Will I ever get a job???

[PrudenceDear]

I was made redundant from my previous job in the autumn last year and since then I’ve had no luck in securing employment. I’m trying to move into a Monday - Friday 9-5 type of role from a crazy 24/7 role but I have no office experience but years of customer service.

My skills mostly just don’t match.
I’ve been offered a couple of positions but one was a 90 minute commute each way with no transfer for a set period (I applied locally), the other was shifts (not advertised) that I just would struggle to get childcare to cover.

How do I get office experience? I’m starting to panic, the savings are dwindling and nothing in sight..... feeling really despondent today...

It’s tough, I feel for you. Have you signed up to any agencies for temping? That could be helpful.

Agencies, also do you live near a big employer like university or large hospital as they'll have their own agencies and loads of different types of work

Start with temping in offices to get the experience.

Thanks for replies. Yes I’m near lots of big employers, regularly checking every job site for miles. I feel like it’s taking over my life....
I’ve signed up to a couple of agencies but never heard a word from them.
I’ve had calls from a couple of others asking me to go and register, they say they’ll confirm details to me via email and I’ve not heard another word from them. I figure if they cant confirm an appointment, they’re not going to try very hard for me.

I have another dozen jobs to apply for tomorrow, 5 out of 6 rejections so far this week.

Check Linkedin jobs if you aren't already doing that and create a good profile.
Do you have good computer skills? Outlook, Word and Excel?
If so, have you looked for virtual assistant work to get experience whilst home?
Are there any local organisations/companies you could approach for freelance or ad hoc work?
If you don't have software knowledge I think you might struggle in an office role and will need training.
Good luck and keep trying. I'm sure it will happen!

Remember you get hundreds of rejections, a few interviews, but only one single job offer (which is when you stop looking) so to get rejections is only natural. Try to cold call smaller employers, in addition to checking in with agencies and big employers. At a small firm you're likely to speak to the manager directly, who can make the decision to hire himself (herself).

Make sure you use all your contacts. My friend was made redundant, she made her Linked In sparkle, shared it on Facebook and maybe Twitter and asked her friends to share it where relevant. She got several offers of interviews and bagged a fab job.