Not getting anywhere :/

[OneBrightAzureBiscuit]

hi, not looking for AIBU but didn’t know where to post this. I’ve been looking for a new job for quite sometime now and I’m not getting anywhere. I have looked over my CV & made sure it’s up to date with references and my skills highlighted. It looks good enough to me- but I just can’t get a job. I used to apply for a handful and get phone calls the next day but it seems the job market has got very hard and I’m trying my hardest (lack of effort is a common misconception). There’s no proper retail jobs around barring like 6 and they’re jobs I’m not qualified in like I don’t drive or have the qualifications they’re looking for. I’ve applied to recruitment agencies emailing my cv they didn’t get back to me, I’ve applied for cleaning jobs, care, nursery, support work, anything you can think of! 95% of the time nobody replies and 5% of the time that lovely unsuccessful email comes into my inbox.
let me clarify I DO WANT TO WORK, before people come at me. It seems it’s a very controversial subject and I am trying my best! I suffer with various challenges mentally and I would love to work. Also another problem is I’ve had gaps in employment I’m talking years, because of mental illness and employers do ask me. I don’t know what to do apart from keep trying my best and applying- it seems a lot lot harder nowadays with way more hoops to jump through and no joy. Please no hateful comments, if anyone has similar experiences, advice or anything that would be lovely.
tia x

What is your background in? You’re applying for jobs across several industries, but if you don’t have recent or any experience in those areas, you’re unlikely to be successful. You can’t really just walk into support work or childcare without experience and / or qualifications.

Have you had somebody else look over your CV? Do you have a blunt friend or even a former colleague or manager who could give it a review and let you know what could be improved or which bits you should emphasise to increase your chances?

The job market isn’t currently as good as it has been at some points, you’re correct, but the key is putting yourself ahead of the competition. How old are you? Are there any free or low cost Adult Learning courses or qualifications you might be eligible for via your local authority or a local college? That would show to employers that despite being out of the workforce for long periods, you’re still committed to ongoing learning and improving your skills and employability.

@ComtesseDeSpair thank you for your reply- my area is sales assistant/retail and I have on my xx my volunteering at oxfam charity shop. The adult learning courses are a good idea thank you, hopefully it distracts from the fact I’ve been off the horse a while :( x