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Original poster

Feeling hopeless job hunting

18 replies

sprinkleyumnut · 02/10/2021 10:37

Just that really. I get interviews but more often than not, don't pass them even when a company is looking for plenty of people including Christmas temps! Just makes me feel even more awful about myself, had a huge upset yesterday, I was literally sobbing my heart out as I hit breaking point. I want a job, I need a job, not just for my mental health but also for my physical health and I badly need money. I'm on universal credit and its only thanks to my partner and mum, that I have enough money to survive on.

OP posts:
AlexaShutUp · 02/10/2021 10:41

So sorry, OP, it's soul destroying. Stay positive though, the right opportunity will come along soon I'm sure. I was job hunting for a few months at the beginning of the year and just missed out on several - was repeatedly told that I was appointment but that another candidate had better experience etc. Then I got one that was much better than any of the ones that I had been rejected for, so I figured that's just how it was meant to be!

Don't lose hope, you will find something soon!

Strangevipers · 02/10/2021 11:01

What great news you are getting interviews that's such a positive start. Please keep going , it is awful for you but like the other poster has said you may be turned down for some roles and the. Get accepted for an even better one.

Would volunteering be an option for a few weeks for some experience and networking ?

Have you tried linked in ?

Please keep going

Original poster
sprinkleyumnut · 02/10/2021 11:16

@Strangevipers I'm very entry level ie crew member, retail assistant so I'm not sure that LinkedIn would be any benefit

OP posts:
Strangevipers · 02/10/2021 11:21

You would be surprised have a look on linked in just to check there's always admin roles going.

A job as a receptionist at a recruitment agency or something like that would be good you could get yourself In there and then start applying for jobs to be a recruiter perhaps ?

What about an estate agent could you see if you could get your foot in the door there as admin or reception and work your way up if you wanted to ?

ChaoBella · 02/10/2021 11:28

Clearly sounds like the problem is with the interviews. You need to practice this with somebody who has experience. Do you know anybody who works in a management or recruitment position that carries out interviews? It might feel really stupid doing it but doing some dummy interviews should help you out.

Make sure you research the company and try go be generally positive. Assuming you are looking for a fairly low skilled job the panel will generally employ people they think they will get on with and not cause any hassle.

ChaoBella · 02/10/2021 11:30

In addition to the above try and demonstrate a bit of dynamism and initiative. Management like people who are able to think for themselves. The last think they want is an employee who goes to bits when they have to use their brain.

Original poster
sprinkleyumnut · 02/10/2021 14:58

Yes ChaoBella I am getting help for this please don't try to make me feel worse I'm sure its accidental but I'm very depressed at the moment with very low self confidence and self esteem as it is.

OP posts:
Original poster
sprinkleyumnut · 02/10/2021 15:00

I dont go to bits thank you very much either so don't assume you know how well I do or don't do in interviews. I've been told by a few employers and a person who did my CV I do well at interviews. But obviously there is lots of competition and lots of hard questions with particular interviewing companies. I try my absolute best. Do you think I like failing at life.

OP posts:
AlexaShutUp · 02/10/2021 15:10

I don't think @ChaoBella was having a go, OP - just trying to help, I think. It's natural to feel a bit sensitive when you're struggling though.

What kind of roles are you looking for, and where are you looking for them? Have you tried signing on with any temping agencies?

It's tough out there and it might not be anything that you're doing wrong. There is always an element of luck with these things. Hopefully the right job will come along very soon.

ChaoBella · 02/10/2021 16:43

You seem to be very defensive OP. I was trying to offer concise pointers on things to work on and not meaning to have a go. If this sort of attitude is something you convey in interviews then that is really not going to help.

ChaoBella · 02/10/2021 16:47

You mention hard questions so what sort of questions are you struggling with?

Generally you will experience a lot of competency based questions. The key to these is have your answers ready before the interview rather than trying to think of examples of times you have done this or that on the spot. Google common types of competency based questions for the type of work you are applying for. It will be a lot of work and you should develop your answers using the STAR technique.

Whiskyinajar · 02/10/2021 16:49

I think the issue is that so many people are job hunting at the moment. The fact you are getting to interview stage is great as so many don't get that far.

If you are doing well at interviews then just take a note of the harder questions asked and try to think of model answers you can use if they come up again.

I feel for you though as I know from other people that it's hard at the moment. A friend of mine eventually hot work (with the DWP of all people) after two years of trying to find work.

Do you have any restrictions that impact upon the hours you can work?

AlexaShutUp · 02/10/2021 16:55

Are you asking for feedback after the interviews, OP? Some places just give generic, unhelpful feedback but others are really specific and helpful. It's always worth asking for it, I think.

purpledagger · 03/10/2021 14:34

Have you tried registering with some recruitment agencies?

They often have work available at short notice. The work may not be that best, but if you prove yourself to both the employer and agency, it could lead to better work.

MeredithGreyishblue · 03/10/2021 14:45

If you don't mind what you do and you're physically able, there's a huge amount of temp work via Recruitment agencies- warehousing, production etc.
Retail recruitment agencies might have decent Christmas temp work too.

Can I ask what the questions are that you find hard? Could we help you prepare some stock answers for them?

Keep going. You'll get there!

Original poster
sprinkleyumnut · 04/10/2021 10:32

I am very defensive because I'm very fragile at the moment. I spent two days crying. I am getting the help needed. Due to my anxiety and not having a license I have limited places I can work. It's basically retail and hospitality only.

OP posts:
misscockerspaniel · 04/10/2021 11:00

Where I live, garden centres and Royal Mail are looking for seasonal temps, so definitely worth a look at the websites of those sort of employers in your area.

ChaoBella · 06/10/2021 21:49

It's basically retail and hospitality only

Okay so do you get asked lots of 'describe a time when you' sort of questions in the interviews or are they more about you and your experience?

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