Maya, so sorry! For one thing, I think with the economy the way it is, and in a city like New York, the ratio of applicants to jobs must be very high. Please don't take this personally. There are so many other factors at play. Remember, we're all rooting for you!

This job wasn't IN New York! That's why it is so surprising. I just feel stuck. I don't know what to do or what I could do better. If the answer is "nothing" that is actually more disturbing, because it means I have no control.

Could you call the manager of the store to follow up and generally enquire?

Oh Maya......Boo:( For some reason it always seems easier to get a job when you already have a job....

I know other people going through the same thing for over a year.

They have been told that even though they have a degree and yet are willing to work for less....companies don't believe they will hang in long term because the wage is low and it is outside of their field, and a soon as something in their field pops up and makes them an offer they will be gone.

Now I don't know if that applies here, but some insight to what companies might be thinking...they seem willing to hire college students though. They may just think you are overqualified.

No answers here.... just support for you:)

That is what my mom said Taylor, but this was a seasonal job, only until January, so that can't be it. I'm NOT overqualified. I have friends with equivalent experience or more working in retail. If anything I wonder if I'm unqualified, since I have no retail experience. I feel like I'm not qualified for ANYTHING at this point. I am actually beginning to envision my life as a homeless person...no kidding.

I suppose I could do that Vani.

Have you thought about AT and ATLoft...they are hiring seasonal also...we just hired 3 people...none of them would be nearly as good as you..

Oh Maya, I'm so sorry to hear that :( I agree with Vani -- see if you can ask the manager about why you didn't get the job. The economy does suck now, and I wonder how many people are applying for these jobs. Hang in there -- I'm hoping something good pops up for you!

Oh Taylor, I wish YOU could give me a job! It's nice to know SOMEONE thinks I have potential.

Sure, I'd be happy to work at either store. I have been picking up applications like a maniac. I think I would be good at retail. I love helping people, especially when it comes to clothes! But I'm not getting the chance to prove myself :(

I'm not sure what it is Cathy. The only other girl applying there was some high school student who was wearing too-low-rise jeans with intense muffin top and bottom cleavage...but it seemed like the manager might know her somehow, based on how they were talking, so maybe I got snubbed in favor of some kid with muffin top...(sorry, I'm incredibly bitter right now).

Oh man, I am so sorry! Arrrgh. I really, really hope that something good turns up soon.

Ooooooohhh, Maya. That’s a really hard pill to swallow. Rejection is awful for anyone and your bitterness is understandable. Are you applying to other retail jobs? Have you thought about working in an art shop? The MOMA shop?

Still think you need to seriously start volunteering. That way you can put it on your CV too.

Maya, do call back all these managers and ask WHY you weren't hired. Tell them you would like any constructive feedback they may have. I do this and it helps me fine-tune my interview skills. First time I did this - I was about your age - I was told by one interviewer I slouch too much. I was told by another I simply looked too young for sales, nobody would take me seriously. Etc. You never know what you will hear. You need to have tough skin, but it's well worth it. Also, if you handle the call professionally - resist the urge to get defensive or upset - they will remember you later, if something opens up. I have also had people give me additional job leads, in situations where they liked me, but the job just wasn't quite the right fit, or they hired a more qualified candidate.

Otherwise, all I can tell you is what I've been telling my DD, who can't find a job either: there are so many people out of work right now. You are competing against heads of households who have kids to feed, and retirees who've had to go back to work.

I agree with Angie, volunteering would be smart. How about volunteering to come in and dress the mannequins in the window? I don't know if this is some formula they get from corporate, but perhaps there's a small locally owned boutique you could approach.

I was going to just say the same thing that shiny already did about the work force and the competition. You really can't take it personally- it's a very unusual job market right now. I know many young people who are in the same boat right now. We recently had an In n Out Burger open, and they had thousands of people show up to their job fair.

It's tuff out there right now Maya. There are so many people vying for the same job. Please keep up your good spirits.