Desperate for a job

Bunnie1982

I officially left my job on Friday after being signed off for two months with stress, anxiety and depression caused by workplace bullying.

Now I am in the situation where the only income coming into the household is from my husbands wages and this can't be sustained for very long.

I have been applying for jobs right, left and centre for that period and time and signed up with every agency possible but nothing seems to be coming my way.

I am absolutely desperate for a job now and not sure which way to turn.

cashpoortimerich

I'm sorry you are having a hard time just now, I don't really have much practical advice, but you have my support.

What sort of work are you looking for? What sort of skill/experience/education do you have?

Have you spoken to a careers adviser about how best to explain why you are looking for a job just now and how your recent illness affects your employability? I had to explain why I had taken six months off following a bereavement which is a bit tricky to put a positive spin on, but I talked it over with a careers adviser and they gave some good advice.

In my (limited) experience I have found that it is best to make a few, very well researched and targeted applications rather than a scattergun approach.

Let us know how you are getting on.

G-G_4

Have you looked at www.fish4jobs.co.uk ?

Maybe you are being too specific in what you are looking / applying for?

Can you give anymore info on your circumstances and job history?

xx

chuckley

agencies... ull be working within a week.

ohreally

Bunnie1982 wrote: »

I officially left my job on Friday after being signed off for two months with stress, anxiety and depression caused by workplace bullying.

http://www.tuc.org.uk/tuc/rights_bullyatwork.cfm
http://www.nurs.co.uk/news/specials/cms/10827335932961722023482_1.htm

Bunnie1982

Thanks everyone.

My background has mainly been in customer services and administration, got good computer skills and excellent typing skills. I have generally been applying for a variety of administration and secretarial jobs.

I think I am just frustrated because there doesn't seem to be a great deal about at the moment.

PasturesNew

Temping agencies will be a quick start to some work, enabling you to look round for something more permanent while you're working. You can sign on as a temp, letting them know you're looking for permanent work and they will also keep an eye on your CV against the needs of their clients who have permanent vacancies.

A good agency will know how its clients work and if they can see that you'd fit in well at a company they might even ask you if it's OK to send your CV to a client who doesn't have a vacancy but they will try to talk their client into seeing you. This can work well as it's that old chestnut of most jobs never being advertised ... because the client wouldn't have known they had a vacancy but once they met you they'd work out where they could place you in the company for your skills.

As a temp you will find the employers are quite accepting of any notified absence you might take for job interviews too as they know many temps are really looking for permanent work, so they expect it. I usually find that any temp job lasting more than a week is hiring for the position, so you will often find a job offer being made.

Good luck

glossgal

Good advice so far, I think agency work is probably your best bet at the moment. How often are you contacting the agencies? I think you have to be quite persistent to begin with or you may fall to the bottom of the pile when vacancies come up. I would make a point of calling at least once a week to show you're serious.

I think there is a misconception about agency work though that it will always be instant. My OH is currently between jobs and has been doing agency work for approx 8 months, office/public sector work mainly. Despite several contracts and glowing feedback from employers he can still be without work for several weeks between jobs. So don't be discouraged by the wait, Im sure something will come up soon

foreign_correspondent

agency work is less stress because you know its not forever, you are helping them out, and they are generaly pleased to see you! Also a good way of seeing what different companies work like, and whether you would like to work for them in future!