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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To be struggling trying to get a job

113 replies

tbear2O19 · 01/04/2019 17:20

After raising my children, getting over PND, PTSD and battling with anxiety. I'd quite like to re enter the work place

However it's proving difficult, I've been out of work for a while so I don't have any references or confidence tbh.
I got help with my CV, which was about 5 weeks ago now. So far I have applied for 61 jobs and nada.

I even applied for a job and within 10 hours they'd emailed me saying sorry but no.
I do have a job interview for spoons (yay go me, summoning the courage is proving difficult but I got nicer fitting trousers and a nice top!) But on the other hand I'm deflated, it's only a few hours on a Saturday. Is that all I'm worth? Lol

Not strictly a BU question but I know I can rely on a few of you to kick my ass and make me realise I just need to power on!!

OP posts:

dontfluffthefluffer · 01/04/2019 19:16

I feel your pain, I got (yet another) rejection through today for a job I was desperately wanting.

Keep going, don't give up hope.

Original poster

tbear2O19 · 01/04/2019 19:18

Lime I'm glad in a way that I'm not alone! Everyone always says it's hard to return but I was always breezy, never thought it'd be an issue.
I've been out of work for about 4 years now, my most recent was volunteering last year.
I just want to have my own money now!!

OP posts:

Frenchfancy · 01/04/2019 19:20

My experience with temping agencies is not to wait for them to ring you, you ring them. Ring them on a Friday afternoon when they are looking at the week ahead, or a Monday morning when they might have had calls from companies after someone phoned in sick.

You need to make your name familiar to them (without going overboard and being considered a pain)

LimeKiwi · 01/04/2019 19:22

Good advice FrenchFancy (sorry, I'm not the OP but in the same position) you've just reminded me to ring and chase up the agencies I registered with the other week!
Registered with loads but haven't heard anything back.
In the past I've found if you you bug them by ringing them up every week they usually find you something lol

DangerZone · 01/04/2019 19:40

If you have a citizens advice bureau nearby it might be worthwhile volunteering there. I have a couple of friends who basically never had a job (in their 30s) and now both work there in part time paid roles having started as volunteers and received good training.

Also - a bit old school - but try printing out cv's and handing them in to places in person. Not everyone advertises online or through agencies.

Unihorn · 01/04/2019 20:42

Kitchen porter wouldn't be any good if you can't work evenings though, nor would most restaurant jobs. I would also advise against dropping CVs these days as GDPR means that noone can hold those kind of documents anymore!

Original poster

tbear2O19 · 01/04/2019 20:49

Kitchen porter hours were 10am - 4pm so thought it sounded perfect! I'm trying not to apply for jobs that aren't suitable hours but I'm quite flexible and if need be I can pull in childcare from somewhwre

OP posts:

SeeSpotRun · 01/04/2019 21:03

Obviously it varies by region, but near us the small 7-11 Tesco stores are all short staffed. As PP have said, having a current job makes it easier to get a job.

PurpleCrazyHorse · 01/04/2019 21:12

I'm in a similar position, also 4 years SAHM. Had some interviews but yet to get a job.

Tailoring CVs and application forms to the job description and person spec is time well spent (although a total pain!). I think that's where I've got the interviews, unfortunately the feedback has been that others have had more experience in similar roles. I'm hoping to do more volunteering when DS starts school in September, then I'll have more to talk about at interview.

Livvylovesgin · 01/04/2019 21:21

I don't know where you live OP but have you tried your local council website.
My council ( I work for them too) struggle to find staff to work in caring roles and also cleaning, catering and care taking roles in schools.

runlift · 01/04/2019 22:49

Have you asked for feedback on your cv/why you were rejected from the roles? Have you made it clear why there is a gap in your cv? eg. Took a career break to look after young children but now keen to return to workplace as a xyz. I am reliable, trustworthy and able to be flexible with hours. Etc etc

Stormy76 · 01/04/2019 23:04

Keep trying with the Care home jobs, take a look on reed, they advertise loads of different roles and have some cheap courses that you can do to beef up your CV, take a look and see what courses are available at the local colleges because it might help to get some of those under your belt as well. There are charities who can help people find work, contact your local branch of Headsup they work with people who have had MH issues and support them back to work. They can go through applications with you, interview training and make sure that you are accessing any free training in your area.

Livvylovesgin · 02/04/2019 19:49

@tbear2O19 , some updates for you. Please let us know how you get on.

Original poster

tbear2O19 · 03/04/2019 17:42

Well I had a job interview for a house keeping position today and then the spoons one was at 3 this afternoon.
The house keeping one will get back to me tomorrow afternoon, I think I aced that one!! Keep your fingers crossed for me please

OP posts:

runlift · 03/04/2019 19:38

Congratulations! That's great news. I do think it's often a numbers game just apply and interview lots and try to have a tough shell if there are rejections

OldAndWornOut · 03/04/2019 19:44

I applied for a job working nights in a care home.
I tailored my letter, included the fact that I have almost 30 years experience and up to date dbs, all other mandatory training and an nvq 3, plus a black sack full of extra training that I've done.
Letter back "Sorry, you're not the right fit for the position"

Gin96 · 04/04/2019 08:01

What about doing free courses, there are quite a few online, Microsoft packages are good, try Vision2learn, I did the Business admin course and loved it 😊

Gin96 · 04/04/2019 08:02

Also don’t take it personally, it’s really hard at the moment, there are a lot of people going for the same job

DonnaDarko · 04/04/2019 08:05

I have my fingers crossed for you!

I echo Gin96 I think there are a lot of people going for similar roles, which is why you're finding it so hard.

Some relevant recent work experience would help. Are you able to do any volunteering, like in a charity shop or in a care home? Those are options to consider if you end up still looking.

Good luck with your applications! X

Original poster

tbear2O19 · 05/04/2019 07:06

Well I don't think I got the house keeping job which is the one I really really wanted
Cant afford to do any courses or volunteer as I need the money unfortunately. my last volunteer position was only January last year so doesn't feel like a major break but maybe it is to employers

OP posts:

HoraceCope · 05/04/2019 07:20

I spose the hours for the kitchen porter job were popular
are there companies that clean peoples houses near you?
are they tourist places that you can clean for?

HoraceCope · 05/04/2019 07:21

dinner lady jobs?
have you looked on council website?

Gin96 · 05/04/2019 07:40

The courses are free and are very good, you can do them in the evenings, you need 10 hours a week

HoraceCope · 05/04/2019 07:42

Go for the job no one else wants op, if you can.

HoraceCope · 05/04/2019 07:43

go out on foot with your cv's

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