Nothing we do works!

[Beccaxo]

My OH got made redundant end of June this year & it has been a truly horrible 6 months but with the correct help & advice we're back on track but still finding it hard to cope with.

We use the Direct.gov website & we find the new job search on it hard to use & it never comes up with the jobs you've asked it to search for but our adviser is understanding and we always use different job sites & go out to search for jobs etc but no matter what we do it never seems to work? I know job competition is tough but I never thought it would be this bad! We apply for job we're qualified for, not qualified for and even under qualified for but it never works & we are getting frustrated with the situation. ​

 

[aimee-lou]

Job hunting is the most soul-destroying thing a person can ever do, especially if you're actually out of work entirely.

My advice - agencies. I know it sounds crap, but basically, pimp yourself out. If you're willing to do anything, say that. Send your CV to them all, and get yourself interviews so you're fresh in the consultant's minds. Send CVs to the big companies in your area too - big supermarkets, factories and the likes and get your name known. Offer to do work experience if you need to, just so that they can see if you're the right person for them. I've done this so often now (4 times in 5 years) it's getting silly, but that's because I've not found my career yet - been too busy making babies lol - but it can be done.

Oh and as for the job centre, they really really suck! I've never had anything useful out of them and I've always had to argue my case and tell them what I need from them rather than the other way round. I'm trying to get myself a temp job at the moment (only need 3-4 months as I'm PG again) so I feel your pain. Good luck, stay positive, and broaden the search. Would it be possible to make your own work? Do you have any skills you can market and go SE for example. At this point you really have nothing to lose - go for it! Good luck!! xx

 

[Redhead84]

I agree with the pp, it can be utterly soul destroying, even when you have a defined career and qualifications.

Don't give up and try not to get downhearted - though I understand its easier said than done.

Try to tailor your covering letters and CV for each job.. I know it's a ballache but people recruiting can spot generic stuff a mile off and it'll more than likely go straight in the no pile.

Is moving area an option? I've had to do this in the past to get the job/pay I need/want and some areas are just rubbish for jobs full stop... I live in rural Cumbria in the not too distant past and it was awful for career prospects.

Good luck and chin up!

 

[Rachel_C]

Do you or OH have any contacts (however old) at companies where you'd like to work? I know it depends on your industry, but my OH has gotten several of his friends jobs at his company and his current job is one he was referred to by a friend who already worked there. Obviously they can't get you a job you're not qualified for, but they can put in a good word which can give you a bit of an advantage or they can look for vacancies in their company that you might have missed. You could try using Linked In if you're not already on there or even go through Facebook and see where your friends work. I know a lot of companies actively encourage referrals for more senior roles but it works for shops etc too.

 

[ntlnnk]

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