Help but don't judge please

fluffymovie

I am sorry that things seem so difficult now but as others have said, one step at a time might be the way to look at things.

Income - you seem to have this sorted so that's one thing less to worry about.

Housing - If you wish to move to another area, you are likely looking at renting privately and so you would need to be prepared that landlords want rent in advance and deposits. Without a link to the area you move to, you aren't likely to receive any help from the council in this regard to that's important to bear in mind. Perhaps look to move out of the house you are in but stay in the same area just for a little while - you could ensure your parents don't know where it is. Save up a little for a deposit?

In light of your current issues and certainly your past, are there any charities or supported housing projects in your area - google could help. For example, I know of Emmaus projects which helps young people across the country and this could be a stepping stone to full independence.

Just some thoughts anyway - wish you luck

brokennotbent

OK so found a couple of jobs I plan to apply for, but next problem...CV & cover letter. I do actually have a lot of varied animal related work experience and have undertaken a variety of canine courses, both with my own dogs and as instructor (yes I am fit enough to scoop poop, run agility courses etc....tougher than I look). Anyway digressing, obviously I can fill my CV out with all that but the gaping hole of "employment history"...and where to begin with cover letter. Obviously need to explain the job gap but cant really write what I've told you all....and do I mention my medical history, and risk not getting called to interview, or bring it up at the interview, so therefore its out in the open and they can perhaps be impressed that I've not avoided the "elephant LOL in the room". Also any CV templates please?

KxMx

There may not be an employment history but you mention work experience so emphasise that instead.

I have volunteer work on my CV as far as i'm concerned that's sufficient- and wouldn't explain in writing re job gap. They can see that for themselves and ask you if they so wish.

Unless you can magic up something to fill that "gaping hole" there is little you can do- and therefore little point stressing over it.

For the cover letter draw attention to various points as to how you fit the role on offer (perhaps a part of the job and a course you've done match?) and how as a dog owner/animal lover you relate to the work being done by the charity/company/organisation.

I would not at application stage disclose my medical condition but I probably would at interview. That's a very personal decision though.

pmlindyloo

This link may help.

http://www.totaljobs.com/careers-advice/cvs-and-applications/which-cv

Personally I agree that it is best to be upfront about the reasons why you have not been working. You do not have to go into details, just explain simply and emphasis that 'happily I am now.........blah blah blah and look forward........

If you don't mind telling us how long you have been unemployed then someone might be able to word it better for you.

brokennotbent

I don't mind telling you pmlindyloo, whats the worse that can happen - I get insulted here; like in my real life. I left uni (1st class honours BSc) in 2005....weekend holiday work etc pre and during uni...and there we go.

Candyapple

BnB do you have an idea what area you would like to live in i.e Manchester/London/Leeds etc?

Have you researched said area's council website for rates of HB for single people and what type of properties this will cover?

As you are claiming DLA and ESA, you should be in a higher category for priority housing so ideally you would have a better chance of 'bidding' for an appropriate property.
https://www.gov.uk/council-housing

GlasweJen

Don't disclose on your application, that's a topic to bring up after the interview. If it's not going to affect your ability to do the job then it's no one else's business.

mickaveli2001

The CV should be as small as can be and have specific key words littered throughout. Employers rarely have the time to mull through hundreds or even thousands of application forms, so the fact that recruitment agencies do it for them, and want to win an employee for their client and move on to the next means they won't be scouring through hundreds or thousands either. Some are even using electronic scanning methods and if certain words aren't there, then in the bin it goes.


It was fine maybe 20 years ago. I had submitted a CV to a past job that had:


- Personal info
- a few bullet points on my strengths
- qualifications (miss out all of the crappy insignificant ones)
- training
- work history
- Hobbies (this is literally one line - "enjoy spending time with my family and friends")


There were 8 other people in for the role. The job I have at the minute, I was the only applicant, so if I didn't get it, there'd be something seriously wrong. Point is that CV's aren't all that important. They're merely a piece of paper that helps you get in through the door. Its YOU and how you conduct yourself at the interview that's important, the 6 months you perform to successfully complete any probationary period there may be. Write one up, with the attitude of "well, if they don't like it, f... them"

tomtontom

Candyapple wrote: »

BnB do you have an idea what area you would like to live in i.e Manchester/London/Leeds etc?

Have you researched said area's council website for rates of HB for single people and what type of properties this will cover?

As you are claiming DLA and ESA, you should be in a higher category for priority housing so ideally you would have a better chance of 'bidding' for an appropriate property.
https://www.gov.uk/council-housing

In many areas the OP will not even be allowed to bid on properties unless they already have links to the area. But certainly good advice to research what is available on the private market and within the LHA rates (and whether said properties would allow dogs). I fear that the OP's circumstances will leave her vulnerable to unscrupulous landlords at the very bottom of the market.

Transformers

brokennotbent wrote: »

I don't mind telling you pmlindyloo, whats the worse that can happen - I get insulted here; like in my real life. I left uni (1st class honours BSc) in 2005....weekend holiday work etc pre and during uni...and there we go.

You really do need to speak with someone about how you feel - you seem to have taken a lot of well meaning and constructive comments on this thread and misinterpreted them as criticism.

It will be hard for you to remain in a job if you can't take feedback - are there any local support groups you can join to get used to talking to people? How about asking your GP for a referral for CBT? Or taking an PT course as a way of getting out and about with humans?

You need to be able to develop a more positive approach (I know that's easier said than done) and a thicker skin for dealing with life's challenges.

Taking a bit of time to work on yourself will be well spent in the long run.

Good luck.