Support Each Other In Looking For Work?

925dancer

Just caught up with the agency, they haven't had the decision from the employer yet, they are hoping today.

They did say though that if I was unsuccessful then they have had another couple of positions come in that they can put me forward for. So at least this agency is actually trying to find me work!

I'm still spamming everyone on Facebook for votes for that "win a job" competition though, I'd much rather have that job than any I'm applying for now!

DCFC79

EndlessStruggle wrote: »

I have decided I am no longer going to listen to those useless BLEEEEPs at the Jobcentre, despite me telling them over and over and over and over again that I have travel restrictions they keep insisting I apply for these jobs that are well outside where I can humanly travel excluding teleportation and I have to apply as they have a nasty habit of secretly "matching" you to jobs. I got asked for an interview to one and I've had to tell them I don't think it's fair to interview me when I couldn't take the job as I can't teleport there! This is second time I have had to turn down an interview because public transport here really blows. I have a 12 week wait for a driving test too! ARGH!

why do they match you to jobs they know you cant get to

EndlessStruggle

I am not sure if they have matched me to that one but in the past they have matched me to some really silly ones, I have no idea why they do it. Because there aren't that many jobs in our town probably they find more out of it then decide to match to them instead because they like to do really stupid things!

looby75

DCFC79 wrote: »

why do they match you to jobs they know you cant get to

because they don't listen to a word you say.

Public transport where I am is poor to say the least, I wanted to go on an IT training course set up for me by Next steps, it was at a community centre 7 miles from where I live. I checked out the buses and because there is no direct bus between here and the centre it would have taken me 2 buses and a hour and 10 mins to get there :eek: for just 7 miles. It meant I couldn't start the course as I wouldn't have been able to get there for the start time or be back in time for my son coming home from school.

Because I'm a lone parent I am able to restrict the hours I can work, there is ZERO preschool childcare here, no breakfast clubs or anything so the earliest I can start work is 10am and thats pushing it now they say I have to look for work within 90 min travelling time. Yet they keep trying to push me to apply for jobs that start as early as 7.30 am, it doesn't matter how many times I tell them it's impossible as ds can only go in the school yard at 8.50am and doesn't leave the house to go to school until 8.40am they still keep advising me to apply anyway and ask about flexibility at the interview.

Yeah of course I'm going to get the job if the first thing I say is "oh excuse me I know the job starts at 7.30 but if I got it would it be ok for me to start at 10am" :mad:

Every time I've pointed this out they back down and don't get a print out but it's so frustrating to have to keep going through the same arguments. Its been almost a relief the last 2 signings where they have point blank said there is nothing at all for me to apply for.....but also totally depressing.

Oh and while I'm on a mega rant, I did my weekly call round of the agencies today....as usual nothing but the one agency that told me last week I needed to be more flexible with the hours I can work now conveniently has no record of me ever signing up with them :mad::mad::mad::mad:

The woman I spoke to was apologetic and asked if I wanted to sign up again but I told her there was no point as it's obvious they will never help me find work. It's only a small local agency, I though because they were small and local they might be a bit more personal and understanding of the childcare problems people have in the area but obviously not.

Oooh that really did turn into a rant didn't it. lol

And on a funnier note on the jobcentre website today they advertising for film extras......but they want you to do 60 hours a week and you have to have plain undyed hair :eek::rotfl:

EndlessStruggle

I'm glad it's not just me having the public transport war with them. I used to be lucky as my old Adviser lives just round the corner from me (and doesn't drive) so she used to understand my situation very well but the others don't have any clue. Is only my Adviser I see every 4 weeks that seems to get it as well ,the ones in between don't so we now have it arranged that my 4 weekly meeting is on the day I would sign on so less trips to the Job Centre and I don't have to see various idiots so often lol.

I am due in on Friday and not looking forward to it as discussing Work Scheme I have to go on, well he will be talking I have laryngitis so have no voice whatsoever lol

LittleCharlie

Just found this thread, thought I'd post a little something on it.

Been unemployed since March when I left my job - the politics made the job unbearable. That and the fact that although I was only contracted for 20 hours a week, the 20 hours were shift work over 4-5 days, often split shifts. I'd find myself going in for three hours sometimes! Crazy. Anyway, I figured out that on jobseekers I would barely be any worse off, so I jumped off the sinking ship...

The thing is, I moved to this new town about 18 months ago, and I've just not been able to find a job. I moved to be with my boyfriend, he has a good job which supports us both, but I really want to get started on my own career. I used to have a decent job in shipping and logistics, but moving to the middle of Hertfordshire has really dented that career!

I go for jobs now, and it seems I just can't win. If I get an interview, I'm often told afterwards that I have too much experience and potential for the job and that they feel I won't stay for the long term. The problem is that when I apply for slightly higher paid and higher responsibility jobs (18-22k) then I find myself being turned down and not even getting an interview due to lack of experience and education (no degree!).

I don't really know how to get myself out of this hole. The jobcentre staff are sometimes sympathetic, but half the time they think I'm just lying to them. One woman even told me the other week that she didn't believe I'd even applied for anything since I started claiming! How insulting!

I don't know how to get round the problem though. Job seekers won't send me on any training courses. I failed to get into University this year so I have to wait a year before I can try again. And JSA doesn't give enough to save to get on a training course or two.

Seems like a no win situation. Even the supermarkets and pubs don't call me for an interview when I apply to their job adverts! Well that's not true actually, I "dumbed down" my CV for a supermarket application and got an interview, then they rejected me for having too much experience...

*Sigh*. I'm sure something will come up.

DCFC79

looby75 wrote: »

because they don't listen to a word you say.

woah, well they're idiots then if they dont listen to what they're told, what might start happening for me next is being told which jobs to apply for eg jobs ive no experience/qualifications in which im dreading but it will be fun

joyce63

skintscotslass wrote: »

Hi folks :wave:

I took voluntary redundancy at the end of March. I'm really surprised at how hard I've found it to get something. I actually start a new job tomorrow, but its only 16 hours a week, so I need to get something else. I'm waiting to hear from Asda about an interview.

925dancer - I'm happy to vote for you

I'm in exactly the same position, having taken voluntary redundancy at the same time as you. I have finally been offered a job subject to references and will start a week on Monday, but only after several failed applications and a few failed interviews. I'm happy to have secured something but the money isn't great and it's not permanent. But I definitely think it's easier to find work when you're in work, and rubbish money is still significantly better than JSA!

I think in hindsight I should have started applying for jobs much sooner than I did - I didn't really take it seriously until after I came back from a holiday after leaving my old job. It's been a real eye opener at some of the jobs I've not had interviews for - some of them I could have done with my eyes shut! But it's been great experience in learning how to fill out the application form well and in interviews, so I am positive about the whole experience, and most importantly, I still don't regret leaving my old job.

I lurk a lot on this thread and empathise so much with everyone. It's always great to hear when people get jobs and I feel so bad for those who feel they're getting nowhere. I've had to lower my expectations but there is something out there. Keep the faith

morizot

Only 2 phone calls today, pooo.
Having problems with my phone reception, believe that it is due to orange and t-mobile switching off masts where coverage is shared. I use Virgin which, as it is a t-mobile piggy back service, is not yet compatible for Orange coverage My phone contact is due for renewal so I will be changing mobile phone providers. I have spent hours researching tariffs, providers and phones something I would not have had time to do being at work

Tomorrow I have an appointment with my outplacement consultant. Anyone had any experience of them? Mine is called DBM

BTW when I was at work, I used to get home and immediately raid the fridge for snacks as a means of relaxation. Seem to have broken that habit so the job situation must be good for me

Stew68

Quick update on the job interview situation.

I spoke to the agency today, turns out that the interviewer I saw last week has been taken ill so the second interview has been delayed until probably next week when the MD has had a chance to have a chat with him.

Guess i'll just have to wait a little longer than normal for the second interview.