really struggling with unemployment, desperate for a job

Chris842

Not sure why I'm posting this because I feel like I've t
ried everything already. I completed a teacher training course in june. Since then, I have had 15 interviews (at two of them, there was only one other candidate) and I can't get the job. I keep getting told in my feedback that I look nervous. I take that feedback in each time but I'm still nervous at the following one. I can't help it! Does this mean I'll never get a job? I spent £70 on a hyponotherapy session but it didn't work. At interviews, you are required to teach a lesson. The school I did my training at has let me come in and I've my lesson a practice run. I've read all the usual interview tips. I'm trying so hard but its just not good enough.

I have had a few arguments with my girlfried because of it. She calls me lazy even though I spend all day every day looking for and applying for jobs. I've signed up with an agency and they recently said to start ringing each day at 7.30am. I still haven't had a single day of supply.

After a particularly bad argument today, I'm writing this and thinking about leaving and going to my parents because she's really !!!!ed me off today.

I graduated in 2007 with my first degree - a 3rd class in computer science. I've been teaching myself programming languages by reading books because I've forgotten a lot since then, so that I can apply for jobs in IT. Will anyone give me a job in IT though, given that its years since I graduated and I only got a 3rd?

Will anyone give me a job at all?!

I know its hard for everyone. But no matter what state the economy is in, it shouldn't take anyone 15 interviews to get 1 job! (At one of the interviews, someone said it was his 12th. But he said he'd had 5 job offers so far and turned them down cus he didn't like the school. He got that job and accepted it).

Vejovis

have you thought of offering private tuition in the meantime, perhaps in the back of your mind at the interview you're worrying about your lack of experience, and doing some tuition will help your confidence.

wanderhog

I'm not sure anyone's willing to give you a go even for private tuition when you only have a 3rd class degree. In fact, I don't think any company specifically asking for a 2:1 or above degree will give you a go. You can try applying for IT jobs not needing any qualifications if only to build a portfolio. A portfolio of past programming projects is more important than qualifications at times in the IT industry.

Chris842

I know the 3rd is bad. But id rather teach than work in IT and one good thing I have going for (I guess) is that I was graded a 2 during my teacher training (1 is outstanding, 2 is good, 3 is satisfactory and 4 is unsatisfactory. About 50 percent of trainees gets 3s I believe).

I only started applying in IT last week. There was one in particular I hoped I had a shot at (they give you 16 weeks intensive java training, unpaid, following by a 2 year placement which can be anywhere in the country as a java programmer. And I am willing to relocate anywhere).

Private tuition is a possibility but I have no idea where to start. Do you know how id get into that?
I'll google it when I'm at a computer. Using my phone now.

Chris842

The IT employers will see that recently did a pgce. Will this go against me? I.e. will they think I only want their job until I can get a teaching job?

Smidster

I know it is disheartening but you just have to carry on trying.

Unfortunately if you sound nervous it is going to work against you but you will only improve by putting yourself in interview situations and you should take heart from the fact you are getting regular interviews.

Also think about broadening your job search (at least for the moment) I know you want to work in teaching but be willing to be as flexible as possible - what about basic admin roles? the more of a chameleon you are the better your chance of success.

dave4545454

Chris842 wrote: »

Will anyone give me a job at all?!

I know its hard for everyone. But no matter what state the economy is in, it shouldn't take anyone 15 interviews to get 1 job! (At one of the interviews, someone said it was his 12th. But he said he'd had 5 job offers so far and turned them down cus he didn't like the school. He got that job and accepted it).

15 interviews is nothing. i've had hundreds of interviews without being offered a job. there's 9 million unemployed adults and only a few jobs available so the odds are very much against a person when applying for a job.

don't give up, you will get a job eventually. just keep trying and something good will come your way:)

dandelionclock30

According to the national office of statistics theres 10 million economically inactive adults of working age, and 2.62 million unemployed.In total 12.62 million unemployed in real terms.

newmumincov

Keep doing the interviews, and just try to treat it as a numbers game. Eventually you'll find that you're less nervous and things will start to be easier for you.

In the meantime, have you considered IT training roles? Lots of companies use in house trainers so this could be a short term alternative.

If you can find something locally, I'd really strongly suggest that you find yourself some part time voluntary work: probably it would be most useful to find something working with young people (youth centre etc). This will quickly plug the ever growing gap on your cv and supply you with recent references. Plus you'll hopefully get some useful experience that will help you both in interview and when you do get your desired teaching post.

Also my brother ended up working part time in adult ed for a few years whilst also having a 2nd job (kitchen fitter, taxi driving etc). I heard from him that this was a lot easier to get into because less people wanted to work in it. He didn't get paid holidays etc though, so he definitely needed the 2nd job.

Finally, I'd register with any local temp agencies and get any manual or clerical work that you can. You're more likely to get your foot in the door somewhere as a temp with a PGCE as they're less likely to care that you're likely to move on when the opportunity finally presents itself.

Good luck

eeyore_2

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Don't give up yet! It's just taken me a good couple of years to get a job in a similar field to yours (finally successful thankfully). I did other stuff during that time but made sure that I got as much teaching-related experience as I could too (tutoring, talks, guides, science club etc). This IS different for me since I'm not a recent grad and so was still in the old job during this time but the same principle applies - better to do something that can add to your CV if you can. Youth work or adult ed like the previous poster suggested might be a really good idea.

For tutoring try putting up an ad in the newsagents/post office and also telling everyone you know what you're doing and see what happens (you'll need a CRB check though). You might also be able to register with on-line agencies in your area. You probably aren't going to support yourself this way but even a single student would be good from a CV point of view.

Also if you're in IT you might be able to register as a STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) ambassador and get involved with things like STEM clubs through them. Look up STEMNET on the interweb - come's with training, insurance, loads of school based opportunities and free CRB checks... Presumably you did some of these things prior to your PGCE interview though so probably have other ideas too.

As far as actually getting a job is concerned two pieces of advice I've been given over the years that helped me might be useful to you too. Firstly that in any of the professions persistence counts (from a lawyer but non-the-less!).

Secondly, and probably more usefully in both my case and yours
since I suffer from nerves too, it was pointed out to me that it's not necessarily about BEING less nervous, its about not SEEMING nervous. Body language etc can make a really big difference to how people see you. You can be pooing your pants frankly, provided no one else can tell!

I went on a presenting yourself as a leader type course and that really helped (although if you do this do take some of it with a BIG pinch of salt!). Did you not cover anything like this on your PGCE course? I would think the same principles apply to not letting the kids sense your terror and not letting the interview panel see your fear! Actually if you got a 2 grade in your PGCE I think you already have all the skills you need. It’s just recognising them and not getting down-hearted and losing confidence when you don't get jobs. Easier said than done I know. If you are making it to the last two though, statistics says you'll get there eventually - see piece of advice no 1 above! Again like the last poster says you’ll get less nervous the more you do.

Good luck and don't give up!

flutterbyuk25

Keep at it!

If it's nerves that are affecting you then you need to practice practice practice!

Teaching doesn't necessary have to be done in a formal school setting. See if there are any charities that you can offer your teaching skills to - in IT or anything! Or see if there are any evening/day classes you can help out at in a college or community hall. All the practice you gets helps.

I'm doing a Further Ed PGCE and in my class of 20, only 6 teach in Further Ed colleges. Some teach in the community, some do dance classes, some teach in their workplace (inhouse training), some teach skills like cake making/mechanics, some coach sports etc. I work for a charity teaching young adults Key Skills.

And start looking for jobs outside of teaching. If you need a job, you should be applying for every job going.

HTH