To feel sad I can't get a job? :(

[Tillu]

I've just had another rejection email through today; I didn't even get an interview. :(

I'm not sure what I am doing wrong.

Am I too old? I'm 32. I'm applying for admin jobs around 20 - 25k per year. I have a degree and experience of being self-employed and working online from home.

I want a change and to get out of the house, but I can't even get an interview.

Does anyone have any tips or advice? I'd love to work for a charity organisation or similar, but I am not too fussy at this stage!

I have my degree and relevant experience on my CV.

I'm presentable, polite, professional and friendly. At least I think I am! Maybe I'm not!

What am I doing wrong?

No advice I'm afraid but I'm in a similar boat.

Self employed for the past 18 months but wanting to get back out there and not having much luck!

Hope you bag something soon!

Tillu, what's your career history? Are there any recent gaps (e.g., for looking after children)?

Most big companies use software that scans your CV looking for keywords that are relevant to the position, so definitely expand it to two pages.

but I keep coming across American websites

The horror!

Could you be over qualified for these roles? Sounds like entry level roles but your older and have got life / work experience and with good qualifications. Have you tried going for higher project roles? Definitely look at civil service and arms length bodies there’s lots of recruiting at moment.

@MissConductUS thank you! And 😆 sorry, I didn't mean that in a negative way, just that it might not be as relevant to applying for a job in the UK.

@ButtercupBlue good to know we're not alone, at least! Wishing you luck.

@helpmefindahouse No, no gaps, just being self-employed, I've also done some freelance work which I guess doesn't look so appealing on the CV.

@SkiRun0077 I'm scared to apply for higher level roles in case I get in and have no idea what I'm doing! I'd rather start small and work my way up; however, that is proving difficult!

Admin is VERY competitive. Considering I've been part of an Ops team and all sorts of similar duties with big names I thought it would be easy for me to get an admin job (I was so wrong!) Ha r you tried LinkedIn? I'm happy to hel! I went through 80 job applications but finally found my dream job!

Do you have any admin qualifications? I have a Level 2 NVQ in Business Admin, it was entirely a waste of time but companies seem to value it. You might be going up against people with degrees and Admin NVQs/qualifications plus 80wpm and experience. Can you do some online admin qualifications?

Argh @Onlyrainbows I'm glad you found your dream job though!

Yes, I'm on LinkedIn but I don't really do much there... I have my uni/ degree listed, but apart from that I don't post anything. Should I be?

OP I've worked in higher education and now work in charity and admin roles are hugely competitive because they are often a first rung on the ladder to developing a career within that field. I echo the poster up thread who recommends voluntary experience for charity work. Being so competitive you really need to tailor your application carefully to each role and show you understand the sector and demonstrate your passion for it. Definitely expand your CV, do some volunteering or temp work and stay positive. Good luck

@elbea

Do you have any admin qualifications? I have a Level 2 NVQ in Business Admin, it was entirely a waste of time but companies seem to value it. You might be going up against people with degrees and Admin NVQs/qualifications plus 80wpm and experience. Can you do some online admin qualifications?

I love your honesty! That's a good idea, I'll look into it, thank you.

Thanks @AuntHilda you sound like your exactly where I'd like to be! Do you have any advice on temp agencies in terms of the best starting point?

You're* haha

It’s not easy to go back into the job market so hats off to you!

I think you should definitely increase your CV to two pages with half of a page per job role/ freelance work.

Indeed may have some templates for CVs, also use the job description of current roles that are going to form your CV. Recruiters will be able to see that you’re a great fit for the role!

I think it would be worth going to recruitment agencies as when they receive any roles they can put you forward as well.

Admin is very very competitive with hundreds of applicants at times so apply to multiple roles daily like 20 plus. I hope that helps!

It would also be worth looking for a graduate apprenticeship. I work in the public sector and we have taken on about 30 over the past few years, in everything from admin and customer service to some hardcore scientific areas.

Apprenticeships are great because you get on the job experience, pay (similar to the level you’re looking at), a recognised qualification AND a foot in the door with a big employer.

@MsAgnesDiPesto

It would also be worth looking for a graduate apprenticeship. I work in the public sector and we have taken on about 30 over the past few years, in everything from admin and customer service to some hardcore scientific areas.

Apprenticeships are great because you get on the job experience, pay (similar to the level you’re looking at), a recognised qualification AND a foot in the door with a big employer.

Thank you, I looked at that, however, am I too old at 32?

@Tillu what part of the UK are you looking for work in? London has heaps of admin jobs going at the moment. Location can be a factor.

Thank you, I looked at that, however, am I too old at 32?

Definitely not! Some of ours are in their forties at least. It’s a good opportunity to change career without having to give up work completely to retrain.

Thank you @MsAgnesDiPesto I really appreciate your reply.

My goodness, I wish I knew some of you IRL! I could do with friends like this 😆

Sorry no advice, just my warmest wishes and hopes for you.

I don't know where you are but unitemps is a good shout for higher Ed if there is a branch near you. charityjob.co.uk is a good site and all the agencies feature there. Local charities often advertise volunteer vacancies through their local CVS support organisation for their county.

I suggest you look at Admin Officer level in the civil service. Thousands of vacancies based all over the UK and lots of home based or flexible working. Good career progression if you show the right aptitude. Good IT skills are essential.

Have you tried going through a recruiter rather than applying by yourself? I find getting jobs through recruiters a lot easier than on my own.

For charity admin I'd try TPP - they've helped me get some fab jobs in the past.

OP - I wonder if you’re aiming too low? Have to tried applying for more jobs at the £25k - £30k?

A few years ago I was out of work, lots of experience and couldn’t get an interview. I was exasperated and applied for some stuff I thought was out of reach. Suddenly got 4 interviews in a day and two offers.

Your OP is well written, you have experience, I reckon try revamping your CV and aiming a bit higher would help.

I’m sure many have offered but if you’d like me to look at your CV I’d be happy to - I recruit for mid level admin and finance people (£30k ish) quite a lot.

You need to sign up with a temp agency. All good admin jobs Ive had, I've got in via a temp agency first. Its much more difficult to get in if you apply cold. Plus it will show recently relevant experience which can only help.