Being held back by employment history

[friendofdorothy]

Thanks Puddy Tat
I would never mention the dole to any employer, because I don't want the dole interfering in my other endeavours. I have had a few issues with the dole (Maladministration, attempts at sanction - overturned by me - far too much to mention in this post).

I have references from a previous job and also a colleague from the last one, so there are names to put on the app' - no issues there.

I have thought about education but in my area of work (I am a therapist) employers are interested in continued professional development and would not be so impressed by adult education, although that is not to say I have not done any as I am quite busy with that side of things and currently involved in home study.

I do voluntary work already - I volunteer in a foodbank and I am involved in a few other ad hoc activities.

The bastards have not ground me down yet, not through lack of trying.

Think I'd be tempted to say 'doing voluntary work /studying while seeking paid employment' then empasise what you've learned in your volunteering/studies.
I wouldn't mention benefits dole santions etc - none of their business.

How is the job search going now?

 

[One dog]

Think I'd be tempted to say 'doing voluntary work /studying while seeking paid employment' then empasise what you've learned in your volunteering/studies.
I wouldn't mention benefits dole santions etc - none of their business.

How is the job search going now?

Not great. Jobs in my sector are few and far between in my location. When I find one, I usually don't meet the criteria, so I end up not applying. I went to an interview just before Christmas. I did not get the job but it has been advertised twice more since then; the first time was about 3 weeks after the interview and the second time was a few days ago. They just can't get the staff

 

[weltweit]

I recognise this issue. Agencies often ask "reasons for leaving" for all positions I ever had. One position is an issue because we parted under a cloud, but I have since been advised just to say that we "agreed to part company" / "decided to go our separate ways".

 

[Teaboy]

It depends how long you were in the previous job and how intertwined the industry is but I have left several jobs off my CV. If its less than a year it can be easily explained away by travelling or looking after a relative etc. Does the last job need to be on your CV? Would they find out and how?

I work in the private sector and companies are generally too busy to go digging into the past so it works fine.