To think I’m unemployable?

[23andbroke]

I’m 24 next month. I graduated university (psychology) in 2019, then decided to take spend time travelling before entering the world of work. When the first lockdown happened I had to immediately return home, and I haven’t been able to find a job since!

I feel like a complete failure for having a massive career gap on my CV. I have had retail jobs in the past but there aren’t many retail roles available right now, the jobs are in high demand due to pandemic redundancies etc and I’ve been unsuccessful each time.

Would really appreciate advice on how to get out of this mess as it’s honestly depressing

[23andbroke]

UPDATE:

Hey everyone. I know it’s been a while but after all your support and private messages, I think it’s only right that I update you!

I’m now 24 & employed! I got the job last month, and amazingly am on £27k which helps stem the gap of being unemployed for a while. Really enjoying it so far and just wanted to thank you all for your support and tough love.

[SunIsComing]

Well done!!

[23andbroke]

Thank you so much !! @SunIsComing

[PaulaTrilloe]

Well done you!

What type of role is it?

[MrsRockAndRoll]

Excellent update! What is the job?

[23andbroke]

Thank you both it’s a civil service role (executive officer)

[BoulderSun]

Is there any freelance work you could do OP? (E.g. proofreading, blog writing, etc etc) Sites such as People per Hour, etc. offer a platform for finding and offering freelance work, which could help you fill the gap on your CV and don’t require the commitment and outlay (eg website, marketing, etc etc.) of a permanent move into freelancing. It would also give you something to talk about in interviews and shows initiative, resourcefulness, and resilience.

[BoulderSun]

Sorry OP didn’t read the whole thread and didn’t spot how old the original post was 🤦‍♀️

Well done on the new job, that’s fantastic :)

[Ibizafun]

My dd is the same age and in same position as you so I really understand and feel for you. Please don’t give up, volunteer in any capacity in what you studied and structure your day, committing to sending off your cv with covering letters for a set amount of hours each day.

[Ibizafun]

Another one who didn’t read the whole thread sorry.. well done!!!

[Ibizafun]

How did you get the job if you don’t mind me asking?

[23andbroke]

Haha I don’t blame anyone for not reading the thread, I did waffle on🤦🏼‍♀️

But thank you both so much, your advice is still really useful as this isn’t my dream career, and your tips will help me get where I want to be.

@Ibizafun sorry to hear about your daughter, hope she’s hanging on! Their website is //www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk/csr/index.cgi

It was actually a fairly easy application. You write a mini essay on how you showed a skill proficiency (eg communicating and Influencing), then complete an online situational judgement test. If successful there’s a video interview and pre employment checks. Ironically I had to jump through more hoops for a minimum wage retail job!

[Ibizafun]

Thank you I’m so happy for you. If and when you decide to move on, I have no doubt you’ll find it easier already working, and congrats on such a great wage! You’ve done really well.

[23andbroke]

@Ibizafun aww thank you! what a lovely post - that has made my day! Wish you/your daughter all the best in her search!