Or rather, have I been a deluded twat?

[Skintorama]

Back in April I came to the decision that I needed a career change, Ithought long and hard about the sort of thing I'd like to do, wrote my CV (with help from a lovely friend who made it look v professional) and applied for a job to see what woudl happen.

I immediately got an interview, and then spent nearly three months and five or six interviews in negotiation for this one job, only for them to let me down at the beginning of this month.

Because I was so convinced that this job was mine, I have totally disconnected from my current job (childminding), I haven't renewed my website, I have been turning away business and all my current contracts end at the end of term.

Never mind, I thought, if company #1 were so keen to get me in for interview I must be eminently employable. So I was still all bouyed up with my potential success and applied for loads of jobs (32 at last count), not all exactly what I want to do but it's all an adventure, right?

I had two interviews lined up. Last weeks one cancelled as they filled the vacancy internally. I have one tomorrow. That's it. None of the other companies have replied.

I'm desperately trying to hold together my sunny disposition, because if tomorrow's interview is a bust I'm screwed. I have nothing lined up.

I coudl start advertising for new business in September, but I really dont' want to do this job any more and it's morally shit to take on someone's DC when I'm going to give them notice as soon as something better comes along.

I'm doing a Business & Admin course to improve my cv, I've got loads of transferable skills, I'm applying for everything remotely suitable whether I'm over or under qualified, I'm flexible with hours, I'm making myself as employable as I can and it's just not happening.

I've been a massive cock, haven't I?

Say nice things to me to restore my Can Do attitude, please, because at the moment I'm floundering.

It's not you, it's the economy!

Re the companies that haven't replied - they may have a massive pile of CVs that they haven't even sorted through yet. What may work is if you give them a nice polite phone call just to follow up on your CV (I'm recruiting internally in a large financial company at the moment, and the ones that stand out are the ones that made contact with me to find out about the role, as well as sending me an application form).

First company sounds like they maybe really did want you but got a funding cut at the last moment. Think of that process as practice, and hopefully if you keep going you will get an even better job soon.

Oh, and review your CV again just in case there are any tiny spelling mistakes, or inconsistent formatting or layout - these things can result in an otherwise perfect candidate not being called for interview.

I know myself if I review something I've written a few weeks afterwards, I nearly ALWAYS spot something.

There was an article somewhere that I've been trying to find.... it said along the lines of ..

it takes on average 32 SERIOUS applications for jobs for which you think you are the only person who could do that job really well (not under qualified, not "I'd give it a go"- but SERIOUSLY fitted) - for a person to be offered a job.

27 of those applications will field NO response whatsoever, 3 will lead to interview and the other 2 will get an "apologies, but there was someone better qualified at paper sift stage".

You are not doing bad at all... considering!!

Thank you, this is exactly what I need to hear.

I have literally never had to do this before, I have been self employed for years and before that always got jobs easily, I think I'd only ever applied for one job that I didn't get. I knew it would be harder these days but I had no idea really.

It's grim out there.

No, you haven't been a massive cock.

Sometimes in life you have to take risks in order to achieve what you want, sometimes those risks pay off immediately and sometimes they don't. I do believe though that your efforts WILL pay off in the long run.

Thanks HellHas, that's my overriding take on it too. It's hard not to wobble though.

right, no time to give up! Can you ask around if anyone needs childcare for the summer holidays, you might find some other childminder friends would be happy to send work your way for the summer. (just to keep you ticking over).

Keep applying to lots of roles. Make sure you tailor covering letters to each job (not just generic) and keep at it.

Thank you thank you.

I have bits and bobs to keep me occupied over the summer, things start to look a bit desperate in September but IT WILL BE FINE.

I've applied for three jobs this morning. I am writing zingy and professional tailored cover letters (or at least I think they are, I have done lots of online research into what to write etc).

I think the hotness and lack of sleep last might is making me despondent. I need to get all fired up with the enthusiasm I had to start with, I'll get there.

With your drive I am willing to bet you will get that career change and soon.

If you're not in a new post by September how about enrolling with some agencies to pick up bank work in childcare/schools to tide you over?

That's a good idea, thank you.

The little ones are awake now so I must go and actually do some work instead of moaning about finding a new job...

all of you

You're just having a wobble - two interviews is good stuff.

Good luck.

I had a brilliant interview, and they've asked me back tomorrow for a second, final one with the sales manager.

how did it go?

Fingers crossed Skint x

Second interview went well, I think, The job is perfect, role, hours, location, everything fits.

She did blink slightly at my lack of formal experience, I was quite clear in my first interview but I think he'd talked me up a bit, maybe? I met the MD to start and he was really positive about me, but this was with what will be my direct boss and she was asking more direct questions. Still, I think I did well. Have to wait until Monday now.

Having discussed the role in depth I REALLY want this job. I'll be fucking fantastic at it .

Fingers and toes crossed for you :)

Have and chocolate

I have fizzy wine and fags, will that do?

Fingers crossed for you if not definitely get registered with agencies I met with one agency a week past on Monday by thursday they had booked me 2 interviews for this week, wednesday offered a job and I start on Monday. It can happen and will happen for you!!!!!!! [Smile]