So close to the Holy Grail

dave4545454

For the first time in my life I've managed to get through to the second interview section with only three others still in the running for an advertised job.

Since I graduated in 1992 during the last recession with a first Honours degree, I've attended hundreds of interviews during the 20 years but have never been able to achieve a paid employment position. My ambition in life is to one day obtain that first job that pays me for my hard working efforts.

I feel so close to getting a job so does anyone have some advice for me as obviously my qualifications far outweighs any experience?

wantsajob

I'm in a similar position, having achieved a first class honours degree in 2005 and pass with merit masters in 2008. Never managed to get a job, but I've put that down to having Asperger's Syndrome, which makes interviews go like lead balloons. I don't see the point in even trying when the outcome is decided before I go to the interview.

I'm wondering how you have been without a job for 20 years (even though way things are going for me the same will be true when that amount of time has passed). Have you only been looking for graduate level work?

dave4545454

2008? That's very recent compared to me! Don't give up, I'm sure something will come your way eventually. For the last 20 years I've done volunteer charity work while I've looked for paid work.

No, I havent just looked for graduate level work. I've applied for every type of job from unskilled mininum wage upwards.

kingfisherblue

A word of advice - prepare for your interviews. I know it sounds obvious, but you wouldn't believe how many people don't bother.

Know about the company as well as the job.

Relate your voluntary experience to the job you are applying for. Through voluntary work, you have shown commitment and loyalty, as well as any skills directly related to the job you are applying for.

Give examples.

Don't just bumble on, spouting hot air - listen to the question and answer it. Again it sounds obvious, but a number of interviewees don't actually answer the question asked. They start off okay, but then go off on a tangent and leave the question unanswered.

If you don't understand a question, ask them to rephrase it.

Dress smartly and have a high level of cleanliness.

Don't be late - far better to turn up 30 minutes early and have to sit in the car for twenty minutes than arrive two minutes late.

Remember to greet your interviewers. Smile.

If you don't get the job, ask if they can give you some feedback. Take it with the intention of using it wisely - it is no use getting feedback if you get yourself into a strop and decide that the interviewer is wrong. make sure that you correct any mistakes before another interview.

Good luck to you both

sharpy2010

You've spent twenty YEARS getting a job? Er, well good luck with it, genuinely, but I'd be concerned if I'd spent twenty years obtaining paid employment.

I think by that point I might have considered working for myself...!

gingerdad

I dont understand how you couldn't get a job in 20 years. I left college in 1991 and had at total of 7 weeks out of work in 20 years. Done everything from McDonald's to my current marketing director role.

6 of those seven where I'd come back from a summer job in America and the airline i was hoping to go back too had sold a division and filled any vacancy with the other divisions staff

Good luck though and prepare perpare prepare.

bluenoseam

Yeah 20 years without a job is slightly less than believable to be perfectly blunt, to put it into context for you, i left school 10 years ago this summer and am now on job number 5 - without a degree! Good luck, but after 20 years i think you're going to need a bit more than that.

astra5_2

You certainly need to prepare for your interview and expect them to challenge your lack of paid work experience. See link for National Careers service below for more info on interviews, I would suggest you contact the National Careers service, arrange to see an adviser in your local area and ask them to do a practice interview with you. On the positive side - they were aware of your record when you applied and you got through to the 2nd round - so you must have something they want.

nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/getajob/interviews/Pages/default.aspx

Witchfinder_General

Left school. Two days after my 16th Birthday went into the RN.

Left the RN after 24 years service in 2000. My 1st interview after leaving secured the job I am doing now.

34 years continous employment this year. Never needed a Degree.

And OP (dave454545) what is your 20 year old degree in?

getmore4less

Also need to watch out for basic errors like this one.

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.php?p=51046753&postcount=46

correct.

21 million employed
8 million part time
8 million unemployed



so just under half of all working age adults are not in fulltime employment

scooby088

I don't believe you ever need a degree for anything, if the company you work for is progressive and has decent managers who recognise talent then you can progress. I think anyone who has been looking for work for 20 years is either being too picky or doesn't want a job.

Doing voluntary work is ok but i have never seen or heard of it getting you paid work, I did voluntary work a few years ago but was advised not to keep it on my cv by a supposed professional HR person.