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[Lagslayer]

Let's start with the most immediate questions and go from there if I got more. A few things I can't seem to get a straight answer for...

Do companies (especially large ones) even look at paper applications anymore?
Does showing up in person do anything for my chances?
Am I just wasting time and gas doing these things?

[Telgin]

The answers depend tremendously on where you're applying.  For some jobs, like working in fast food, you're probably just going to be filling out an application.  For more career oriented jobs at larger companies, this is likely to be a longer application with a resume requirement and interview of some sort.

Most companies that expect applications or resumes tend to accept them electronically now though.  Small companies may take them through email, but larger more formal places may have sophisticated online applications where you can upload a resume and fill out their application.

Usually, once you make it past that point they'll be interested in a phone interview and/or personal interview.

So... what sort of job are you applying for?

[lordcooper]

Turning up in person and asking to speak to the manager of small businesses has yielded good results for me in the past.  Large businesses will have their own application process, usually detailed on their website.

[Lagslayer]

So... what sort of job are you applying for?

Just about anything I can get. I'd prefer not to work in a department store because I had a very bad experience with that. I'd also prefer not to work at a convenience store because of the BS reason I got fired, but that's for another thread. Something local and relatively small seems ideal, but they tend to hire family members...

[RedKing]

So we're talking "job", not "career". Then yeah, showing up in person probably helps.

[penguinofhonor]

So we're talking "job", not "career". Then yeah, showing up in person probably helps.

Protip: If you are not looking for a career, do not tell your employer this. As far as they're concerned, you want to scrub floors or sell soap until you retire.

I've heard that managers are quite insulted by people who don't view their shitty job as a career, most likely because managers are the kind of people who got stuck with a shitty job long enough that it became their career.

[RedKing]

So we're talking "job", not "career". Then yeah, showing up in person probably helps.

Protip: If you are not looking for a career, do not tell your employer this. As far as they're concerned, you want to scrub floors or sell soap until you retire.

I've heard that managers are quite insulted by people who don't view their shitty job as a career, most likely because managers are the kind of people who got stuck with a shitty job long enough that it became their career.

Not only that, but it brings up the very real possibility that you'll jump ship ASAP and they'll be back to square one and having to hire someone else. This is also why being overqualified for a job hurts -- because they figure you'll be looking for (and find) something way better and jump ship in a heartbeat.

[Lagslayer]

In other words, it's not what you know as much as it is who you know. I don't have connections.

[Telgin]

Not going to lie: having connections helps tremendously.  I got my brother on at this company because I worked here.  However, I was hired here based purely on my resume, not knowing anybody and having no experience outside of an academic setting.

I've seen it swing both ways.  Knowing people generally gets you past the application phase, but that's it.  I've seen plenty of people hired on for "jobs" as well as "careers" without knowing anyone at their prospective employer.

From the sounds of things, you're mostly looking for anything that makes money and isn't completely unbearable.  That's pretty much going to mean something service related, like department stores, fast food, stock room work and so on.

If that's the case, then yes, show up in person, try to look and sound friendly and reasonably enthusiastic.  Don't over do it though.  And try to sound like you're interested in more than just having a job.  If you make it sound like you're interested in working your way up, things will look more favorable for you.  Also, apply to as many places as you can: work can be hard to find as I'm sure you're aware.

[Virex]

Also, apply to as many places as you can: work can be hard to find as I'm sure you're aware.

Also include jobs that may not be directly obvious. Sure, there are department stores and all that, but what about public transport companies? Sewage processing? Water purification? Factories? Casinos? Recycling plants? Hardware shops? Courier services?

[Max White]

"Do companies (especially large ones) even look at paper applications anymore?"
Yes, and double yes. Most of these large companies actually work in a franchising system where the local store manager is in charge of hiring, and most of them find looking through a few paper applicants quicker and easier than going online. It also assures them that the applicant can come in and isn't just blanket applying for everything, even jobs they can't show up for.
"Does showing up in person do anything for my chances?"
Very much so. I worked at a Subway and every time somebody would hand in an application, we would give input as to our first impressions. Dress in a clean shirt, smile, and act like you can take orders. Although remember to ask for the manager. Don't just give it to anybody, bets case it gets to the manager and they don't get that first impression thus forget about you. Worst case it never sees the managers hands.
"Am I just wasting time and gas doing these things?"
Most of the time, yea, you are. Managers find it easier to just pick up the first resume off the top of the pile, therefor the most recent and most likely to still need work, so unless you get lucky and they are hiring at the time your hand in may never count. However all places have to hire at some point, you just need to be vigilant and keep handing in.

Best trick is to ask for the manager and ask the manager if they are hiring. They may not be, but they might direct you to somebody who is. Also, remember to include your available hours on the resume.

[Tellemurius]

For me on my luck with job hunting, when sending in my resume electronically, i usually wait for the next day and give a call to manager or HR to confirm they have my resume, that right there signals to them that you are indeed searching with dedication and usually for me i get a interview offer on the spot.

[gogis]

Usually I just update my resume on HH sites and wait