Desperate to get back in to work

hob

Long story short I have been a carer for my adult brother for a yeah. He now been given a ‘home’ with adult placement. So I can now go back to work. I need to get back in to work, but with such a big gap in my CV I feel like im being ignored by the places I apply for. I only started looking for work on 7th of this month and I have had one reply the AA they sent me a email to say I had been unsuccessful, fair enough, even though before all this happened I worked in call centers , so its not like I havant done it before, any way my pont was at least they replied. The job center sent me to a place called CVS to help rework my CV but to be honest they didn’t do much, to it. Im so frustrated at the moment any advice on what I can do to help myself and id be most grateful. Im only 24 and I feel like im so worthless being on JSA ....yeah I know I have only been on it a very short time and people are on it for much longer but its just the way I feel. Im gonna get depressed if I stay like this.

David_Brent

Hob fear not don't get stressed I know what it is like not having a job I was out of work for a few months after Christmas it is rather depressing having to sign on for job seekers and im only a few years older than you it made me feel quite worthless.

Have you registered with any agencies for temp/perm work? Are you checking the job centre site every day for any positions you may be able to apply for? Local newspapers, checking the usual job web sites? Ringing around/calling in person to various companies with your CV?

Are you searching for jobs in just one sector of the job industry eg. are you just looking at call centre work? If so you should think about broadening your search into other sectors? Are you specifying your skills listed on you CV directly to customer service as these were previous roles you worked, if so could you relate these skills to other sectors also?

To help see an example of a CV and CV builder try: http://www.redgoldfish.co.uk/cv-centre.aspx

What work would you consider doing? Would you be willing to relocate?

uknitty

I have a 9 month gap on my CV owing to suddenly being taken very ill and needing major surgery a few years ago.

Explaining gaps in CV's can be troublesome - in my experience it always gets pulled up at interview and as part of the application process.

What I have found has helped me is ensuring that you have a good personal reference to cover the gap in your employment history ( I use a family friend who is a police officer) Is there anyone you could ask to give you a character reference and to confirm the reason for the gap in your employment ?

Actually having the reference printed out and to hand can be helpful as well. In fact the more references you can get from "professional people" or those bound by ethical code the better !

Shymate

It seems to me that you need your confidence boosting. Whilst looking for jobs, have you considered doing voluntary work, or doing a course of some sort. You may be able to get financial help with some courses. These will help build up your CV.

hob

im applying for anything i think i can do. not just call centre work im checking online everyday and job centre every other day. i can relocate , i may not be looking after my brother any more full time but im the only person he has, tho his family are very nice he will at some point be moved on. personal reference are not something i had thought of tho i did put down the are social worker if they wanted to check out my story. i will have a think on who i can ask. i will also have a think on a corse i could maybe do ,but im not sure of what. looking at Volunteering, now frightend that if i start and get offerd a job i would have to walk out on them and let them down most of the places i have seen say they need a minnim of 3 months.....

flutterbyuk25

OP - please see my post in this thread

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2538035

there are courses out there that you can attend to gain skills, qualifications, get you back into a work routine etc. You can still claim JSA and do these courses.

I'm not pushing my course on anyone, there are many didfferent training providers out there doing similar things. Speak to your Job centre adviser about Work Based Learning courses.

HTH

x

hob

right im doing a first aid corse on tursday and im looking in to geting a qulifcation for computer skills. anyone think of anything else???!!

DavidSPTABC

How about setting up your own small business? This may sound a bit impossible to you but here me out.

I truly believe that there is more than enough work available in the UK, but note that I used the word 'work' not 'jobs'. I just don't see how anyone can expect the government to sort this problem but the answer is out there already all anyone needs to do is look and act. I am talking about the numerous business oportunities that are out there. Ok, you have to look out for scams, but they tend to be fairly obvious and easy to avoid if you use your common sense.

You say, you've worked in call centres so talking to people over the phone should not be a problem for you. All you need is a business that you are interested in and someone to mentor you through the startup process. Remember, if you have your own business you can't get fired.

Not sure if that helps, but either way don't despair. If you need more advice I am happy to help but please bear in mind I am not an expert and I don't have all the answers.

kingfisherblue

Instead of looking at the time spent caring for your brother as a gap in your CV, why not turn it into something positive? List it and then detail some of the skills needed - patience, perseverence, good sense of humour, stamina, etc. Give examples of how caring for your brother can relate to workplace practice (form filling, managing appointments, etc). If you turn it into something positive (which it is!) instead of focusing on the negative, it will show prospective employers that you have empathy, take responsibility seriously, and have gained new skills and experiences.

Good luck x

Savvy_Sue

kingfisherblue wrote: »

Instead of looking at the time spent caring for your brother as a gap in your CV, why not turn it into something positive? List it and then detail some of the skills needed - patience, perseverence, good sense of humour, stamina, etc. Give examples of how caring for your brother can relate to workplace practice (form filling, managing appointments, etc). If you turn it into something positive (which it is!) instead of focusing on the negative, it will show prospective employers that you have empathy, take responsibility seriously, and have gained new skills and experiences.

Good luck x

Exactly what I was going to say. don't even show it as a break, IYSWIM. In the employment section, you can say "May 2009 - June 2010: full time carer for my brother. Responsibilities included ..." reason for leaving "Brother moved into residential home".

ellie101

Savvy_Sue wrote: »

Exactly what I was going to say. don't even show it as a break, IYSWIM. In the employment section, you can say "May 2009 - June 2010: full time carer for my brother. Responsibilities included ..." reason for leaving "Brother moved into residential home".

I was in a similar situation with my mother and just said "career break" and then the reasons why. I found that most employers really don't want to talk about personal stuff... if you've a good CV and can interview it'll be fine, just make sure you explain gaps briefly. And I've found if you bring it up at the interview before they do they often skim over it.

But if you find your confidence knocked at all then get help with interviewing, CV writing etc. I had problems on that front and got it sorted out eventually.

Good luck.