Don't seem to have any luck
Discussion
Don't really want to come across as all "woe is me" or whingy.
I can't seem to have any luck getting employment. My GCSE's are pretty much B's and C's, I have an IT Diploma and I have experience in all sorts of fields from office work to security work and even acting.
I'd have thought I'd be getting jobs fairly easy, but I just seem to be so average that I just don't even hear back? I've got friends with less qualifications who have only ever been college for 2 years and they'll get around 2-3 interviews for every 10 or so jobs they apply for. Whereas I'll send off around a hundred and will get offered 1 maybe 2.
Even when I do manage to get feedback, they even say there's nothing wrong with me or my skills but they just felt the other person was more suited for the role.
I've registered for 5-6 agencies since October last year and only 1 actually managed to get me some work as a delivery driver for 3 weeks before Christmas. I've not done heard anything since! I ring them and they'll usually say it's quiet and they'll get in touch as soon as something comes up, yet they never do and when I apply for jobs advertised on their website, they don't reply then either.
I've even had promises of a job and then been fobbed off and it's never materialised.
Being early 20's, I'm worried for my mental health, as it feels like my life's been stood still since around 18 while all my friends are earning decent amounts and splashing it out on cars and some even with houses. Then you get me just scraping by and feeling like a burden on my dad.
Also, it obviously comes across that I'm just lazy or not trying, when in reality I'm probably doing more than most try, but I just don't seem to get anywhere.
I'm just getting to the point where I just can't be bothered searching for work anymore, but I know that I definitely won't get anything if I stop trying.
Any ideas on what I can try next? Everyone seems to say my CV is absolutely fine and I've had some at interviews saying it's better than most as it's short and straight to the point rather than long winded like some.
I can't seem to have any luck getting employment. My GCSE's are pretty much B's and C's, I have an IT Diploma and I have experience in all sorts of fields from office work to security work and even acting.
I'd have thought I'd be getting jobs fairly easy, but I just seem to be so average that I just don't even hear back? I've got friends with less qualifications who have only ever been college for 2 years and they'll get around 2-3 interviews for every 10 or so jobs they apply for. Whereas I'll send off around a hundred and will get offered 1 maybe 2.
Even when I do manage to get feedback, they even say there's nothing wrong with me or my skills but they just felt the other person was more suited for the role.
I've registered for 5-6 agencies since October last year and only 1 actually managed to get me some work as a delivery driver for 3 weeks before Christmas. I've not done heard anything since! I ring them and they'll usually say it's quiet and they'll get in touch as soon as something comes up, yet they never do and when I apply for jobs advertised on their website, they don't reply then either.
I've even had promises of a job and then been fobbed off and it's never materialised.
Being early 20's, I'm worried for my mental health, as it feels like my life's been stood still since around 18 while all my friends are earning decent amounts and splashing it out on cars and some even with houses. Then you get me just scraping by and feeling like a burden on my dad.
Also, it obviously comes across that I'm just lazy or not trying, when in reality I'm probably doing more than most try, but I just don't seem to get anywhere.
I'm just getting to the point where I just can't be bothered searching for work anymore, but I know that I definitely won't get anything if I stop trying.
Any ideas on what I can try next? Everyone seems to say my CV is absolutely fine and I've had some at interviews saying it's better than most as it's short and straight to the point rather than long winded like some.
Have you thought about volunteering at a charity shop or local dog re homing place? It’s not a quick fix but at least you get to talk about it positively in interview and it would be better for your mental health than kicking about.
Continuous rejection must be difficult and I can’t help but think that it’s coming through in your interviews.
Is there an option for some retraining via the job centre? Can you spend a couple of quid on some foreign language CD’s and lean to speak Polish for example?
Currently you are time rich and cash poor – in the future you will be cash rich and time poor (the rat race comes and mugs you) embrace you time out of work as a time to learn more and skill yourself for learning the big money on a few years.
Continuous rejection must be difficult and I can’t help but think that it’s coming through in your interviews.
Is there an option for some retraining via the job centre? Can you spend a couple of quid on some foreign language CD’s and lean to speak Polish for example?
Currently you are time rich and cash poor – in the future you will be cash rich and time poor (the rat race comes and mugs you) embrace you time out of work as a time to learn more and skill yourself for learning the big money on a few years.
Remember the tortoise and hare.
My life didn't really get into gear until my 30's so don't look at others to compare. The first rule is take whatever job you can, if it is s
t then keep looking until you get your foot in the door. then you can impress and this is how it worked for me.
Do volunteer work, get a hobby, go to the gym, keep your mind active. I used to send loads of CVs out, been rejected at least 50 times fur had about 10 job offers in that time.
My life didn't really get into gear until my 30's so don't look at others to compare. The first rule is take whatever job you can, if it is s
t then keep looking until you get your foot in the door. then you can impress and this is how it worked for me. Do volunteer work, get a hobby, go to the gym, keep your mind active. I used to send loads of CVs out, been rejected at least 50 times fur had about 10 job offers in that time.
I currently volunteer at the local theatre as I'm interested in live music and all the behind the scenes stuff. I enjoy it as it's an area of interest, it gets me out the house, I've got to know some great people and there's also potential to get contacts and experience as everybody knows everybody in that sort of business.
I have no doubt that it may be showing through in interviews. I really have to try hard to show any enthusiasm as I've just got to the point where I don't feel any. I'll get excited about getting it and planning what I'll be doing with all the lovely money and which car I'll possibly get next, but I usually come back to Earth pretty quickly and remind myself not to get my hopes up.
Job Centre is pretty crap really, I've been on tons of those classes they send claimants on and most are all pretty much next to useless and just help in depleting the tiny amount of money I get off them.
I was fussy at the start of job hunting but the more I need/want money the more I'm willing to do. I literally apply for all sorts and rarely do any get back. Without sounding snobbish, even the ones I'd consider myself overqualified for don't get back.
It doesn't help that I know people who got IT jobs who barely know how to use a computer besides Word and a web browser yet no one will employ me as something like a pretty basic admin job, even though I am likely to be more efficient at the role as I'd know my way around better.
I have no doubt that it may be showing through in interviews. I really have to try hard to show any enthusiasm as I've just got to the point where I don't feel any. I'll get excited about getting it and planning what I'll be doing with all the lovely money and which car I'll possibly get next, but I usually come back to Earth pretty quickly and remind myself not to get my hopes up.
Job Centre is pretty crap really, I've been on tons of those classes they send claimants on and most are all pretty much next to useless and just help in depleting the tiny amount of money I get off them.
I was fussy at the start of job hunting but the more I need/want money the more I'm willing to do. I literally apply for all sorts and rarely do any get back. Without sounding snobbish, even the ones I'd consider myself overqualified for don't get back.
It doesn't help that I know people who got IT jobs who barely know how to use a computer besides Word and a web browser yet no one will employ me as something like a pretty basic admin job, even though I am likely to be more efficient at the role as I'd know my way around better.
To be honest mate, it's hard out there. Just keep trying and you'll succeed.
To get the job I'm in now meant filling out approximately 30 applications, which resulted in two interviews, one of which got me this job.
If I could give you one piece of advice, it would be to bin the high-street agencies. IMHO and hard earned experience they are full of bullst and empty promises and are really not worth the time and effort.
Use Linkedin, Indeed, Monster and other online resources. This might also be useful http://www.thejobfairs.co.uk/job-fairs
Best of luck.
To get the job I'm in now meant filling out approximately 30 applications, which resulted in two interviews, one of which got me this job.If I could give you one piece of advice, it would be to bin the high-street agencies. IMHO and hard earned experience they are full of bulls
t and empty promises and are really not worth the time and effort.Use Linkedin, Indeed, Monster and other online resources. This might also be useful http://www.thejobfairs.co.uk/job-fairs
Best of luck.
krarkol said:
I was fussy at the start of job hunting but the more I need/want money the more I'm willing to do. I literally apply for all sorts and rarely do any get back. Without sounding snobbish, even the ones I'd consider myself overqualified for don't get back.
but...krarkol said:
I can't seem to have any luck getting employment. My GCSE's are pretty much B's and C's, I have an IT Diploma and I have experience in all sorts of fields from office work to security work and even acting.
With the greatest of respect, you aren't overqualified for much. That may be something to consider. IT especially requires constant qualification and requalification to make sure you're up to date.If you're applying for that many jobs you likely aren't targeting your search properly. Concentrate on the jobs you are a better fit for, tailor your CV to each role, and write a covering letter to go with the application. Think carefully about how your volunteering experience applies to the role you are applying for.
Sounds like a poor cv is to blame. The stock, "the other person was more suitable" suggests their cv was a better fit. You need to tailor your cv for each application, and if that is not possible (due to generic experience) your cover letter should be addressing the answer to "why should we interview you".
You have two offers to review your cv, I'd take them up.
You have two offers to review your cv, I'd take them up.
Agreed the OP's Cv isn't doing its job and is in need of a revamp.
A bit like approaching random women in a club for a hook up, acknowledge that its a numbers game so keep at it.
As Sprucegoose mentioned, join a gym, learn something new, do some voluntary work, do something to keep active.
I can vouch for volunteering my own career was given a kickstart after volunteering at a hospice. I learnt some important life lessons at that place.
A bit like approaching random women in a club for a hook up, acknowledge that its a numbers game so keep at it.
As Sprucegoose mentioned, join a gym, learn something new, do some voluntary work, do something to keep active.
I can vouch for volunteering my own career was given a kickstart after volunteering at a hospice. I learnt some important life lessons at that place.
I delayed offering CV advice as my hunch is that something more basic could be negatively affecting outcomes here. A lack of self awareness of own competencies and a career plan I sense needs addressing before a CV can be designed to incorporate that intent.
Look forward to hearing back on the questions posed earlier.
Look forward to hearing back on the questions posed earlier.
Is there anything about your appearance that might be putting people off?
If there isn't, and others with similar backgrounds and qualifications are getting ahead of you then have you tried to figure out why? It might just be bad luck on your part though, it does happen and the only cure is to keep rolling the dice or whatever metaphor you prefer.
If there isn't, and others with similar backgrounds and qualifications are getting ahead of you then have you tried to figure out why? It might just be bad luck on your part though, it does happen and the only cure is to keep rolling the dice or whatever metaphor you prefer.
RobinOakapple said:
Is there anything about your appearance that might be putting people off?
If there isn't, and others with similar backgrounds and qualifications are getting ahead of you then have you tried to figure out why? It might just be bad luck on your part though, it does happen and the only cure is to keep rolling the dice or whatever metaphor you prefer.
Rosacea...was worse in my mid-teens and seems to be improving with age though. Nothing medical has helped so I've just had to put up with it.If there isn't, and others with similar backgrounds and qualifications are getting ahead of you then have you tried to figure out why? It might just be bad luck on your part though, it does happen and the only cure is to keep rolling the dice or whatever metaphor you prefer.
To answer rog007, my last role was delivery driving for a few week before Christmas. I went into this knowing it was temporary work but there was potential for future employment. I kept in contact with a few of the other agency workers and none got asked back so I'm assuming they didn't need any more workers once Christmas was over with.
I'm not even sure what I want to be. Growing up I wanted to be a pilot, still do, but reality kicked in due to the money required to achieve that goal and due to various reasons I never wanted to go the military route.
I've pretty much stuck with what I know, which is IT, but have taken jobs in other areas, which is how I ended up in acting and really enjoyed it even though I suffer from anxiety and end up battling with that throughout.
When I don't get shortlisted, I usually just get a standard email stating something along the lines of "Due to the high number of applicants, we cannot check all CV's/Application forms" which just tells me they haven't even looked.
When I do get shortlisted, I'm generally in the top 5, even been down to the last 2, which is when they "we feel the other candidate was better suited" comes into play. Usually they have been school or college leavers and I've even been told a few times that there is nothing wrong with me, but they'd "like to train someone from scratch."
Due to the lack of not really knowing what to address, I've just tried my best to come across as more enthusiastic as times gone on.
To answer davepoth,
I'd consider myself overqualified for the majority of what I see advertised and what I have done for minimum wage. My main issue is that my GCSE grades are usually one or 2 grades above friends of mine and they don't have the IT Diploma, yet they seem to stroll into jobs within a few week of leaving one. I know IT is constantly evolving, but the more basic stuff such as admin work hasn't really evolved that much. There's also the fact I know more than what my certificate says I do, through self-teaching etc which my references can confirm.
In January, I applied for a job that was 10 minute walk from my house. The job included various skills that I suited perfectly due to experience in other roles. I wrote a cover letter with the help of a friend who gets replies the majority of the time, explained why I'd be perfect for the role, that I lived round the corner etc and I still never heard back. When I try chasing places up to see if there has been any progress on my application, I'm usually run around in circles.
Another example is a few year back, I did a 2 day trial for a Parts Advisor apprenticeship for a well known Italian company that makes retro styled hatchbacks. I did really well, showed initiative, when work was quiet I'd get the brush/mop out and was offered the position at the end of my second day. This was around the end of November and was told that I'd be contacted in the new year when I'll start.
New Year came and I heard nothing, I rang up and got the constant "he's in a meeting" from the receptionist, so I went in person and asked face to face and was told it was still ongoing but they have a new manager and it's up to him if they want to fund an apprentice. I guess they didn't want one as that was the last I ever heard. That's just one example of my time being wasted as I've had multiple promises of "do this and you'll get a job" only for the job to never appear.
The only people that seem interested in me are the usual commission only type companies who just seem to pry on people such as myself.
Fab32 said:
Have you thought about volunteering at a charity shop or local dog re homing place? It’s not a quick fix but at least you get to talk about it positively in interview and it would be better for your mental health than kicking about.
Continuous rejection must be difficult and I can’t help but think that it’s coming through in your interviews.
Is there an option for some retraining via the job centre? Can you spend a couple of quid on some foreign language CD’s and lean to speak Polish for example?
Currently you are time rich and cash poor – in the future you will be cash rich and time poor (the rat race comes and mugs you) embrace you time out of work as a time to learn more and skill yourself for learning the big money on a few years.
This is true.Continuous rejection must be difficult and I can’t help but think that it’s coming through in your interviews.
Is there an option for some retraining via the job centre? Can you spend a couple of quid on some foreign language CD’s and lean to speak Polish for example?
Currently you are time rich and cash poor – in the future you will be cash rich and time poor (the rat race comes and mugs you) embrace you time out of work as a time to learn more and skill yourself for learning the big money on a few years.
I was 'lucky' in my career, so I was not out of employment for more than a couple of weeks.
I would maybe target your voluntary work - helping a charity with their IT, for example. Can you develop webpages? Provide some examples of this work to get a foot in the door?
You could try cold calling/ cold applications to some larger local firms offering your services might just trigger a response. Make sure you target the right people though, through a little research and a polite phone call. See which firms are recruiting a number of roles locally and target them, as even though the roles might not be appropriate for you, an open letter might open an avenue that the under-resourced company 'might' need. (This way you won't be competing against others too......)
Don't be afraid of asking friends/ family or more likely your parents social circle for small amounts of work. I am not IT qualified but IT literate - which meant I was offered opportunities for small amounts of work by initially helping my Dads peers out with sorting PC issues (free at first, but then some small offers did come about.....). A good, varied social network can help.
Good luck - from the media I know it is a tough environment for your age group at the moment.
Mike
I do tweak my CV for the jobs I apply for, but I do generally focus more on the cover letter I send it with.
The issue is, the majority now have you fill in an online application, which means I can't really do anything that makes me stand out.
As mentioned in a previous post, I volunteer at the local theatre which does have bands and comedy shows on weekly. At the moment I'm currently helping set up the stage with the sound and lighting guy and he's giving me hands on experience in this area. He has actually been a great help and managed to get me the odd bit of work here and there with his contacts but this is just the odd day here and there, so the money isn't reliable and consistent. He has recommended I show my face to the local show equipment hire firm as my voluntary experience may get me in the door to helping out with rigging etc at shows and festivals.
Pretty much everyone I know, knows I'm unemployed and a few of my friends have attempted to help by either asking their bosses if they have anything or letting me know of any positions coming up.
I do occasionally help family and family friends with PC issues, I'll make the odd 10-20 quid here and there from that but again, it's not dependable income and the last I did was well over a year ago.
Every couple of week or so, I'll ring up businesses and just straight up ask if they have any work going. Usually they'll take my details down but none have ever got back to me, the ones I'm more interested in I will turn up for a chat face to face.
I should hopefully come into some money by the end of this year for an accident claim. With this I've considered creating myself a job by starting my own business, but I honestly have no idea what I'd do. I can't think of anything original so I'll consider something like starting an online store for music equipment for example, but wonder whether to bother or not as it may never take off and then that money has pretty much gone down the drain.
I'm tempted to use it to get my HGV licence, but fear I may still not get any work. I know a lot of people say it's not what it used to be etc but a lot said delivery driving wasn't a nice job but I enjoyed being out on the road without a boss looming over my shoulder.
When I got the IT qualification, I thought I'd be able to stroll into a job. Many of my peers who gained the qualification with me did just that, one of them getting a job as an IT technician at a school.
It's massively demotivating improving myself, because when I do I usually get shot down anyway. It doesn't help that even though my friends do try helping, I'm also the butt of many jokes because in their eyes it must just be that I just don't try, due to the fact they get jobs within weeks whereas I'll spend months getting nowhere. It doesn't help when programmes like Benefit Street are shown, which just gives my situation more of a stigma.
Another issue was I had a few issues with anxiety, I pushed on through anyway. Spent most of 2013 unemployed, managed to get a job that paid well, things started looking up and then I was involved in a traffic collision on the way to my night shift. Due to still being on my probation period, I was on sick pay longer than I'd actually worked and as a result they regretfully had to let me go. I then spent the majority of 2014 on the sick and during that time decided to use that time to better myself so started University, which is where I discovered the anxiety had got a lot worse, eventually I had to quit due to these health issues. I've since managed to get this anxiety under control, I still have the occasional bout but I put it down to the stresses I'm constantly going through.
Ever since that accident and the fact it's still ongoing, it feels like that's the only thing that's going on in my life right now and my life has been on pause since then. Like I've said previously, all my mates are earning good money, some have travelled, others have started families and then there's me, just sat at home practically begging for a minimum wage job and not getting anywhere, wondering how someone who has just left school or college managed to bag a job at BMW or similar.
Sorry if it feels like I'm rambling on, I'm actually finding this quite therapeutic.
The issue is, the majority now have you fill in an online application, which means I can't really do anything that makes me stand out.
As mentioned in a previous post, I volunteer at the local theatre which does have bands and comedy shows on weekly. At the moment I'm currently helping set up the stage with the sound and lighting guy and he's giving me hands on experience in this area. He has actually been a great help and managed to get me the odd bit of work here and there with his contacts but this is just the odd day here and there, so the money isn't reliable and consistent. He has recommended I show my face to the local show equipment hire firm as my voluntary experience may get me in the door to helping out with rigging etc at shows and festivals.
Pretty much everyone I know, knows I'm unemployed and a few of my friends have attempted to help by either asking their bosses if they have anything or letting me know of any positions coming up.
I do occasionally help family and family friends with PC issues, I'll make the odd 10-20 quid here and there from that but again, it's not dependable income and the last I did was well over a year ago.
Every couple of week or so, I'll ring up businesses and just straight up ask if they have any work going. Usually they'll take my details down but none have ever got back to me, the ones I'm more interested in I will turn up for a chat face to face.
I should hopefully come into some money by the end of this year for an accident claim. With this I've considered creating myself a job by starting my own business, but I honestly have no idea what I'd do. I can't think of anything original so I'll consider something like starting an online store for music equipment for example, but wonder whether to bother or not as it may never take off and then that money has pretty much gone down the drain.
I'm tempted to use it to get my HGV licence, but fear I may still not get any work. I know a lot of people say it's not what it used to be etc but a lot said delivery driving wasn't a nice job but I enjoyed being out on the road without a boss looming over my shoulder.
When I got the IT qualification, I thought I'd be able to stroll into a job. Many of my peers who gained the qualification with me did just that, one of them getting a job as an IT technician at a school.
It's massively demotivating improving myself, because when I do I usually get shot down anyway. It doesn't help that even though my friends do try helping, I'm also the butt of many jokes because in their eyes it must just be that I just don't try, due to the fact they get jobs within weeks whereas I'll spend months getting nowhere. It doesn't help when programmes like Benefit Street are shown, which just gives my situation more of a stigma.
Another issue was I had a few issues with anxiety, I pushed on through anyway. Spent most of 2013 unemployed, managed to get a job that paid well, things started looking up and then I was involved in a traffic collision on the way to my night shift. Due to still being on my probation period, I was on sick pay longer than I'd actually worked and as a result they regretfully had to let me go. I then spent the majority of 2014 on the sick and during that time decided to use that time to better myself so started University, which is where I discovered the anxiety had got a lot worse, eventually I had to quit due to these health issues. I've since managed to get this anxiety under control, I still have the occasional bout but I put it down to the stresses I'm constantly going through.
Ever since that accident and the fact it's still ongoing, it feels like that's the only thing that's going on in my life right now and my life has been on pause since then. Like I've said previously, all my mates are earning good money, some have travelled, others have started families and then there's me, just sat at home practically begging for a minimum wage job and not getting anywhere, wondering how someone who has just left school or college managed to bag a job at BMW or similar.
Sorry if it feels like I'm rambling on, I'm actually finding this quite therapeutic.
You have sent me your CV thank you.
BUT I see nothing that stands out for you to become an IT person? Apart from your diploma I see no experience, happy to be corrected though.
May I ask what the diploma was in please?
What would you like to do? You will have to work you way up if IT is your preferred career choice but the same remains for HGV.
I gave up HGV driving 19 years ago but still have my license and I have sent you my CV to look at.
BUT I see nothing that stands out for you to become an IT person? Apart from your diploma I see no experience, happy to be corrected though.
May I ask what the diploma was in please?
What would you like to do? You will have to work you way up if IT is your preferred career choice but the same remains for HGV.
I gave up HGV driving 19 years ago but still have my license and I have sent you my CV to look at.
Edited by Allanv on Tuesday 5th April 21:06
Allanv said:
You have sent me your CV thank you.
BUT I see nothing that stands out for you to become an IT person? Apart from your diploma I see no experience, happy to be corrected though.
May I ask what the diploma was in please?
What would you like to do? You will have to work you way up if IT is your preferred career choice but the same remains for HGV.
I had up HGV driving 19 years ago but still have my license and I have sent you my CV to look at.
The CV I sent is just my generic one, I use it as the base for any tweaks when catering for a particular job.BUT I see nothing that stands out for you to become an IT person? Apart from your diploma I see no experience, happy to be corrected though.
May I ask what the diploma was in please?
What would you like to do? You will have to work you way up if IT is your preferred career choice but the same remains for HGV.
I had up HGV driving 19 years ago but still have my license and I have sent you my CV to look at.
That's one of my issues though, besides having GCSE's in it and the diploma, I can't even get a basic job in the area to work my way up from. I did do work experience internet marketing during the apprenticeship, which gave me experience that I believe would make me employable. This hasn't been the case though. I know people who have managed to bag IT support roles yet know nothing about it besides basic Office suite programmes they did at school and their only other qualifications being Sports Science at college which usually involved them playing football the majority of the time.
The diploma is just named as IT User Level 3 - a level 3 NVQ in the subject basically. It covered many areas from use of Office, to music production and editing and even included a module on how hardware works. I pretty much knew all this and it was mainly for the certificate and also the fact I got a weekly apprenticeship wage that I went for this qualification.
I've got a sister who's pretty handy at graphics design and considered maybe getting her to do me a fancy and quirky CV. Rather than having the usual formatted Word document, I've thought of maybe having it put into some quirky design. Obviously this would be a CV more appropriate for a creative role or a company that likes to be quirky rather than totally formal.
Edited by krarkol on Tuesday 5th April 21:11
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