Job hunting support thread

[user1487175389]

Hi, just wondered if anyone fancied joining me for a job hunting support thread?

I'm having trouble motivating myself to even apply for jobs, mainly because I talk myself out of applying, or get halfway through an application before abandoning it, thinking 'why would anyone any to hire me?'
.
Anyway, the fact is, I'm brassic, and i'm bored at home. Despite being run off my feet with the Dcs most of the time. I'm sick of not being able to plan holidays, having to budget til I want to cry, and feeling like life is passing me by. There muse be a job out there I could do. I have experience. I'm generally a helpful, hard working and cooperative and intelligent individual, or so I have to keep reminding myself. It's not actually that long ago that I was working, but I've since lost a lot of confidence.

Could really use a (gentle,) kick up the arse, and would be happy to do the same for anyone else who needs it. Thought we could challenge ourselves - set our own minimum targets for completed job applications, recommend useful self help books, maybe give each other tips on interview prep and outfits. That sort of thing. And of course console each other if it goes tits up.

Right. So my target to day is just to get one application submitted and not get sidetracked and paranoid that my referees don't really like me, or obsess over my last unsuccessful interview. Anyone else?

[user1487175389]

Bumping. I can't be the only one, surely?

[user1487175389]

Ah well, I don't mind talking to myself!

Currently on page five of a twenty two page (!) application, and hating every minute of it. At my age who cares what school I went to, or what I did between 1999-2000? Does anyone actually bother to read through the tedious details anyway?

[gossipgirlxo]

Feeling exactly the same! Although I've managed to get a job interview next week I feel like I'm completely going to fail!

[user1487175389]

Fantastic! Well done on getting to the interview stage. That's an achievement in itself

Is there something you're particularly nervous about, or just general interview nerves?

[Mrsbclinton]

Im the same user147, Im terrified but I need to get back out there.
I have applied for a few jobs but didnt hear anything back.
My goal this week is to register with local agencies and keep checking job websites etc.

[nigelforgotthepassword]

Me...but I'm in work currently-but about to come to the end of my agency contract.
Have a few interview next week...but need to keep applying for jobs in case I don't get them.I hate doing Job application forms!

[user1487175389]

That sounds like a good few steps in the right direction, MrsB. I hate it when they don't reply. Not sure what's worse - that or the ominous letters of rejection.

I remember that feeling of contract work coming to an end Nigel - had that with my last job and then a mad panic to find something else. There should be someone whose job it is to apply for jobs for us while I binge on Netflix

[user1487175389]

Oh, and giving myself a little pat on the back for completing and sending a job application today, I have as was my goal. bit sad that it's taken me months to get to this stage, but it's so easy to get distracted with parenting/life/surviving day to day.

[Nasreen]

Hi
Cab I join this thread too? My last job came to an end at Christmas. Have been applying for jobs with little success so started volunteering with the citizens advice bureau, to gain some current work experience.

Still need a job, but fear age isn't on my side ( mid forties!!!)

Oh well, I can hope 🙄

[Whatabanana]

Hiya, also mid forties here. Spent a very very long time being a sahm which i feel very lucky about but must admit it also feels like a problem now! I got a tiny job just by chance (only about 7.5 hours per week) but really want the chance of a proper job now. Having trouble even finding anything to apply for as i don't feel that i meet the person specifications required.

[user1487175389]

Welcome Nasreen! I've heard volunteering with Citizens Advice can be a really good route into working for them, or for another advice giving organisation or charity. Sounds like a wise move.

Hi Whatabanana - even having any job, however small, is a big deal in my opinion. I know what you mean about wanting to work more hours though. I had this with my last role.

So, after my 'big achievement' yesterday, I've been catching up with housework today. Joy! I do want to get a couple more applications in this week to take the (imaginary) pressure off the first one though. Cut and paste should help!

[nigelforgotthepassword]

Hmm I have watched an awful lot of The Walking Dead lately-time that possibly could have been better spent.

[Nasreen]

Hi all
Yes, I am hoping CAB will prove fruitful for me, although I am right at the beginning of a long journey with them. Official training starts in May, so doing lots of reception like duties for now, which I do actually enjoy. Going to stick with it and see where it takes me!

Whatabanana, you have a job, that's the main thing right now. What do you do? Any chance of some more hours from them?

User, well done on your job application, what is the job for? I hate application forms these days, all so tedious! As you say, who cares what school we went to or what we did in 1999, do they actually read that?? I hate the not hearing back after you have spent hours on a supporting statement too!

Good luck gossipgirl, fingers crossed..

Nigel what is your line of work (if you don't mind me asking?). I am more of a Whitechapel and Silent Witness fan

[nigelforgotthepassword]

Care management-mostly managing residential services for adults with mental health issues and adults with LD.
I've watched 6 seasons of the walking dead in just over two weeks

[kiwimumof2boys]

Hi can I join too?
Grr a friend of DH's found out about a job which would be perfect for me, so I filled 3 (yes really THREE) bloody applications forms required for their work (big huge govt dept.) Then had to answer three competency based questions (basically job interview questions, took me almost all afternoon as I wanted to make a good impression).
Didn't even make the shortlist. Grr. Don't get me wrong, I haven't made the shortlist heaps of times, but was annoyed that I'd spent so much time on the application.

[user1487175389]

Nasreen it's a support role in a school. They tend to be quite competitive because of the holidays. Not holding my breath.

Im completely hooked on Gilmore Girls at the moment. It treads a fine line between schmaltzy and brilliant, admittedly. Imagine if I put as much effort into finding a job as I do getting over invested in the lives of people in a fictional small town! I'd be rich, I tells ya.

Welcome Kiwimum that sounds like such a faff filling in three applications for one job. Why do they make it so hard?! Sorry to hear you didn't get shortlisted. Can you re-use the info for your next application to save time?

[nigelforgotthepassword]

Love Gilmore girls.
I just turned up to my job interview to be told it's actually on Wednesday. What a knob I am! Still it's good to arrive early :)

[Nasreen]

Well done for getting there early Nigel! Fingers crossed you get the job.

Welcome also Kiwimum. I did the same with a civil service application form. I completed the form and then the online test, failed! Was gutted actually as really wanted the job and spent ages thinking what to write.

Hope you get short listed User. Yes school jobs are like gold dust but create the right impression and you may be in with a chance, My last job was support in a primary school.

[gossipgirlxo]

I love Gilmore girls too! I may start re watching! I've got my interview on Wednesday as a PR Manager at a local country pub/restaurant. Completely freaking out I hate interviews! Better than no interview at all! Where does everyone find the best place to look for jobs is??

[user1487175389]

Thanks Nasreen, I've volunteered in schools before, but haven't had a paid role in one so far. Any hints and tips you can give me for when I (eventually) get to the interview stage would be really welcome. I have this weird thing where I tend to come across as much more nervous than I actually feel. Even in my voluntary role, I apparently looked petrified when I first started! Not great.

Careful gossipgirl you'll get sucked in again, and if you're anything like me you'll be planning your imaginary wedding to Luke before you know it . Wishing you tonnes of luck for the interview. PR manager at a local pub/restaurant sounds interesting. I'd it the sort of role you've done before?

Actually, that reminds me- that's next on my list of things to do once the job situation is sorted. - must. find. myself. a. Luke.

[user1487175389]

Oh no, Nigel poor you! Still, at least it shows you're keen. One of those situations where you just have to go in with your head held high on Wednesday and act like it never happened. Lots of lovely GG fans on this thread - think I've found my people

[elsie07]

Hello thread. Hope I can join in. I have a job interview in about an hour or so. Am as prepared as I can be but really nervous. I know once I'm in it will probably be ok. Like others on this thread I find the whole process of applying for jobs really exhausting and get hit very hard when I'm turned down. I've already handed in my notice on my current job (which was a relief) but it would be just wonderful to get this one and be able to relax a bit. My big interview problem is waffling and too many 'umms'.

Good luck Nigel and everyone else applying.

[gossipgirlxo]

Elsie how did the interview go? What were you interviewing for? :)

[elsie07]

Hello. Yes it went ok I think, they're not letting people know until tomorrow. Trouble is I really want the job (it's an admin/support role for a really interesting project) and I feel like because it's so perfect I won't get it. I did my best though and they were lovely and didn't pull any nasty interviewing tricks. I'll come back when I find out for sure.

[nigelforgotthepassword]

Had my interview today and half way through it they said I was over qualified but would I apply for the more senior job coming up.Flet like I couldn't say no as it would look unambitious or whatever, and they are quite sort of forceful about it-but now what if I don't get the more senior job? And actually I quite fancied the less senior job anyway...I don't know what to think about it really...
Have a second interview for something else tomorrow too...