The Student Room Group

Constant job rejections, what can I do?

I'm not sure if this is the right place to post my question as I'm not a student anymore , but any advice or info would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance - I'm a uni graduate and have been constantly rejected from job offers even if there is little skill or qualification requirements . I've been struggling to find work - so classified as long term unemployed, because of this gap on my CV I thought of taking any jobs such as retail and warehousing etc. However I'm getting constant job rejections and it is eating up my confidence aswell making me feel depressed. I'm thinking if I can't even get into jobs that require lower skills or qualifications what is the chance of me getting other jobs? It's not like I have no work experience at all, been told before I am multiskilled and my CV is ok....but the fact is I am currently unemployed and struggling to find work. Also have been advised to move out to places where there are more job opportunities. However if I can't get anything now ,how am I going to survive elsewhere? PLUS the grade I got from uni was low - Bsc Logistics 3rd.
(edited 6 years ago)

Scroll to see replies

Original post by KT06
I'm not sure if this is the right place to post my question as I'm not a student anymore , but any advice or info would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance - I'm a uni graduate and have been constantly rejected from job offers even if there is little skill or qualification requirements . I've been struggling to find work - so classified as long term unemployed, because of this gap on my CV I thought of taking any jobs such as retail and warehousing etc. However I'm getting constant job rejections and it is eating up my confidence aswell making me feel depressed. I'm thinking if I can't even get into jobs that require lower skills or qualifications what is the chance of me getting other jobs? It's not like I have no work experience at all, been told before I am multiskilled and my CV is ok....but the fact is I am currently unemployed and struggling to find work. Also have been advised to move out to places where there are more job opportunities. However if I can't get anything now ,how am I going to survive elsewhere?


try applying through someone. that increases your chance of finding a job dramatically
Original post by KT06
I'm not sure if this is the right place to post my question as I'm not a student anymore , but any advice or info would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance - I'm a uni graduate and have been constantly rejected from job offers even if there is little skill or qualification requirements . I've been struggling to find work - so classified as long term unemployed, because of this gap on my CV I thought of taking any jobs such as retail and warehousing etc. However I'm getting constant job rejections and it is eating up my confidence aswell making me feel depressed. I'm thinking if I can't even get into jobs that require lower skills or qualifications what is the chance of me getting other jobs? It's not like I have no work experience at all, been told before I am multiskilled and my CV is ok....but the fact is I am currently unemployed and struggling to find work. Also have been advised to move out to places where there are more job opportunities. However if I can't get anything now ,how am I going to survive elsewhere?


You’ve posted in the right place :smile:

Your uni should offer career help such as looking over your CV and interview prep. Can you contact your uni?

Also have you spoken to anyone about feeling depressed? A family member/friends and your GP?
Reply 3
You say your CV is okay.... Some of the time that isn't enough.

Perhaps you should get it looked at again, there must be something on there that doesn't make your CV stand out.
Which stage are you getting rejected at?
Reply 5
Original post by chano
try applying through someone. that increases your chance of finding a job dramatically


Hi, do you mean networking and making personal contacts? if yes..I forgot to mention I'm naturally quite a shy person, therefore not very active on the social side ...
Reply 6
Original post by BurstingBubbles
You’ve posted in the right place :smile:

Your uni should offer career help such as looking over your CV and interview prep. Can you contact your uni?

Also have you spoken to anyone about feeling depressed? A family member/friends and your GP?


Hi , I've been to quite a few career services outside uni, all have said my CV is fine and does not know why this is happening ....I'm not a recent graduate so not sure if I can still use the uni services there anymore..

I have seen my GP and been prescribed medication, my family are aware of it. I'm worries the longer I stay unemployed ,the harder it will be to find work and the higher chance of my depression becoming worse..
Reply 7
Original post by UWS
You say your CV is okay.... Some of the time that isn't enough.

Perhaps you should get it looked at again, there must be something on there that doesn't make your CV stand out.


Hi, my CV... I have been to different career advisers either I get ok or its fine... I do point out possible faults on my CV or ask if I can make any further improvements...I either get my CV is fine, I have a degree therefore I should have no problems finding ANY JOBS or answers like like "change the font of your CV(I use Times Roman) because I don't like it".......
Reply 8
Original post by chano
try applying through someone. that increases your chance of finding a job dramatically


Hi, do you mean networking and personal contacts by any chance? if yes I forgot to mention I'm quite shy when it comes to socialisation , so I'm not sure if this would be the right method to work on...
Original post by KT06
I'm not sure if this is the right place to post my question as I'm not a student anymore , but any advice or info would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance - I'm a uni graduate and have been constantly rejected from job offers even if there is little skill or qualification requirements . I've been struggling to find work - so classified as long term unemployed, because of this gap on my CV I thought of taking any jobs such as retail and warehousing etc. However I'm getting constant job rejections and it is eating up my confidence aswell making me feel depressed. I'm thinking if I can't even get into jobs that require lower skills or qualifications what is the chance of me getting other jobs? It's not like I have no work experience at all, been told before I am multiskilled and my CV is ok....but the fact is I am currently unemployed and struggling to find work. Also have been advised to move out to places where there are more job opportunities. However if I can't get anything now ,how am I going to survive elsewhere?


Keep going and you'll get the right one.

Is your cv not getting any replies. Maybe you are looking for jobs which are far too competitive. Edit your cv so it includes all the buzz words that are in the job description.

Are you going to interviews but not getting the job. Use the STAR structure to write down examples. Practice with a friend and give a clear answer to why they should choose you.
Reply 10
Original post by Student-95
Which stage are you getting rejected at?


Hi, I,m embarrassed to even say this but sometimes I don't even reach the interview stage...and these include jobs that require only GCSE's..
You need more than an OK cv
Original post by KT06
Hi, I,m embarrassed to even say this but sometimes I don't even reach the interview stage...and these include jobs that require only GCSE's..


How often is "sometimes'? It's important because if you're typically getting rejected after the application stage then the issue is with your application (CV etc.) but if you're typically getting interviews then a rejection, your application is fine and you need to work on your interview technique instead.
Original post by KT06
Hi , I've been to quite a few career services outside uni, all have said my CV is fine


If your CV isn't getting you to interview, then it isn't fine. It may be internally satisfying, but it clearly isn't transmitting the right information in a convincing way to employers.

The mark of a good CV is only that it gets you to interview at a decent proportion of the jobs you apply for, 20% or more.
have u had a job before and what is ur degree in and what grade and what university?
Original post by KT06
I'm not sure if this is the right place to post my question as I'm not a student anymore , but any advice or info would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance - I'm a uni graduate and have been constantly rejected from job offers even if there is little skill or qualification requirements . I've been struggling to find work - so classified as long term unemployed, because of this gap on my CV I thought of taking any jobs such as retail and warehousing etc. However I'm getting constant job rejections and it is eating up my confidence aswell making me feel depressed. I'm thinking if I can't even get into jobs that require lower skills or qualifications what is the chance of me getting other jobs? It's not like I have no work experience at all, been told before I am multiskilled and my CV is ok....but the fact is I am currently unemployed and struggling to find work. Also have been advised to move out to places where there are more job opportunities. However if I can't get anything now ,how am I going to survive elsewhere?


I have been there, done that and got the t-shirt.

You cannot let this sort of thing eat at you (believe me I know that's more easily said than done). When it comes to rejections, you don't know where you were on the pecking order, you could have been 1 applicant away or 50, you don't know who else was applying. You may have been a great candidate but literally the undisputed master of that job happened to apply, you just don't know. Keep applying because you lose nothing by doing it and you'll eventually get lucky.

The issue with applying to "low skill" jobs, is that it is really obvious to employers that you're going to be there only until something else comes along. So typically they'll pass you over for being over qualified, unbelieveably frustrating I know but it's what happens. Employees represent a net loss for any company for quite a while.

Regarding your CV, first off, have more than one. If you're applying to different fields it needs to be tailored to the field (ideally to the individual job but that isn't always feasible.

Second, look at the jobs you are applying for in whatever fields and see what qualifications consistently come up as requirements. Make sure your CV gets across that you have them or are working towards them.

Third, volunteer. Perfectly good way of getting experience and goes great on a CV, it also just gets you out of the house and your mind focused on something other than your life.

Fourth, cover letters, use them. You're applying for a job, do some research on the job, on the company, on projects they may have undertaken, see if there's a named person in that company you can talk to about the job. Bring this across in the cover letter, it shows enthusiasm, dedication, research skills.
Original post by KT06
Hi, do you mean networking and personal contacts by any chance? if yes I forgot to mention I'm quite shy when it comes to socialisation , so I'm not sure if this would be the right method to work on...


thats what i mean. try applying for jobs through your friends and family i.e. applying for jobs at the company's they work at etc.
I am not sure what part of the country you are located but have you have considered temping with agency or unitemps. It is really tough out there, but temping will get you out there, hopefully improve your confidence and transferable and will be an asset when applying for jobs. Hope this helps.
Reply 18
Original post by alice456
I am not sure what part of the country you are located but have you have considered temping with agency or unitemps. It is really tough out there, but temping will get you out there, hopefully improve your confidence and transferable and will be an asset when applying for jobs. Hope this helps.


Hi, I'm currently residing in Shropshire, West Midlands. I have heard the current job market is tough and isn't getting any easier....
Reply 19
Original post by chano
thats what i mean. try applying for jobs through your friends and family i.e. applying for jobs at the company's they work at etc.

Hi,I will try, main problem is even they are struggling atm....and they are having to rely on family for help whether it's for a job or the financial side of things. But thanks, making new social contacts may help boost my chances out there.

Quick Reply

Latest