Unemployment in the UK - a real life experience
Discussion
I have now been unemployed, through no fault of my own for seven months. Never before have I been so frustrated, angry, humiliated and downright frightened - the whole experience is truly horrific.
I consider myself to be a diligent, professional individual who has no desire to be a strain on the state, preferring to be busy and fulfilled in a full-time position so why have I found it so difficult.
As soon I was made redundant I made the decision to spend some of my savings with a professional outsourcing company so that I could have the right mindset, a good CV and also to brush up on my somewhat rusty interview skills.
Starting out, I was incredibly positive, after all, I had a good skills set, strong experience in numerous roles where my success could be clearly evidenced. Initially applying only for jobs that held real appeal to me I came up against the single biggest obstacle of the last seven months - unprofessional, arrogant recruitment companies who seemed to promise the earth and deliver precisely zero, the number of recruitment consultants that I have spoken with who demonstrated any empathy and understanding as well as honesty I can count on the fingers of one hand - truly shameful in my humble opinion.
Seven months on, I have now applied for in excess of 300 positions, all of which, without exception I am qualified and suitably experienced for - to date I have had 16 replies and 4 interviews, this despite me being willing to take a pay cut, relocate etc etc
I am able to conduct a little consultancy work for a former client that helps keep me focussed and disciplined but its not a long term solution, neither does it keep me busy enough or generate anything like enough income for me, its being done at mates rates due to the company still being very young and with limited resources.
I have approached numerous companies about roles well below my natural level only to be told that I would not be considered because I am over qualified / experienced, I am finding it impossible to move into other market sectors even though most of my skills are readily transferable yet there are no jobs available in my market sector to suit my experience - a classic Catch 22 situation
Starting on my own was a consideration - the problem is that most organisations in the industry have dramatically scaled back on outside contractors, especially in the area of training / development, as and when the purse strings are released and they can invest again they are most likely to go back to the people / companies they put on hold last year, a newcomer into the market is going to find it virtually impossible to get a look in.
The problem with the motor industry is that decision makers are basically lazy, stupid or frightened - they would rather stick with tried and trusted suppliers, even if they are deemed to be only adequate than try someone / something new / different.
I know that I would be an asset to many organisations, being totally committed to excelling at everything I do and having a strong and varied background.
I do have an interview for a position that appeals to me massively on 18th August, I'm keeping my fingers crossed and have already started to prepare.
I would welcome any advice, suggestions as to how I can secure a position that will allow me to fulfill my duties / responsibilities to my wife and young son, give me back my self-respect and allow me to make a positive contribution to an employer.
I consider myself to be a diligent, professional individual who has no desire to be a strain on the state, preferring to be busy and fulfilled in a full-time position so why have I found it so difficult.
As soon I was made redundant I made the decision to spend some of my savings with a professional outsourcing company so that I could have the right mindset, a good CV and also to brush up on my somewhat rusty interview skills.
Starting out, I was incredibly positive, after all, I had a good skills set, strong experience in numerous roles where my success could be clearly evidenced. Initially applying only for jobs that held real appeal to me I came up against the single biggest obstacle of the last seven months - unprofessional, arrogant recruitment companies who seemed to promise the earth and deliver precisely zero, the number of recruitment consultants that I have spoken with who demonstrated any empathy and understanding as well as honesty I can count on the fingers of one hand - truly shameful in my humble opinion.
Seven months on, I have now applied for in excess of 300 positions, all of which, without exception I am qualified and suitably experienced for - to date I have had 16 replies and 4 interviews, this despite me being willing to take a pay cut, relocate etc etc
I am able to conduct a little consultancy work for a former client that helps keep me focussed and disciplined but its not a long term solution, neither does it keep me busy enough or generate anything like enough income for me, its being done at mates rates due to the company still being very young and with limited resources.
I have approached numerous companies about roles well below my natural level only to be told that I would not be considered because I am over qualified / experienced, I am finding it impossible to move into other market sectors even though most of my skills are readily transferable yet there are no jobs available in my market sector to suit my experience - a classic Catch 22 situation
Starting on my own was a consideration - the problem is that most organisations in the industry have dramatically scaled back on outside contractors, especially in the area of training / development, as and when the purse strings are released and they can invest again they are most likely to go back to the people / companies they put on hold last year, a newcomer into the market is going to find it virtually impossible to get a look in.
The problem with the motor industry is that decision makers are basically lazy, stupid or frightened - they would rather stick with tried and trusted suppliers, even if they are deemed to be only adequate than try someone / something new / different.
I know that I would be an asset to many organisations, being totally committed to excelling at everything I do and having a strong and varied background.
I do have an interview for a position that appeals to me massively on 18th August, I'm keeping my fingers crossed and have already started to prepare.
I would welcome any advice, suggestions as to how I can secure a position that will allow me to fulfill my duties / responsibilities to my wife and young son, give me back my self-respect and allow me to make a positive contribution to an employer.
If you're in 'training' then look at some of the HR related job sites like inhr, changeboard, personneltoday etc. Most of the training oriented roles aren't called training. They now have funky names like talent development, learning and development, organisational development etc etc.
Christ almighty!
Your situation clearly puts my own into perspective!
Come this fridy, I have nothing - no job/ income/ interviews or leads.
I did spend the last weekend in self pity; literally s
tting myself - no savings/ income; yet the bills continue.I'm lucky in that I only have myself to cater for.
On a side note; have you thought about taking up any 'job' to keep you busy/ active/ motivated and maintain some self respect/ confidence? (Assuming from your post that the 7-months worth of rejections are taking their toll?)
I would actually take pretty much any job znd had a chat with my local Tesco store manager about shelf stacking etc, his response - "You may well be the best shelf stacker we've ever had but I would always give a job to someone who had no aspirations to be anything more than a shelf stacker"
Went up to my local hospice this afternoon and am going to do some voluntary work with them - will keep me busy and hopefully help others at the same time, plus if I was being cynical I could argue that it will look good on my CV
Went up to my local hospice this afternoon and am going to do some voluntary work with them - will keep me busy and hopefully help others at the same time, plus if I was being cynical I could argue that it will look good on my CV
andy665 said:
I was working with dealerships / dealer groups to identify training needs at all levels then creating and delivering staff development programmes. Also involved in implementing new processes / systems into businesses to improve customer retention.
Use your skills in another arena! Automotive is quiet, why not do your own thing in another field that's not been hit so hard? Startup costs are low being home based and it's entirely possible to create a very professional presence these days without employing any staff or hiring dedicated premises.Good luck whatever you decide
andy665 said:
The problem with the motor industry is that decision makers are basically lazy, stupid or frightened - they would rather stick with tried and trusted suppliers, even if they are deemed to be only adequate than try someone / something new / different.
the thing is everyone at the moment is in fear of fking up and losing their job - they won't be taking any risk whatsoever in terms of suppliers, applicants or carrying out their jobI've been out of work since the first week of June and whilst at times I get pissed off that I'm not working I remind myself that I've earnt a break so I'm persuing work but not terribly aggressively
things are changing (albeit slowly) but the thing to remember is to be positive!!
also do you have any transferable skills?
I've been aproached by a bank with regards to reviewing their portfolio and I wouldn't have ever drempt to contemplate a job like that
Remain positive. You are working towards a solution.
I've been in a similar situation since May 2008.
The quality of service from the recruitment agencies is fking awful!!
They are a bunch of misanthropic, myopic morons, lacking in professionalism, vision drive or passion.
One particular company, would not return calls, reply to e-mails or even answer the door when I called round to their offices.
The job centre is worse, I was signing on for benefits, with a couple of exceptions, English is a second language for the front line staff, communication almost impossible, blah blah blah.......
Finally got a job, using my 'transferable skill sets' and incorporating my motoring interests
Consider voluntary work, I landed a position at Brooklands Museum, as a steward, great fun, keeps the mind occupied, and some fabulous people to work alongside.
It's a VERY tough market out there, keep prospecting, consider a little diversity, the hospitality industry, some of the bigger players, are always looking to add value to their retail division, staff training at ALL levels.
Good prospecting, and good luck....................
I've been in a similar situation since May 2008.
The quality of service from the recruitment agencies is f
king awful!!They are a bunch of misanthropic, myopic morons, lacking in professionalism, vision drive or passion.
One particular company, would not return calls, reply to e-mails or even answer the door when I called round to their offices.
The job centre is worse, I was signing on for benefits, with a couple of exceptions, English is a second language for the front line staff, communication almost impossible, blah blah blah.......
Finally got a job, using my 'transferable skill sets' and incorporating my motoring interests
Consider voluntary work, I landed a position at Brooklands Museum, as a steward, great fun, keeps the mind occupied, and some fabulous people to work alongside.
It's a VERY tough market out there, keep prospecting, consider a little diversity, the hospitality industry, some of the bigger players, are always looking to add value to their retail division, staff training at ALL levels.
Good prospecting, and good luck....................
dnomyar said:
Remain positive. You are working towards a solution.
I've been in a similar situation since May 2008.
The quality of service from the recruitment agencies is fking awful!!
They are a bunch of misanthropic, myopic morons, lacking in professionalism, vision drive or passion.
One particular company, would not return calls, reply to e-mails or even answer the door when I called round to their offices.
The job centre is worse, I was signing on for benefits, with a couple of exceptions, English is a second language for the front line staff, communication almost impossible, blah blah blah.......
Finally got a job, using my 'transferable skill sets' and incorporating my motoring interests
Consider voluntary work, I landed a position at Brooklands Museum, as a steward, great fun, keeps the mind occupied, and some fabulous people to work alongside.
It's a VERY tough market out there, keep prospecting, consider a little diversity, the hospitality industry, some of the bigger players, are always looking to add value to their retail division, staff training at ALL levels.
Good prospecting, and good luck....................
Looks like someone had the same experience of recruitment agencies I had when out of work several yearsI've been in a similar situation since May 2008.
The quality of service from the recruitment agencies is f
king awful!!They are a bunch of misanthropic, myopic morons, lacking in professionalism, vision drive or passion.
One particular company, would not return calls, reply to e-mails or even answer the door when I called round to their offices.
The job centre is worse, I was signing on for benefits, with a couple of exceptions, English is a second language for the front line staff, communication almost impossible, blah blah blah.......
Finally got a job, using my 'transferable skill sets' and incorporating my motoring interests
Consider voluntary work, I landed a position at Brooklands Museum, as a steward, great fun, keeps the mind occupied, and some fabulous people to work alongside.
It's a VERY tough market out there, keep prospecting, consider a little diversity, the hospitality industry, some of the bigger players, are always looking to add value to their retail division, staff training at ALL levels.
Good prospecting, and good luck....................
Hi Andy...
I'm in the same boat. After working at a company for 14 years, mid tier management position. NPI and Design engineer - made redundant last year. Have been actively seeking since Xmas.
Experience of agencies is all too familiar as others. If you can, try to get in and see the agent who is responsible for your CV. Try and build a rapour with them. So that you are at the forefront of their mind when a poition comes in. Give them a call every now and again to refresh their minds.
I signed on, 6 months have passed - now nothing, no pin money, help with interview costs etc. No chance of benefits as the other half works full time.
Similar experiences with taking lower paid jobs Tesco et al. Although perfectly capable, they want someone who is keen on a career, but only stacking shelves or product picking.
It is hard to update and refresh yourself, or how you come accros to companies. The cover letter, you CV(s) - making them different and job specific helps. But that's only the start.
I cannot believe some employers nowadays as well... Telephone, first, second and maybe a third interviews. Taking the process into several weeks - things cannot go quick enough when you are out of work.
Quite a few times, I have looked at a position and thought - perfect. Get the full job spec and thought - perfect. Only to be knocked back at an early stage.. When this happens its is downright annoying, dis-heartening and frustrating. The only thing I have taken from this, is that my CV and introductory letter do not portray me or my experiences well enough..! Food for thought.
I had a great First interview last week, positive feedback, the right job for me... So - Fingers crossed.
There will be a job out there, I'm sure. Its just a case of finding it, getting my experiences and value accross to the company and convincing them to take a Risk with me. As that is what it seems to be at the moment... Companies taking a Risk.
Good Luck.
I'm in the same boat. After working at a company for 14 years, mid tier management position. NPI and Design engineer - made redundant last year. Have been actively seeking since Xmas.
Experience of agencies is all too familiar as others. If you can, try to get in and see the agent who is responsible for your CV. Try and build a rapour with them. So that you are at the forefront of their mind when a poition comes in. Give them a call every now and again to refresh their minds.
I signed on, 6 months have passed - now nothing, no pin money, help with interview costs etc. No chance of benefits as the other half works full time.
Similar experiences with taking lower paid jobs Tesco et al. Although perfectly capable, they want someone who is keen on a career, but only stacking shelves or product picking.
It is hard to update and refresh yourself, or how you come accros to companies. The cover letter, you CV(s) - making them different and job specific helps. But that's only the start.
I cannot believe some employers nowadays as well... Telephone, first, second and maybe a third interviews. Taking the process into several weeks - things cannot go quick enough when you are out of work.
Quite a few times, I have looked at a position and thought - perfect. Get the full job spec and thought - perfect. Only to be knocked back at an early stage.. When this happens its is downright annoying, dis-heartening and frustrating. The only thing I have taken from this, is that my CV and introductory letter do not portray me or my experiences well enough..! Food for thought.
I had a great First interview last week, positive feedback, the right job for me... So - Fingers crossed.
There will be a job out there, I'm sure. Its just a case of finding it, getting my experiences and value accross to the company and convincing them to take a Risk with me. As that is what it seems to be at the moment... Companies taking a Risk.
Good Luck.
I was looking for 18 months before diversifying. My hit rate was about 100 applications per week, returning around 10 replies and resulting in, on average, 1 interview. It's all about the numbers. I took a chance as a contractor in a new and growing industry, spotted a role that was advertised internally and went for it. 6 years on I'm in a pretty responsible and enjoyable position with a good package.
Are you 6 Sigma? you can branch out into anything if you are
Are you 6 Sigma? you can branch out into anything if you are
sf said:
Work in IT, been looking for 5 months. Not even an interview. Getting very bored now. Have switched mortgage to interest only to save money. Three years ago found a job in less the 3 days!!!!
Same situation here, luckily I have no mortgage (live with my girlfirend), however the whol "uneployment experience" is still very unpleasant.Sorry to hear all this Fellas. Keep your chins up and try to maintain a physical exercise programme as I'm convinced and it's proven it helps with relieving the stress (and having too much time on your hands is often more stressful than working your butt off!)
Hang in there. It WILL get better.
Hang in there. It WILL get better.
Edited by Stablelad on Wednesday 5th August 12:35
God this country Sucks when you are unemployed, i've been unemployed 4 months so nearing the end of JSA and because the Mrs works that means the end of the money meaning an already tight budget will get tighter, future plans for kids are on hold again, etc. Why can't the government admit that jobs are scarce and extend JSA?? oh yeah cos they've pissed the money away on other ste.
te.Sorry to hear about you troubles pal.
I am in a very similar situation, I will have been redundant for 6 months on August 11th.
I was in Automotive as a design engineer but when all the contractors got cut as the OEM's st themselves I was gone as well.
In that time I have had so little interest it is untrue, I've had all the recruiters ringing me promising the world but sometimes i think they're trying to just fill up weekly 'CV' quotas or something.
I did attend an assessmant day for a nationalised company and I'm sure I was a victim of 'positive' discrimination, I had the best test scores and interviewed 'very well' but didn't even get a second interview (see SP&L forum for that thread).
I keep myself busy building track cars and doing some freelance CAD so I have a reason to get-up in the morning but my moods are very up-and-down. I did consider setting-up a small business but I just don't have the contacts and capital.
A freind is giving me a headstart on a job he wants to leave so I may have somewhere soon but the situation especially in Automotive is just terrible.
Anyway keep your chin-up.
I am in a very similar situation, I will have been redundant for 6 months on August 11th.
I was in Automotive as a design engineer but when all the contractors got cut as the OEM's s
t themselves I was gone as well.In that time I have had so little interest it is untrue, I've had all the recruiters ringing me promising the world but sometimes i think they're trying to just fill up weekly 'CV' quotas or something.
I did attend an assessmant day for a nationalised company and I'm sure I was a victim of 'positive' discrimination, I had the best test scores and interviewed 'very well' but didn't even get a second interview (see SP&L forum for that thread).
I keep myself busy building track cars and doing some freelance CAD so I have a reason to get-up in the morning but my moods are very up-and-down. I did consider setting-up a small business but I just don't have the contacts and capital.
A freind is giving me a headstart on a job he wants to leave so I may have somewhere soon but the situation especially in Automotive is just terrible.
Anyway keep your chin-up.
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