How long to get an interview?!

Permanently_confused

Hello everyone!

Perhaps my situation is not as different as I think it is, anyone with similar experience who can give me some tips would be fab.

Previously, I left uni and got a job that I was promoted very quickly in over two years. I then decided to do post grad study full time in the same industry qualifications and left my job and got a part time job in a fashion store to cover bills.

During my time in uni and along with some other things, I realised my priorities had changed and I no longer wanted to work in the industry, which was high-stress.

I am really lucky in that I have a part time job two days a week that covers all of my bills but I have been trying desperately to even get to interview point for other jobs without success. I have applied for over eighty jobs to-date, all of which I am qualified for and have some form of experience in but they pay a LOT less than my old job.

One of my friends has suggested that because all of the jobs I am applying for are totally different to the role I worked in before post-grad and also dramatically lower pay than my old job, prosepctive employers might find my applications a bit suspicious. I tailor my CV and cover letter to each application but all I get back are rejections with "due to the high number of applications we are unable to provide reasons...".

I do realise I am much more lucky than many people as I can pay my bills, but how do I go about making prospective employers realise I am serious about a job even though it is a lot less money than before? Does anyone have any experience of this?

All I want is to be happy - bills paid each month, healthy and with family and friends around me. My old job gave me the money but not the rest. And to be fair, £500 pcm is not that much to live on!

Have a lovely evening

jayII

I have a professional qualification in an area I enjoy, but I have chosen to work in a different field (no qualification needed) for a variety of reasons.

When I applied for my current job, I included a brief comment along the lines of 'I am qualified in xxxx and enjoyed my training but I have chosen to apply for this (one I'm applying for) role as I previously worked in this area and prefer this work'.

Good luck.

ETA: I had worked in the higher status role I'd trained for, for some time so like you I could categorically say I did not want to do it. I really love my current job!

zaffyro

Hiring managers indeed see as red flags applications of individuals for positions that don't seem to run parallel to their formal education training and prior experience. It may be best that you clear that out in your application letter to at least give yourself a chance of being shortlisted.