Getting rejected from jobs...

[EllsBells9]

For the past 2 years I've been applying for jobs and constantly get rejected. I'm a student (single parent) and I honestly don't know what I'm doing wrong.

Before having DC I had various jobs, most being retail after I finished school, I've had my CV checked over and it's an improvement of what it was when I got these jobs, but yet I rarely get past the initial shortlisting.

What am I doing wrong? I had a call back yesterday from one if applied for (it had listed that they were flexible for people with children) yet after I said I wouldn't be able to work weekends as I have my DD, they sent an email saying I hadn't been accepted.

But most cases I haven't even managed to get a phone call and I now have no confidence that I'll manage to get a good job now let alone when I have my degree and looking for higher level jobs (these are all low skill jobs I'm applying for).

Has this happened to anyone/ do you have any advice?

Thank you in advance!

It's not that you are doing something wrong, but that there are a lot of people looking for work around their studies.
If you are an employer, you are likely to choose someone who says they can be flexible, rather than someone who can't - particularly if you are looking in retail, sports and leisure, or hospitality. The weekends tends to be when they need most staff.

Have you thought about registering with some agencies for temp work? It can often lead to longer term or permanent work. You may have to take the less desirable roles at first but once you prove yourself, the agency will put you forward for better roles.

If you're able it maybe worth getting some voluntary work. I've interviewed and employed a number of people who have gained experience this way. some I've known as volunteers first. It showed they had a genuine interest and a work ethic. This obviously works in charitable sector, but lots of opportunities. I would also advise tailoring c v and letter to each application. It takes time but it shows.

What types of jobs are you applying for? If it is retail etc then as someone has said above they will most likely need people who can works weekends as that will be their busiest time.

I think the problem is any retail work will expect some weekend work, have you been applying for jobs you are qualified for in your degree ?

Join some agencies

Thank you for the replies!

The jobs have mainly been retail/catering so yes I suppose it may be that holding me back but in some cases I haven't got as far as even saying my flexibility, I've just been rejected after the initial application.

I do volunteer (well before lockdown) but its been charity work where there is no opportunity for paid work, so perhaps I'd be better looking at some other companies to volunteer for.

I also don't have my degree as yet (graduate next year) so I can't apply for any jobs requiring my degree until then. I will have a look at agencies though, I hadn't thought of this, thank you!

Who checked your CV? If it was just family and friends they might not be picking up on the right things. Have you tried applying to supermarkets? They will have flexible shifts.

Do you mention children on your CV? If so retail and hospitality would possibly assume you're not going to be flexible with hours.

How does being a student affect what you can work?

If you're not getting interviews then it's the CV and cover letter or application form that's the problem.

You shouldn't have 'a CV'. It should be different for every job you apply for.

Look at the job spec and person spec and then highlight your relevant experience for that specific job and company.

Don't just list your jobs and responsibilities. Include your achievements in each role. Eg grew sales of x by 15%; took responsibility for changing y. Managed small team of... Etc.

In your cover letter include why you want that job with that company and highlight what you have to offer. Show that you've done your research.

Don't waste your time applying for jobs that include weekends if you can't do them. They won't be interested in you. It's not fair on their other employees.

I have applied for supermarkets but again its probably my availability holding me back there.

I've had it checked by professionals (not family) and family members, but granted this was a few years ago. Who do you recommend to check it over? I don't have anyone at the moment who would be knowledgeable on this..

Also, that's a good point about adapting it, it's just that I have limited previous experience. All I have is retail and a few other related customer service roles, which didn't involve anything overly demanding in terms of skills learned or achievements. And with all my experience being in a similar field (not by choice), it's hard to know how to adapt to different roles if this makes sense

Also, no I don't mention DC on my CV, only when I get a call back and they specifically ask my availability

I'm wondering if the fact you think it's due to your inflexibility that you're not addressing the real issues with your applications. You haven't altered it in 2 years for one. You don't seem to acknowledge your transferable skills, such as those gained at uni or as a parent. You need to stand out and you need to highlight that you can do the things they require - with evidence and examples. Your CV might just not stand out above the rest.

I am quite mature and I'm also a student. The last time I did a CV was when you listed every job you'd ever had and every qualification down to your bronze swim award.. this year I met with careers team who showed me how to do a skills based CV. Its a much better read and individually tailored to the job description. There are plenty of examples online.

Skills are also good to mention. Try and match what they're asking for.

Also achievements aren't always turning the company around; they can be little things that you suggested that were taken on.

I once worked in an administration type role in recruitment advertising. I happened to ask a client which paper the best response was from and which paper the successful candidate was from and from that we started monitoring it.

Do you not have your DC during the week? Is it possible you pick up catering / pub shifts at those times? Perhaps look at an events firm who need cover for during the week?

Speak to your Careers team at University. Definitely book in for a CV check with them and make sure LinkedIn etc is all up to date too. Do mock interviews with them if you can as well. Many students don't seem to use the career's services and I am always at a loss to why. They may have links for temp work.

In your final year your focus should be on getting graduate jobs so prepare for that as the driver, and a temp job secondary.

Cleaners for offices are needed weekdays before university classes start - is that an option?

Happy to read through your CV. I worked retail and hospitality to support myself through my first two degrees, the third degree I did hospitality and care work (may also be an option for you). I now work in a semi professional role in STEM.