Profile of someone likely to become long-term unemployed?

melysion

stix62 wrote: »

I wouldn't normally have considered 'stacking shelves' but applied for such at Asda a good few months ago - and failed the online test!!:eek:

I was quite relieved in a way, but at least I tried

I might have to try it - just to see whether I would pass. lol

noelphobic

melysion wrote: »

but hell would have to freeze over before I claim JSA (I am rather anti-establishment and wouldn't stand for some civil servant ¨lording it¨ and telling me what I can and cant do just so I can get a miserly £70)

I'm also in the fortunate position where I can afford not to sign on. I would only be entitled to contribution based JSA for 6 months and couldn't cope with jumping through all kinds of hoops when I want to concentrate on applying for jobs I am really interested in and volunteering in roles that I enjoy.

My only worry is that while I'm not signing on and not working my 'stamp' won't be paid, which could affect my state pension in the future.

melysion

noelphobic wrote: »

My only worry is that while I'm not signing on and not working my 'stamp' won't be paid, which could affect my state pension in the future.

Do you really think they will exist by the time we retire?

AP007

noelphobic wrote: »

Good point, although I think it depends to some extent on what subject the degree is in. Also, in the past, people would possibly be reluctant to take a graduate on in a non graduate role because they thought they would only stay until they could get a graduate role.

Many years ago I was a waitress and worked in a very prestigious hotel. When I left I was turned down by one hotel because they thought I would consider working for them to be somehow beneath me! Luckily there were many other jobs I could apply for and I was employed in no time.

Yes and many many employers will turn people down for part time work or something more junior as they know you are only doing it as s top gap and do not want either someone making other staff look silly or someone who will stay till a better offer comes in.

AP007

melysion wrote: »

Its a tricky one. Personally, I would do absolutely anything at all if I had to, I just cant imagine an employer looking at my CV, seeing 15 years worth of science research experience and considering me a viable candidate. Cant blame them either to be honest. I know that people think that the unemployed should take anything going, but I don't think its as simple (or as easy) as all that.

Take a job is not the same as being offered one.

starrystarry

I'm probably going to be shot down in flames for this but I do think that there comes a time when the long-term unemployed need to take a long hard look in the mirror to work out where why they've not managed to find a job.

I accept that there a tons of applicants for some jobs and that people are sometimes considered overqualified for certain jobs etc, but if folk are applying for hundreds of jobs and not getting a sniff of an offer they must be doing something wrong surely. There are plenty of example on this board of people who have been trying hard for months or years without success. And then you hear plenty of stories about people walking into a new job quite easily. Why is it so easy for some and not for others?

I'm not pointing fingers or criticizing anyone here, I just genuinely don't understand why some people can walk into a new job in a matter of days, even if they were sacked from their previous job, while others are trying for months or years.

melysion

starrystarry wrote: »

I'm not pointing fingers or criticizing anyone here, I just genuinely don't understand why some people can walk into a new job in a matter of days, even if they were sacked from their previous job, while others are trying for months or years.

Thats the million dollar question isnt it.

Some of it is blind luck I am sure - being in the right place at the right time. Ageism can play a huge part I fear. Lack of opportunity in your part of the world (moving can be a lot easier said than done) and just poor CV/cover letter/interview skills are things that come to my mind.

stix62

melysion wrote: »

I might have to try it - just to see whether I would pass. lol

Go for it, you may be surprised

I passed a similar HMRC test no problem, I just haven't got what it takes for Asda obviously

stix62

melysion wrote: »

Thats the million dollar question isnt it.

Some of it is blind luck I am sure - being in the right place at the right time. Ageism can play a huge part I fear. Lack of opportunity in your part of the world (moving can be a lot easier said than done) and just poor CV/cover letter/interview skills are things that come to my mind.

...This is why I say keep looking regularly (daily!) even if you've given up hope somewhat. The last 2 jobs I secured I know I wouldn't have got them If I had seen the advert a day or 2 later. I applied, was interviewed and employed within days for both.

For what it's worth, I was 52 a couple of weeks ago.
Job 1 above (last summer - manual/agricultural) the employer told me he usually just employed students but as I'd gone along to see him he'd give me a try. Turned out I saw a few students come and go whilst I was there because they couldn't handle the hard work

tomterm8

melysion wrote: »

Thats the million dollar question isnt it.

Some of it is blind luck I am sure - being in the right place at the right time. Ageism can play a huge part I fear. Lack of opportunity in your part of the world (moving can be a lot easier said than done) and just poor CV/cover letter/interview skills are things that come to my mind.

I'd have thought it obvious that the prospect for someone who is young and fit is vastly better than someone who is old and/or unfit at least for certain kinds of jobs.

I could never work for mcdonalds or ASDA for example, because I am simply not fit enough - nor will I ever be - to do that kind of work.