[MrHappy_J]

(Original post by Holby_fanatic)
Reading this thread makes me so grateful that I have a job!

To all of you that do not have one as of yet, just keep doing what you are doing. Employers are going to see that you really are dedicated and then you are more likely to get a job.

This was posted from The Student Room's Android App on my GT-S5360

That´s a pretty pointless comment...

[Holby_fanatic]

(Original post by MrHappy_J)
That´s a pretty pointless comment...

Eventually, you will get employed though. Did you read the rest of the comment or just look at that?

This was posted from The Student Room's Android App on my GT-S5360

[MrHappy_J]

(Original post by Holby_fanatic)
Eventually, you will get employed though. Did you read the rest of the comment or just look at that?

This was posted from The Student Room's Android App on my GT-S5360

Yes, you basically said that whatever it is we´re doing that´s obviously not helping us to find emplyoment, we should carry on doing and employers will see that we´re dedicated and hire us because of that. I call BS.

[blueflower114]

(Original post by ConstantlyStressed)
I know that a lot of people are experiencing this, but it's seriously getting to me.

I've been trying for the past three months to get a job. I've applied to so many jobs; as soon as I'm aware of a vacancy, I always apply, but they never get to me.
I've gotten an interview ONCE, and even then they rejected me afterwards.

Whenever I start to feel discouraged, I always find some way to re-motivate myself, but it's happened so many times now that I just feel so hopeless.

I've got previous experience working in a retail store, volunteering at charities and at primary schools, and working at Pizza Hut. But no-one has ever gotten back to me, or emailed me. I've even called back a few, and they told me that they're "still processing the applications, and will get back to me". But they haven't, and it's been weeks, so I've just assumed that I've been unsuccessful yet again.

What makes it worse is that a couple of my friends have easily gotten jobs, simply by applying to a few and getting interviews instantly. They're always boasting about how they've got a lot of money to spend nowadays. I guess, as childish and pathetic as it sounds, it just seems unfair, seeing as I'm trying so hard.

I've gone around town, handing out my CV to nearly all stores, I've checked daily on Jobcentreplus and Indeed and Reed and InRetail and Monster...and it's just not working. I feel so washed out and useless. What can I do?

Maybe you should ask your friends to see if you can look at their CVs/Covering letters/Application forms to see what is different to yours that could be getting them the job. Also I dare say they got jobs quite quickly because they know someone in the store that has recommended them for the position. Companies will nearly also take on people that are personally recommended to them than a random person off the street. Maybe you could try and get into contact with people you use to work for/volunteer for and see if they know anyone that has a job going spare? If not then you could always try befriending people at the places you have applied for maybe- it's worth a go anyway! If that doesn't work maybe go back and volunteer at charity shops again- or go on some type of course to boost your CV up a bit more.

Unfortunately nowadays it's not the qualifications you have to get a job, it's mainly down to who you know. Good luck with your job hunting- I gave up and decided to start university instead in September.

[green chica]

(Original post by ConstantlyStressed)
I know that a lot of people are experiencing this, but it's seriously getting to me.

I've been trying for the past three months to get a job. I've applied to so many jobs; as soon as I'm aware of a vacancy, I always apply, but they never get to me.
I've gotten an interview ONCE, and even then they rejected me afterwards.

Whenever I start to feel discouraged, I always find some way to re-motivate myself, but it's happened so many times now that I just feel so hopeless.

I've got previous experience working in a retail store, volunteering at charities and at primary schools, and working at Pizza Hut. But no-one has ever gotten back to me, or emailed me. I've even called back a few, and they told me that they're "still processing the applications, and will get back to me". But they haven't, and it's been weeks, so I've just assumed that I've been unsuccessful yet again.

What makes it worse is that a couple of my friends have easily gotten jobs, simply by applying to a few and getting interviews instantly. They're always boasting about how they've got a lot of money to spend nowadays. I guess, as childish and pathetic as it sounds, it just seems unfair, seeing as I'm trying so hard.

I've gone around town, handing out my CV to nearly all stores, I've checked daily on Jobcentreplus and Indeed and Reed and InRetail and Monster...and it's just not working. I feel so washed out and useless. What can I do?

The recession is the largest factor and is not your fault. However, the bit in bold is your fault. Don't wait for them to get back to you. Keep prodding them until they either give you an interview or tell you to never contact them again.

After I was hired for my current (and only) job I asked what were the reasons I was hired because I work at a company that is notoriously hard to get a job at unless you know someone already in the company (I didn't), and one of the reasons was that they liked how I kept asserting myself and took the initiative to make them repeatedly hear my name/see my face. GO IN and talk to them. I would go in at least once every two weeks (usually once a week) and ask about the status of my application and whether or not they were conducting interviews yet. Finally, they gave me an interview on the spot and I was hired! If they see your face/hear your name over and over, they are going to look at your application before all the other John Smith's who have applied. Trust me, it works. Be friendly and don't be too pushy, but show them that you're really interested in the job and becoming a part of their company.

[Holby_fanatic]

(Original post by MrHappy_J)
Yes, you basically said that whatever it is we´re doing that´s obviously not helping us to find emplyoment, we should carry on doing and employers will see that we´re dedicated and hire us because of that. I call BS.

Through reading through all the comments, you all seem to be doing as much as you possibly can so obviously you should keep doing that.
Also, I may sound stupid for asking this, but what does BS stand for?

[iDaveyy]

I am in complete sympathy with your situation. Last year I was about to start studying for my as levels and really wanted a part time job, and instantly got caught up in the circle of frustration and anger that I wasn't getting any responses. I didnt care if the response was that I didnt get the job, I just wanted to hear something, anything from the company.

I started by only applying for positions that I was intersted, i.e. mobile phone shops, Currys, etc. but was having no luck. I would be searching on monster, reed for these but to no avail.

Howver after going through the online cv type process of applying online, I realised that I would have to expand my horizons. I made sure my CV was of a good standard, and made each one personal to each company. I also made covering letters for each company. It took forever, however instead of applying online, I decided to go into every single store I could think of with my personalised CV and covering letter, and made sure I handed it in personally to the manager. This shows you are confident, and eager for any vacancy that comes available, even if it is in the long term future. I kept checking local retail park websites, and even if the company was somewhere I had never heard of, I would do some research, and make the CV personal to them. As long as it looks like you are passionate about the company and know what your talking about, they need not know you have never heard of them before.

This really paid off for me, and after months of applying to every single store (tons of which were completely not interesting to me i.e. bedding stores), I got an interview for one of the companies I had applied for. The company is a mid-luxurious bedding and fragrance company, and although this had no personal interest to me, I was exstatic I got this interview. As it was a group interview, I made sure I stood out by answering ther questions first, and making myself appear presentable.

I have now been working there for 9 months and absolutley love it. It is in an area of retail I would never of thought I would get into, however I am so glad I applied.

So, the moral of the story is: Physically go to shops and stores with your CV and covering letter, and hand it in personally to the manager. Ensure you are confident and presentable when handing it in. Go to every shop you can think of, even if you dont particualrly find an interest in that field. Finally, ensure your CV is top notch, and try your best to sound enthuastic about the comapny. You will get noticed. Hope this helped!

[Gob Bluth]

(Original post by ConstantlyStressed)
You sure do sound confident. I know that, it's just getting to the interview stage that I'm struggling with. Not literally -I mean through applications and stuff. The majority of stores reject me, or just haven't been bothered to send a reply. Thanks, though.

Thing is you don't need to be confident per se. Just act it if you aren't that confident. I used to be not confident, but it helped just acting and trying hard. Feels natural after a while

Just got invited to an ASDA interview thing now today too. It just doesn't seem that hard and i ONLY have one retail experience on my application.

[ConstantlyStressed]

(Original post by blueflower114)
Maybe you should ask your friends to see if you can look at their CVs/Covering letters/Application forms to see what is different to yours that could be getting them the job. Also I dare say they got jobs quite quickly because they know someone in the store that has recommended them for the position. Companies will nearly also take on people that are personally recommended to them than a random person off the street. Maybe you could try and get into contact with people you use to work for/volunteer for and see if they know anyone that has a job going spare? If not then you could always try befriending people at the places you have applied for maybe- it's worth a go anyway! If that doesn't work maybe go back and volunteer at charity shops again- or go on some type of course to boost your CV up a bit more.

Unfortunately nowadays it's not the qualifications you have to get a job, it's mainly down to who you know. Good luck with your job hunting- I gave up and decided to start university instead in September.

I've tried this, and have come back as unsuccessful again. I think I just need to gain more experience, and volunteer to work in a charity shop or something. Thank you xx

(Original post by green chica)
The recession is the largest factor and is not your fault. However, the bit in bold is your fault. Don't wait for them to get back to you. Keep prodding them until they either give you an interview or tell you to never contact them again.

After I was hired for my current (and only) job I asked what were the reasons I was hired because I work at a company that is notoriously hard to get a job at unless you know someone already in the company (I didn't), and one of the reasons was that they liked how I kept asserting myself and took the initiative to make them repeatedly hear my name/see my face. GO IN and talk to them. I would go in at least once every two weeks (usually once a week) and ask about the status of my application and whether or not they were conducting interviews yet. Finally, they gave me an interview on the spot and I was hired! If they see your face/hear your name over and over, they are going to look at your application before all the other John Smith's who have applied. Trust me, it works. Be friendly and don't be too pushy, but show them that you're really interested in the job and becoming a part of their company.

Seriously? I always feel like I'm bugging them, which is why I've never done it, but you're definitely right - it'll make me look more assertive and determined to reach my goal. Thank you!

(Original post by Holby_fanatic)
Through reading through all the comments, you all seem to be doing as much as you possibly can so obviously you should keep doing that.
Also, I may sound stupid for asking this, but what does BS stand for?

BS means bullsh*t.

(Original post by iDaveyy)
I am in complete sympathy with your situation. Last year I was about to start studying for my as levels and really wanted a part time job, and instantly got caught up in the circle of frustration and anger that I wasn't getting any responses. I didnt care if the response was that I didnt get the job, I just wanted to hear something, anything from the company.

I started by only applying for positions that I was intersted, i.e. mobile phone shops, Currys, etc. but was having no luck. I would be searching on monster, reed for these but to no avail.

Howver after going through the online cv type process of applying online, I realised that I would have to expand my horizons. I made sure my CV was of a good standard, and made each one personal to each company. I also made covering letters for each company. It took forever, however instead of applying online, I decided to go into every single store I could think of with my personalised CV and covering letter, and made sure I handed it in personally to the manager. This shows you are confident, and eager for any vacancy that comes available, even if it is in the long term future. I kept checking local retail park websites, and even if the company was somewhere I had never heard of, I would do some research, and make the CV personal to them. As long as it looks like you are passionate about the company and know what your talking about, they need not know you have never heard of them before.

This really paid off for me, and after months of applying to every single store (tons of which were completely not interesting to me i.e. bedding stores), I got an interview for one of the companies I had applied for. The company is a mid-luxurious bedding and fragrance company, and although this had no personal interest to me, I was exstatic I got this interview. As it was a group interview, I made sure I stood out by answering ther questions first, and making myself appear presentable.

I have now been working there for 9 months and absolutley love it. It is in an area of retail I would never of thought I would get into, however I am so glad I applied.

So, the moral of the story is: Physically go to shops and stores with your CV and covering letter, and hand it in personally to the manager. Ensure you are confident and presentable when handing it in. Go to every shop you can think of, even if you dont particualrly find an interest in that field. Finally, ensure your CV is top notch, and try your best to sound enthuastic about the comapny. You will get noticed. Hope this helped!

This has helped me so much! My CV pretty much looks really dull and generic - so thank you for helping me realize that I need to change it up and make it stand out more. Thank you!

(Original post by Gob Bluth)
Thing is you don't need to be confident per se. Just act it if you aren't that confident. I used to be not confident, but it helped just acting and trying hard. Feels natural after a while

Just got invited to an ASDA interview thing now today too. It just doesn't seem that hard and i ONLY have one retail experience on my application.

Alright..you didn't really answer my thoughts on the previous message, but thanks. Erm, it is hard - you're just incredibly lucky, which I've pointed out. Good luck.

[ConstantlyStressed]

(Original post by cats are cool)
What i find is good is to look out for new stores opening or big events happening because they usually need a whole load of new staff so they are much less picky about things, thats how I've gotten my jobs. Also a big thing when you get to the interview stage is to smile a lot and seem really friendly and nice, it will get you a lot further than being polite, smart but cold.

There are a couple of new stores being opened near where I live - I'll go check online asap - thank you!

(Original post by Redheaded_Dancer)
I feel your pain, but it's important not to give up, I must have applied for about 20 jobs in the past three months or so and I've only just got one at a shop that's opening up! Keep at it and you will get there.
That's just a word of encouragement, but obviously you're looking for some good hard advice haha :P

What sort of things are you looking for? Retail? Restaurants? Or are you like me and just applying for everything possible? :L Try to tailor your CV/personal statement/cover letter to how you would be good for these jobs. For example, doing the bog standard "I am a reliable and patient person" etc etc etc is all well and good, but think about how this will stand out to employers. Most vacancies will receive around 20 CVs or more, and in all honesty they are not going to read them all, if a CV does not immediately stand out to them it's going in the bin. It's harsh, but it's the way things are done in most businesses. So to avoid this, you need to think about what makes you unique and what makes you the only person for the job.
For example, you could write "I am a patient person and am reliable" and that is in theory all well and good, but what might be better is: "I am a patient and reliable person, meaning that I can help customers out affectively and listen to their needs properly in order to establish a quick rapport with them". So you've listed a quality you have, and how it will be useful in the environment you're applying for.
Covering letters are often a little more personal, and if they ask for one of these as well as a CV they're more asking about you as a person, the bog standard you. Not many shops ask for these, it's mainly small shops or places like LUSH who want specific people who will ask for this because CVs are generally very formalised, but covering letters are allowed to be a little more slack. If you're asked to put a covering letter, think about what business this is for. Is it a large corporation? Is it a small and new business? What do they sell? What qualities would they be looking for in an employee and how can you show them that you have these qualities?
Explain how your work experience is relevant to what you want to do, for example, Pizza Hut will have taught you all about how to engage with customers and inform them, yes? And all of these charities and schools mean that you know how to communicate with people and also shows that you're a nice person who is easy to get along with
Oh, and also, put CV's into shops and businesses, even if they aren't recruiting at that exact moment. E-mail and phone around too, because it is possible that some businesses have not advertised their vacancies at agencies etc, and contacting them directly shows initiative, which puts you on a slightly higher foothold!
Good luck if you want, you can message me with any questions

I can't thank you enough for this! Aha I'm looking for everything at the moment, but no such luck so far. My CV is exactly like that - it's all dull and pointless and doesn't seem interesting, which might explain why I've been struggling. Wow, I will definitely do that! That example of somehow twisting the facts to relate to the specific job title is brilliant - thank you so much. I will be sure to message you if I have any other questions .

(Original post by K.ChosenOne)
Have you tried looking for any Olympics vacancies? They seem to be hiring loads for the influx of people expected to show up for the events. Most of the jobs may be taken but they might still have vacancies for things like hospitality. It's a long shot and it isn't regular work for it's something right?

Keep your head up, I'm in your position too. Though mainly because I'm only available until September and most employers aren't looking for temporary staff. You will be rewarded for your hard work, just keep going cos perseverance pays off !

I'll admit, I haven't tried it, but I'll be sure to do so! Thanks for that Best of luck to you, too!

(Original post by Indieboohoo)
I think the problem is you don't know what you want, employers tend to take people who want to do a particular job and have the certain subjects/work experience to match.

Maybe it's the fact they are worried you will just leave the job once you're bored or want to move to something else.
I don't know if you've mentioned what you want to do already but is there any particular job you want to do in the future that might help.

Also what others have said about tailoring your CV to certain sectors since a generic one will not take you anywhere.

Well, I'm really interested in Psychology, so I'll probably do something associated with the subject in the future..I don't think there are any student jobs out there for this. But thanks - yep, I think it's my CV that's the problem. Thank you :]

(Original post by MrHappy_J)
parents eh? What can you do...
seems very few employers want to take people on just for the summer and i´m going back to uni in sept. All I´ve been able to find is voluntary work at a charity shop.

I agree..I guess I'm going to have to do the same this summer, too.

(Original post by santino6250)
I been using the Jobcentre plus website as well, and been going to the job centre printing out job vacancies information, and looking at their job notice board. The jobcentre hasn't been that helpful. I would of though that the companies advertising for jobs at the job centre were more likely to recruit. They got loads of jobs advertising there, and when you apply, you don't hear anything back.

They've never really been that helpful. Yeah, exactly; it's just ridiculous. I'd love to hear anything back - even if it's a rejection, as long as I know the company bothered to look at my CV/cover letter.

[vuii2012]

Be patience cause the economy is not doing well. If the paid job company havent get back to you, you should apply to do some volunteering somewhere. Or maybe you might want to check this site out.

[Indieboohoo]

(Original post by ConstantlyStressed)

Well, I'm really interested in Psychology, so I'll probably do something associated with the subject in the future..I don't think there are any student jobs out there for this. But thanks - yep, I think it's my CV that's the problem. Thank you :]

Have you tried working at a hospital or volunteering there that might be a good start or something involving mental health care.

There's lots of charities like listen, mind, samaritans which would be a good starting point just to get your foot in the door.

[Anetata]

(Original post by ConstantlyStressed)
It's so frustrating, isn't it? I mean, I'm going to have to carry on looking. I can't afford to give up. How long ago was the interview?

It is indeed, I remember last time I looked for a job (over 3 years ago) I had tons of interviews and job offers coming my way, and I didn't even know which job to pick in the end! I thought this time it would be the same but it most certainly is not, and I applied for more jobs this time round too! I just carry on looking although it has slowed down now as I have applied for pretty much everything there was that I could possibly do, and now just applying for new jobs that come up or maybe some that I have missed out.


I can't afford not to have a job, it is scary because I now have ran out of money and don't have much savings, as I have used my 2 grand of savings I had because of having no job


And my interview was on Thursday, and the guy said he would let people know on Friday, so I'm guessing I didn't get it Got another one with a nightclub tomorrow, just saw them post on facebook that they need people so quickly grabbed the chance to get in there. Also managed to get one evenings work tomorrow through friend, so at least I can earn 50 quid for now lol.

[MrHappy_J]

(Original post by vuii2012)
Be patience cause the economy is not doing well. If the paid job company havent get back to you, you should apply to do some volunteering somewhere. Or maybe you might want to check this site out.

Thanks for this, I´ve just applied for a waitressing job for the Espirit Group by this link. Fingers crossed

[Gob Bluth]

(Original post by ConstantlyStressed)
Alright..you didn't really answer my thoughts on the previous message, but thanks. Erm, it is hard - you're just incredibly lucky, which I've pointed out. Good luck.

Well, where i am really lacks jobs anyway, but it's not like i only have towns to rely on. I do have a few out of town shopping centres and one biggish city shopping centre to apply to. But Wales isn't very good for jobs anyway...

www.cashandtrafficmanagement.com is guaranteed work if you're quick though after getting the emails. Got to be over 18 though.

[MrHappy_J]

(Original post by vuii2012)
Be patience cause the economy is not doing well. If the paid job company havent get back to you, you should apply to do some volunteering somewhere. Or maybe you might want to check this site out.

is it safe btw? ive seen a couple of jobs that look a bit dogdy. Can anybody access your information?

[Politics Student]

(Original post by ConstantlyStressed)

You put so much effort into those applications, and only 2% responded?!! This is seriously driving me insane. It's clear that you haven't given up - and that's really inspiring. Thank you for that message, it's given me the motivation to never give up. And I freaking hate the job centre, too - some of the workers that I've been put with honestly looked down on me; they spoke in an infuriatingly patronizing tone, which got on my last nerve. You deserve the best, though, so good luck with your job search, and I hope you find one soon.

Yep don't expect responses. There are a lot of people applying for the same job and they just don't reply.

I was lucky to go onto an MSc. I was unable to fund work over the summer even with experience.

Remember that the difficulties of finding a job is not your fault. High levels of unemployment will make it very difficult for you.

The job centre is an interesting experience. The people who are meant to help you will treat you like scum and you have to produce a log book of all your job searches which I filled up in about three weeks and went onto typing one up in a Word table. That said I had one wonderful person at the job centre who had me down to go to some daft 'getting back into work' talk and she changed the date I would have to attend to after I started my MSc so I did not need to waste my time.

However, with that all said. I will be finishing my MSc in September and back job searching full time. I have had no luck in the last couple of months and am forced to move back home.

[SarrBar]

I can relate to this so bad.

I know someone said to go in and physically hand in your CV to the manager, but i feel like a complete idiot going in someplace and asking to see the manager, especially if both the staff and possibly the manager are busy. I've done it a few times and the staff have just given me an odd look.

So i just pass the CV onto the staff member and hope they actually give it to the manager.

[Politics Student]

(Original post by SarrBar)
I can relate to this so bad.

I know someone said to go in and physically hand in your CV to the manager, but i feel like a complete idiot going in someplace and asking to see the manager, especially if both the staff and possibly the manager are busy. I've done it a few times and the staff have just given me an odd look.

So i just pass the CV onto the staff member and hope they actually give it to the manager.

The handing out of your CV is blind luck to be honest. You basically have to catch someone thinking of advertising a job before they do it.

I have managed to get a part time job for two months by handing out my CV, but again the economic climate is against you and a lot of time it will be just dumb luck if you manage to stumble into a job. Btw that time I got the job was the forth time that I tried the technique handing out over 100 CVs to every retail shop in and around the high street, but you have to wait a few weeks or a month to try the tactic again in the same location. Worth trying but it is just unlikely to work.

I don't think there is any harm in going in with a CV and talking to managers but to believe that it will be a magical solution is just wrong.

[ConstantlyStressed]

(Original post by vuii2012)
Be patience cause the economy is not doing well. If the paid job company havent get back to you, you should apply to do some volunteering somewhere. Or maybe you might want to check this site out.

Thanks for the advice, but I am being patient - it's just getting to me because I'm trying so hard to
find one.

(Original post by Indieboohoo)
Have you tried working at a hospital or volunteering there that might be a good start or something involving mental health care.

There's lots of charities like listen, mind, samaritans which would be a good starting point just to get your foot in the door.

I haven't tried, but that sounds really interesting! I've heard of Mind - I'm applying to volunteer now. Thank you!

(Original post by Anetata)
It is indeed, I remember last time I looked for a job (over 3 years ago) I had tons of interviews and job offers coming my way, and I didn't even know which job to pick in the end! I thought this time it would be the same but it most certainly is not, and I applied for more jobs this time round too! I just carry on looking although it has slowed down now as I have applied for pretty much everything there was that I could possibly do, and now just applying for new jobs that come up or maybe some that I have missed out.


I can't afford not to have a job, it is scary because I now have ran out of money and don't have much savings, as I have used my 2 grand of savings I had because of having no job


And my interview was on Thursday, and the guy said he would let people know on Friday, so I'm guessing I didn't get it Got another one with a nightclub tomorrow, just saw them post on facebook that they need people so quickly grabbed the chance to get in there. Also managed to get one evenings work tomorrow through friend, so at least I can earn 50 quid for now lol.

Aw, no Well, who knows? Maybe something could have happened. Call them up and ask! Honestly, it's better to be certain rather than just assuming.

(Original post by Gob Bluth)
Well, where i am really lacks jobs anyway, but it's not like i only have towns to rely on. I do have a few out of town shopping centres and one biggish city shopping centre to apply to. But Wales isn't very good for jobs anyway...

www.cashandtrafficmanagement.com is guaranteed work if you're quick though after getting the emails. Got to be over 18 though.

Yeah, same. I actually live in Wales, so I can relate. Thanks - will do