Overqualified for cleaning toilets but not experienced enough for anything else? Help

p83wanad

I don't really know what I'm doing wrong. I just don't seem to fit anywhere.

I moved into England almost 3 years ago (from Latinamerica). I did go to college over there, got *some* (not a lot but it is something) professional experience, but again, in my country. So I come here, not as a student or worker, but as a married partner of a British national and I just can't see where I fit. I got permission to live and work but I just don't know where to go or how to approach this.

I've applied for career sort of jobs and turns out I don't qualify because I don't have the experience. So I go to the other end, applying for min wage jobs (cleaning, shop assistant) and I guess I'm not ideal for that either because all my attempts to apply just get ignored (they may think I just want some quick cash while something better comes along? I don't know...) So either way, I get no replies or see any results. I'm lucky if someone actually comes back with a 'no, sorry'. Most of the time it's like I don't exist. I've been sending apps for anything and everything at the moment and I get zip in return.

In the meantime the employment gap gets bigger and bigger, which doesn't look nice at all on a CV. I'm stuck in this vicious cycle, in this catch 22 situation... I don't know how to make a breakthrough, how do I become part of something just like everybody else?

I feel like I'm too old to go back to school, plus how could I afford it without a job?

Not really sure what to do anymore. I'd appreciate any insight

Gordon_Hose

Keep applying, something will come up!

hartcjhart

where have you been applying for the jobs,online or jobcentre

nzmegs

From your post your English seems to be pretty good, but it may be putting people off that you are a "foreigner". If they feel you might have poor english (not something they could tell from a CV) they may avoid interviewing you. i think you need to get face to face with people if possible.

If you are happy working in a shop or similar then make copies of your CV with a photo and take them round the shops yourself. introduce yourself, prove how good your english is and how well presented you are. It might not result in a job straight away, but your initiative will be noticed.

it is all very well to say "keep applying" but the fact is that these days you have to do more than simply apply. you need to get yourself noticed and hand delivering your CV is the best way. Make sure you speak to the manager or the person who advertises jobs and prove how willing you are.

On your CV try to downplay your qualifications if they are not required for the job and also try to show that you have been living here for a long while. Also make it clear you are allowed to work on your CV.

I hope that helps.

DCFC79

nzmegs wrote: »

If you are happy working in a shop or similar then make copies of your CV with a photo and take them round the shops yourself. introduce yourself, prove how good your english is and how well presented you are. It might not result in a job straight away, but your initiative will be noticed.

it is all very well to say "keep applying" but the fact is that these days you have to do more than simply apply. you need to get yourself noticed and hand delivering your CV is the best way. Make sure you speak to the manager or the person who advertises jobs and prove how willing you are.

the above doesnt apply to all employers though, some employers eg sainsburys advertise jobs online and from what i know no 1 at store advertises jobs as its done by HO, i dont know about other employers but im guessing others who also advertise online may well do the same

Gettingtherequickly

What is your experience in? It may well be possible to do some volunteering in that field, ok it without pay, but it will boost your work experience here. I do some voluteering outside work and some of the office staff have got their job with the strength of their volunteer role

TEDDYRUKSPIN

p83wanad wrote: »

I don't really know what I'm doing wrong. I just don't seem to fit anywhere.

I moved into England almost 3 years ago (from Latinamerica). I did go to college over there, got *some* (not a lot but it is something) professional experience, but again, in my country. So I come here, not as a student or worker, but as a married partner of a British national and I just can't see where I fit. I got permission to live and work but I just don't know where to go or how to approach this.

I've applied for career sort of jobs and turns out I don't qualify because I don't have the experience. So I go to the other end, applying for min wage jobs (cleaning, shop assistant) and I guess I'm not ideal for that either because all my attempts to apply just get ignored (they may think I just want some quick cash while something better comes along? I don't know...) So either way, I get no replies or see any results. I'm lucky if someone actually comes back with a 'no, sorry'. Most of the time it's like I don't exist. I've been sending apps for anything and everything at the moment and I get zip in return.

In the meantime the employment gap gets bigger and bigger, which doesn't look nice at all on a CV. I'm stuck in this vicious cycle, in this catch 22 situation... I don't know how to make a breakthrough, how do I become part of something just like everybody else?

I feel like I'm too old to go back to school, plus how could I afford it without a job?

Not really sure what to do anymore. I'd appreciate any insight

Without knowing your qualifications, experiences and knowledge, no one can really provide any specific advice.

On a general note, at least you have a job. The UK market for jobs is very terrible and even worse for cities which rely on the public sector. At this current moment, everyone who has a job are glad they still have one.

The current situation is terrible everywhere. As the above have said, you should continue to apply and apply.

No matter what age, you can still continue to study and study.

I know of a friend who's nan at the age of 83 years old, completed a degree. Crazy but yes.

GothicStirling

I find the thread title quite insulting actually.

Yes I'm about to graduate from my university. Yes I have management experience. And yes I do and will clean toilets for a living. What I don't do is have a flounce saying 'I'm overqualified for cleaning toilets.'

I'll do what ever work I have to until I can get myself a job in publishing. This might mean another 18 months of postgrad study and working for free to get the work experience.

I have worked with people who think they are too good to clean toilets. Guess what? Two years after graduating with a maths degree, they are still working in the jobs they had as students serving fast food.

Gordon_Hose

GothicStirling wrote: »

I find the thread title quite insulting actually.

Yes I'm about to graduate from my university. Yes I have management experience. And yes I do and will clean toilets for a living. What I don't do is have a flounce saying 'I'm overqualified for cleaning toilets.'

I'll do what ever work I have to until I can get myself a job in publishing. This might mean another 18 months of postgrad study and working for free to get the work experience.

I have worked with people who think they are too good to clean toilets. Guess what? Two years after graduating with a maths degree, they are still working in the jobs they had as students serving fast food.

You should probably read the OP.

She clearly states that she's applying for cleaning jobs, but they don't get back to her.

p83wanad

Thanks for your replies.


@ hartcj
Mostly I've been applying for vacancies on the directgov website, as I've been told all the jobcentre does is telling you to go check on that very website…


@ nzmegs
I'm beginning to suspect that my foreign name is playing against me. But then again, how do the Polish and other 'foreigners' apparently get all these jobs if being a foreigner puts employers off?

The fact that I'm too shy to actually go speak to people doesn't help either.

About my CV, if I try to downplay my qualifications, I end up with nothing because I've never worked in a shop or as a cleaner before… So how do you apply for a job if you have no experience at all? That would work against me as well I suppose… At the moment I've been sending my full CV even though it's all completely irrelevant to the min wage jobs advertise, but I thought it at least shows I've worked before? I don't know, it doesn't seem to help either.


@gettinhere
I got a bit of experience doing graphic design and photography. Very little though. I'm also fluent in English and Spanish, with a little experience translating. But then again, not good enough for a proper vacancy as they ask for years and years of proven experience in certain areas or certain clients.


@teddyruk
At least I have a job? Erm, no I don't? As I said, how do I afford to study and study if I can't get no jobs at all?


@gothic
I think you're being quite touchy. There's nothing wrong with cleaning toilets actually. I WANT to clean toilets to make a bit of money, I couldn't care less. I just don't know what I'm doing wrong. I'm assuming I come across as overqualified but then again I may be not good enough for that either, I don't know as I don't get any replies back one way or the other.

DCFC79

You dont need experience or qualifications to work in a shop, you just need to have common sense, eye contact and be flexible,

forgot to say that your fighting for jobs with graduates so it can be tough