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Original poster

I feel so down - nobody wants to employ me

22 replies

happy1 · 02/10/2004 17:01

I've been applying for several tempary parttime jobs. Nearly all the application forms have these personality tests on them, and I'm obviously not scoring very well on them because I'm getting letters saying I wasn't successful. I have loads of experience in the jobs I'm going for, and I got good grades, and good references. Why can't I get a job? Is it because I've been a stay at home mum for 3 years? Or do I just have a crap personality? All I want is a bit of extra income and to get out of the house without the kids

OP posts:
pixiefish · 02/10/2004 17:36

down to luck of the draw probably and something will come up. it's not you that's crap- the tests are and can be manipulated... keep trying {{{{{{{{{{{{{}}}}}}}}}}}}} hugs

Original poster
happy1 · 02/10/2004 19:32

Thanks pixiefish, I think they should scrap those tests. They make you feel really shite.

OP posts:
zubb · 02/10/2004 19:39

are there any web sites that show you what the tests are and what they are looking for?
do keep trying though as it will work out.

MeanBean · 02/10/2004 20:15

Happy, are you sure it's because of the tests? Do you phone up and ask for feedback? At what stage are you being rejected - after interview, or after application form?

cat82 · 02/10/2004 20:21

Hi Happy1, if you're looking for temperary part time work, have you thought about using an employment agency? i temped for about 3 years and i LOVED it.I don't know which area you're in but i know that Office Angels, Adecco and Brook Street are in loads of places, and normaly more than one branch as well. They don't just do temperoray work, they find permanent full time, and part time- so you can do different stuff as well. Plus you move around, i really enjoyed the variation.
They don't give you personality tests to join either, just basic maths, computer, english skills etc, and i found that normaly it doesn't really matter what mark you get they can always find something.
Chin up, i couldn't get past those silly personality tests either (if they're the kind i'm thinking of) and it's not you, they're just crap! Hope this helps

cat
xxxx

Original poster
happy1 · 02/10/2004 20:33

Meanbean, it's after application forms, had no interviews at all!
Cat - are employment agencies for all sorts of jobs?

OP posts:
MeanBean · 02/10/2004 20:35

What sort of jobs are you applying for? (what sort of job needs to know about your personality?)

cat82 · 02/10/2004 20:36

empolyment agencies cater for everything. Some cater for absolutly all jobs EVER! some for more specific jobs, computing, catering, childcare, teaching, hgv drivers (!) etc, tthere will almost certainly be something out there for you.

xx

jodee · 02/10/2004 21:14

Happy1, I empathise with your situation. I Have to say I have been very dissolutioned with employment agencies in the last 6 months. I also was after part-time (temp or permanent) work and was only sent for one interview (and I registered at 4 agencies). Very happy when I got the job, only to be told that the company wanted to completely restructure the hours that we had agreed, which were no good at all.
Consequently, I have now applied (not through agencies) for Christmas temporary work and have come up trumps!
Why not give M&S, Boots, Asda, Woolworths a try (if retail is your thing?). I'd never done retail before and was offered a job the same day.
Good luck.

jodee · 02/10/2004 21:18

whoops, that should be "disillusioned". !

SofiaAmes · 03/10/2004 00:05

happy1, stick with it! When I went back to work after having my first (he was 11 mo. old) it took me 3 months to find a job. I'm an architect and have the kind of experience and cv that had ALWAYS gotten me a job right away. I found it really difficult to have people look at me crosseyed when I said that I wanted a part time or temporary job as I didn't know what it would be like working with a young child. I used a handful of agencies, but in the end found that the best one was one that exclusively dealt with architecture. I have also done temping in the past and found that it could be a lot of fun. I would recommend it as a stop gap until you do find the right job. The other thing is that temping is often a great way to get a job... once they have you in there and see how good you are, they often offer you a proper job.

tigermoth · 03/10/2004 08:32

happy1, have you got copies of your answers to the application forms and personality test? You might find it helpful to go to a careers centre (ask your town hall if your local council run one) and show them the forms, explain what jobs you want and what's happening. Getting a professional outsider to look over what you are doing might highlight possible problmes you are unaware of. Also, some councils like ours run job agencies that place local people in local jobs.

I'd also phone the companies and ask them for feedback. It might not be your answers on the personality form that's to blame for the lack of interviews. I know how hard job hunting can seem. Those forms can take ages to fill in. I am working in an area I love, but my job is temporary. I have been shortlisted for 3 other permanent jobs this year, have had the interview, but never quite got the job!! I have now been offered a similar post to one of the jobs I was applying for, but still don't know the full details and how serious the offer is.

Original poster
happy1 · 04/10/2004 22:56

All the jobs I've applied for are in retail, most of them are also xmas jobs. I've tried B+Q, Tescos, co-op, woolies(where I've worked before), Boots(worked before!), Curry's, M+S, Next, Pizza Hut. I'm still waiting to hear from Next and M+S.

OP posts:
ChicPea · 04/10/2004 23:05

Happy1, what happened to your son re: him not having any energy???? Were you referred to a specialist? I read in the coeliac society cook book (it's new) all the signs you listed.

jodee · 04/10/2004 23:56

Happy, I'd go along with Tigermoth's suggestion and run the tests past an independent eye at a careers office, or do you have friends or family in retail who have done these tests as well and can give you some pointers?
I'm positive you have a great personality, especially as you have worked twice in retail already, but I would take the personality tests with a pinch of salt.
Did you do the M&S test over the phone? They should have told you immediately whether you passed the screening test or not.
Don't give up, though, the right job is out there for you.

Original poster
happy1 · 05/10/2004 14:08

Chicpea, sorry I haven't posted for a long time! We are actually going to see a specialist today at 3.40, So I did manage to nag them. I was told not to try him on the diet though, if he has got an intolerance to gluten then his gut would start to heal and it would show up. I will let you know the outcome of his appointment later.

OP posts:
Original poster
happy1 · 07/10/2004 15:16

With regards to my job search, I have 2 interviews to go to now! I have posted on my other original thread on ds, about his appointment!

OP posts:
tigermoth · 07/10/2004 18:02

happy for you happy1 - good luck!

jodee · 08/10/2004 21:05

Good news Happy! Fingers crossed for you.

pixiefish · 08/10/2004 21:14

Good luck happy1- when are your interviews? We'll be thinking of you

Original poster
happy1 · 11/10/2004 20:50

I had one interview on sat, which went really well, I'll find out during this week; and I had one this morning which was OK, not brilliant though. But they want someone to do more hours than I would be able to do anyway. So keep your fingers crossed for me!!

OP posts:
sassybabee · 28/10/2004 07:58

i started looking for work last year, got quite a few interviews. but when it can to when can you start , i said as soon as i found childcare for the children( and then they ask how many kids ive got ...i say 3...they dont want to know!)
thats discrimination if ever i heard it, really annoying cos i can do the job, if you'd give me the chance!!

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