Please help

[Changingthefuture]

Never been out of work previously but am now long term unemployed. Applied for similar roles and also minimum wage roles and temp roles.

Has anyone overcome this and how did you change yourself?

What kind of jobs have you done before and what qualifications do you have? Can you afford to take any new qualifications now?

Are you getting interviews and not passing them or not getting to the interview stage? (Because the advice you’ll need will vary depending on that.)

I was long term unemployed at one stage due to illness, so I get how difficult it is, I’m sorry OP. I started volunteering and it opened so many doors for me. Now I’m back in employment due specifically to the fact I did that. So I’d recommend looking for one or two good volunteering roles if you haven’t already.

Applying for loads and getting some interviews. E.g. 5 interviews for a temp role but didn't get it. Changed CV. Voluntary work sounds like the way forward.

Have you asked for feedback from those interviews? It’s a horrible thing to make yourself do but can be very helpful. And look at the star method for interviews.

Is it just a CV you’re having to give in? Most places also need some kind of cover letter for how you meet the criteria. That part is hugely important and worth spending time on. Have you got anyone who can read over your applications?

Jobs are through recruitment agencies. Often don't hear back after company interviews (yes I chase). When I get feedback it is wrong fit, experience doesn't match etc.

I have lots of experience though! Starting to think something is wrong with my personality.

It's just so competitive out there at the moment so hang on in there. It sounds like you have done the right thing to adapt CV to make sure you cover skills they require. Fingers crossed you get the right thing soon or if not something as a stop gap.

How many cv’s do you have? If you are applying for a variety of roles a one fit all cv doesn’t work. Amend it and have one for retail, one for supermarkets etc. You only need to tweak the experience sections to make it tailored to the job you’re applying for.

Cv is tweaked and if it is a minimum wage part time local job I explain why I am interested in the covering letter. I keep hearing lower expectations/ salary etc. Things I have done but I am not even getting a look in for those type of roles. No interview.

Have you looked for agency work? No interview required with any employer, they just send you if your CV / experience fits.

Do you need interview training?

Yes looked at agencies and had multiple interviews for temp roles (with employer) but didn't get the role.

Previously never had a problem with interviews but maybe companies look for different things post covid?

Finding temp work requires as many interviews as a permanent job which is depressing.

Temp work invariably requires an interview unless it's a 'we need someone NOW!' situation.

I wasn't expecting up to 6 interviews for a short term temp role. Last time i job hunted it was one interview for a temp and 3 plus interviews for permanent.

SIX interviews for one temp role? what were you, stand in CEO?? I have temped for years and I wouldn't tolerate being pissed around like that - six is excessive for a senior role, let alone someone to tidy up/fill in for a while.

One at most for a temp. No more is needed because if you don't/can't do the job the most either side needs is a week's notice.

Definitely not a CEO. It was an administrative role. Rejection after multiple interviews is more demoralising. Will stand firm in future.

I'd ask the agency why you are having multiple interviews for temp roles, TBH, and what the norm is. I've never had that many even for permanent.

Agency said the employers wanted to be sure they were getting the right temp.

Are you acting excited for the roles and for working for that each specific company? IME people who came across as positive and enthusiastic have the edge. And people who have done research and mention something specific to the business’ ethos/niche. Hard to do when you feel demoralised though I know!!

That sounds to me like a company that doesn't know what it wants or is looking for perfection. A temp is a temp - if they don't work out they get a week's notice and the company asks for another one.