Support Each Other In Looking For Work?

livermum

I have an interview on Monday with a recruitment agency who called me today. They think that they may have some work for me. It's not exactly what I wanted but right now I will take pretty much anything and then just keep looking for something more suitable.

Stephy I know what it's like to watch your saving diminish so fast, but you seem to be making progress so hopefully it wont be too long before you get something permanent.

Stew68

stephyt23 wrote: »

Well my good day has been well and truly ruined by checking my bank account. If I don't get work very VERY soon I'm screwed. If I hadn't had those 2 days work 3 weeks ago I'd already be screwed I've had nothing off them since, I'm sure I only secured those 2 days as the people who normally cover that nursery weren't available. I've just emailed them to say I'm available all Easter hols as they start soon. Really hope I can something

Hi Stephy,

I know how you feel. I went on line to pay a bill yesterday and it's frightening. I'm lucky that the mortgage is covered by insurance but it's all the other bills that have screwed me. I talked to my bank in person and over the phone to try and sort something out but they won't entertain it even though I haven't been in the red for years and years. I've worked out that if I sell the car I could last a few months longer but then i'm limited to how far I could go for interviews or work. I just can't find a way out of it.

I hope things get better for you soon.

Superly_Vince

My second interview went well last Tuesday. I met with the head of HR briefly upon my arrival, it was nice to catch up, she wished me luck... (after the first interview, the recruitment agent who put me forward said she really likes me which is lovely to hear!) So my second interview was with the head of the department I could potentially be working for, it was fairly formal and certainly more in depth than the first interview. I really liked the head of the department, a lovely lady who seemed approachable an wanted to know lots about me. It was interesting to hear about her role in the company and about the expansion which will take place over the next 2-3 years, I felt at ease so was able to ask her questions about the company and her role quite effortlessly, the conversation flowed quite nicely... I was there for well over an hour!

The recruitment agent received great feedback about me after the second interview, they got back to me on Friday evening at the brink of close of business... turns out there's a THIRD interview which I've been put forward for, I should hear about when this will be tomorrow... yikes! I don't know how to prepare for a third interview, apparently I be meeting the team.

Sheesh... three interviews for an administrive role! they're certainly making us jump through hoops these days, huh? But do you know what? that's fine because I REALLY want this role, it matches my experience, there are aspects which are new to me and which I'm very keen to learn, it's permenant and the pay is good, the people I have met so far are really nice and the office is pretty stunning

I'm sorry to here there are new addtions to this thread I hope the newbies get a chance to read through this thread and pick up on tips and tricks, it's certainly helped/inspired me and I hope you gain something from this.

Also, I'm sorry to hear some of you are having a hard time, I have you all in my thoughts in the hope that things will turn around for you soon. I understand it's stressful and hard work *hugs*

Good luck to everyone who have interviews this week and I hope any new applications will receive positive feedback.

ellie101

persa wrote: »

Well, I've been offered an interview in London! :j

The downside is, the company won't pay expenses. It would cost me at least £90 for the train, plus I would need a hotel room. Alternatively, I could get the coach overnight for a lot cheaper, but I would need somewhere to freshen up. I know Kings Cross have shower facilities (or at least, they did a year ago!) but does anyone know of anywhere else with a shower in central London?

It's a bit mad, spending a whole day on a coach in total, but if it gets me a decent job...

Trying not to get excited.

well done! Are you claiming JSA? Some of the job centres used to cover your travel. I was based up north and claimed several times in rush hour for interviews to London (nature of work I did I often had interviews arranged v. quickly). They gave me travel warrants in advance, sometimes covering £120.

There may have been a crackdown though, but worth a quick ring to see, I always had to book in advance. Job centre used to pay accommodation but was only £30 a night.

In London, I stayed at this hostel before for a single room to myself:

http://www.generatorhostels.com/

It's not great though, can be noisy but room to yourself centrally for £60 (get earplugs).

Also, last minute does this thing called "top secret hotels" where you can get swankier hotels often at half price in london, but it's likely to cost you £70 plus. Last minute will have hotels/other hostels a lot cheaper, as does late room, but not sure what they'll be like generally. Hotels in London can be dire and still cost loads as you probably know.

I can't tell you unfortunately about showers in london as not sure... good luck with the interview.

persa

ellie101 wrote: »

well done! Are you claiming JSA? Some of the job centres used to cover your travel. I was based up north and claimed several times in rush hour for interviews to London (nature of work I did I often had interviews arranged v. quickly). They gave me travel warrants in advance, sometimes covering £120.

There may have been a crackdown though, but worth a quick ring to see, I always had to book in advance. Job centre used to pay accommodation but was only £30 a night.

I am on JSA, but it's contributions based and I wondered if that would make a difference?

Wednesday is actually my signing on day so I think I will speak to the Job Centre before calling the agency back to confirm anything. If they could help with travel, that would be such a weight off my shoulders. I will not get my hopes up, but thank you for alerting me to a possible solution.

I've had a few more leads today and I'm wondering if maybe I should bite the bullet and stay in London for a week and then try to cram as many interviews in as possible. I wasn't really planning on moving to London, but having thought more about it, the type of work that's on offer down there would push me more and probably be good for my career.

I might be able to get a friend to put me up for a few days, but it's quite an imposition and I would still need to pay to get to London in the first place and also find somewhere to grab a shower, due to the time I would be getting in.

I think this is the first bit of positive news I've had to share on this thread. Hope it sparks a trend.

persa

Superly_Vince wrote: »

My second interview went well last Tuesday. I met with the head of HR briefly upon my arrival, it was nice to catch up, she wished me luck... (after the first interview, the recruitment agent who put me forward said she really likes me which is lovely to hear!) So my second interview was with the head of the department I could potentially be working for, it was fairly formal and certainly more in depth than the first interview. I really liked the head of the department, a lovely lady who seemed approachable an wanted to know lots about me. It was interesting to hear about her role in the company and about the expansion which will take place over the next 2-3 years, I felt at ease so was able to ask her questions about the company and her role quite effortlessly, the conversation flowed quite nicely... I was there for well over an hour!

The recruitment agent received great feedback about me after the second interview, they got back to me on Friday evening at the brink of close of business... turns out there's a THIRD interview which I've been put forward for, I should hear about when this will be tomorrow... yikes! I don't know how to prepare for a third interview, apparently I be meeting the team.

Sheesh... three interviews for an administrive role! they're certainly making us jump through hoops these days, huh? But do you know what? that's fine because I REALLY want this role, it matches my experience, there are aspects which are new to me and which I'm very keen to learn, it's permenant and the pay is good, the people I have met so far are really nice and the office is pretty stunning

It does sound like they're making you jump through quite a lot of hoops, but it sounds like the process is going well for you, so hopefully it's just company red tape they have to follow and they'll make you an offer soon:)

Sorry to see the newbies too - you're all very much welcome, but it's always a shame to hear someone else has lost their job too. I hope this thread can be a source of venting and/or inspiration to you.

Also sorry to hear some of you are struggling financially - I haven't quite hit that level yet, so I don't really know what to suggest. I spent this morning analysing our expenditure for the past year (as an accountant, I can't help but make spreadsheets for everything) and working out a budget. I've now been out of work for a month, so things are starting to get tighter. We can just about get by with our new budget; it'll be tougher, but doable. The JSA is just about keeping us afloat - it would be a real struggle on just my OH's income.

Whether or not the Job Centre can help with my interview expenses, I am grateful for the JSA money they're paying me. As depressing as the weekend course for professionals they sent me on was, where one of the other job seekers stormed out, it is where I got the idea to use LinkedIn from and that's what got me this interview.

lexilex

stephyt23 wrote: »

Well my good day has been well and truly ruined by checking my bank account. If I don't get work very VERY soon I'm screwed. If I hadn't had those 2 days work 3 weeks ago I'd already be screwed I've had nothing off them since, I'm sure I only secured those 2 days as the people who normally cover that nursery weren't available. I've just emailed them to say I'm available all Easter hols as they start soon. Really hope I can something

Awful isn't it I don't dare even look at my bank balance any more.

Morning everyone.

Today is going to be great. There are going to be loads of jobs to apply for and we will all hear something positive.

PMA.

DCFC79

Morning, well ill be getting the local paper as its jobs dy and ill look whats on offer

stephyt23

persa wrote: »

Fingers crossed things look up for you soon, Steph. I know you're trying really hard.

livermum wrote: »

Stephy I know what it's like to watch your saving diminish so fast, but you seem to be making progress so hopefully it wont be too long before you get something permanent.

Thanks guys, I hope so!

Stew68 wrote: »

Hi Stephy,

I know how you feel. I went on line to pay a bill yesterday and it's frightening. I'm lucky that the mortgage is covered by insurance but it's all the other bills that have screwed me. I talked to my bank in person and over the phone to try and sort something out but they won't entertain it even though I haven't been in the red for years and years. I've worked out that if I sell the car I could last a few months longer but then i'm limited to how far I could go for interviews or work. I just can't find a way out of it.

I hope things get better for you soon.

It's horrible isn't it? Hope things look up for you too. I just hate how we're all trying our best and it's just getting us no where

twinkle1981_2

Morning everyone. Im going down the library again today. I could do my job hunting at home but I need a change of scene. And it helps me stay focused.

Sent away an application for a part time clerical job with the NHS yesterday, fingers crossed I hear something from that. And of course the dreaded interview is tomorrow. For some reason I feel like I am going to my execution. :rotfl:

Job day in the paper is tomorrow fingers crossed there is something in it to apply for.

Im also hoping I hear something back from the heritage centre I volunteered to work with. They requested references and the references were sent in, but they haven't got back to me yet. I know the references were excellent ones so I don't know what the hold up is.