Where to go from here?

[E36]

Good evening Gents,

After four years of loyal service I have just been dismissed from my current (well, previous) employment; I understand their terms and I will not be appealing the matter, it was just an unfortunate error on my part.

Given my previous experience and lack of formal qualifications I'm struggling to find anybody willing to take me seriously and I'm not entirely sure where I'm going from here. Obviously I'm eager to get back into work but the only thing that a search on the jobcentreplus website has offered me are telesales jobs and, having worked briefly in this environment in the past, it's not something I want to be doing again.

I wouldn't describe myself as stupid in any way; I'm a fairly articulate individual and I'm very good at learning new things but of course, with the relative lack of available jobs and the overload of university educated people about these days it's not easy to get noticed.

I'd be interested in doing pretty much any sort of work revolving around an office environment. I'd also be keen to do car sales or something along those lines (again an industry that I understand to be on its knees at the moment).

Does anybody have any idea of other/better places to look for work than jobcentreplus.gov.uk in or around the Tamworth/Lichfield/Birmingham area? I'd be willing to travel or relocate for something that I really fancy doing but obviously that would depend if the salary would allow me the finances to do so.

Any help that anybody on here could offer would be wonderful.

Thanks,
Adam.

[bogwoppit]

By unfortunate error, do you mean you shagged the boss's daughter/wife/mother?

You didn't really say what level you are aiming at, what your experience is etc but my approach would be to try to narrow down what you are looking for - a specific industry, type of job etc. Do some research (and for inspiration maybe take a look at the 'what job do you do' thread that came up a while back). Then use the industry-specific job websites and recruiters.

Depending on your ambition, you may prefer a job with potential to obtain professional qualifications through which you can advance. Not everybody wants that though, some people only want a job and not a "career". Likewise, some people are interested in money (think finance professions) whereas other want a more relaxed working environment (think public sector).

You sound like a generally level headed and, as you say, articulate person so you've already got one up on 80% of the population. Try to use it to your advantage. Best of luck!

[ymwoods]

I agree, job websites aimed at your specific job type are a must.

Also try dropping in CV's to companys weather they are advertising or not, you never know, they may be just about to, but get your CV first and so you get the first and only interview.

Other things is to network with people, tell them, apparently something like 60% of jobs are offered from a current employee knowing someone looking for a job and many businesses will hire on a recomendation from a current good employee. Make sure EVERYONE knows you don't have a job including friends/family you have not spoken to for a while.

Lastly maybe you could take this time to do something you dreamed of but never got round to. Turn this into a positive. Maybe you have wanted to start your own business at some point in time? this won't give you instant money but could be something to look into but a business is not for everyone and is risky.

Edited by ymwoods on Friday 21st August 10:40

[E36]

bogwoppit said:

By unfortunate error, do you mean you shagged the boss's daughter/wife/mother?

I wish, but sadly not.

bogwoppit said:

Depending on your ambition, you may prefer a job with potential to obtain professional qualifications through which you can advance. Not everybody wants that though, some people only want a job and not a "career".

It is a career I'm looking for - whether that be by gaining professional qualifications or by promotion to higher levels just because of hard work I'd put in. I've been in what's widely known as a dead end job for the last few years so it's time to start thinking about my future.

ymwoods said:

Lastly maybe you could take this time to do something you dreamed of but never got round to.

Whilst it's not something I've necessarily dreamed of, I am putting some more time towards building the track car I've promised myself for years although for financial reasons this will obviously have to take second stage to actually finding a job.


Thanks for the advice, both, it's all been taken on board and I shall be approaching the hunt today with a different outlook

[Papoo]

Time and place, my friend...Time and place. It is frustrating, but if you hang in there long enough, you'll get what you want. Get your face in front of as many people you can, get there cards, get a rapport going, then you'll be the one they have in their mind when they are asked if they know anyone etc..

Good luck...

[skeeterm5]

www.jobsite.co.uk is a pretty good search site for jobs.

The real trick to getting a job is a really good CV - I have to recruit people and the number of CVs I get which are frankly rubbish never fails to amaze me. Don't make the mistake of having a single bland CV which you simply attach to each job advert reply, it needs to be made relevant to the job.

Put yourself in the recruiters shoes, try and think what he is looking for and make sure you answer that question.

Sending "cold" CVs can work, but you need to get it to the right person in the company. Telephpone them and ask who to address any correspondence to, add "I will call you in x days to discuss" and follow up on it.

Also, dont discount networks, think about all of the people you know. Do any of them work somewhere you may want to? If so, can they put in a good word for you or better still get you an introduction for a chat?

Finally, nothing worth doing is easy and try not to get disheartend.

S