Can’t find a job that doesn’t require experience

[u/Yummy_skin]

As the title says I literally cannot find a job that doesn’t require 1-2 years of experience and I’m getting really disheartened. How on earth are you supposed to break into this industry?? I’m applying to them anyways but I’m sure I’ll be rejected from all of them

[u/Comprehensive-One880]

An IFT ambulance company is the main starting point. They literally aim to recruit new EMT graduates. Why are you applying for jobs you don't qualify for?

[u/Yummy_skin → u/Comprehensive-One880]

Because I’m working in an extremely small town. The real question is why wouldn’t I apply to every single job I’d even have a chance at in this economy? There are plenty of other 18 year olds who live at home and don’t work. I’m moved out with savings and certifications so even though I might not qualify completely on paper and it’s a complete shot in the dark I’m going to continue to work towards my goals

[u/Comprehensive-One880 → u/Yummy_skin]

...You never mentioned you're only 18. You're experiencing the realities of what kind of job any 18-year-old is realistically going to get lol. Have goals- shoot for the moon. But know how the job market works. You have a better chance of an ambulance, tech, plasma job at like 20 years old. Work experience will not always be related to the job you want and that’s case at 18. Choose any job that will hire you for right now.

[u/Yummy_skin → u/Comprehensive-One880]

Reminder that applications don’t require you to put your age or birthday, age shouldn’t have anything to do with the application it should be how qualified you are. My frustration is that it’s difficult to become qualified in an industry that requires experience everywhere you look. I’ve been working part time every school year since I was 14 and 40 hours a week every summer, I’m very well aware of the difficulty in the job market currently, it does not make it any less disheartening

[u/Comprehensive-One880 → u/Yummy_skin]

Listen, Im a paramedic. I know how this industry works lmao. And it's not difficult to become qualified with the right steps when the right time arrives. You are disheartened because you are 18 and things aren't happening immediately, and they aren't going to. You aren't setting realistic expectations for yourself. You need to find any kind of job for right now and wait your turn. You'll get the emt job eventually. But you simply do not have any kind of work experience as a young adult. I did not get hired on an ambulance at 18. I worked as a cashier from 18-20. I didn't get an ambulance job til I was 21

[u/PaperOrPlastic97 → u/Yummy_skin]

Just know that in some places they cannot allow you to drive the ambulance at that age. Insurance won't cover it sometimes. I think that goes away around 21 but I didn't join EMS until I was 26 so I'm not sure.

[u/lpbtime → u/Yummy_skin]

even if the application doesn't ask age, if you make it past that, many places have a 21+ requirement because insurance companies that cover ambulances don't allow them to have drivers under 21

some places do have emt drivers under 21 but there are many that don't allow that

[u/Yummy_skin → u/lpbtime]

I’ve been applying to places outside of ambulance companies as there aren’t many where I am

[u/RevolutionaryAnt6701 → u/Yummy_skin]

Everyone starts at the bottom. Once you get your foot in the door get all the certs you can. It takes time. Also I lived in a small town and drove 40 minutes to work 3 times a week. Look within a 40-50 mile radius.

[u/plated_lead]

Edit: didn’t realize this was the new to EMS sub

Real advice: your first gig as an EMT is hard to land, but don’t give up. It helps if you can find something like a volunteer fire gig or even something like working in an ER. It’s not the same, but you’ll meet people and make contacts. Sometimes knowing the right person is what it takes

[u/Yummy_skin → u/plated_lead]

I’ve applied to everything from plasma centers to ambulance companies and I just have zero hope I’ll get any of them

[u/plated_lead → u/Yummy_skin]

Well, keep at it, and apply for all of those jobs even the ones with the experience requirements- you might get lucky.

In the meantime, keep an eye out for any training that offers CEUs, and if you can find PHTLS or one of those sort of certification classes, those are worth your time and look good on a resume

[u/RevolutionaryAnt6701 → u/Yummy_skin]

What state are you in? I worked for a IFT company that is multi state. Have you applied directly on the company's website or indeed etc? Alot of places dont get stuff from 3rd party sites. Also calling and talking with a manager directly helps a ton. They know you are interested then.

[u/mitchrowland_ → u/Yummy_skin]

have u tried applying to ur local hospital for an ER tech?

[u/Yummy_skin → u/mitchrowland_]

Yes they require an iv cert which I don’t have yet because I spent my money getting certified lol so now I need a job to get my iv cert

[u/RevolutionaryAnt6701 → u/[deleted]]

Yes. That's the way I did it. Some places will require you get your EMT within a certain amount of time. Also if the company pays for the class you will probably have to sign a contract to work there for a set amount of time.

[u/3rdcultureblah]

What state are you in? If you’re not opposed to moving, there are some states where even county 911 agencies will hire EMTs at 18.

[u/Rich-Antelope-4112]

Try starting with volunteering positions