Not even making the interview stage anymore?

falko89

macalacka wrote: »

Back to the question in hand....

The reality is that you need to apply for at least 5-10 jobs a week. It's like playing the lottery. The more tickets you buy the more chance you will win. Luckily applying for jobs is free unlike playing the lottery.

Are you in employment at the moment?

If not, I would recommend temp work to keep the cash coming and also fill in the gaps on your CV.

My current job was only achieved after 6 months of applying for at least 7-10 jobs a month on totaljobs and then signing up for agencies [who are a necessary evil]. The new job I just got was achieved after 5 applications one Friday afternoon. By the next Friday I got it. It's luck of the draw. My partner is male and works in a female dominant industry and therefore is an attractive candidate to companies who want to up the male population! He gets interviews very easily and has got every job he went for an interview for!

Keep going with it but definately up the ante! If the jobs are few and far between when you live now it might be worth relocating? Can you drive? Where are you located?

Remember to take breaks from job hunting though, it can be draining. Also you need to develop a thick skin and do not take it personally when you don't hear back or are unsuccessful after an interview. Name of the game I'm afraid!

Best of luck!

I know I need to apply for more but there is nothing to apply for, Its not that I am being fussy, I applied for a job stacking shelves in Tesco's and even sorting out rubbish at a skip so its not that I am being fussy here, In my 4 months I've only came across 1 job that matches my skills which I didn't get.

No I am not working, I was made redundant in January and have already signed up to the 2 local agencies, both have contacted me once about the same job, I also don't drive so the odd day here or there with an agency is of no use to me when I factor in the cost of getting there, same with part time work, I'd be worse of by the time I factor in public transport costs etc.

I am located in Northern Ireland, In the back of beyond, relocating is not an options as have no assets.

I think I am doing the best I can given whats available but I agree it is not enough, also sending out speculative CV's but these seem to have about a 30% response rate, and about a 10% chance of getting an interview, Its all extremely frustrating. I know its important to take a break from this but its always there stuck in your mind, It kept me up last night to 2am for example thinking about it all and what to do, still none the wiser.

Tom223

falko89 wrote: »

I am located in Northern Ireland, In the back of beyond, relocating is not an options as have no assets.

I would have thought having no assets was not a restriction on your mobility as far as relocation is concerned? People that live in cities find it hard to find jobs so if you live in the "back of beyond" then frankly you have to be realistic and realise that the chances are not exactly in your favor.
Those that have assets can also make the same claim about moving for a job so who exactly become expats? The rich? I certainly wasnt rich when I left the UK behind, but I am a lot richer for doing so, both in terms of capital and quality of life.

Granted relocation does need some initial outlay in terms of money I certainly wouldn't count it out if it is a possibility purely because of some niggling thought you have at the back of your mind. You may find a decent employer (yeah...they can be hard to find!) is more than happy to help. There is always somewhere better to live in the world.

Sadly I found even living close to a UK city really didnt help my employment situation back in 2008/2009, so I looked a little bit further and put relocation on the cards.

Right now im sitting on my balcony with a perfect view of Lago Di Como drinking some Brunello after a day at work and [STRIKE]eating some prosciutto[/STRIKE] not eating some prosciutto since its making me fatter! Im going to Milano tomorrow to meet some friends and I speak about 5 words of Italian. The very thought of that 5 years ago and I would have laughed at myself. The language barrier isnt always a problem, it is only if you conceive it to be. British/Americans/Canadians/Australians expats are just about everywhere!

You may be surprised what you find if you're willing to relocate. I certainly was. Luck does play some part but instead of a few sh*ty opportunities a week you will see a few hundred decent ones instead. As much stick as the EU gets the lack of limits it places on movement of labour does open some amazing possibilities.

falko89

Is it wrong to phone employers and ask? I know you can phone for feedback if you attend an interview etc but I am talking about not even acknowledging an application, do they not send "Sorry you have been unsuccessful" any more? Thats 5 applications and nothing, and these were jobs I was either qualified for or even over qualified for.