To think this is discrimination?

[SchrodingersMew]

I seems every job advert I look at just now is requesting you send a picture with your C.V and if you don't you wont be considered.

Surely this is discrimination as they will just choose who they think looks best?

I am also seeing lots of adverts saying they are looking for people who are "good looking" etc.

No wonder it's so hard to find a job and now I'm telling myself I am still unemployed because the employer thinks I am not pretty enough and fat. :( I'm actually getting quite upset thinking about it.

Oh, don't know what happened to my spelling there!

Good luck, OP.

Please don't think you've missed any boats! At only 21 there are no doors closed to you.

People who went to university at 18 will only just be graduating now. And some of them will be realising that their degree is in something they never want anything to do with ever again.

You've had a bit of a set back because of the undiagnosed disability, but now you have sorted that out.

You have your beautiful baby, who is still only a few months old. So go easy on yourself. Take your time getting to know your baby and gaining this experience.

Speak to you HV, she might have some advice for you re: getting experience. I know they get bad press on here, but when my HV was round on a visit, I told her I was applying to university and she was so supportive and enthusiastic about it, that it really spurred me on. She will also have access to/knowledge of support groups you might be able to volunteer with.

Give yourself some targets and some actions. I imagine that even making that phone call to the college has made you feel more confident and positive.

Little steps.

I used to ask for a photo just to help with recalling who was who after interview.

Another trick I learned was to ask for feedback after a failed application or interview. Some say they don't/can't do that but others are very constructive about their comments &bit helped me tweak my CV & gave me confidence for the next ones.

Schrodinger - HomeStart is a great one to look at as the preparation course can be accredited at Level 2

FolkGirl I have possibly been a bit hastey (sp?) in thinking that I wont be able to get anywhere.
Unfortunately me and my HV do not see eye to eye, she was very manipulitive and lied to me in order to do things the way she wanted, after a talk with my Dr where she got into trouble, me and HV decided we would not see each other unless it was necessary, I don't even go to the baby clinic. :(

I will definitely try HomeStart, until today I hadn't heard of it, thank you.

Bossy While you have pretty valid reasons for wanting a picture, I doubt a lot of the employers around here have the same idea. It's pretty much all bar work in chavvy clubs and I always get the impression the managers are looking for skinny, orange, blonde things. Also, although you don't believe you are using the pictures to choose the peope, surely subconsciously you are? I mean, I doubt someone would be chosen for interview if they look a bit creepy etc.

Standard across Europe to attach photo to CV for any type of job

OK, if you need care experience in order to become a social worker, look at applying for jobs in care. You won't need experience, just the right sort of attitude and to show a genuine desire to care, which you will do if you want to be a social worker. You'll just need to think about what you'd do if you suspected someone were being abused/were asked to do something inappropriate as they'll ask questions about that in an interview. You might well find that you really enjoy it, I have worked in care for six years, after having been to university to study something unrelated, really enjoyed it and am now studying to become a nurse (well, right NOW I'm on maternity leave). You won't be discriminated against because of your appearance working in care.

I will have a go at applying for jobs in care. :) Would home help type jobs also count? I think there ar a fair few of them around here.

I have already thought about all those questions as the reasom I want to apply is due to past family circumstances, this is the reason I know I very much want to do it.

Good luck in becoming a Nurse. :)

Good luck OP!