Job Hunting Misery

richdeniro

It's hell out there.

I've been looking for a new job for about 6 months now.

Not even getting interviews for some of the jobs I'm applying for - or in some cases, not even a thanks but no thanks letter.

I wish the laws were changed so that if a organisation is just going to give it to someone that they already have in mind (i.e. internal promotion or something) then they don't have to advertise the job. It's doing my head in spending lots of time filling in application forms, writing cover letters and changing my cv about only to find out that the job has gone to someone who was going to get it anyway.

I preferably would like to work in the public sector. Anyone have any ideas? I have no idea what I really want to do - most of my previous jobs have been of the admin variety.

I currently work at a foreign governments embassy in Central London but have been looking to leave for a while now.

I have a degree in Business Studies - unfortunately it is only a pass meaning I cannot go through the faststream system as you need a 2:1 in order to do that. I also have a HND in Business IT.

I have applied for jobs at Westminster Council and Cancer Research most recently but didnt even get a thanks but no thanks letter.

golly99

It can be frustrating trying to find a new role, especially if you don't get an acknowledgement from companies you apply to. I have found it frustrating more recently as most I.T jobs go through agencies now and they really can be difficult to get through to. Especially if they have no knowledge of the technical are they are recruiting for. I went to a interview for a role before Christmas for a council, had a day off work, did these number problem type tests along with 15 other people in a room for about an hour. After half a day of presentations, they came back and told us 1 person was going through to the interview stage in the afternoon out of 15. This person was already working for the council in another area, so probably had prior knowledge of the type of tests. Got sorted out with a role from another place, so I wasn't bothered but I definitely think that it was in the bag for the person!

Has anyone had a look at your CV/Application forms? Might be worth a friend having a read through to see if there's anything they can suggest maybe? Don't know if you're doing this already, but you should customise each application for the particular role and company in question.

Good luck in your search!

richdeniro wrote: »

It's hell out there.

I've been looking for a new job for about 6 months now.

Not even getting interviews for some of the jobs I'm applying for - or in some cases, not even a thanks but no thanks letter.

I wish the laws were changed so that if a organisation is just going to give it to someone that they already have in mind (i.e. internal promotion or something) then they don't have to advertise the job. It's doing my head in spending lots of time filling in application forms, writing cover letters and changing my cv about only to find out that the job has gone to someone who was going to get it anyway.

I preferably would like to work in the public sector. Anyone have any ideas? I have no idea what I really want to do - most of my previous jobs have been of the admin variety.

I currently work at a foreign governments embassy in Central London but have been looking to leave for a while now.

I have a degree in Business Studies - unfortunately it is only a pass meaning I cannot go through the faststream system as you need a 2:1 in order to do that. I also have a HND in Business IT.

I have applied for jobs at Westminster Council and Cancer Research most recently but didnt even get a thanks but no thanks letter.

raq

They say it's easy to find work whilst in work,..... um .....

I am also looking for work and in the same boat. No one contacts you to say " We have received your application, or thanks but no thanks ".

So annoying isn't it

LittleVoice

Wanting a job in the public sector is where you are most likely to come across the procedure of the employer having to advertise but appointing a current employee. Though they are appointing "the best person", that person is the best precisely because of their knowledge of the organisation. OTOH it can be possible for an outsider to have other plus points which outweigh that and internal candidates don't always get the job.

If you want to work for a charity or a large commercial organisation, you are most likely to have to fill in an application form - and therefore you do have the problem of filling in individual forms. CVs tend to be accepted by smaller private sector employers and can be used in speculative approaches.

Have you registered with any agencies? I would try working out the kind of jobs I am looking for and that might be more than one type. For any one agency I would sell myself as looking for a specific range of jobs rather than all I could do. I say that because they do tend to pigeon-hole you as one particular type and don't think of you for other roles and being able to do a wide range of things can mean you get forgotten in comparison with someone who has only put themselves forward for the specific. Different agencies specialise in different industries and jobs, so go to a range.

The best thing is if you can get into an organisation with your CV before they have advertised. Ensure everyone you know knows you are looking for work and what sort of work you can do. Current employers and their partners/relatives often hear about vacancies which they can point you towards.

If you really don't know what type of work to look for, see if you can get some careers advice from your local IAG (Information Advice and Guidance) network. You may get a free appointment or two to look at your options.

atlantikman

Hello,
Try the Coastguard http://www.mcga.gov.uk they are always looking for staff - though the pay is not brilliant, it is a Public Service / Government job, and they have many "offices" around the UK.
Good luck!

Savvy_Sue

Another route if you're brave is to try temping ... many local councils have an agency they use regularly (either in-house or more often contracted out to a particular branch). That way you get the inside knowledge that might help you with a particular job.

IME, the insider does NOT always get the job. Sometimes they assume that the interviewers will take into account what they know of them as well as what they actually say at interview. Doesn't work like that ...

elisebutt65

Have you tried ringing any of the HR departments involved - I sometimes do that on spec to see how their recruitment process works and also to see if they use any particular agencies.

clairehi

Charities are notorious for not replying to job apps, to keep costs down.
its very competitive trying to get a job for a major charity.

Check out jobs.ac.uk for jobs in the HE sector, including admin.

make sure you tailor your job apps to the organisation and the job - why do you want that particular job and what is it about you that they need? At interview try to give examples from past experience in your answers. Avoid generic statements with no evidence such as "I am a good team player".

also, dont expect to get interviews for every job you apply for - and dont take it as a knock back if you are not successful. you never know what the other candidates were like.

Andy_L

LittleVoice wrote: »

Wanting a job in the public sector is where you are most likely to come across the procedure of the employer having to advertise but appointing a current employee. Though they are appointing "the best person", that person is the best precisely because of their knowledge of the organisation. OTOH it can be possible for an outsider to have other plus points which outweigh that and internal candidates don't always get the job.

In my part of the civil service (MoD) jobs are 1st trawled internally & only if not filled are then advertised externally (national job adverts aren't cheap you know). I believe thats the case for the rest of the civil service, no idea about the council

C_Ronaldo

raq wrote: »

They say it's easy to find work whilst in work,..... um .....

I am also looking for work and in the same boat. No one contacts you to say " We have received your application, or thanks but no thanks ".

So annoying isn't it

i enquired about jobs by sending off my cv to 6/7 places asking about any part time jobs and ive had 3 replies so far, budgens are terrible at getting back to me