Anyone currently looking for a job/hiring?

[Cococoin]

In the dire world of job hunting at the moment.

Currently all jobs I’m applying for seem to show as ‘many applicants’ and starting to feel really deflated. These are just minimum wage jobs.

Anyone job hunting/ed lately? Is it going to be impossible? How quickly are you hearing back from employers? I can’t sleep

I have many years of admin experience and a few years office management (includes admin dept management) as well as some customer service and management.

Going by some responses here I’m worried I’m not getting called back because they might think I won’t be there long term.

So just curious if that would be the case for you if you saw an application with similar experience?

Maybe over qualified is the wrong word, I mean basically would you write someone off if their application matched the criteria of the role but you could see this would be a step back in terms of money and responsibility?

Me, no luck

If it is a step back then you need to make it clear why you're applying (i.e. better work/life balance, happier working in a non-managerial role, etc.).

The majority of the applications we received just weren't very well thought or tailored for the job they were applying for. We would have considered someone older with more experience. In fact, we interviewed one lady who was in her early sixties but she made it very clear that she wanted a quiet life with a pile of typing. What we actually wanted was someone was the pivotal point of the team and co-ordinating all the bits so they didn't fall through the cracks. We really wanted someone with a bit of energy who could be proactive. She just wasn't a good fit.

@dooratheexplorer If most applicants weren't even remotely suitable, surely that makes your job easier though in terms of narrowing it down? It must be a lot harder when you get a load of really great applicants so you don't know which ones to interview.

Hi - one of my teams was recruiting recently for an Administrator - fairly low band - salary of around £20K. They would usually get somewhere between 30 - 60 applications. They had over 300....

I know someone looking for work and it's absolutely soul destroying.

Sadly, out of desperation the majority of applicants will not have the desired experience. However, depending on the role advertised that isn't necessarily a problem. Work ethic, qualities etc, should also be considered.

I will say that in the last months I've advertised for freelance transcribers, blog writers and academic writers. Ninety per cent of applicants have no experience at all - in this field, it's vital.

It's a sad situation as so many people need a new start, but don't let the number of applicants put you off. If you can get an interview, on Zoom probably, find an appropriate space, show professionalism and an interest in their company and ways of working, you'll have a far higher success rate. Believe me, people are applying for anything going, qualifications / experience or not. It's a soul destroying market place at the moment - Hang on in there !

OP "bog standard admin jobs" are some of the most oversubscribed jobs at the moment. There's simply a massive oversupply and a lot of aspects of admin is being automated. Do you have any more niche skills?

Also, don't be put off applying for jobs above your current level. Women are terrible for underestimating their ability and worth.

My DS is finishing his master's and has just got a job at the village post office, it's £8.73 per hour for 30 hours a week. He's nervous about using public transport at the moment and I didn't want to push him to do something he's uncomfortable with. I think he's done well to get a job in the current circumstsnces.

Job hunting is a nightmare. It took me three months after I finished uni to even get an interview

Have you thought about the police? Lots of admin and 9's caller jobs going in the West Midlands. Pay is ok £25-30. Shifts for 9's and dispatchers but loads of o/t and allowances for weekends and unsocial hours.

I do agree that normally employers are a bit wary of employing someone who is overqualified as they'll likely leave when something better comes along, but during a recession they know this is less likely, and many will be pleased at the additional skills and experience someone might bring to the role for a salary they wouldn't normally accept. I don't think you should alter your CV, but just in general there will be far more applicants for entry level/lower skilled jobs as more people meet the criteria for applying. I would really look at ads with a different viewpoint, and even if something sounds like something you haven't done before, really pick apart what experience and skillset they're looking for, and making a CV that points this out. Some sectors haven't been widely affected, and although they have more applicants, they are still recruiting. Also think about a realistic search radius, and check company webpages too; not all advertise on indeed etc.

@Cococoin btw, the job I ended up getting was actually closed when I found it. I called the recruiter directly and they ended up putting me forward. I got the job!

So be pushy

Speaking from experience here, a lot of jobs get quietly filled in the private sector without being publicly advertised.

August is generally a slow time to apply with holidays, plus Covid-19 and the fact that furlough is ending, so employers are busy with existing staff coming back in.

I would target companies you would like to work at. Find out who recruits for your position and who makes a decision on it (e.g. office manager/HR). Write them a direct letter explaining what you can offer them. Include the CV and a date you will call to follow up. Basically, do the work for them.

I suggest Linked In
Personally with my company I dont want to pay an agency silly % of a job we are offering only for them to send all and everybody they can dredge up. I end up having to drive thought them.
I would not look at someone obviously over qualified?no experience of the job as they will only beggar off when things pick up.

Thanks everyone for your tips really appreciate it and good luck to everyone else trying to find something!

Another question, how long after reading my application should I expect to hear back? I’ve noticed indeed now has ‘x company has viewed your application’ so wondered When after that to stop holding up hope that I may get an interview.

Thanks