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Lone parents

Use our Single Parent forum to speak to other parents raising a child alone.

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Original poster

Anyone else currently job hunting and getting nowhere ?

60 replies

MrsMorgan · 22/03/2010 16:44

There is just nothing out there, well nothing that is 16 hours or more anyway.

Everywhere seems to be only offering a few hours a week, with the possibility of more, but thats no good if you are claiming benefits.

I am only looking for minimum wage, low skilled stuff aswell so you'd think it would be easier.

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

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cordonbleugh · 22/03/2010 16:48

me! Am just at the stage where I feel ready to go back to work part time, but apart from a few jobs that I've applied for, they're either not enough hours, too many hours, need previous experience, or you need to be able to drive which I can't!

Where are you looking for jobs? I look on direct.gov every day, also local council websites, nhs jobs etc.

Am really hoping I get an interview for at least one of the three jobs I've applied for!

Original poster

MrsMorgan · 22/03/2010 17:01

I am looking on nhs, local council, direct.gov, local paper, gumtree etc.

Had an interview for 16 hours in a shop a while ago but didn't get it. Had an interview last week for cleaning rooms in a hotel, and they insisted that the hours were pretty regular, so when they invited me to clean for them for a 3 hour trial, I said yes. Only to find that the hours are not regular at all, and fluctuate every week

Have also applied for a cleaning one with the nhs but heard nothing from them.

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Original poster

MrsMorgan · 22/03/2010 17:02

What did you apply for cordon ?

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cordonbleugh · 22/03/2010 17:21

I've applied for a support worker role - 20 hours a week, an admin in social services childrens department - 18 - 22 hours a week ( said you have to be able to drive, but the woman who does the job now can't drive!! so I applied anyway!) and a childrens nursing assistant - sound like and HCA but it's very admin based, supporting the school nurses and other health professionals etc - 20 hours a week, term time only.

I'm doing a degree in health and social care so it's amazing that the 3 jobs that are suitable are also in that sector!

It's just a pain waiting for the closing date to pass and then waiting to hear if they want to interview.

Sorry to hear about the hotel job, I would be really angry too!

Theres a job at the infant school 2 mins walk down the road in the office, but it's only 12.5 hours a week so not enough!

you're a single parent like me aren't you? Having to find hours that fit in with DCs is hard too, can't do evening or weekend work for example due to lack of childcare at those hours!

Mongolia · 22/03/2010 17:47

if it helps, there are sooooooo many people out of work at the moment that no matter what a good match you are for the role, you may not get it.

I have been asking for feedback after not being offered the jobs I thought I would and the answer is always the same, that I was very successful considered the high number of applications (many times with 50+ applicants). I have even had an interview for an admin position where I was interviewed as if it were for a senior management position (no problem, I had the qualifications) yet... someone had a little extra that made all the difference.

It is very competitive out there at the moment.

Original poster

MrsMorgan · 22/03/2010 18:17

Oh I know Mongolia, I am just starting to go a bit stir crazy now. I seem to be getting the interviews ok but then not maing it any further. It is very frustrating, but as you say, there are lots of people in this position at the mo.

I am lucky in that my mum has just retired and lives right by me, so I can be quite flexible. Lack of flexibility has been a reason I have been turned down for jobs in the past.

Cordon, those all sound like fab jobs. Fingers crossed you get on of those

I have just applied to become a homestart volunteer, so hopefully I can get involved with that and stop feeling so much like a spare part.

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cordonbleugh · 22/03/2010 18:31

Thanks MrsMorgan It's good that you've got your mum available for childcare!

I've only had 2 jobs - the first I lived next door to the boss who took me in one night for a trial shift and I didn't leave for over 2 years! And my current job (4 hours a week on saturday mornings), my best friend already worked there and bigged me up to the manager who I already sort of knew so just kind of walked into that aswell!

I've been having sleepless nights lately trying to think of good things to say in interviews to make me stand out from all the other applicants!

Homestart is a fab thing to get involved with - I've heard the training is very good and any volunteer work seems to go down well with employers these days!

I'm really excited about getting back to work and getting off benefits, just hope I don't have to wait too long!

How about we keep posting updates on here?

Original poster

MrsMorgan · 22/03/2010 19:13

Fab idea Cordon, would be nice to have people in the same situation to talk to.

I have also heard that the Homestart training is very good so I am looking forward to that. I know the lady that runs the support groups they do, so I am hoping to help out at those aswell as visiting a family. Would to love to become a family support worker eventually, so it will all help.

I'm also debating doing a short OU course, just to show employers than I like to keep my brain working.

Like you, my previous jobs have always been gained through word of mouth so this is hard lol.

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cordonbleugh · 22/03/2010 19:31

How strange - I want to be a family support worker as well!!

And I'm doing my degree with OU - cannot recommend them highly enough! OU is brilliant and there are loads of MNers doing OU too.

I started off with 2 short courses and now I'm on my way to a degree!

How old are/is your DC? Juggling single parenthood with study and volunteering should be looked on favourably by employers as it shows commitment/determination/motivation/time management skills etc.

Original poster

MrsMorgan · 22/03/2010 20:14

Have just realised that you are in the midlands too lol.

I have 3 dc, 12, 10 and 7. They keep me sane and drive me nuts all in one go lol.

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cordonbleugh · 22/03/2010 20:39

yea, I'm in northants - don't tell me you are too, that would just be too weird! lol

Ah so your dc are all school age. DD starts school in september which will make things a lot easier!

I'm sure I've spoken to you on a thread before - you were going to work in a shop or help a friend out or something but you weren't sure about the hours?

QueenofWhatever · 22/03/2010 20:59

Just seen that a couple of you are interested in working for the NHS. All NHS organisations use their own 'bank' for temporary staff such as admin and healthcare assistants. You need to apply to each organisation individually to be taken on the bank. It's then like temping, so that could be difficult with regards to childcare and benefits but then when jobs do come up you have a much better chance.

cordonbleugh · 22/03/2010 21:06

thanks Queen I've seen adverts for NHS bank staff on the NHS jobs website but none in my area unfortunately.

Something to look out for and consider though!

Original poster

MrsMorgan · 22/03/2010 21:20

Thanks, queen. My local hospital does do bank contracts, but unfortunatly it's no good with benefits if it is irregular.

Cordon - I am in Brum
I was offered some work in a shop over xmas yeh, but it was only a 4 hour contract and then you basically did whatever hours each week, so again no good with the benefits.

One of these days something perfect will turn up lol

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cordonbleugh · 23/03/2010 14:34

well, no suitable jobs on direct gov today, nor local councils' websites, and NHS jobs website is down for maintenance so I can't check that

Someone from one of the jobs I've applied for ( the support worker) called me this morning to confirm that they'd got my application ( had to apply through an agency) and to double check that it was the daytime role and not the evening shifts that I wanted. So hopefully they're at least considering giving me and interview! fingers crossed

Any luck today MrsMorgan?

returningstress · 23/03/2010 17:16

I have just started looking for work, and I am finding there are very few part time jobs at the moment. I am looking for 16 hours - 20 hours. I think I am looking for admin work, but not sure if I should try something else.

I have not been offered an interview yet, but it is very early days...

It is hard at the moment, and I think its a great idea for us to keep the thread going...

cordonbleugh · 23/03/2010 18:07

Hi returningstress You sound pretty similar to me with regards to the hours you are looking for etc.

A lot of the jobs in my area are either not enough hours or too many! Trying to find 16-20 hours is like looking for the holy grail!

I think I would even stretch up to 25 hours for the right job/money. Have you got DC's?

Keep posting on here and let us know how you're getting on!

WheresMyWaistGone · 25/03/2010 08:01

I gave up in the end! I went for loads of interviews for part time admin at the local unis, but everything went internally. So I started applying a grade lower and then was over qualified for everything.

I go so depressed.

So I started my own business, which I do around ds, taking him with me most of the time. I love it, it's so flexible, and no childcare costs!

MaryBS · 25/03/2010 08:22

I just want a term time school hours job, but they get snapped up straight away, with LOADS applying! Even a job offering a few hours a week would help!

cordonbleugh · 25/03/2010 13:29

sounds fab wheresmywaistgone - starting your own business I mean. I wouldn't have a clue how to go about it though, and I really need at least 16 contracted hours in order to benefit from coming off income support.

term time only school hours jobs are very very rare! Some employers are becoming more flexible though, like the NHS.

I think you have to check for jobs every single day, and at different times too, especially if you're looking at direct.gov, as it gets updated throughout the day, same with NHS jobs website sometimes.

On a positive note however...........I've been offered an interview for the support worker job!!! I know it's only an interview and there's no guarantee I'll actually get the job, but I'm ridiculously excited!!

It's not til the 20th of april though so got a good few weeks wait ahead of me!

WheresMyWaistGone · 25/03/2010 21:14

Mary - have a look at my website www.little-bookworms.co.uk. I am self-employed and get Child and Working Tax Credits, doing 16+ hours per week.

Cordonbleugh - it's really easy and fun - as above, have a look at my website! Well done for the interview though! Don't dwell on it between now and then though! Make sure you keep reading the job info and think about really good questions to ask them, like training and future job development. Good luck!

Original poster

MrsMorgan · 25/03/2010 23:23

Yay Cordon, well done you. Good luck, will cross my fingers for you.

I have no news, have not found one single job to apply for all week, and not heard from any that I have already applied for.

Hopefully have better luck next week.

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MaryBS · 26/03/2010 08:34

Thanks WheresMyWaistGone, there is already an Usborne bookseller in the village, not sure this place is big enough for two!

WheresMyWaistGone · 26/03/2010 12:09

You'd be surprised! Chances are she has loads of work outside the village and turns loads down, so would be happy to have someone nearby to hand things on to!

If you know their name, email me and I can see if I know them and what the situation's like, if it's something that interests you.

Meglet · 27/03/2010 18:32

I'm looking too. currently work 3 days a week but with a 50 mile commute and need to get back to working closer to home. The 16 hours thing is a killer. Even dinner lady jobs are only 10 hours or so. Finding something for 16 hours (or 2/3 days) is like gold dust. Realistically I can't do a p/t job for a few hours a day as if it is in the middle of the day the dc's will have to spend a whole day at nursery and cancel out any money earned.

I have been planning to write to my MP / dept of work & pensions about this. It's all very well saying we need to work 16 hours but those sort of jobs don't seem to exist. Must be a better way of doing it.

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