long term unemployed - how do i recover from this?

Hedylogos

i am a 27 year old and long term unemployed, however, i want to return to the workplace, but i am so worried about being judged and employers not giving me a fair shake. i feel embarrassed because i wish i had not been unemployed for this long, but it's been tough for me to really gain that lost motivation. i understand that it will be a long road to get back into the workplace, let alone find a good job, but i am ready. how do i go about getting employers to take me seriously? at the moment my c.v. is kind of bare and my qualifications are limited, but i do fear being thrown into a low paid, dead end job because of my experience (or lack thereof) and then being another statistic so to speak. i have been advised on getting qualifications and bulking my c.v. up, but i am unsure what kind of qualifications i would have to get. i don't want to live on benefits so ideally i would like to find a job asap, but it's looking unlikely as the applications i have sent out to companies are not getting any responses back. i am sure there are tons of applicants whom will be picked over me, but i just want a fair shake and to be given a chance.

KILL_BILL

Why dont you try volunteering say 2 days a week for a couple of months before trying to get back into full time employment or work partime so that you get your experience to put on your cv

ohreally

Hedylogos wrote: »

i have been advised on getting qualifications

Good place to start. Look though you local college prospectus and consider enrolling for a meaningful course when the colleges start after the summer break.

[Deleted User]

Good things come to those who wait and do those 'low paid jobs'

January 2015 I was on £6.50 for full time - after some amazing messing about June 2015 more like £7.50

Dead end? Unachievable?

pmduk

I agree with the volunteering suggestion it gives you some work skills to talk about at interviews. You might find it useful to check out the National Careers Service website.

It can be done, I know someone who just landed a job after 18 years sickness/unemployment.

Syman

You may benefit from a Work experience/trial. Many companies do this through the Jobcentre (if that's what it is still called).

My son was given a trial at poundland, he got offered a permanent position and stayed for a year.

Even if you do not get an offer, this can still be added to your CV.
This shows that you are willing to work, have gained some experience and that you can be reliable etc.

torbrex

Depending on where you live, the company I work for is always looking for folk.
It is a zero hour contract but it will get you back working.

Flyonthewall

Volunteering is a good start. Charity shop usually want people. If you don't want to do that you can find many other volunteer positions such as admin jobs.

This is a great site to use: https://do-it.org/

Do you know what sort of job you'd like? If so, start looking what qualifications you would need to get there and at college courses that are related.

If you're unsure why not do something general like Maths, English or IT? It shows you're doing something to improve yourself and they qualifications all employers look for.

You could also look through and find a course you think sounds fun. You never know, it might lead you to consider a job you hadn't thought of before and it still shows you're looking to improve and learn new skills which is good.

There are often carers jobs going. Best if you can drive though for that. It may not be what you want to do long term but it's a paid job and work experience.

asajj

I agree with volunteering suggestions.