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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to wonder if I am unemployable???

14 replies

cocodidit1 · 19/09/2016 15:05

I have been out of the workforce for six years, within that time i have had three babies and reeducated myself in the area of Graphic Design. So its not as if i have been idle.....

After many job applications and cvs sent out, i can't seem to even get an interview. Am i unemployable? Have i left it too long to return to the workforce?
I am applying for all types of work, admin, sales, customer service, design roles. I ain't picky but its not looking good......
With every rejection letter, I am feeling worse about myself.

OP posts:
TheSparrowhawk · 19/09/2016 15:08

No, you're not. But something's wrong with your CV. Can you get someone you trust to look it over for you?

LifeInJeneral · 19/09/2016 15:09

I'm sure you are not unemploymable! But it can feel very disheartening and frustrating in your situation. Do you know anyone who might be able to look over your CV and advise on how you can improve it? Have you tried going through a recruitment agency? Good luck with it, try and keep your chin up!

OdinsLoveChild · 19/09/2016 15:14

Ive been out the workplace for over 12 years and been job hunting for several years (I cant remember how long its been, because its that long).

Have you done any volunteer work? They usually want good references (something else I'm struggling to get due to bankruptcy of the companies I left) over long lists of qualifications.

Also the usual, 'don't mention your children' as you may be seen as inflexible and unreliable if your children become unwell. Obviously that's often difficult if you have been at home bringing up a family but I would consider just putting 'caring for family' which is vague but true.

Original poster
cocodidit1 · 19/09/2016 15:15

i used to work in recruitment and currently have an employment adviser as i am on benefits. She told me my CV is great and has told me i am in her top ten employables. I dunno whats going on.
I have never had any trouble getting a job before this.

OP posts:
Original poster
cocodidit1 · 19/09/2016 15:16

Does anyone have any tales of hope about finding a good job after taking a break to have kids/upskill?

OP posts:
Afternoondelights · 19/09/2016 15:17

I feel your pain!! It took me a full year of jobhunting before being offered my current post. So many applications and interviews, I was at the stage of panicking thinking I'd never get employed and it was my age, etc etc
Don't give up hope!

mouldycheesefan · 19/09/2016 15:20

You are doing a scattergun approach, applying for anything and everything. If you have qualified as a graphic designer focus on that, get some work experience even if it is unpaid.

Kenduskeag · 19/09/2016 16:07

As above. The graphic design is meaningless if you're applying 'for everything' and if it's on your CV, they can clearly see you're unfocused and just applying 'for anything', and you'll quit as soon as that design job comes along.

Second - what sort of graphic design? Web, UX, site design, HTML? Art? Logos? I only say because 'graphic design' sounds a little bit out of date and those skills may no longer be relevant in the modern workplace.

If you apply for a design job, play up any design experience. If you aren't, then omit it.

Clarinet1 · 19/09/2016 16:17

I'm in a different field to you but what has tended to work for me is registering on the various on-line job search sites such as Monster, Totaljobs etc. Agencies and directly recruiting companies often search these for likely candidates and, whenever I have been looking for a job (which is more often than I would have ideally liked!), I have received numerous calls from this which, in turn, resulted in employment for most of the last 12 years.

Original poster
cocodidit1 · 19/09/2016 16:24

I have different cover letters and cvs tailored for each type of role i am applying for. I have done some voluntary work in the design industry also.

I am just having a really bad day........cant see a way around this.
Thanks for the replies.

OP posts:
RedGrapeCornSnake · 19/09/2016 16:27

I had the same issue trying to get back into work after having kids. In the end I applied for a dinner lady job at my children's school and got it. It was only 1 hour a day, minimum wage and such a pain in the arse with going backwards and forwards to school. However the second and third jobs have been a doddle to land. Recent job experience, no matter how irrelevant, worked for me

RunningLulu · 19/09/2016 16:31

Graphic design is more of a short term contractor/consultant type of job now, and you need all the 'buzz' qualifications to get your CV through the door. Most companies for example need a portfolio of work, animation, or some kind of website design experience too. PM me if you'd like help- I hire graphic designers so might be able to give you a few ideas.

Original poster
cocodidit1 · 20/09/2016 11:57

Thanks lulu, i have sent you a pm.

I'm feeling brighter today, onwards and upwards....

OP posts:
ShtoppenDerFloppen · 20/09/2016 12:56

coco , I am sorry to jump on this post, but was wondering if you could give me some advice.

My DH is starting up a side business right now, and is looking for a company logo. For design of one logo (and, of course, its accompanying graphic file) what would be a reasonable amount to pay a professional designer?

I have a friend who has offered her husband's services for free - I have politely refused, as he didn't offer, it was more "well, that is what he does for work, I'm sure he would be happy to do it for you for free".

However, while DH has sketched a few ideas, that is definitely not where his skill set lies.

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