Why is it so hard to get a job nowadays

[stuffingmyfacethiseaster]

When there are suppose to be more jobs than applicants...

And not that I should be hired based on just applying. I always make the effort.

I'm losing faith in successfully gaining any employment and looking for reasons as to why nobody wants me. I think it might be my looks as I don't think I'm particularly attractive, well not conventionally attractive. It might also be that I'm a complete nervous wreck before interviews so I end up saying crap that's not relevant to the question, this then makes the interviewer feel awkward, like at the interview I had today :(

I've been turned down 4 times this week and last after having 6 job interviews. I always research the company and craft my answers beforehand so what am I doing wrong?

I'm actually finding the whole process tiring and a complete waste of time- it's been 5 months now, I can't even get a volunteer role (no references). I deliberately want to fuck up at the next interview because I don't feel bothered. I know what the outcome will be.

There are far fewer admin jobs around than their used to be. Audio typists aren’t really a thing any more apart from in the NHS. Even there, digital dictation is phasing out medical secretaries. Or the work is outsourced to India / the Philippines where it gets typed overnight.

Whilst some admin roles might be needed - it’s not a job for life. Receptionists, switchboards, retail staff, airline check in staff...won’t exist as we know it in the next twenty years.

There not their!

Can you do temp work? I've not gone long without work when tempting. You might get a few crqppy assignments in the beginning - short notice one day cover for example. But it will give you a reference, experience and once the agency k ows you are reliable and competent the quality of the temp assignments they dish out tends to get better

I think its because companies think you will leave after you graduate.

They don't want to have to replace you and then have the faff of re-training another person. So research the company, ask questions about the company or buisness to show you will be a loyal employee. Indicate you would like to develop your career with them, that you won't jump ship in a year.

Oh and yes, temping is invaluable. You can put it on the cv. Shows you are already familar with office work. You can then get references. Occasionally a position opens up while you are there and you might have the opportunity to stay. A kind of try before you buy! This has happened to me twice while tempting.

And...if you can, learn to touch type. It will open up your stage op. Employees love a touch typist (you can test your typing speed and put that on your cv after learning). I used Sencelang/Senselang (it was something like that) free online. God its a struggle at first but then you can do secretarial/PA work. Your pay will be much better.

There is research suggesting that very attractive people are more likely to be offered jobs, get shorter prison sentences and various other things. So it's possible that if you looked like a supermodel and had all the same characteristics as you do now otherwise, you'd have got something by now, yes. However, that's not going to affect most people and most jobs, and you will usually be going up against people who are nothing special to look at either. Because that's the majority of the species.

As you've already said you don't interview well, it's much more likely that this will be the problem than it is that all the jobs you've gone for have been given to people who are more good looking than you because of their appearance. Your interview technique is also much more likely to be something you can work on. I'd focus on that.

I’m really surprised you need references for voluntary work op. Most charities / third sector orgs are crying out for volunteers and appreciate that a lot of people volunteer in order to gain a reference. Have you tried do-it.org? Good luck in your quest!

@shastabeast said exactly what I was going to. What references are you putting on job forms? You must have a uni tutor or point of contact that would do you a brief reference if asked? So therefore you could use the same for any voluntary work as well.

Try temping, OP. It will help. Phone an agency today!

Also remember that you are getting interviews - so there is nothing wrong with your applications. That’s a positive to try and build on.

what is your biggest employer in your area? try them?

If you are preparing loads of crafted material for admin posts you may be over prepping and then getting nervous and waffling making it panel think you are over qualified or worry they'll get admin staff who talk too much.
Focus on being calm. Breathe in and hold before each answer. Say something relevant and then stop talking. Pleasantly check if they would like you to elaborate.
Get some experience- temping agency could help. If you are going for third sector posts try to find a way to evidence actual interest in the field they operate in. Help out with a charity without being a hired volunteer if theres a particular sector you're interested in. Eg if it was homelessness find out if theres a way to pitch into prep work for night shelters. Or if you can accompany the ride along. Or raise money. Something that allows you to show "I'm interested in/passionate about x issue" isn't just talk. That means narrowing your field a bit as you csnt get experience everywhere. But maybe some of it can be adapted. You can still talk about helping people who are vulnerable etc.

Do you have admin experience?

Job searching is kind of soul destroying anyway. When you think about it, it's like the affair threads on MN and there being an OW and all posters advising OP to NOT do the 'pick me dance'.

Job searching in itself, is saying : please pick me, please. Which is just fundamentally shit.

It's just a stage, a time to get through. And you must be strong mentally and just view it as such.

I agree with trying temping. There's clearly nothing wrong with your CV because you are getting interviews.

No references?
There's something you're not telling us.

You mentioned you're a part time under graduate, if you do volunteering with your uni they won't ask for a reference but will be able to give you a generic reference later. Also look at the university/union for admin jobs too.

I worked in a student union 3 years after uni, and often wrote generic references for my student volunteers.

That's a good point about your CV. There's obviously something positive about it. A d yes, look at volunteer opportunities within the university. What do you want to do?