I live in the Fraser Valley, and will be graduating this June. I am not going right back into school, and thus need a job. The problem is, with my "alternative appearance", I am having trouble finding work. I am willing to commute, so if anyone knows of job openings where I wouldn't have to tone things down overly much, could you let me know?
You'll probably be safe if you look for anything to do with retail fashion, hair or cosmetics, although even for that you'll have to think carefully about what "alternative" parts you let show. It's best to tone it down anyway, and then after you've been working there a while let it creep back somewhat.
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Hey everyone. There is a new store opened up on Commercial Drive near Venables, it is called Labryinth Gothic. I know that they are actually looking to hire some help so if you are interested you should check it out.
hrmmm i will check it out , i wonder if they need part time employees ...one can hope
So, I've been out here since August, and I've been having a ruff time finding work. In my field, there are only three things that can help one acquire a new job: 1) connections - you gots to know the right people, 2) Experience - you gots to show them that you've done this before, 3) Qualifications - all that alphabet soup you put after your name (BA Hon, MA, PHD).
Since I'm new here, the connections thing seems to be out of the question. I have over three years experience (out of province), but unless someone will hire me I won't be getting more any time soon. So I goes to look at my qualifications. The next step for me is the old Masters. I checked out the local Masters programs, and the deadlines for apllications are Dec. 15, '04, Jan 15, '05, and Feb 1, '05. This is getting to be down right frustratin'.
Well, I'm off to re-vamp my resume once again.
Swoop
Until recently Claire's wouldn't even touch body jewellery. Not a single girl in the one downtown here in Victoria has anything beyond ear piercings, as far as I've seen.
I think an "alternative appearance" really also depends highly on you. I have a good number of facial piercings (nosering, labret, medusa, 0 & 4g earrings, large industrial), and often strangely dyed hair, but I am friendly with strangers and little old ladies love to talk to me at the bus stop. I dunno. ;)
That all depends on how 'alternative' you look. If you have pink spiky hair, you might have less trouble than if you have facial piercings. If you look pretty severe, try applying at CD shops, youth-oriented retail clothing/accessory stores, funky restaurants, or jobs where you won't be dealing with the public (call centres, warehouse positions, etc). If your look is more mild, but still noticably "freaky", I think as long as you stay away from banks, dentist's offices, law firms, non-WalMart department stores and fancy restaurants you're probably ok. Compared to when I was first looking for work, the world is chock full of alternative-looking employees. Times have certainly changed.
Places like The Bread Garden, Claire's Accessories, Below The Belt, A&B Sound and Value Village are not without their share of freaks on staff - however, I have noticed that none of these places have staff with more than one facial piercing, if at all. Consider removing a few if you're hoping to be taken seriously outside the music or fashion business.
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