Job applications.....soOOoOOo depressing

[Star]

Hi everyone,

I have been job hunting and I have to say....its no fun at all

My confidence with these sorts of things is minimal, I really don't know how to sell myself (not literally...yet).

I have read so many adverts, applied and devised my personal statements to suit each of them, individually but with no luck

It seems that extensive experience is essential, so I might have to focus my energy trying to gain as much as possible, but I cant afford to at the moment, until I win the lottery its a catch 22 situation

I was wondering if anyone else is struggling and maybe some members could offer some advice, as I could definitly benefit from some....

In addition if anyone is looking for a fantastic and bubbly person to employ with great people skills, then please, do let me know

Marie x

[Pussygalore]

depending on what sort of job/work you're after have you thought about volunteering, I know various organisations are always looking for help and if I was reading cv's anyone that had done that sort of thing would certainly be considered. I know you don't get paid but even a couple of hours would still look good, plus to me someone who has worked even if its nothing to do with the type of job they are applying for would always be higher on the list than someone who just hasn't bothered. ie even a part time cleaning job. One more thing if its the sort of work where you can actually walk into the place and ask them face to face to me that also makes a lot of difference, someone who has taken the trouble to look nice, not fashionable etc and walk around and ask if the place has a waiting list for vacancy's and please may they leave there cv would at least get noticed where as many cv'c that arrive by post are probably just put aside. I know my son who has his own gargage often gets letters asking for work and he doesn't have or make the time to read them but if your are face to face with them they at least have to listen. I used to do shop work and after I'd walk into any shop I liked the look of and would ask if they needed any staff, maybe times have changed but I got most of my jobs like that, if also gave me a lot more confidence in approaching people.

[Neddy]

Hi Marie,
It really is about trial and error, do you want to send me a copy of your C.V so I can have a look for you? If your interested send me a PM
I have recently got a new job as a team leader and am currently doing my notice period so I have been very lucky, I find broadening your horizons is essential! And also it is easier to find work if you are already employed it also helps for when you go for interview etc you won't have the worry that 'this is your only chance' etc.

Hope this helps

Sara

[freakinmental]

Hi Marie, i am in exactly the same position as you, having lost my job at the end of march!
I agree it is so depressing and also annoying when you are continuously applying for jobs and sending out CV's and you NEVER hear anything back!!!!
I have done employabilty courses and everything and still nothing!
The people in the job centre said they have never known such a hard time like it is at the moment for trying to find a job!
Hopefully come Sept when i have been unemployed for 6 mths i will be able to start my teaching assistant training organised through the job centre!
Keep on trying cos one day someone will realise its you that has been missing from their company!
good luck x

[dae]

I agree, just keep at it, but if you would like me to look at your CV then PM me as I have a degree in HR and do the recruitment for my company so can help you out there if you like!!!

Good luck tho!!!

[Star]

Thanks everyone

I appreciate the advice and offers to help with the personal statement, I will definitly take you both up on that

I never realised how stressful searching for a job could be, but at the moment it seems impossible. I haven't given up and its early days so I shouldn't be as disheartened as I am, I guess its harder when money is a big issue and time is running out.

I am applying for volunteering work, so hopefully that will also help.

I'm hopeful that within the next few months I will have work.


Thanks again
Marie
x

[Star]

Originally Posted by freakinmental

Hi Marie, i am in exactly the same position as you, having lost my job at the end of march!
I agree it is so depressing and also annoying when you are continuously applying for jobs and sending out CV's and you NEVER hear anything back!!!!
I have done employabilty courses and everything and still nothing!
The people in the job centre said they have never known such a hard time like it is at the moment for trying to find a job!
Hopefully come Sept when i have been unemployed for 6 mths i will be able to start my teaching assistant training organised through the job centre!
Keep on trying cos one day someone will realise its you that has been missing from their company!
good luck x

Hello and thanks for your kind words, they are so touching. I wish you all the luck in the world and I am sure you will have your TA job before you know it
Do keep me up to date on how you progress, we can compare notes

Best wishes
Marie

[Star]

Originally Posted by Pussygalore

depending on what sort of job/work you're after have you thought about volunteering, I know various organisations are always looking for help and if I was reading cv's anyone that had done that sort of thing would certainly be considered. I know you don't get paid but even a couple of hours would still look good, plus to me someone who has worked even if its nothing to do with the type of job they are applying for would always be higher on the list than someone who just hasn't bothered. ie even a part time cleaning job. One more thing if its the sort of work where you can actually walk into the place and ask them face to face to me that also makes a lot of difference, someone who has taken the trouble to look nice, not fashionable etc and walk around and ask if the place has a waiting list for vacancy's and please may they leave there cv would at least get noticed where as many cv'c that arrive by post are probably just put aside. I know my son who has his own gargage often gets letters asking for work and he doesn't have or make the time to read them but if your are face to face with them they at least have to listen. I used to do shop work and after I'd walk into any shop I liked the look of and would ask if they needed any staff, maybe times have changed but I got most of my jobs like that, if also gave me a lot more confidence in approaching people.

Hi

Your sooOOOooOOooo right, it does need that added something to get you noticed, I just seem to be lacking it at the moment

I have volunteering experience, the problem is that I am looking to work with children which requires a lot of venting. CRB checks are independently done also, even if you have one, which is how it should be, but does tend to mean that you have to be selected and processed before being considered.

I shall also be starting my Masters in September, so the job I get now needs to be part time to fit in with University. I also just graduated which means that my experience isn't as extensive when compared to someone that has volunteered on a full time basis.

Its difficult to know how much experience you should be getting whilst also balancing studying, looking after the children and working.... I will get it right in the end, its just managing to find all the parts that fit together, which will happen

Thank you again for all your advice
Marie x

[Celestite1983]

I know how you feel hun - i've applied for 4 jobs, just waiting to see if I hear anything back. I am in employment at the moment so its not desperate but I feel stuck in a rut where I am. There is no chance of moving up the ladder status-wise here and some more money wouldn't go amiss either!

I updated my CV recently but have no idea if its any good or not - been in my current job for 7 years!

Just keep trying and i'm sure you will get a reply soon! xxxx

[em7070]

Hi Star,
I wouldn't worry you're not the only one out there that struggles to sell themselves for job applications. Like you I'm searching for a job desperately to get out of the one I am in. Like you I'm not very good at "bigging myself up"! Maybe we can swap tips LOL!