Uni graduate...new to job seeking.

Running_On_Empty

Just got back from my city centre, in the Midlands, and I saw an upmarket shop, with handwritten notice in the window advertising a sales position. Unfortunately, I'm not in your area so it's not directly of use to you but I thought of you when I saw the ad.
I guess if they advertise online or in newspapers they'll be overwhelmed but on the other hand it shows that there are some jobs out there. Obviously not your dream job! But it shows it might be worth perhaps taking your CV into your city centre and targeting some shops or just in case you see something advertised.

moneysaving_convert

Hope you are feeling a bit more encouraged now! I graduated in the last era of mass graduate unemployment and, like you, after several months unemployed wondered why I had bothered with Uni. Just to say, with hindsight: Uni was one of the best times of my life, and at the school gate there are so many parents wishing that they had gone when they had the chance. You won't regret it. I "temped" (very badly I think, I feel sorry for anyone that employed me at that time!) but it gave me some experience. When I finally did get a job using my language degree although I started in a secretarial/admin role I made sure everyone knew I was ambitious and within a couple of years was promoted out of admin and into a managerial role. Even when I went part-time when I had my kids I was still earning enough part-time to have two chldren cared for and some left over.

In other words, there is light at the end of the tunnel. You degree will help you in your chosen career although you may not see how at the moment. Just keep going and look to get as much experience as possible. Good luck with the hunt and I really wish I could wave a magic wand for you!

lexilex

Running_On_Empty wrote: »

Just got back from my city centre, in the Midlands, and I saw an upmarket shop, with handwritten notice in the window advertising a sales position. Unfortunately, I'm not in your area so it's not directly of use to you but I thought of you when I saw the ad.
I guess if they advertise online or in newspapers they'll be overwhelmed but on the other hand it shows that there are some jobs out there. Obviously not your dream job! But it shows it might be worth perhaps taking your CV into your city centre and targeting some shops or just in case you see something advertised.

Awh! Thank you for thinking of me, that is lovely! I am going into town at the end of the week to visit the lovely job centre so I will take some CVs with me and have a wander around.

I have been unemployed for one month now . Some days I feel really postive, but others, when there's one job posted in the local paper, and I have nothing to do all day, I just want to cry! Just in the middle of doing three applications this morning.

I've got a thirty minute appointment at the job centre this week. My boyfriend was on JSA 2 years ago and he never had one of these. He was on JSA for around 12 weeks, I've only been on it 4 weeks. I'm scared they're going to tell me off!!

ETA: I've been applying for a few teaching assistants jobs. I've been thinking about sending my CV around all the local schools, would this be a waste of time? Normally they are advertised on the local council site, and it's an application form. It is clearly stated CV's are not accepted. I don't want to waste stamps sending out CV's if they are just going to go in the bin. I have added this section the the spec letter:

"I have enclosed a copy of my CV and would be most grateful if you could have a look at this and consider me should any future positions arise. I understand you may not accept CVs, and I am more than happy to complete an application form, but having recently discovered that a huge amount of vacancies go unadvertised I am hoping this letter may prevent me from missing out on any possible opportunities."

Would this be ok or is it pointless.

Tankrizzo_2

Nothing is pointless when you're looking for a job lexi. Worst case, they chuck your CV away. Best case, they give you a call.

Don't ever be afraid of making a nuisance of yourself, I would be very happy to employ someone who got off their backside and was out looking for work all the time - remember that guy who stood at the side of the road last year with a sign saying "Please give me a job". He got one within a few days.

moneysaving_convert

Just wondering whether you have registered with any of the big recruitment agencies near you - Edward & Pearce etc.
They may be able to get you some temporary work and also might give you some hints about your cv. Don't be afraid to sell yourself big - you have a good level of education, personable, team player, learn quickly etc. etc what you lack in experience you make up in your ability to assimilate and retain information etc.

lexilex

moneysaving_convert wrote: »

Just wondering whether you have registered with any of the big recruitment agencies near you - Edward & Pearce etc.
They may be able to get you some temporary work and also might give you some hints about your cv. Don't be afraid to sell yourself big - you have a good level of education, personable, team player, learn quickly etc. etc what you lack in experience you make up in your ability to assimilate and retain information etc.

I have been in touch with a few agencies, I think it was Edward & Pearce I emailed but never got a response.

Going to get a book of stamps and send my CV off to a few schools, will work through the phone book as and when I can afford the stamps... when did they get so expensive?? :eek:

justanopinion

Hi Lexilex,

I, too, think of you. The company I work for has intern positions at the moment, it's just we're based in Windsor, Berks, otherwise I'd tell you to wing your CV over!

If your CV is not with every agency in the area, google them and get your CV to them. You don't need to do it applying for a job. Ring up, ask who the temp consultant is, ask to speak to them or get their email. And then badger them. First time in the morning is probably not the best though. I've had friends work in recruitment and they used to get panicked calls at the end of the day becuase they realised they needed a temp urgently for the next day.

Keep smiling! You will get there.

santacruz_2

Sorry, I haven't read the whole post and don't know what kind of career you're actually looking for but I get prison job alerts and there have been lots of psychology assistant jobs on there. So if criminal sort of things interest you then sign up for the job alerts.

By the way, I graduated 2/3 years ago and am doing nothing to do with my degree. Still searching!

lexilex

Justanopinion... thank you for thinking of me, it is very much appreciated!

Santacruz... I do look on the prison website reguarly...my Dad actually used to work for them so it's something he's mentioned a lot. Didn't realise you could sign up to alerts though, will do that now.

Leslie... very interesting about the twitter thing. A few companies have already started following me. Will go through your list and follow them all. Thanks.

lexilex

Just wanted to share what the Job Centre told me today. I took my CV, asked them to have a look. He told me it is fine, but I should take my degree off as it is probably stopping me finding a job.