desperate - need some help please re work

courtney_jacks

hi all, iv been reading these forums for ages now but only just joined because iv totally hit rock bottom.
im 22, i graduated from uni last june with a 2.2 in classical literature and civilisation, im fluent in russian and french, iv got 10 gcses between a* and b, 4 a levels all at B, i have worked every holiday i have had through out uni and school since i was 16, shops, temping through agencies, and also at a newspaper. i am registered at all the agencies that will take me, lots wouldnt, i am spending all day (and i mean ALL day) online applying for jobs, phoning up leads, writing to people, i am claiming JSA and am now up to 6 months and having to go on the new deal gateway where people are treating me like i have no prospects, no education and im totally at a loss. i honestly dont know what to do. i would do training, but cant fund the education at all. i dont drive either because iv never had the money to do it so i think its going against me aswell. the jobs im applying for are mainly admin and receptionist work. why am i not getting anything?? iv had my cv looked over so many times by professional friends.i feel like iv wasted 5 years in education that was an utter waste of time and i could just hve got a job when i was 16 and be in a much better situation that i am now. im totally demotivated, but whenever i speak to someone on the phone, or go to an interview, i perform really well, i get through all the stages and then im just rejected. i just need someone's help please.

bookduck

I commend you on your ability to stick it out through university. When i was lad, polly was enough, now masters is the norm for many jobs.

Can't get a job, well it's the old story of supply and demand! Some times you have to start at the bottom and work your way up.

Unless you live in London, you need to drive because customer or sales positions often demand you drive there and cart equipment. Get a mate to wreck his company car by giving you lessons - there is a skill involved that only time and practice will sort out, then go for a few lessons.

To be realistic here, what can you do? Classical literature (in my untrained eyes) probably would put you on good stead for copywriter, critic, translator, possibly a writer, but off the top of my head I can't think of which profession uses your skill and is in demand. Russian and French are useful languages, I suppose, but I see it as counter work, reception, flight attendant, teacher - a more customer facing type of role. I think these days most overseas people can speak English (or learn the basics in school) and it is the majority of English that can't speak those languages.

Don't milk you GCSE's, they are too wide and basic. You get to a certain age and they do not count any more, especially compared to a degree. People will look at your degree, not GCSE's.

One thing I do guess is that you are a good student and understand languages. If I had to choose a path for you (just guessing) it would be programming or databases. Oracle database with experience and qualifications (yes you will have to know SQL server and probably c, java and a bit of unix too) and being a contractor pays around £1000 per day - not every day of the year though, but you should expect to work for 3/4 of the year on roughly that salary-if you are at the top of your game, and in some instances may be able to command more.

Teresa60

Hi courtney_jacks, what area do you live in? I work for a teacher supply agency who recruit people to be cover supervisors who are unqualified (as in no teaching qualifications), but they are used to cover for teachers who are out of school for meetings or training etc. You could try the local teaching agencies to ask if they have cover supervisors. I am in the West Midland area. If you are in this area p.m me and I can give you details of the agency where I work.

Nomad25

If your language skills are good, it might be worth taking a flyer and appplying to HMG/FO - although I know you've probably done this. What about a bit of on-line part time translation work [no driving required].

GrammarGirl

Hello, I'm 23, graduated in 2007 with a degree in media and journalism and am a copywriter. If you're wanting to go into journalism/writing of any kind, you NEED work experience.

Now is a great time to do some work experience, as you'll have some spare time in between all the job applications! Try local newspapers and magazines, small advertising agencies, PR companies, etc etc. Lots are crying out for work experience people to lessen the load without needing a salary. Harsh, but true.

I'm going on the presumption you want a job based around writing - possibly creatively? Have you thought of writing a novel or getting an online blog going? These won't get you a regular pay check but might help you feel more motivated and will look good on your CV.

I don't mean to sound rude at ALL here, but the problem with your degree is it's very hard to translate into a modern job. I completely understand why you chose to do it (I did English Lit at A Level and adore the subject) but employers don't see transferable skills. Your language skills are extremely useful and can be transfered into a job - what about a translator or foreign proofreader?

I'd suggest looking into some other qualifications, even if it's just night classes or free work shops. Your council may run an advice service offering free learning to those claiming JSA - have a look into this too. Something like creative writing or journalism would help, or if you do want to pursue the customer facing jobs, confidence building courses, public speaking etc.

Hope this helps. I know how hard it is for graduates and I understand the pressue to get a relevant job pretty quickly. PM me if you'd like more help.

GG

ruby_eskimo

I was in exactly the same position as you: Graduated in June with a 2:2 in Applied Psychology and couldn't find any work because I needed extra training to do something with my degree so was looking for anything to fund a possible MRes. However I managed to find a job in my local hospital as a CSW (basic ward dogsbody to be honest). I know the people in the Job centre treat you with no respect because they have to deal with so much rubbish on a day to day basis. The main problem I found is that there are so many people going after a small number of jobs, and it's those with slightly more experience that manage to get the jobs rather than us freshly graduated people. The only advice I can give is apply for everything and anything no matter how un related it is to your degree or anything. Also try volunteering for things, it will get you out the house and give you some experience to draw upon. Plus you might find something out there that you really want to pursue. If you want ay other advice then send me a message, my brain isn't working at the moment really so this probably makes no sense but I assure you my PM's do make more sense.

blackmidnight

I'm in a very similar situation after graduating in July. Had work until October and then I relocated and now I can't find anything. I have a driving licence but can't afford a car so I also have that problem! Have you applied for all the graduate schemes that might interest you? If you can get through to the last round then you may have a good chance. A lot of them are closing soon though so if you haven't looked at those then I would soon. If you are willing to relocate then you could look all over the country which would give you many more opportunities. What university did you graduate from? If you are still near by you could go and use the careers service and get advice from them - some even offer help via email so it might be worth finding out. Good luck and if you want to talk to someone who is in the same situation feel free to PM me

markelock

Russian and French?

UN? Any international bodies, or television stations that require interpreters?

I'd love to have skills like that. and you're persitent. good quality to have.

how professional are the people who have looked over your CV?

lucid2008

International bookmaker headquarters and also marketing companies are always on the lookout for translators.

courtney_jacks

wow thank u all for ur response, im in birmingham so i have pm'd
u teresa thank u
in relation to journalism, yes i would love to work in this field
as i had a part time job at the local newspaper, and am still in
contact with the people i worked with but nothing there, lots
of redundancies but i still keep hope. i did work experience with
the BBC, but while i was there they told me that basically if i
didnt do a postgrad in broadcast journalism, i wouldnt get anywhere
in the company. all the radio stations, heart, galaxy, kerrang, brmb,
beacon, have all turned me down for both paid and voluntary work.
i started applying for graduate schemes in my final year of uni, and as soon
as i got a 2.2 i was rejected which i totally understand, but 2 marks
off a 2.1 isnt something u can say on an application form online
the people who have reviewed my cv are about three of the agencies im on,
reed, katie bard and bell cornwall associates, as well as my aunt who is a
teacher and has a friend who works at connexions. iv tried looking into
doing a pgce/gtp etc...but yes, dont feel at all bothered to say that
my degree is USELESS because i kno it is! i wish i knew then what i know
now but hey, thats life right?? sucks but im totally realistic about it,
hindsight's killing me at the moment tho! i really was interested in teaching
but because of my degree there is pretty much no chance, my aunt helped all she
could but nothing.
with the russian and french, its surprising how the HM revenue and certain
other companies dont want these languages, well, from my brief experience
of applying anyway. the main languages were german, japanese, punjabi
and spanish. I graduated from The University of Birmingham and am still in contact
with my mitigations officer and head of department for any kind of work or
voluntary work but again, nothing. i am more than willing to start from the bottom
up, iv always been in work since i was 16 and so im not shy of hard work!
id defintiely do shop work just for a bit of money and something to do, but
ive got turned away from tesco, boots and marks and spencer.
everyone seems to be willing to help, but their hands are tied. thank u
all for ur support tho, its very motivating

non_believer_2

Your story is so similar to mine. I graduated almost six years ago now and could not get a job for months (I also had to endure the gateway course, so you have my sympathy!). You need to remember that potential employers are not just assessing your suitability for the job, they are also assessing you against the other people who have applied for the job. As ruby eskimo says, having that bit more experience makes another person that bit more attractive as a candidate. Try not to take it personally - I know it's difficult, but the replies to your post should show you that you're not alone and it happens to many people. The only real advice I can give you is to keep doing what you're doing and apply for everything that comes your way. You will get something eventually, and once you do, you will see it begin to improve you career prospects. Good luck!