Haven't These Employers Got A Conscience?

Wyndham

Truegho wrote: »

What could I do to make myself more "attractive" to an employer? Hmmm . . . let me think now . . . I suppose I could always try getting myself all dolled up as a glamorous, leggy blonde, ensuring that I flash plenty of leg when I go for interview (lol)!

And if it's a man boss, you can bet your bottom dollar that he is going to take on a pretty face who flashes a lot of leg.

Or, you could actually try something constructive like using your time to take on some voluntary work, or do a course, or write a novel or something so that you show you're making the most of the time you have. I'm not saying it's easy, but if I were choosing between two people who were unemployed, and one of them had done something, and one who hadn't, I know which I'd pick.

And please leave the sexist, old fashioned attitudes at the door. If they are there at the interview they won't be helping either!

Justicia

Truegho wrote: »

And if it's a man boss, you can bet your bottom dollar that he is going to take on a pretty face who flashes a lot of leg.

...and yet you claim to hate discrimination...

WestonDave

What employers certainly don't want is someone with a persecution complex or an "its not fair" mindset - one way ticket to endless grief.

Employers will (and are under a duty to their owners to) pick the best person available for the role - which generally will tend to prioritise someone up to date with work practices and clearly in the habit of working (i.e. getting up and being at a workplace on time etc). Gaps in CV's tend to go against that but can be filled with properly structured voluntary work.

To be fair the old saying that its easier to get a job whilst in a job has held true for far longer than this current recession.

KiKi

Truegho wrote: »

Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to cut any ice with these ultra choosy employers, who seem to stupidly think that nobody - NOBODY - who has even a few weeks gap in their employment record is worthy of a chance. Pathetic.

Why do you think they should give you a 'chance'? Why do you think they *shouldn't* be choosy?

Employers are not there to give you a chance, or to be nice or help you out. They are there to employ the best person for the job. It's not about being pathetic, or ultra-choosy...it's about recognising who's right for the role and who isn't.

I would be quite certain that most employers aren't stupid, and most dont think that gaps in employment are a problem. There just happens to be someone else better for the job.

The fact that you're blaming employers rather than the job situation really doesn't help. I can't believe that there's no voluntary work you could do, either.

Linda_D_2

lazer wrote: »

If you were an employer who would you choose, someone who has been unemployed for 3 years with 25 years admin experience or someone currently employed with 25 years admin experience?

In most cases, I would take the unemployed applicant as he/she would be able to start straight away with no notice and he/she is more likely to be keener and motivated due to be given a chance to work again.

scooby088

OP why not try and go on courses to up date your experience in admin roles, I know from experience that there is a stigma attached to being long term unemployed as I am in the same boat as you, I know the work situation is rubbish, why not try self employment? why not go cold calling to companies?

There are things like re training into something else rather than staying in the industry you have known. Have you tried voluntary work? alot on here seem to think that it helps on your cv.

nuttyp

I definatley agree with the attitude of doing some voluntary work in between jobs. Where i live charity shops are crying out for staff.
I too have done admin work, but have changed to shop work as there is more of that out there.

Unfortunatley, if you type of work is not available then being a little more flexible about taking on a different type of job may help.

Good luck

MissSarah1972

Truegho wrote: »

What could I do to make myself more "attractive" to an employer? Hmmm . . . let me think now . . . I suppose I could always try getting myself all dolled up as a glamorous, leggy blonde, ensuring that I flash plenty of leg when I go for interview (lol)!

And if it's a man boss, you can bet your bottom dollar that he is going to take on a pretty face who flashes a lot of leg.

That's not very fair to all women out there particaully leggy blondes!:)

You are assuming all hiring managers are male too and fans of blondes!

No one can see who you are by your CV.

Daedalus

Linda_D wrote: »

In most cases, I would take the unemployed applicant as he/she would be able to start straight away with no notice and he/she is more likely to be keener and motivated due to be given a chance to work again.

There is always the 'Why are they unemployed? What is wrong with them? What am I missing?'

What I have notice with older office staff is they are rather poor typists relative to young people. Young people grew up with keyboards and most can type by touch, and if not still very quickly. The amount of times I see 35+ year olds who use their index fingers only is shocking.

Claree__x

Are you looking for ANY job or a specific job?