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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To think I'm never going to get a job

31 replies

GinnyTassel · 02/03/2018 10:27

I'm desperately trying to apply for a new job, I've applied for 100s and not even one interview. I'm applying to similar jobs as I'm currently doing. I don't know if the problem is just me or my CV/ application(s) and I certainly don't know how to fix it. Feel really down about it all tbh.

OP posts:

MaceWindu · 02/03/2018 10:43

Are you applying to jobs you have relevant experience for? Is your CV up to date?

Dontknowwhattodoknowok · 02/03/2018 10:45

Refresh your CV. Start from scratch using a different template online. I had a long, wordy two page job. I wasn’t getting any replies from jobs I knew I was the ‘ideal’ candidate for. So started again using a more design led template (my profession isn’t design or creative at all) and immediately got responses. Start afresh with s clear mind and you’ll be surprised how different the two look. Good luck!

Original poster

GinnyTassel · 02/03/2018 10:48

My CV is up to date and I am applying for jobs that I'm experienced in. I really struggle with writing/ grammar so there may be issues there.

OP posts:

thesandwich · 02/03/2018 10:48

Are you on linked in? Networking is one of the best ways to get a job. Have a look at the what colour is your parachute website and book- brilliant structured advice.

Nomad86 · 02/03/2018 10:48

Have you had any proper feedback?

Start with your CV. Make sure there are no errors on it (I've seen some really dreadful ones). Format it so it goes current job, previous jobs, short description of each and dates worked there. Next, qualifications. Ensure your contact details are on there. Limit it to no more than two sides.

Find the job description you are applying for and tailor your current job description to match it wherever possible. So if the job asks for good customer service skills, make sure your CV has an example of you serving customers (providing this is true).

Sorry if you've already done all this, it's just I've seen so many CVs that are difficult to read because of how they're laid out. You can post it into sites like cvlibrary where employers can search for relevant CVs. These searches work on keywords. So if you're looking for work in retail, make sure your CV contains the words "customer service" and "retail" etc a few times to bump it up the search results.

Good luck!

Nomad86 · 02/03/2018 10:50

Do you have a friend or relative who could proof read it for you?

Snowysky20009 · 02/03/2018 10:53

Make sure your cv is tight. When I used to get them, if they were poorly written, grammar and spelling mistakes, it would put me straight off. If someone can't make sure their cv is correct, it doesn't give the impression that someone would care about their work.
Are you applying for jobs that you meet ALL the essential criteria? If you don't meet them all, rarely will you get shortlisted.

Original poster

GinnyTassel · 02/03/2018 10:53

I asked DP to check it and he just said it was fine. Maybe I'm just really crap

OP posts:

Italiangreyhound · 02/03/2018 10:53

There is a fabulous book called 'What colour is your parachute' I think the 2911 version is available free on line and you could virile it from the library. It is fabulous. Full of ideas about choosing work, finding jobs etc.

Good luck.

Snowysky20009 · 02/03/2018 10:55

Are you tailoring your cv to each job and not using just a generic one?
Are you on LinkedIn and using that for connections?

Original poster

GinnyTassel · 02/03/2018 10:56

I haven't got loads of experience have had one job since my Human Geography degree in a call centre. I don't really want to go back to call centre so trying customer service stuff.

OP posts:

Bambamber · 02/03/2018 10:58

Don't put yourself down, there can be a lot of competition for some jobs so could that be a factor? Would you be prepared to broaden your job search to increase the chance of getting one?

Italiangreyhound · 02/03/2018 10:58

2012 version!

Original poster

GinnyTassel · 02/03/2018 10:59

And I struggle with dyslexia and other stuff

OP posts:

Italiangreyhound · 02/03/2018 11:00

There is something called CV library I think, where you can upload your CV,plus indeed, Monster etc. Are you trying all these?

MaceWindu · 02/03/2018 11:04

Did you do any volunteering/society committee stuff at university? If you've only had one job since graduation, it might be worth including other things like this to demonstrate more skills and experience.

Original poster

GinnyTassel · 02/03/2018 11:04

Yes. I have 4 weeks left in my current job before I'm made redundant. Don't know what I'll do then. I have 2 kids and apparently there is a long delay in receiving universal credit etc.

Are there any services you can pay for someone who hires people to check over your CV? My googling hasn't thrown much up.

OP posts:

bigsighall · 02/03/2018 11:06

Go to a recruitment agency. Lots of companies employ directly through them. They will also check your cv and help you getting interviews. They will give you interview tips too.
Be confident (even if it’s fake!) is the best tip I can give you.

Original poster

GinnyTassel · 02/03/2018 11:07

I'm on the Parent Helper team at child's school, but didn't want to include that as it tells employers I have children.

OP posts:

AlwaysOldBeforeMyTime · 02/03/2018 11:11

Could you register with a temping agency? Might help you get some wider experience and will look better than a gap on your CV if you don't find anything permanent straight away.

Original poster

GinnyTassel · 02/03/2018 11:19

I think I'd be ok if I got an interview. It's just trying to get one. I have sent my CV to agencies.

OP posts:

DeathMetalMum · 02/03/2018 11:20

I wouldn't worry about employers knowing you have children. In fact if you have gap in your cv then it's a perfectly reasonable explanation or why. I'd also see you helping out at school a plus, shows you are willing to do things outside of work to improve skills.

Recruitment agencies are good. Does your local area offer any services? We have a 'work zone/jobs club' run through our libraries guessing funded by the council but they help with CV's for free. Help with interview tips ect. See if there is anything like that nearby, they can offer access to courses ect. I was looking for a job before Christmas and they gave me quite a lot of information on upcoming courses. I found a job inmy but even though I had a degree (similar position to yourself i didnt have a lot of experience after my degree) they said I would be eligible. Good luck!

SilverySurfer · 02/03/2018 11:25

All good advice. I know it's laborious but try to amend your cv to ensure it fully shows your strengths for each particular application. One cv rarely can do that. I also agree re going to a recruitment agency, often temporary jobs can lead to permanent.

I wish you the very best of luck.

RaindropsAndSparkles · 02/03/2018 11:26

If you suffervwith dyslexia would you perhaps be better off looking for something more vocational, ie, hairdressing, catering, floristry, childcare, etc. Find a CV template and do a spell and grammar check and then try to get someone to help you.

Original poster

GinnyTassel · 02/03/2018 11:31

I'm not a very practical person either raindrop people told me I couldn't manage my degree but I did.

OP posts:

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