Urban75 Home About Offline BrixtonBuzz Contact

The job hunting support thread

Thimble Queen said:
Keep applying. It can take a stupidly long time esp if you are changing things up slightly. Are you finding roles to apply for directly?
Click to expand...

I had one interview last month which I didn't think went well...but still waiting to hear. I applied for another job which I REALLY want but its taking forever for them to respond regarding interviews. 2 other jobs I applied for I wasn't given interviews following the online assessment :mad:
Its a really testing time and I feel like the bigger the gap the harder it may get, though I'm sure employers understand the job market isn't what it used to be. I work part time in security so that at least shows I'm doing something meanwhile.
 
Last edited:
sovereignb said:
I had one interview last month which I didn't think well...but still waiting to hear. I applied for another job which I REALLY want but its taking forever for them to respond regarding interviews. 2 other jobs I applied for I wasn't given interviews following the online assessment :mad:
Its a really testing time and I feel like the bigger the gap the harder it may get, though I'm sure employers understand the job market isn't what it used to be. I work part time in security so that at least shows I'm doing something meanwhile.
Click to expand...

That sounds really frustrating :/ I hope something turns up for you very soon :)
 
sovereignb said:
Well guess I have to rely on finding a permanent job then. In saying that, it was a recruitment agency that got me the last contract in a different field. However, on calling them today, there is nothing they can put me forward for right now.
Click to expand...
Without wishing to sound ridiculously trite (and it probably does) then follow your heart, don't just accept the word of one agency try others, they don't feel any loyalty to you so don't show any to them.
 
MickiQ said:
Without wishing to sound ridiculously trite (and it probably does) then follow your heart, don't just accept the word of one agency try others, they don't feel any loyalty to you so don't show any to them.
Click to expand...
I have no loyalty to any of them either. I'm signed up to two more but all saying the same thing as they all deal with similar work
 
Last edited:
sovereignb said:
I had one interview last month which I didn't think went well...but still waiting to hear. I applied for another job which I REALLY want but its taking forever for them to respond regarding interviews. 2 other jobs I applied for I wasn't given interviews following the online assessment :mad:
Its a really testing time and I feel like the bigger the gap the harder it may get, though I'm sure employers understand the job market isn't what it used to be. I work part time in security so that at least shows I'm doing something meanwhile.
Click to expand...

Just found out I didn't get that one either!
 
Well, I am back on the job market, as it were. Not at all sure how to get a job, since my CV is so fucking awful in terms of anyone wanting to employ me.

I recently saw a job that I think would have suited me well, but didn't get an interview because it is impossible to spin my work experience into anything else. I was trying to emphasise my voluntary experience, but employers look at previous employment first, and see that I have spent all my adult life doing something unrelated and rule me out straight away.

I am sure that is what is happening. I think it happened last time, so that the only job I could get was back in the same field. I want to resist that happening, if at all possible, as it no longer suits me.

But I need the money.
 
Slo-mo said:
Will you share how you get on with us? I've occasionally thought of this, although my current car is no way suitable.
Click to expand...

I know a few people who do it full time and seem to manage ok. I'm going to sign up on Monday.
This is all quite a humbling experience but for now it is what it is. I will deffo feedback!
 
sovereignb said:
I know a few people who do it full time and seem to manage ok. I'm going to sign up on Monday.
This is all quite a humbling experience but for now it is what it is. I will deffo feedback!
Click to expand...
This is is good in a number of ways, you've got money coming in (always good), taking the pressure off you so you can look for a more permanent job you want rather than one you feeled forced to, plus it can be presented as a positive on applications that you didn't just wait for the right opportunity to come along but did something in the meantime.
 
Guineveretoo said:
Well, I am back on the job market, as it were. Not at all sure how to get a job, since my CV is so fucking awful in terms of anyone wanting to employ me.

I recently saw a job that I think would have suited me well, but didn't get an interview because it is impossible to spin my work experience into anything else. I was trying to emphasise my voluntary experience, but employers look at previous employment first, and see that I have spent all my adult life doing something unrelated and rule me out straight away.

I am sure that is what is happening. I think it happened last time, so that the only job I could get was back in the same field. I want to resist that happening, if at all possible, as it no longer suits me.

But I need the money.
Click to expand...

Seems like we are in the same boat! Do you have a timeframe as to how long your prepared to wait for a role in the right field?
 
MickiQ said:
This is is good in a number of ways, you've got money coming in (always good), taking the pressure off you so you can look for a more permanent job you want rather than one you feeled forced to, plus it can be presented as a positive on applications that you didn't just wait for the right opportunity to come along but did something in the meantime.
Click to expand...
Your right. I do event security part time too so its not all bad and I'm grateful those options are there. Its just not a way I'm used to living or relying on for my income...
 
sovereignb said:
Seems like we are in the same boat! Do you have a timeframe as to how long your prepared to wait for a role in the right field?
Click to expand...
No. Last time, I was unemployed for 18 months, but about 8 of those months was because I was diagnosed with cancer and had to take myself off the job market for a while. I am hoping that doesn't happen again! :eek:

I thought that I would be okay, being unemployed, for a while, because I had so much that needed sorting but, in fact, I just got even more depressed because I no longer had any way of identifying myself (work has always been really important to me) and got into a vicious circle because I was anxious and stressed during interviews. I am worried that this might happen again.

The only reason I got the job I am now leaving is because I had just had the all clear after my first ct scan after the cancer treatment, and I was brilliant in the interview. I need to stay upbeat and positive to get a job of any kind.

But first problem I have is to get to the interview stage!
 
Guineveretoo said:
No. Last time, I was unemployed for 18 months, but about 8 of those months was because I was diagnosed with cancer and had to take myself off the job market for a while. I am hoping that doesn't happen again! :eek:

I thought that I would be okay, being unemployed, for a while, because I had so much that needed sorting but, in fact, I just got even more depressed because I no longer had any way of identifying myself (work has always been really important to me) and got into a vicious circle because I was anxious and stressed during interviews. I am worried that this might happen again.

The only reason I got the job I am now leaving is because I had just had the all clear after my first ct scan after the cancer treatment, and I was brilliant in the interview. I need to stay upbeat and positive to get a job of any kind.

But first problem I have is to get to the interview stage!
Click to expand...

God that sounds awful and I hope your health remain good. BIB is me all over and ive had some really dark days recently. I have realised that's its not healthy to get identity from our jobs, though I completely understand why, its times like this when we are left to think "who the fuck am I?"
If you are interested in registering for any part time security/stewarding work, let me know. Money is not amazing but its something and you sometimes get some really interesting events.

Lets not call them problems, lets call them milestone :thumbs:
 
sovereignb said:
God that sounds awful and I hope your health remain good. BIB is me all over and ive had some really dark days recently. I have realised that's its not healthy to get identity from our jobs, though I completely understand why, its times like this when we are left to think "who the fuck am I?"
If you are interested in registering for any part time security/stewarding work, let me know. Money is not amazing but its something and you sometimes get some really interesting events.

Lets not call them problems, lets call them milestone :thumbs:
Click to expand...
I can't do stewarding or security work because I can't stand around for long enough. Dodgy knees and dodgy back :(

Back in the day, I just registered with an employment agency and, because I can touch type, there was lots of temporary work available, which was quite good fun because, although the job was tedious, I got to meet lots of different people, and visit a variety of workplaces. And no-one looked a cv! These days, people don't employ typists, and they look at cvs even for temporary work :(
 
Guineveretoo said:
I can't do stewarding or security work because I can't stand around for long enough. Dodgy knees and dodgy back :(

Back in the day, I just registered with an employment agency and, because I can touch type, there was lots of temporary work available, which was quite good fun because, although the job was tedious, I got to meet lots of different people, and visit a variety of workplaces. And no-one looked a cv! These days, people don't employ typists, and they look at cvs even for temporary work :(
Click to expand...

Definitely no stewarding for you then...I'm gonna be standing for 12 hours at THE wedding on Saturday :eek:

I believe a job changeover can be done...keep the faith!
 
Within 5 minutes two calls from agencies...one offering me social work yet again and another for an Executive Officer public sector role offering £10 per hour.
FFS no disrespect to anyone earning that amount but really? Who is making up these rates?
Yesterday I had a call regarding an investigation role...I returned the call but the fuckers haven't bothered calling me back.
 
Last edited:
£10 an hour is pretty reasonable money, certainly up here. If you are in London it might be different, but I certainly wouldn't say no to a £10 an hour job, a good 25% above minimum wage.
 
Slo-mo said:
£10 an hour is pretty reasonable money, certainly up here. If you are in London it might be different, but I certainly wouldn't say no to a £10 an hour job, a good 25% above minimum wage.
Click to expand...

I am in London and don't think its reasonable at all. 10 years ago I was earning 16 p/hr, my last permanent role was around 30K. It seems they want people to do more work for less money. Each to their own but with over 15 years work behind me and good skill set, I think I should be offered more. By the time I've travelled into zone 1 every week, there'll be barely anything left!
 
sovereignb said:
I am in London and don't think its reasonable at all. 10 years ago I was earning 16 p/hr, my last permanent role was around 30K. It seems they want people to do more work for less money. Each to their own but with over 15 years work behind me and good skill set, I think I should be offered more. By the time I've travelled into zone 1 every week, there'll be barely anything left!
Click to expand...

Is the EO role one you would want if the money were right?
 
Guineveretoo said:
I can't do stewarding or security work because I can't stand around for long enough. Dodgy knees and dodgy back :(

Back in the day, I just registered with an employment agency and, because I can touch type, there was lots of temporary work available, which was quite good fun because, although the job was tedious, I got to meet lots of different people, and visit a variety of workplaces. And no-one looked a cv! These days, people don't employ typists, and they look at cvs even for temporary work :(
Click to expand...
What about general admin work? Have you considered a basic computing course covering such things as Excel or Powerpoint? especially if you get some practice coding basic macro's It's amazing how many people struggle with such things. Or alternatively didn't you use to work in a trade union (and my wife says I never pay attention) perhaps you could push your soft skills like being able to mediate between people and get them talking to each other rather than mere practical ones like typing.
 
MickiQ said:
What about general admin work? .
Click to expand...

My own experience, and it may be different in different parts of the country, is that these sort of jobs are massively oversubscribed, even at minimum wage.

I'm not saying don't do it. I am saying be realistic about the odds. The qualifications like CLAIT, EDCL etc that I went to college to get, well most people under 30 have that level of computer skills anyway.

Unless you've got extra skills like second languages expect a lot of competition even for NMW work.
 
sovereignb said:
All the jobs on Reed, Indeed and CV library just seem like recruitment agencies trying to catch fish!
Click to expand...
You are preaching to the converted, been freelancing these last 3 years since I last got made redundant and while there a few good ones out there, there are an awful lot of tossers who quite often are advertising the same job, I've discovered that it's best to call them rather than just send your CV off blind, then keep a note of the ones who say they will call you back and don't and don't bother with them again.
There are some companies who advertise direct, I don't know about permanent work but I have twice found 6 months contract work with companies advertising direct on Indeed.
 
Seriously thinking about upping sticks, leaving my home town and heading for the beautiful south for a fresh start.

It's probably just a passing thought, hopefully I'll feel differently in the morning...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

muvva
Job offer advice please
Replies
18
Views
439
MickiQ
MickiQ
Yuwipi Woman
Modern Job Hunting Tips for the Boomer Generation
2 3 4
Replies
110
Views
4K
Serge Forward
Serge Forward
Idris2002
Nasty Job Interview Questions - Best Responses?
2
Replies
39
Views
1K
AnnO'Neemus
A
Cloo
Reasons you've left a job
2 3 4
Replies
103
Views
3K
newme
newme
SpookyFrank
Teachers' Staff Room Thread
2 3 4 5
Replies
130
Views
3K
chilango
chilango
Back
Top Bottom