LinenDried's journey

I’m a 17-year-old male currently struggling to land my first job. Despite submitting numerous resumes and applications, I keep receiving automated responses stating I’m "not a good fit" for the roles I apply for. This has been really discouraging, and I feel like I’m losing momentum in my job search. My resume highlights my volunteer work, CPR/AED certification, my high school diploma, and some personal business experience, which I thought would make me a strong candidate for entry-level positions. However, I’ve never held a traditional paid job, and I wonder if that’s what's holding me back. I’m about to turn 18, and while I hope my age isn’t a factor, I suspect that lacking formal corporate work experience is a significant hurdle. I’ve received some advice suggesting I target smaller restaurants and retail stores where automated screening might not be as prevalent. I’m considering applying at places like Little Caesars, as I’ve heard they’re more likely to hire someone in my situation. I just want to get my foot in the door and start gaining experience.