I think it's great you have applied to fifteen places. That shows you have a strong drive to succeed. The volunteer work is a great asset to you even though your results right now might not indicate that. I'm guessing that even though these jobs pay minimum wage or thereabouts they are still in demand places to work with huge applicant pools. Examples are coffee shops, Best Buy, Target, Coach stores, Macy's, American Eagle, etc. These jobs can be somewhat of a status symbol for 18-year-olds and so even though they don't pay much there is still some competition to get hired. Compare this to a McDonald's or Burger King where they would practically hire someone on the spot. But regardless of what job you want, more power to you. Here are some things that have helped me get the jobs I have wanted:

1. Find out exactly what qualities the employer is looking for and then prepare to tactfully explain in the interview how you will bring these qualities in your work.

2. Sure there are other jobs out there but during that interview, act as if this was the last job on earth. This will do wonders for giving you a sense of urgency and putting your best foot forward in the interview.

3. Notice how some interview questions are always thrown at you no matter what job you are interviewing for? Take some time to write down some really cool answers to these common questions. You will be surprised how these answers you wrote down earlier will float to your lips during the interview.

4. Google some common job interview questions, print them out, hand them to a family member or friend, and have that person ask you those questions in a practice interview. Then have them share their perception of you as an interviewee. Sure your practice interview will leave you wondering how you could stink so bad but it will work wonders for the real interview.

Good luck, and I hope you get the job you want!

It can take a while even when the economy is up. In my area, a lot of young people are babysitting, tutoring, helping with private daycare centers, etc. Try whatever you've volunteered to do, and ask at non-profit agencies. Then try whatever you're physically capable of doing. There's no shame in any kind of work. Good luck!