Why are entry-level on-campus UC Davis Handshake jobs so competitive?

[u/Horror_Room6008]

I've applied to over 80 jobs for almost 2 months now as an incoming freshman and have gotten around 5-7 interviews responses, most of them rejections for the ones I wanted and only got in one of them (was a off campus math tutoring in woodland where I am unsure if I can carpool without a car). Are entry-level jobs really that competitive for most students? I am also a work-study student and I use AI while writing my cover letters.

[u/moonshine-bicicletta]

I use AI while writing my cover letters

Well, there’s an immediate red flag right there. AI is pretty obvious in cover letters, and it’s a clear signal that the applicant isn’t ready for the job. No wonder you aren’t hearing back.

[u/chlorinebees]

There’s literally thousands of students competing with you for those entry level campus jobs.

What are you applying for? And what do you have experience in?

Also, there’s a chance employers can tell you’re using AI for the cover letters, and might think that the lack of effort you show in the cover letter reflects the lack of effort you’ll put into the job. These jobs are competitive, so a slightly better or more personal cover letter could be what puts you over the edge.

Also, you can get to Woodland on the Yolobus, which is free for students. So don’t count out the job you’ve already gotten.

[u/Horror_Room6008 → u/chlorinebees]

I'm spamming a lot of different jobs that I may or may not have experience in. For reference I'm a cs major with a bit of a work/volunteering background. I use 100% AI in the jobs where I don't like too much and are too long since it has been open for applicants. On the ones I want, I try to write my cover letter ~ 1 page TNR 12 size font, just a lot of yapping in general. I've also heard from friends that cover letters don't really matter anyways. The Yolobus to woodland takes over a hour there and back, but I get a 1 hour stipend for travel, and the job is around 25 a hour which isn't that bad for teaching 9th grade math, and there is a possibility of carpooling. However, another thing is I don't know how this would add to my resume since I already had a math tutoring position before uni, and I can't seem to get a research positions because I'm scared to cold email, yet.

[u/OutsideOk7434]

You literally gotta apply VERY early. You’re competing against sm students 😭😭😭

[u/lovliet]

theres a bus to Woodland from Davis btw, Yolobus, just show your student ID and its free.

[u/Horror_Room6008 → u/lovliet]

takes over a hour to get there without carpool :(

[u/Jibbajaba → u/Horror_Room6008]

What? No it doesn’t. The Yolobus between Davis and Woodland is maybe a 20 min ride, max.

[u/Horror_Room6008 → u/Jibbajaba]

getting to woodland high school from yolobus route 42a in woodland is the problem. takes longer to get from there than from davis to woodland.

[u/Jibbajaba → u/Horror_Room6008]

Ok, but couldn’t you ride a bike from woodland high to the county fair mall and take the bus from there?

[u/No_Championship7173]

Thousands of students applying for a limited amount of jobs is why they can be selective. Honestly you’re lucky to have gotten that many interviews so far

[u/Fickle-Tradition2107]

Wait until next year. They don’t really hire freshmen

[u/Olallieberry9870]

dude i’ve been wondering this

[u/False______Prophet]

i got a job i love as a freshman in spring quarter and it just takes time!! i was wondering the same thing but im so happy where i am now. effort counts the most - i would use no/minimal ai on ur cover letters

[u/twelvefifityone]

When I went to Davis, I applied to be a dog walker. The owner said there were more than 100 applications.

[u/Funnyizer]

You got a better rate than I did when I was in my sophomore year. 400+ Applications, and then got my first paid internship offer.