To wonder if I'll ever get another bloody job?

[ToadsJustFellFromTheSky]

This is going to sound so pathetic and selfish especially as I already have a job and should be grateful but I'm staring at yet another rejection e-mail and I just feel devastated.

I've been looking for a new job for nearly three years now. I always apply for at least one job a day, however it's usually more. Ideally I want a job working in administration and I've been applying for those with no luck. However I've also been applying for everything and anything such as retail, catering (I have experience in both), reception, care work and cleaning but just get rejected from all of them. I applied for McDonald's a couple of months ago and was even rejected for that.

I know my CV isn't the problem as it's been checked over several times and I have been invited for interviews. In fact I've had a total of about 10 interviews over the last year but every single time I always get the bloody rejection e-mail or phone call a few days later. The interviews I have had were for jobs in retail, catering, admin and reception. I have never been called in for an interview for any of the care work or cleaning work I've applied for.

I have no idea what I'm doing wrong. Like I said, I know it's not my CV as it's been checked over and am getting invited to interviews. When I go to interviews I always make an effort to look nice and presentable. I make sure I'm dressed appropriately and go in confident, polite and friendly and am able to answer any questions they have. I've never had a bad interview and they all seem to go well but of course that can't be the case because I always get turned down!

I remember one time I went for an interview and I spoke to the person interviewing me for about ten minutes and everything was going well. Then out of the blue he suddenly stopped the interview and told me there was no point in continuing because he'd already hired the person interviewed before me . I was so shocked at the time that I couldn't think of how to answer him and I went home pissed off and upset because I'd spent money on bus fares and a train ticket to get there.

Where I work now hours are starting to get cut including mine so I'm worried that if I don't get another job soon I will have to move in with my parents which I really don't want to do.

I just feel so frustrated because I want to work and feel like I have something to give yet nobody wants me .

I understand how you feel OP.

I wonder if the problem is I always apply for at least one job a day, however it's usually more.

If you're applying for at least one job a day (and you have a job to do already) you are unlikely to be spending a lot of time researching the role and tailoring your application and CV to the specific job. 10 interviews in the last year if you have applied for 300+ jobs would tend to bear this out.

I'd suggest focusing more, applying for fewer jobs, and really think about making your application specific for the actual job advertised.

It sounds like your are either over qualified or under qualified for the jobs that your are applying to. Maybe try networking, ask any contacts that you have. I would advise to be fairly cheeky and ask as many people you know who work somewhere you want to work if they need staff.

As the previous poster said, tailor each application. Think of the cover letter as a punch : you need a few knock out sentences.

I feel your pain, I've also applied for literally 100s of jobs and had like 4 interviews, it's so discouraging.

Have you tried calling for feedback when you were rejected? They might be able to give you some good pointers. Don't be afraid of seeming push, everyone else is!

Ask them for feedback - it may be that there are little things you can do to make you come across as more desirable.

Also memorise the person spec and think about which point on the person spec the question is about - then tailor your answer to include key words from the person spec.

Most jobs are scored now and unless you specifically mention key things, you won't get the points - regardless of how well you come across generally. When I score for interviews if it is out of 100 - general attitude and presentation never gets more than 10. That's a lot of points very easily lost by answering the questions in the wrong way.

I agree with Redsky why don't you cut right back on the number of applicationsand focus on a few. You said more than once that your CV is not the problem - well - yes it probably is. As pp has stated it needs to be tailored to each post you apply for. Good Luck

What industry are you in? (To see if I can help)... Pm me if you want

Have you tried agencies? Whereabouts are you? If London I can recommend one - I applied for hundreds of jobs on online job sites and had no response, I think a lot of companies mainly recruit through agencies these days so those from agencies seem to get the job!

Oops sorry.. Just read the relevant part of your email. Do you have any friends who might be able to get you a foot in the door at their employer? Could you do one shift a weekend somewhere pro bono to get yourself known that way so that if something does come up, you are at the front of the queue?

How old are you? Could be relevant.

Similar experience here. It's horrible isn't it?

I could have written your email OP. Almost the exact same set of circumstances, it's so frustrating isn't it. I am just trying to take consolation in the fact that at least I do have a job, it would be far worse to not have one.

I always tailor my CV and application to fit the job I am applying for. I have never thought about agencies though so I will have to look into them.

I'm 24 and work in catering right now and have done for six years. Before that I worked in retail for two years. I also started a degree at the Open University in February this year.

Also is a skirt and tights okay to wear to interviews or do most employers prefer trousers? I have worn both but my mum has told me I should wear trousers to an interview rather than a smart skirt. Does it really matter?

Does anyone know of any good agencies in Newcastle?

Have a look at Brook street young agency as they tend to supply staff for the NHS / higher education and other sectors.

If you have a university/college near you them have a look at their websites as they often hire administrative staff.

I think you need to cut down on the amount of jobs you are applying to and target the industry that you want to work in. That way your C.V. Will look more streamlined and focussed rather than a mix of jobs in random sectors. That doesn't look very well thought out.

Brook street temping agency not young agency!

Good care agencies tend to look for people with experience, so that might explain why you haven't been offered an interview, but I would second other posters suggestions to ask for feedback. You could ask what skills you could improve to increase your chances of success in future.

I look at a lot of application forms and many applicants miss vital information. For example, giving a lot of detail about experience that isn't relevant to the post, but not explaining how their skills fit the role.

Had you considered trying to do voluntary admin work, for a charity for example. It could help with Networking, and give you experience for your CV.

Good Luck with your search.

Just posting to say that I actually have another job interview next week. It's for an administration assistant. Wish me luck.

Fingers crossed for you!

Good luck!

Good luck. I hope it goes well for you

Be positive, confident - presentable, look interviewer in the eye. They will usually ask if you have any questions - have a couple prepared that shows you are interested in the role - maybe refer to the job spec, go and visit all the agencies you can with a copy of your cv.