Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to think job hunting is a total nightmare at the moment?

77 replies

mrsnec · 26/08/2022 08:43

I returned to the UK a year ago almost. I have been a shame for 10 years living abroad and I'm trying to return to work.

In 6 months I've had 2 interviews. The first one I had to chase for feedback. That process was 2 months.

I currently have one application in the pipeline, it's a minimum wage admin job. I applied 7 weeks ago, I've had 2 interviews and done 3 tests for this position and I still don't know the outcome and I've had to chase them at every stage.

It was an effort to get that far too as the majority of my applications are completely ignored.

It's starting to really get me down.

Is this just the norm these days?

The lengthy procedures the tests and the waiting are really stressing me out.

OP posts:
WanderingFruitWonderer · 26/08/2022 08:52

It depends what kind of work you're looking for, and in what area.
There's a lot of casual unskilled work around in many areas. Lots of agency work.
But maybe not so much in every sector. What are you looking for? Hope you find something...

NovaDeltas · 26/08/2022 08:53

Maybe in the entry level sector. Everyone will be clamouring for those. Could you apply for something more skilled?

AnnaFri · 26/08/2022 08:54

It's not the norm for skilled professions or those in demand

Unfortunately you have 10 years out of work and are applying for jobs anyone can do.

With most coming out of school now you'll also be up against 18 year olds who have just got their a level results going into work

jeaux90 · 26/08/2022 08:55

I think part time/term time jobs are a bit rare and hard to find/get but the job market is really good at the moment in my sector (IT)

All I seem to hear about is people being short staffed in so many different sectors.

Do you think it's related to this being your first job back for a while and an experience/skills issue?

Is this role one you really want or is there an opportunity to get some additional training etc first?

TheYearOfSmallThings · 26/08/2022 08:57

Definitely sign up with an agency. We are getting most of our temporary and permanent staff through that route because we know exactly what we are getting. It does make it harder for people already in a job to make a change, but you are in a good position to be flexible for a bit.

Original poster
mrsnec · 26/08/2022 08:59

My cv is very varied and I'm applying for jobs that are varied. I'm talking everything from shoe shop supervisor to credit controller.

I'm also trying to set up my own business but getting nowhere with that either and I can't figure out what direction to go in.

It's doing my head in!

I saw my perfect job the other day but it was ridiculous hours for not much money.

I'm in the SW but not particularly rural.

OP posts:
Bubblebubblebah · 26/08/2022 09:00

I would try monzo customer service. I know someone with wobbly cv who got it. Wfh.

Frankly, while there is a shortage, seeing that someone didn't work for 10 years will make some job advertisers think "well this is hard job and the person hasn't worked for ten years so they might give up after a month" and so on.

And the minimum wage job is taking a piss with taht type of recruitment

ThisisCollie2022 · 26/08/2022 09:02

I'm struggling too :( it's a nightmare. I'm in the SW and good jobs for good companies are rare!!

Everyone says "just find a wfh job" - harder than it sounds actually

Original poster
mrsnec · 26/08/2022 09:11

It's not necessarily a big gap in my CV. I've been honest. My DH had his own business abroad and I ocassionaly helped out with Marketing and accounts.

I will look into wfh customer services I do have a customer service NVQ that doesn't seem to count for anything.

Will also have a look at recruitment agencies. Didn't think people still used them and haven't found one nearby but I'm commuting distance of big university city so there should be some around.

Thanks for reassuring me about crappy admin job. It's a high street well known estate agent. I wondered if they were being a bit ridiculous.

OP posts:
AnnaFri · 26/08/2022 09:12

mrsnec · 26/08/2022 09:11

It's not necessarily a big gap in my CV. I've been honest. My DH had his own business abroad and I ocassionaly helped out with Marketing and accounts.

I will look into wfh customer services I do have a customer service NVQ that doesn't seem to count for anything.

Will also have a look at recruitment agencies. Didn't think people still used them and haven't found one nearby but I'm commuting distance of big university city so there should be some around.

Thanks for reassuring me about crappy admin job. It's a high street well known estate agent. I wondered if they were being a bit ridiculous.

You don't need to find a nearby recruitment agency

They're online...

coconuthead · 26/08/2022 09:13

Recruiters are online they don't really have high street offices any more

Original poster
mrsnec · 26/08/2022 09:17

So, the crappy admin job was perfect for me because its 5 mins walk from home and DC's school and exactly the hours I want.

The perfect job is digital marketing for a nonprofit huge local tourist attraction but they want 40 hours + and it works out less than minimum wage! That's why I didn't even apply.

OP posts:
AnnaFri · 26/08/2022 09:19

mrsnec · 26/08/2022 09:17

So, the crappy admin job was perfect for me because its 5 mins walk from home and DC's school and exactly the hours I want.

The perfect job is digital marketing for a nonprofit huge local tourist attraction but they want 40 hours + and it works out less than minimum wage! That's why I didn't even apply.

Do you have any digital marketing experience? Or enough in this country?

As most skilled roles in digital marketing are easy to secure.

But you'd need relevant experience here.

Original poster
mrsnec · 26/08/2022 09:24

Yes to digital marketing experience in all my previous UK roles, in my business and DH's

OP posts:
AnnaFri · 26/08/2022 09:26

mrsnec · 26/08/2022 09:24

Yes to digital marketing experience in all my previous UK roles, in my business and DH's

Then why not focus on this and adapt your CV for it

Having such a varied CV is a red flag for most employers

Pick a lane and go for it

Original poster
mrsnec · 26/08/2022 09:26

Re recruitment agencies, that does show I'm a bit out of touch. I've been using Indeed and Totaljobs what else or who else do you recommend?

OP posts:
WeAreAllLionesses · 26/08/2022 09:26

What is the business you're trying to set up?

AnnaFri · 26/08/2022 09:28

mrsnec · 26/08/2022 09:26

Re recruitment agencies, that does show I'm a bit out of touch. I've been using Indeed and Totaljobs what else or who else do you recommend?

Do you have a LinkedIn account?

Most jobs are posted on there

Muddybrownlegohair · 26/08/2022 09:28

I'm in marketing and digital marketing and it is hard depending on where you are in the UK.

How old are you OP? I'm finding that when I apply (10 years experience) the feedback is that I'm older

But of course they word in nice vague legal ways such as "you wouldn't fit in with the younger team".....

Or "we feel you have too many home commitments for this role. Other candidates had more flexibility"

I have 1 DC and applied for a full time IN OFFICE role. Didn't ask for part time, WFH or anything like that.

It is tricky. But keep applying - you'll find something!

Third sector is hopeless btw. My last 2 roles were CIC's and it was awful!!

Angelinflipflops · 26/08/2022 09:29

Could the digital marketing job have been done from home then you could have 'worked smart', ie less hours but still get the job done

BlueKaftan · 26/08/2022 09:29

A temporary agency could also be the way to go, and I’d go easy on referring to “crappy admin” jobs. You’re the one who chose to be unemployed for 10 years.

Muddybrownlegohair · 26/08/2022 09:30

Those "crappy admin jobs" have over 80 applicants where I am. And only the best of the best get them.

Nothing crappy about that!

Could it be that your digital marketing experience is out of date? The world of marketing moves FAST

Frazzled2207 · 26/08/2022 09:34

I’m a recruiter. We find the vast majority of candidates through linked in though admittedly it’s fairly senior/skilled jobs.

indeed etc are not agencies, just websites

suggest setting up a linked in profile then have a look on there for jobs. You should also be able to find relevant agencies on there.

the job market generally is very buyoant. But as others have said competition will be intense for entry level jobs. That said it sounds like you have some useful experience. Don’t forget what you did 10 years ago either.

lawandgin · 26/08/2022 09:34

@Muddybrownlegohair that sounds like some nice sex discrimination there!

Muddybrownlegohair · 26/08/2022 09:36

Pretty standard for Cornwall unfortunately @lawandgin

Most women I know here have had dodgy interview questions and feedback.