I know many are in the same position but...

lushlifesaver

I can't help but question why I seem to be unable to secure a job!

I have been applying for positions since February and as yet have had two interviews for one position and countless 'sorry you have been unsuccessful' emails and so many applications have gone acknowledged but then with no response and when I call/email for feedback I just get a standard 'sorry the position has been filled and we can't give individual feedback'

I have two degrees, a BSc (Hons) and an MSc, fairly decent GCSEs, average A-levels and whilst I have only had three paid jobs (one in college and then maintained two with the same organisation throughout my four years of studying) I have a lot of experience in the field I would ideally like employment, have done a large amount of voluntary work and actually WANT a job! and yet I've been told I'm over qualified and over experienced

Do any successful applicants have advice for making myself stand out, and manage to even get an interview? I'm usually a very happy individual but my current situation is dragging me down.

I have applied for everything from the jobs I actually want to do to part time retail work. I have to say I was surprised when I was turned down for a 13 hour per week position in a store!

I'm not looking for sympathy or a pat on the head I'm looking for real tips that work. Agencies don't seem to be turning anything up for me and going direct doesn't seem to work either. What does work nowadays?!

marybelle01

Slightly irrelevant but would you like to tell us what kind of employment you are looking for? After all, there's a bit of a difference between being an overqualified rocket scientist and an overqualified drain cleaner! You'd get better advice if people know what your "trade" or "field" is!

flutterbyuk25

Have you tailored your CV/application for the jobs you are applying for? Or are you just sending identical ones? You should be tailoring it to each individual job based on the person specifications.

You may want to consider omiting your Masters if you are applying for lower level jobs where it is not required, so you don't appear overqualified.

Good luck

westv

No matter what you do, it will always be a lottery if enough people with similar credentials apply.

lushlifesaver

I am looking at legal support/administration, administration and work within organisations supporting individuals with learning difficulties/autistic spectrum disorders as these are where most of my knowledge and experience lie.

Worked as a project worker supporting young women in a rehabilitation programme (various issues including substance use/abuse, self-injury, depression, eating disorders), project worker and administrative staff supporting victims of human trafficking, coordinated a childrens group for a year planning a curriculum and then additionally supporting children with challenging behaviours and their families.

Have looked at administrative positions as well more specialised work.

Have 3 versions of my CV that I pick from according to the specifics of the role and always tailor additional/supporting documents and covering letters to person specifications etc where possible. Have now started to leave my MSc off some applications and then briefly mention it in a separate section as have been asked why there is a break in employment etc.

I am looking in south/west Yorkshire, there are a lot of appropriate jobs advertised locally/in the areas I am wanting work but I don't seem to be chosen for them! I've even applied for shop and bar/restaurant work (worked in a cafe for about 18months in college/first year of uni) but even those jobs don't want me!

I also have experience volunteering with a wheelchair rugby team, a number of other disability sports and supporting individuals.

jfh7gwa

Is it possible that some of the posts think you may just be looking for some sort of work and may leave once something more in line with your experience/training comes up? Your education/experience is quite intimidating for people recruiting for more lowly positions, especially against a pool of other candidates and you may be applying for smaller places where they don't have the resources to pay out recruitment fees/time, so maybe they're looking for someone who'll be content to stay for years (I'm thinking more of the admin roles here, even if you leave off the Masters your sticking power may be in question due to the other experience you're listing/your undergraduate degree.)

Basically, I'm wondering how you might be able to emphasize "this is why I'm applying for this job, see how it fits in with my long-term plans, and here's why I'm the best candidate" - emphasise that you're a good match for them in both directions.

thegirlintheattic

I was in a similar position with similar qualifications and it was very much a case of the companies were worried I'd up and leave when something better came along.

phill99

The problem is that for admin and support roles you are way over qualified. An employer will see your qualifications and think you will get very bored very quickly and want to leave.

You need to apply for jobs that are appropriate for your qualifications.

MissSarah1972

phill99 wrote: »

The problem is that for admin and support roles you are way over qualified. An employer will see your qualifications and think you will get very bored very quickly and want to leave.

You need to apply for jobs that are appropriate for your qualifications.

I have the same problem but you can't lie as in take stuff off a cv as you will be found out the same way as if you add stuff on. It's easy for people to say 'take any job' but if you can't get an interview for the 'any job' then how are you meant to get one?
No one has the answer for that.

As far as applying for jobs that are appropriate the JC have told me I have to apply for jobs at NMW which is fine but not when you were on the high 20k's and they are saying you have to as you wont work again for more than £6.08 an hour. No job paying £12k a year will interview someone with 20 plus years expereince but the JC say you have to apply. It's so stupid.

morganedge

MissSarah1972 wrote: »

I have the same problem but you can't lie as in take stuff off a cv as you will be found out the same way as if you add stuff on.

I had to comment on this, as I completely disagree.
A few years ago when I had been unemployed for quite a long time, I became so frustrated that I decided to lie my !!! off on my CV!
I got a job and was never 'found out' (much to my suprise)

I then tested this theory again, and lied about a number of things (qualifications and age) and again, nobody ever found out.

I imagine it depends on the level of job one is applying for, and how big the company is and how big the lies are, but in my experience, leaving things off a CV, which is was is being contemplated, would DEFINITELY not raise any alarms and I'd strongly encourage it and be willing to bet that they'd never rumble you.

Not to mention that it's really hard to prove a negative, anyway.
You just don't mention that you studies at a certain college and got a certain qualification. You lie about what you did in that 'gap'. Not as if they'd call every college to see if you were ever a student there!, lol.

phill99

MissSarah1972 wrote: »

I have the same problem but you can't lie as in take stuff off a cv as you will be found out the same way as if you add stuff on. It's easy for people to say 'take any job' but if you can't get an interview for the 'any job' then how are you meant to get one?
No one has the answer for that.

Where have I said 'lie' or "take stuff off of your CV or add stuff to it'.

What I am trying to point out is that the OP is evidently highly qualified and seems to be applying for 'any job'. This will show through on an application or at interview. The employer (which I am both in my current role and previous roles) will say 'why is this guy who has 2 degrees and capable of a senior role applying for admin and support roles when it is clear he is qualified for much more than this'. To me it says that this man is desperate, but at the first opportunity he will be off because he is bored and not using his skills. On that basis, I would not employ him.

It is important that you apply for a job that you are competent at doing and not adopt a scatter gun approach to job applications in the hope that something will stick.