Job seeker devasted

[Tasssx]

Hi everyone
I’ve never posted or commented anything here but I have found comfort and answers numerous times in these chats!
I’ve been extremely upset by job hunting for the last year.. I feel like I can’t deal with yet another rejection. I know my CV and cover letter are good enough because I got various interviews. I admit I’m not the best at interviews but in the last few months I’ve really been trying to focus on that and the last 3 interviews went great but.. NEVER an offer!

I won’t go into too much details anyway I have a degree and I have worked in various sectors. I didn’t work for a year having my child but I managed to get a job on a casual contract. I worked really hard for this company and after being told I was their best casual worker (their words) it turned out I wasn’t good enough for a real contract, they didn’t even give me an explanation for their decision.
Since I knew how much I sucked at interviews I decided to find a voluntary role (I had to interview for that as well obviously lol) but it has brought me nowhere! I do believe I’m getting interviews because of it but I’ve realised something else in my job hunting.. voluntary work is not taken seriously by employers, not matter how seriously you took your role. I have been applying for roles in my specialisation as well as for lower entry jobs, minimum wage jobs but in this country, I’m too OLD for them! If you’re over 25 you won’t be considered, probably under 21 is best for the employers so they can claim how good they are to be giving jobs and training the youngest generation while paying them the minimum they can!
On one of the most recent interviews I attended I was, again, asked how many children I had, if they attended nurseries, my husband’s job, how good my English was (she had read my cv, letter and talked with me.. was she for real? lol). Her excuse for asking these stupid questions was that they were a small business so she HAD to know. She was really impressed with my skills and I know she contacted my referee however.. unsuccessful.
I have been looking for cleaning jobs just to get some quick cash but why do I even need to write a “convincing cover letter”(quote from an advert) for it?! Here it comes - ever since I was a little girl I’ve been dreaming of cleaning your toilet, even better of unclogging it. I can turn on the washing machine like no other and make sure your s**y underwear are cleaned and scented with my organically made nettle detergent- Would that be good enough?

Anyway I am emotionally devastated and feel humiliated with this job hunting. Hours, days spent filling applications forms, perfecting my cover letter, searching companies and their goals thoroughly.. and for what? Every single time I interview with any company I imagine myself working there and progress. And how I will finally have not to worry about spending little money for myself.

Luckily I am a person with a positive outlook on life but this search has made me cry far more times than I would admit. At this time I’m starting to believe that nobody is ever going to like me enough to offer me a job and I need to get a break from applying or I will get depressed I often think that the ‘best actors’ get the jobs not the best qualified..Meryl Streep movie before interview I guess.

I don’t know what I’m expecting from posting here I just wanted to share my story and my disappointment. If you are a recruiter/employer please be fair and reply to job seekers, they work just as hard as you to get your attention -without getting paid for it-

Lots of love for anyone who at least reads this

[Jamhandprints]

That's really sad and frustrating. Can't you get some casual work leading up to Christmas? Shop/ warehouse/ customer service? Have you signed up with any temp agencies? My husband is a temp and never gets offered a permanent contract but he's never without work because the agency keep the jobs lined up.
You're not the only one. Me and OH work very low paid jobs and struggle. I have good qualifications and experience but work in a low end job with no prospects. It does feel disheartening.
I hope your luck changes. x x

[whirlygirly]

I've just employed someone exactly like you sound. It was one of the most rewarding appointments for me in a long while. Please don't give up.

[Twickerhun]

I am so sorry. It sounds like you are doing everything you can and exploring every avenue. I hope something comes along soon.

[Tasssx]

Thank you all
I forgot to mention temp agencies.. I have signed up with 3 of them, one last week actually, but I haven’t heard since

[bigmouthstrikesagain]

I empathise op. I have been out of job market for 13 years, been volunteering for last 7 years. Just started looking for paid employment so I have polished my cv and started applying for jobs. I have had two interviews and have another one next week. I think I interview well, but I have a large gap in my employment history, I am over 40 and I am over qualified (post grad) for the jobs I am applying for. This means I am treading the balance between demonstrating my competence and convincing a prospective employer that I will be content with a slightly lower status job and stay for a while. Without coming across as arrogant or self deprecating - it is exhausting! I am worried that I will be rejected for being "over qualified" old and not be offered jobs i would be able to do very well.

I don't have any answers yet. I feel my last interview went very well but that doesn't mean I will be offered the job of course. Very stressful I wish you luck op.

[NinahH]

Have you tried your local authority? I got a basic council job admin after leaving a profession with nothing to go to, wondering what on earth to do next. I thought I'd be the oldest recruit but newish colleagues were in their 50s and 60s. For me the key to a good interview is not to care too much - easy to say I know, but after a horrendous time at work last year and then living hand to mouth for while something just switched in me and I felt confident. I was only there for a short time and it was odd doing quite a basic job but the team were absolutely lovely and my manager restored my faith in decent bosses. I really hope you get your chance soon OP, try and stay positive.

[SmallestInTheClass]

I found with temp agencies you need to keep phoning them regularly, don't wait for them to call you. Good luck, it's tough out there but you will find something. Have you had any feedback from interviews?

[Partyfops]

If you live in Cornwall message me.

Good luck with it all.

[Tasssx]

Some great advice thank you all I’ll call the temp agencies first thing tomorrow!
@partyfops I used to live in the south west but not anymore

[hevonbu]

Try to focus on the smaller companies where you speak to the hiring manager directly, the one making the ultimate decision (since the company is so small) and where you don't have to deal with HR departments. You might need to go over your list of referees, what are they saying about you? I hope your example for a cover letter was meant as a joke? ("Ever since I was a little girl..") I'll send you a pm.

[MsJuniper]

Definitely call temp agencies regularly and try local councils + their outsourced organisations.

If you are living somewhere that has one, try your local theatre or cinema, esp if they are an independent/charity.

If you are no good at interviews then perhaps try to do a skills course. Preparation is half the battle to coming across well. My top tip is to think less about what questions might be asked and more about what it is you want to communicate about yourself.

[Timefortea99]

You sound like a real asset, and I understand completely why you feel disheartened. As someone else said, you have to be completely proactive with temp agencies. They, bewilderingly, seem to take a passive role in placing people in vacancies. You have to keep reminding them of your existence. Good luck. Hope your circumstances change soon.

I moan about my job (a lot) but your post has reminded me of the grim reality of job seeking.

[Tasssx]

@hevonbu thank you for the pm and YES my example of cover letter was just a joke (I should had put a winky face next to it) but it was based on a real job advert. I may be jobless but I haven’t lost my sense of humour

[NumberEightyOne]

Start your own business. You sound talented and motivated. Back yourself, and go for it.

[Damia]

Don't give up hope I got a new job last year age 37 and am horrible at interviews I went all silent and nervous on like 2 questions and thought I hadn't got it but had apparently done well on the computer test and the rest of the questions. I walked out of there feeling terrible!! Keep going!!

[Ginorchoc]

Agree with number82 start your own business. If you’re under 30 the princes trust might help?

[Nasreen]

I feel your pain.
Also been job hunting for best part of a year and no luck.

Job hunting is the most soul destroying and mentally draining activity I have ever had the misfortune to encounter, I mean that from the bottom of what's left of my brain!

I haven't any answers except keep plugging away, you will strike lucky. My friend has been for numerous interviews this year and I mean numerous. She has only this week, managed to secure a part time admin role with the NHS. I am SO happy for her as I know how hard she has worked to get that job. So, never give up (says she who feels like doing just that!).

I have no clue about whether volunteer work helps improve employability to be honest. I volunteer at my local CAB and love helping others find solutions to their issues. At the moment, I spend alot of time filling out benefits forms for people and I quite like that. I do it because I enjoy it and don't think for a moment it is going to get me anywhere (they have just paid a couple of paid staff redundant!). It is tough out there and really do envy those who have stability in their job.

Hang on in there, do anything and everything you can; whether it be vol work, courses, training, there is always something to keep you fulfilled until you find work :)

[Ontheboardwalk]

I feel your pain it really is difficult out there. Agencies can be so rude as well, ringing you all excited one minute then dropping and ignoring you the next.

I spoke to an Agency and they said they aren't advertising most roles, they just ask around the office for candidates as they have so many known entities on the books.

As PPs say start following up any roles by ringing them. Makes a massive difference if you actually speak to them rather than just being a couple of sheets on a desk.

Are you on LinkedIn? According to them (so it must be true ) 80% of roles are filled through networking. Don't be afraid to message people you've worked with or know. I found it really difficult to do this at first but it can really help with new opportunities. Once you've sent the first message it gets easier

[ButtercupGirI]

Hey Tasssx, I know it's old post. Did you manage to get something in the end? I am facing the same, just curious really.

[user1493423934]

Buttercup same! so frustrating. We need a support thread for us job seekers?

[user1493423934]

Oops didn't mean to put a question mark in!
How are you going OP?

[ButtercupGirI]

You are right, how come we haven't got one anywhere online already?!

[MissGuernsey]

Soul destroying. I am in the same boat. Don't get me started on applications. Hours spent writing up competencies and filling online forms. Hell, I must have had every CV book out of the library.

I have just changed my approach. If the job application takes more than a couple of minutes (basically firing off your CV) I am not applying.

The bollocks the recruiters expect. Huge personal statements and competency examples for a low-grade admin job!

Don't forget to cover your unemployment gap with 'career break due to caring responsibilities'. Employers don't like unemployed folk.

[ButtercupGirI]

MissGuernsey, you are right about career break, I had an interview last week, the manager asked me what else did I do during my career break as if I had so much time in hand!

[user1493423934]

I'm so tired of having time off to have kids being used as an excuse not to hire someone. Just found out that I got rejected from yet another job I interviewed for, I'm sure because of that. (They didn't say that directly but I know it def played a part).

Two years ago I became a single mother to 2 special needs kids. I have learned more from solely dealing with agencies, teachers etc, taking them to different classes and the like. Last week I found out that they are both at standard academically they should be for their age. This has been a great acheivement for me (as mothers of SN kids will understand) and has taught me so much. I have become more resiliant, dealt with a wide range of people (some of them extremely difficult) and fought hard to not give up. Aren't these qualities that employers want in potential employees? I wish employers would see that.