What to do when you can't get any job

dexters_mum_2

Hi everyone

I'm feel a bit sorry for myself as I have had yet another rejection after interview for a job, I've now been looking for any type of part time job since June.

I'm only looking for part time as I am a student 2 days per week and I have been rejected for all sorts of jobs, clerical, shop assistant, health care work, Christmas temp jobs, cleaning etc. I did have another part time job but the company has now ceased trading.

I did have a shop job lined up for Christmas but they withdrew my offer as I am now pregnant, the contract was only til January and they had done a risk assessment but the store manager decided it suitable for me and they didn't have anything else suitable.

I think being pregnant is the problem and I am honest and open about it but it just seems to go against me.

I really want to try to save some money up as I doubt whether I'll get any maternity pay as the company I was working for has now gone bang, I'm still relatively fit and healthy despite being pregnant.

I'm really worried that I just won't get anything at all, I've been keeping track of my rejections and I am up to about 30 now plus the ones that never responded after interview or acknowledged my application form.

My husband works but is self employed and doesn't earn a regular wage, he's also looking for a second job, I feel guilty he has to do this as it is because I can't get a job.

Can anyone offer any advice at all?

DM x

hazza04

Hi there, my friend is nearly 9 months pregnant and has recently started doing the Avon lady thing - she says she is doing really well what with it coming up to crimbo etc - it may not be your thing but i thought i'd mention it - i know how you feel, i was made redundant at the end of August and just cant decide what i want to do or find anything for that matter - im a 32 year old male so the avon lady thing aint for me!!!!

CraigS1974

At moment Im working for the local county council as a volunteer which has followed on from doing a 13 week placement with them, but there isn't any funding to employ me.

Voluntary work is rewarding even though there isn't money involved, but why can't the government reward people for doing something during these hard times.

If your occupied doing something voluntary than sitting about all day watching TV or whatever then you should be classed as looking for work but doing something.

dexters_mum_2

Craig

Voluntary work isn't an option, I need to be paid, as I mentioned in my post, I'm pregnant, I doubt whether I'm going to get any maternity benefits because the company I did work for part time ceased trading.

As for sitting around watching TV, I don't do that, I study in university 2 days per week, if I am not studying I'm usually filling in application forms, going to interviews or at hospital appointments.

I can't be classed by the job centre as looking for work as I am full time student, we're not eligible for job seekers allowance.

DM

dexters_mum_2

Hazza

Thanks for your post, I did the Avon thing when I had just started uni a few years ago but it didn't work out, in fact got hit in the face by one lady so I wouldn't be overly keen on doing it again, plus the commission was low compared to the outlay for books, bags, samples etc.

DM

Oldernotwiser

dexters_mum wrote: »

Craig

Voluntary work isn't an option, I need to be paid, as I mentioned in my post, I'm pregnant, I doubt whether I'm going to get any maternity benefits because the company I did work for part time ceased trading.

As for sitting around watching TV, I don't do that, I study in university 2 days per week, if I am not studying I'm usually filling in application forms, going to interviews or at hospital appointments.

I can't be classed by the job centre as looking for work as I am full time student, we're not eligible for job seekers allowance.

DM

Don't you receive all the student funding available to you? Most people have to live on this, even when unsupported by a partner.

dexters_mum_2

I get just over £1000 3 times a year, which has to cover books, uni trips etc. I also have a mortgage, household expenditure & my husband is working but on an unpredictable income and currently looking for a second job though he has had very little luck as well, he's had about 10 interview and no job and he's not even getting replies to his applications.

Students get no funding through the summer months though.

I'm really just looking for some practical advice on where to look now, the christmas jobs seem to have been filled, maybe some interview tips etc. I'm not really asking for my personal circumstances to be judged, some practical advice would be welcomed.

As I mentioned I have had a part time job ( 1 and a half days in an estate agency) and the company ceased trading. I am a student 2 days per week, as I am so close to finishing, I don't really want to defer my studies. I basically just need something to get me through the next few months, so we can stash some cash before our baby arrives. I was also looking for a further part time job and have been job hunting since June as I did a fixed term contract job which ended.

I already write on Dooyoo, Ciao and do surveys and despite applying for a hell of a lot of jobs, as soon as I go to interview and say I'm XX weeks pregnant, that's it but unfortunately, it can't really be hidden.

I was just wondering if employers are scared of employing people who are pregnant. I am struggling to believe the jobs aren't there as I have applied for so many and I'm not being picky, I have been for cleaning jobs, admin, sales, call centre, home care, hospitals, shops. The closest I have got is that for a call centre job they are 'keeping me on file in case a suitable vacancy arises' but otherwise it is outright rejections, no replies to applications or no response after interview. I do make a point of following up after interviews, as yet I haven't been given much feedback and some don't return my calls.

I am told I come across well, have good references but it's alway there was a better candidate on the day or we're actually not recruiting at the moment.

DM

moo2moo

If its anything like here then its the number of applicants thats the problem not you. We advertised a school cleaners position. 15 hours per week, term time only, minimum wage. We had 57 applicants some of whom lived 35 minutes drive from school. Almost 1/3rd of them would have been great for the job but we only had 1 position to fill.

Teaching assistant position, 20 hours per week, just over minimum wage. We had almost 90 applicants including teachers with 20 years experience who couldn't get work having taken time out to raise families.

Liz_the_Whizz

dexters_mum wrote: »

I was just wondering if employers are scared of employing people who are pregnant.

DM

Hi dexters_mum,

You've hit the nail on the head. And especially when there are lots of applicants about, some employers find it easier to shy away from what they see as the complications of employing pregnant women.

You need to look at the type of jobs you are applying for. A lot of these are quite physical (cleaning, retail) and while you feel able to cope now, employers will worry about what will happen as your pregnancy progresses.

What about approaching a temp agency on the basis that you only get paid for what you do? That might get around employer worries that they have to pay you even if you are not able to work.

I know you feel bad about your OH getting a second job, but to be honest, that is probably the best solution for now. You already fit so much into your life, more than most people would ever dare to take on, so you clearly have the drive and determination to succeed.

Good luck with baby, studies and future:D .

Oldernotwiser

dexters_mum wrote: »

I get just over £1000 3 times a year, which has to cover books, uni trips etc.
DM

£3,000 is much lower than the student loan and if your husband's income is low you should also qualify for the maintenance grant, bringing your income nearer to £6,000 pa. It's not just supposed to cover books etc but also living expenses.

DrFluffy

What does your husband do? Is there anything you can do to help him and boost family finances that way?