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Keep applying for jobs and no responses whatsoever...what else can i do?

13

Comments

  • torbrex
    torbrex Posts: 71,340 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker Rampant Recycler Hung up my suit!
    Got2Save wrote: »
    Who are OCS?

    Outsourced Client Solutions
    I do stocktaking with them but they do security, cleaning, forestry, parking, driving.....etc
    Mostly zero hours contracts but it might get you something to get started with.
    (see link)
  • Guest101
    Guest101 Posts: 15,764 Forumite
    TyreLever wrote: »
    You need what I call a "dumbo CV". This is a CV that has the odd typo in it, but not glaringly obvious ones. This CV will also not be written in your most professional way and it will exclude your most lucrative skills, talents etc. Alter a single digit in your contact details if you want to guarantee you wont be contacted (many job adverts are just fishing anyway). This is the CV you need to use on Universal Jobmatch to apply for any and every job, regardless of whether your suitable or not. By allowing your job coach to view your account activity, it will look like your going above and beyond the expectations. This does waste both your time and a potential employers, but when there are not enough suitable jobs to apply for to meet your UC agreement, its probably the only way.

    Obviously use your real CV or whatever when applying for roles you really want.

    :) love it


    Thankfully I'm full time now, but I didn't enjoy the Job seekers experience.


    I honestly doubt id go back to it.


    At one point they said i needed to attend some meeting (I forget what it was) by the careers people. I ended up answering most of the questions from the other attendees, the person running the session was next to useless.
  • serious_saver
    serious_saver Posts: 848 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    Got2Save wrote: »
    It's something I have been considering. I have never done it before, only one time the other day, but was thinking of going into many hotels and restaurants where I live and seeing what they say. I know for one that establishments such as wetherspoons will likely ask for a c.v or application form, but like you say, the smaller establishments may be willing to listen to what I have to say and offer me some kind of opportunity.

    Definitely give this a go. If people can see you are confident enough to approach them, they may well see that as an important skill, especially if they can also see that you are polite and well-dressed.

    Also, if you don't mind unpaid work experience, find the details for your local volunteer bureau or pop into your local charity shop and see about some shifts. Some, not all, will even help you with bus fare if you need to travel. Voluntary work shows that you have commitment. If you can do a couple of different volunteer placements you could even get that second reference which can make the difference.

    You seem very determined and I am sure there will be something out there for you soon.
  • Luriya
    Luriya Posts: 3 Newbie
    I understand the frustration. I've been working at a job for over a year now, a job I know normally pays 40/K a year minimum, but I made only 16/K. I barely have enough to get by, months behind rent, and I haven't received any replies either from prospective jobs. All I can say is keep a faith in yourself and don't give up. Times will get better but all you can do is keep on trying. It's just part of the human spirit
  • auldblerk
    auldblerk Posts: 1,083 Forumite
    torbrex wrote: »
    Outsourced Client Solutions
    I do stocktaking with them but they do security, cleaning, forestry, parking, driving.....etc
    Mostly zero hours contracts but it might get you something to get started with.
    (see link)


    I worked for them as a cleaner on zero hours contract initially covering somebody on long term sickness then 'promoted' to temporary then got a job somewhere else, they have vacancies in many sectors and across the UK.
  • Got2Save
    Got2Save Posts: 129 Forumite
    edited 19 May 2016 at 12:42PM
    I looked for vacancies on that OCS website, but the only vacancy close to me was a "vehicle auditor" and I have no experience in that. I think I will have to ask in restaurants and cafes to see what they say. I think face to face applications may be more beneficial. It is just really disheartening to continue filling out applications and not even receiving an offer of an interview; makes me want to give up but i cannot.

    I am looking for a job ASAP, so this is probably my only other option. I have been applying for many jobs via Indeed.co.uk, but still no luck. I am not applying for anything high paid or requiring a lot of experience, but just seems really difficult to find any job these days. I have been looking at volunteering as maybe this will allow me the opportunity to do something while keeping up to date in the workplace.
  • cardsguy
    cardsguy Posts: 25 Forumite
    Eighth Anniversary Combo Breaker
    edited 19 May 2016 at 11:47PM
    This may not help, but I would suggest getting referred by a friend, acquaintance or someone you know in a professional capacity. In my experience this seems to be the surest route to secure an interview.

    EDIT:

    My CV is actually 4 pages but I have never had issues with getting an interview, or indeed an offer in the end. To be fair the first two pages have the most important sections - summary, skills, certifications and work experience. The last two list things I consider misc right now: education, volunteering, not-so-relevant skills.

    And please, do not use the Europass template - it is almost guaranteed to get ignored by all recruiters.
  • Got2Save
    Got2Save Posts: 129 Forumite
    Thanks for the advice. I will try as best as possible to do all the things advised to me. I have received a couple rejection letters since yesterday, but I am still hopeful and positive something will come along. If the weather is okay, I will visit a few places and try speak face to face with the owner and see what happens. I am not going to give up and really want a job for my morale and self esteem too.
  • Got2Save
    Got2Save Posts: 129 Forumite
    Just a quick question for anyone who may know. I am not a universal jobmatch applicant, but if there is a vacancy on their website and I cannot log in to apply, but there is an email for the company, would I be able to apply if i'm not claiming universal credit? I found the job via Indeed.co.uk.
  • mattcanary
    mattcanary Posts: 4,420 Forumite
    Got2Save wrote: »
    Just a quick question for anyone who may know. I am not a universal jobmatch applicant, but if there is a vacancy on their website and I cannot log in to apply, but there is an email for the company, would I be able to apply if i'm not claiming universal credit? I found the job via Indeed.co.uk.

    You don;t need to be claiming benefits to register on Universal Jobmatch, (nor to apply for jobs advertised on it).
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