Entry level or part time work? KEEP IT SIMPLE AND LOCAL

When someone is looking for an entry level or part-time job, "keeping it simple" may be something that eludes them.  What I mean by "simple" is trying to find a job that is close to where you live, or really easy to reach if you have to commute a bit.  These jobs are not going to be the only job you have in your lifetime; you'll be taking them to get experience, learn "how to work," and start filling out a resume and having some work time that you can talk about when it comes time to apply somewhere else.  So, rather than make it challenging to be on time and add hassles to your new job, why not try and find a position that is close by and relatively easy to reach?

I'm not suggesting you take a terrible job just because it's close.  I am suggesting that you start the search by walking to businesses that are near where you live and seeing if they have "Help Wanted" signs in the windows, stopping in and asking a manager if they are hiring (rehearse this before you try it and keep it brief) and getting an application or advice how to apply if it's via an online source, or making a list of spots that are close and then going home and doing some internet research to see if the company website has information on open jobs and how to apply.

When you have covered the walkable places, what's the next level of "easy to get to?"  Is it a brief bike ride or car trip?  Can you get to other businesses via reliable public transit? Finding spots that you can get to easily goes back to that idea of "keeping it simple."  When you speak to someone about a possible position, MAKE SURE you let them know that you live close by, or can get to the job easily...no doubt they have hired folks in the past who had problems getting there and may not have lasted, so you separating yourself from this bunch by mentioning your proximity is already starting to get the employer saying "YES" to your possible employability.  

Bringing up things like the fact that you live close by, have come to the store/business before and liked it, and/or have had an interest in working there for a prolonged period of time are all examples of things that are worth mentioning when you speak to someone about a job.  By saying these things, it keeps edging you towards the moment when the employer will decide that taking the chance of hiring you is worth it, so SAY THESE THINGS rather than just figuring "Oh, she will see my address on the resume" or "he has probably seen me in here buying stuff."  Don't leave helpful things unsaid!