frustrated and really upset with not finding work

themull1

Good luck, but as others have said, it's really hard finding any jobs these days.!

alizee

I have looked into getting an NVQ or a college course but because i am foreign and over 18 i would have to pay thousands of pounds for them unless they are funded by the employer. I don't exactly know how it works here. I looked into home care but most agencies require you to have your own transport and driving license. I am fully aware there are lots of things and qualifications i could obtain, IF i had the money. But being unemployed with no benefits doesn't really help with that, and my husband doesn't earn enough for us to survive and to pay for a course or nvq.

I have just realised it was a terrible way of putting things - i did not mean no training (as in the training you get before you start a job), i meant no qualifications, i gave an example admin work or customer service related jobs because i have worked in voluntary work for 1 year and i had to deal with customers on a day to day basis as well as cash handling - also did PA work, answering phone calls, dealing with customer enquiries and so on - i cannot really put that on my cv and give plenty of details about it though, i have been advised by the jobcentre it might raise a few questions with the dwp because it should normally be paid work even if i did it willingly as a volunteer.

As for companies being a bit suspicious, i think that is the main issue, i am 21 years old so not exactly a teenager, but i have not had any serious jobs. the difference is that in my native country the emphasis was mostly on studying, there are very very few teenagers that have jobs there; which is completely different from england,

alizee

Running_On_Empty wrote: »

Your written English is excellent, well done for that.
What is your spoken English like? Do you have an accent, perhaps, that you need to work on to improve?
I agree that you must state you have the right to live in work in the UK. This is a big issue for employers so tell them what your situation is. You do not need to tell them you are married.
What languages do you speak and write?

Thank you.

I very much doubt i can improve anything about my accent, every time i go to a different doctor or dentist and they notice my name, they are quite shocked i'm not english, i have a very tiny hint of american due to too many tv shows but other than that, all i could do is take up the proper devonshire accent and learn the slang! lol

As for written, my english is alright, my Romanian is perfect as it is my n ative language. I can also hold a conversation in spanish and german but it is not something i am 100% confident with.


I have always assumed i don't need to mention what right to work i have because most application forms have a box you can tick if you are legally allowed to work in the UK, and if they don't have, it's usually mentioned under terms and conditions, so i really didn't think that was an issue.

Jacey53

Have you tried a temp agency?

They may send you to different places and the work will often be basic clerical but it would build up a portfolio and give you references.
You would also get to know the companies near you and the type of work that you would like.
Many agencies give basic training in office practice too.

Good luck

alizee

thank you, but now i am really scared they won't accept my references as they are not britsh, how are they going to check this? they didn't even ask for phone numbers.. should i mention anything? Also, one of the references is the same as my maiden name.. it's my uncle who owned the company but being the only 2 places i've worked before i had nothing else to put in.

KiKi

alizee wrote: »

thank you, but now i am really scared they won't accept my references as they are not britsh, how are they going to check this? they didn't even ask for phone numbers.. should i mention anything? Also, one of the references is the same as my maiden name.. it's my uncle who owned the company but being the only 2 places i've worked before i had nothing else to put in.

Do you know how many people who aren't British work in England?! Many places *will* accept non-British references, and will expect them from someone who is new-ish to the UK.

There is no need at all to put your maiden name on your CV, so no reason that they should know your Uncle owned the business. Also, at your age it wouldn't be surprising to know that you had gotten work experience with a family member; it happens all the time.

Put them on and apply. The worst that can happen is that they might choose not to take you on, but I doubt it will be because your references aren't British, esp if you're happy going into an entry level job.

KiKi

alizee

i have my maiden name on my registration certificate (the one that states im allowed to work in the uk) but i did check and there was no specification on the page about references (i've applied before to places that specified you're not allowed to put family members of any kind) should i just ignore it or have a chat with the lady doing the interview (perhaps at the end :P )

KiKi

If one of your references is from from an Uncle who just happened to own the business, then that's that. I don't think it needs any explanation at all, if it were even picked up.

If you were applying for a senior level job and you had only ever worked for family in your 20 years of work that might be a bit different, but you are talking about agency jobs which are probably going to be entry level, and you're young with only two work experience jobs to talk about. I think that's absolutely fair, and I wouldn't even discuss it or make an issue of it. If you're asked, tell them. But don't be embarrassed or apologise for it - why should you? You can mention your Uncle owned the business, gave you an opportunity, but then don't mention him again. Focus on the work and talk the job up! Talk about how you worked hard and what your learned, what you did, how you plan to use that experience etc.

Let us know how you get on.
KiKi

alizee

Got the job at M&S! it's only temporary but i will be looking out for permanent positions in store, thanks everyone for the support it really did help!

KiKi

Cognratulations, alizee! That's fantastic news! Enjoy it - and the staff discount!!

KiKi