Application Hit Rate

beardybot

I'm having a seriously hard time finding work.

I've got level 3 and level 5 qualifications in computer science, I have a little experience in web development and hardware support, and I live bang in the middle of Silicon Fen.

But I've been out of work for four years, and the experience I do have never lasted more than a year.

I've been making direct applications; sending CVs to a dozen jobs a day on job portals; contacting prospective employers through phone and email; I'm with an agency; I'm on the Reed in Partnership Work Routes course; I've had friends recommending me to their employers...

And I'm hearing nothing. I can afford to be choosey, but I haven't been. I've gone for every entry-level (and slightly higher) IT job I've found, as well as entry level work in admin, retail, and even warehousing. Everything between one-man startups and multinational megacorps. Not a whisper.

I get that I'm by no means a top catch. I'm painfully aware of my flaws. I understand the absurd "overqualified" business for some of my applications. But I don't see why I shouldn't be shortlisted for at least a few entry level IT jobs. I know so many people in the industry that started with less experience and less education, and I'm not even getting interviews. I've had my CV proofed by innumerable friends and a handful of recruiters, and other than the obvious gap, they all say that it's great.

My wife, after a longer spell of unemployment, made four applications and was offered two jobs within days, so I don't accept that it's 100% the fault of that work gap. I'm confident that I can nail most interviews, but I'm just not getting them.

So can I get some advice on just getting the foot in the door? What usually has the highest hit rates, so I'm not wasting my time on other stuff?

IAmWales

A level 5 qualification does not make you overqualified. I'd expect most entry level IT positions will go to graduates.

Are you tailoring your cv to each role? Have you asked for feedback?

paddyrg

It could take me months at a time to get a contract doing just what you say back in the day I was doing it. It's a competitive market, at some point you'll get an offer, but I really appreciate how deathly dull it is.

Fireflyaway

Hi beardybot I really feel what you mean. I am looking for work and like you have made many applications with little success. Most applications are not acknowledged at all and I have had a handful of rejections. Have had 3 interviews, 2 of which were unsuccessful and 1 I'm still waiting on. It wasn't this hard when I was looking 15 years back!
My one realisation is the jobs that I have had interviews from all required me to answer questions on their websites rather than just submitting a CV online. Its a chance to sell yourself. Do you live near Reading by chance? If so, look on the company websites of places like symantec they often have jobs. Or the council website - schools often need IT support.
Like you I have tried to break into a field I have qualifications for but little experience. Got nowhere as they all state I need experience! Even entry level jobs. For those I wonder if they deem me too old? Hard to know.
My only advice is don't be hard on yourself I think its just the way things are. Also explain your unemployment. What did you do doing that time that could be looked upon favourably? If all else fails, look for any job in the meantime.Even call centre stuff will show you are committed and have good customer care skills. I think it is easier to find a job if you already have one. Do you have specific IT qualifications? Are they ones that are in demand? You can do plenty of extra study online in your spare time. Good luck.