a little too sad and intense for me. Especially right now I have had a constant emotional surge since starting HRT and I feel like it would impact me pretty hard.

I will look at the link that was posted too thank you! I am glad to hear you were a hiring manager maybe you can help tell me how bad my resume is, I am sure it's terrible. LOL

I am going to post my resume just so everyone can see what I have, have an idea of what I have done so far with work, and what I can improve upon. I am sure there is MUCH I can do.

MY NAME
MY ADDRESS
MY CELLPHONE NUMBER
MY EMAIL


Qualifications:

        • Basic knowledge of PC and computer software
        • Motivated self-starter with a strong desire to learn
        • Flexible, reliable and dependable hard-worker
        • Works well with co-workers
        • Can identify other's feelings and emotions easily
        • Identifies problems easily
        • Meets goals and expectations
        • Gathers information quickly and efficiently
        • Clearly defines needs
        • Quickly and proficiently assesses situations
        • Punctual
        • Strong customer service skills
        • Cash handling experience
        • Excellent sales ability
        • 2+ Years of retail experience
        • 4+ Years of customer service experience

Experience:

          ToyZam (November 2012 - January 2013)
          Sales Associate

        • Handled cash
        • Was responsible for a cash register
        • Greeted customers and made them aware of current sales
        • Cleaned entire store every shift
        • Helped come up with new ideas to re organize the store for customers to easily access it

          Spirit Halloween (August 2012 - November 2012)
          Sales Associate

        • Raised the most money for the charity in the store.
        • Worked with parents and children together to find the costumes and products they were               looking for
        • Used a cash register as well as handled cash
        • Cleaned and restocked the store
        • Greeted customers as well as informing them of current sales

          Sally Beauty Supply (April 2011 - January 2012)
          Sales Associate

       • Listened and sympathized with each customer's personal and sometimes embarrassing                   problems to find the correct solution
       • Sold membership cards and monthly featured products as part of a weekly sales goal
       • Was personally responsible for winning 2 sales competitions in the regional area as well as           consistently meeting the top sales goal in the store
       • Was responsible for using a cash register as well as handling cash and making sure my                   register was even after every shift
       • Was responsible for lifting heavy products in a weekly shipment of merchandise                         • Maintained the appearance and cleanliness of the store which included restocking                         mopping, sweeping, removing trash, cleaning windows, dusting shelves and merchandise,             adjusting prices, placing new tags on items when needed, and adjusted large displays on a            monthly basis

          That's Great News (August 2007 - October 2010)
          Lead Researcher

        • Researched newspapers, magazines, and business journals for positive articles that could            be used for display plaques
        • Scanned pictures of articles using a computer and emailed information as well,
        • Called potential customers and performed sales over the phone as well as answer specific           questions and concerns
        • Used computer programs to record personal customer information
        • Cleaned the office on a weekly basis




Education

          High School Diploma (June 2010)
          MY HIGH SCHOOL




References available upon request.

[EllieM]

Is there any way you can obtain a grant or a student loan to get more training? I know this may delay your transition, but I think that unless you get more accreditation, you are pretty much limited to the retail world and that is less forgiving than a profession or trade would be. There were a couple of items in your skills list that made me think you could do well in EMS. I don't live in CT so I am not aware of what state programs are available, but I'm thinking there must be something like that there.

[l0nghairdontcare]

@ellie
unfortunately I cannot pro long my transition, I am post op orchiectomey and I have breasts that are becoming noticable. So I can not do something like that at this time. Maybe after my facial hair is straightened out. I am literally on the verge of having to fully come out to my family that I live with because my breasts are becoming very noticable. I am going to be stuck in a very bad position soon where I will have noticable breasts and a beard. I think this will totally wipe out any chance I have of being employable ANYWHERE. I do not want this to happen so I need help ASAP.

[Jamie D]

Thank you for the responses so far ! Taxi and emergency work are not things I had considered. Although they are things I will keep in mind. I am not sure how well I would do being a taxi or if my boyfriend would feel safe or I would feel safe doing that but it is something I will keep in mind.
As far as paramedics go I highly doubt they would give someone who is 21 and only worked retail that kind of position. I hope this does not frustrate you because I do appreciate the help so much, but I have anxiety issues and I do not think I would be able to handle seeing people in near death situations it would be a little too sad and intense for me. Especially right now I have had a constant emotional surge since starting HRT and I feel like it would impact me pretty hard.

I will look at the link that was posted too thank you! I am glad to hear you were a hiring manager maybe you can help tell me how bad my resume is, I am sure it's terrible. LOL

I am going to post my resume just so everyone can see what I have, have an idea of what I have done so far with work, and what I can improve upon. I am sure there is MUCH I can do.

MY NAME
MY ADDRESS
MY CELLPHONE NUMBER
MY EMAIL


Qualifications:

        • Basic knowledge of PC and computer software
        • Motivated self-starter with a strong desire to learn
        • Flexible, reliable and dependable hard-worker
        • Works well with co-workers
        • Can identify other's feelings and emotions easily
        • Identifies problems easily
        • Meets goals and expectations
        • Gathers information quickly and efficiently
        • Clearly defines needs
        • Quickly and proficiently assesses situations
        • Punctual
        • Strong customer service skills
        • Cash handling experience
        • Excellent sales ability
        • 2+ Years of retail experience
        • 4+ Years of customer service experience

Experience:

          ToyZam (November 2012 - January 2013)
          Sales Associate

        • Handled cash
        • Was responsible for a cash register
        • Greeted customers and made them aware of current sales
        • Cleaned entire store every shift
        • Helped come up with new ideas to re organize the store for customers to easily access it

          Spirit Halloween (August 2012 - November 2012)
          Sales Associate

        • Raised the most money for the charity in the store.
        • Worked with parents and children together to find the costumes and products they were               looking for
        • Used a cash register as well as handled cash
        • Cleaned and restocked the store
        • Greeted customers as well as informing them of current sales

          Sally Beauty Supply (April 2011 - January 2012)
          Sales Associate

       • Listened and sympathized with each customer's personal and sometimes embarrassing                   problems to find the correct solution
       • Sold membership cards and monthly featured products as part of a weekly sales goal
       • Was personally responsible for winning 2 sales competitions in the regional area as well as           consistently meeting the top sales goal in the store
       • Was responsible for using a cash register as well as handling cash and making sure my                   register was even after every shift
       • Was responsible for lifting heavy products in a weekly shipment of merchandise                         • Maintained the appearance and cleanliness of the store which included restocking                         mopping, sweeping, removing trash, cleaning windows, dusting shelves and merchandise,             adjusting prices, placing new tags on items when needed, and adjusted large displays on a            monthly basis

          That's Great News (August 2007 - October 2010)
          Lead Researcher

        • Researched newspapers, magazines, and business journals for positive articles that could            be used for display plaques
        • Scanned pictures of articles using a computer and emailed information as well,
        • Called potential customers and performed sales over the phone as well as answer specific           questions and concerns
        • Used computer programs to record personal customer information
        • Cleaned the office on a weekly basis




Education

          High School Diploma (June 2010)
          MY HIGH SCHOOL


References available upon request.

That's a pretty standard, frankly boring, type of résumé.  The very first thing I looked for was the last thing you listed.  Education.  My suggestion ... get back into school and pick up some advanced skills.  Even an AA degree from a community college will make you a much more desirable job candidate.

@ellie
unfortunately I cannot pro long my transition, I am post op orchiectomey and I have breasts that are becoming noticable. So I can not do something like that at this time. Maybe after my facial hair is straightened out. I am literally on the verge of having to fully come out to my family that I live with because my breasts are becoming very noticable. I am going to be stuck in a very bad position soon where I will have noticable breasts and a beard. I think this will totally wipe out any chance I have of being employable ANYWHERE. I do not want this to happen so I need help ASAP.

Hon, I have had gynecomastia my entire adolescent and adult life.  Unless you are sporting some C-cup titties, no one much is going to care.

[l0nghairdontcare]

That's a pretty standard, frankly boring, type of résumé.  The very first thing I looked for was the last thing you listed.  Education.  My suggestion ... get back into school and pick up some advanced skills.  Even an AA degree from a community college will make you a much more desirable job candidate.

Hon, I have had gynecomastia my entire adolescent and adult life.  Unless you are sporting some C-cup titties, no one much is going to care.

Well that is why I am asking for help. I knew it wasn't that great but I didn't know it was bad enough for you to have to skip it totally LOL

I do plan on further education but right now I need a part time job like the ones i've had.

I get what you're saying about boobies but it does matter. They look like breasts and the way I naturally present everyone is going to know. They already do.

I have been looking for beauty supply places like Sally's but I cannot find any that are hiring, I called sally's corporate and checked to see if I am re hirable.

I was really good at my job at sally's and people were very open minded about me there. I loved everything about it and I was the top selling person in my store. I was fired for being short on my register 3 times and was written up for it each time. They were small amounts. Is it worth trying again? My former manager was a total tight ass and people were frequently fired from the store. You literally see at least 1 new person every 6 months. I really want to work there again. Beauty retail is all I can see myself doing well at this point in my life. At least for now.

[Jamie D]

Well that is why I am asking for help. I knew it wasn't that great but I didn't know it was bad enough for you to have to skip it totally LOL

I do plan on further education but right now I need a part time job like the ones i've had.

I get what you're saying about boobies but it does matter. They look like breasts and the way I naturally present everyone is going to know. They already do.

I have been looking for beauty supply places like Sally's but I cannot find any that are hiring, I called sally's corporate and checked to see if I am re hirable.

I was really good at my job at sally's and people were very open minded about me there. I loved everything about it and I was the top selling person in my store. I was fired for being short on my register 3 times and was written up for it each time. They were small amounts. Is it worth trying again? My former manager was a total tight ass and people were frequently fired from the store. You literally see at least 1 new person every 6 months. I really want to work there again. Beauty retail is all I can see myself doing well at this point in my life. At least for now.

I understand the need for a job and some income, especially if you anticipate some big expenses for things like laser/electro

You want your résumé to pop!  To stand out and catch the attention of the person who is hiring.  Add a picture.  Use color.  Tailor it for the job opening.  That's what a Q-brief is about.  If I am looking for stockroom help, I don't much care you were a, for instance, camp counselor.  But if you have experience taking inventories, now that is important.  See what I mean?

Better than that, if you are looking at a particular location, try to meet the manager.  One corporation I worked for had online applications and computer scoring.  I knew how it worked and could give a potential applicant pointers and keywords.  And anyone who came to see me I knew was gung-ho.  I valued initiative.

Are you in a major metro area, or perhaps near some malls or shopping centers?