Jobseeking is driving me mad!

looby75

therealdessie wrote: »

Just back on the point of driving - they said it wouldn't be all the time... so doesn't that indicate that it wouldn't be within the first month of the job? I've applied for a few jobs which involve travel and in all cases was told it would be three months or so before I had to "hit the road", the first period would be learning the ropes. I know it's a different type of job, but...? If this agency won't put you forward, then go to another one and ask them to - they'll be more than happy to oblige in many cases.

As for the time taken to learn, you could do it in four lessons. I did, after twelve years of not touching a car, so that's four rides home after work with the instructor

TBH because driving wasn't the main part of the job that's why I thought it would be ok to be honest about needing to have some refresher lessons, admittedly maybe a bit naively, I thought that showing I was willing to put myself out of pocket to pay for those lessons would show how keen I was to get the job. I didn't expect it to be such a problem when it was made clear in the job description that deliveries would only be an occasional thing, the pharmacy do employ a delivery driver so I presume it would just be to cover holidays and the odd emergency delivery.

I have to call in the pharmacy to pick up dd's heyfever stuff tomorrow so I will mention the whole agency problem. I phoned 3 times today to ask to speak to the advisor/agent I spoke to first to try to find out what the heck the letter was all about, but she was busy each time I was promised she would call me back ........surprise surprise I'm still waiting.

staindude

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

I've come to feel that some people just don't want to solve their problems; if someone were to knock on their door and offer them the perfect job, well paid, suitable hours, childcare included, they'd say they couldn't take it because they had a doctor's appointment booked for that day! This is no exaggeration; I had a client who turned down a suitable job because it meant working on Wednesday and her mother came for the afternoon that day. The suggestion that mum could come on another afternoon (she didn't work) was greeted with the incredulous comment "but Wednesday's her day!"

I can definitely believe that and I find these behaviour patterns fascinating because I suffer from them myself. I hope you didn't accuse that woman of not wanting the job and making up an excuse for it because it was more likely some kind of fear of upsetting the routine or for offending her mother. I'd go into examples about me but this thread isn't about us and looby isn't even suffering this problem.

therealdessie

Yes do tell the pharmacy, but be tactful about the agency - they might consider them a close business partner. Just make it clear you've had a misunderstanding with them and that you don't want to miss out on this opportunity.

Oldernotwiser

staindude wrote: »

I can definitely believe that and I find these behaviour patterns fascinating because I suffer from them myself. I hope you didn't accuse that woman of not wanting the job and making up an excuse for it because it was more likely some kind of fear of upsetting the routine or for offending her mother. I'd go into examples about me but this thread isn't about us and looby isn't even suffering this problem.

I never accuse anybody of anything, that's not my role. Everybody has their little quirks; as long as they don't expect the benefit system to pander to them then they can do what they like.

looby75

just a quick update, I called in to the pharmacy today and mentioned my run in with the agency. The job has now been filled (on Friday, same day as I got the letter) but they weren't pleased that I had been fobbed off. All in all the pharmacist (she owns the pharmacy/shop) says she wasn't very happy with the service the agency gave her, they never did half the things they promised, never returned calls and it took them almost 3 weeks to send anyone to her for an interview even though they said they had suitable people on their books that they could put forward immediately. It's the first time she has ever used an agency, she normally just advertises in the job centre but she thought she might fill the position quicker via an agency as they needed someone to start asap. She was livid when I told her I saw the job advertised on the jobcentre plus website, as she said she could have (and usually does) do that herself.

I doubt she'll be using that agency again, and it just goes to show that its not just jobseekers that get messed around by them.

staindude

Sorry the position was filled but good to know you gave her some more ammo to use against the agency, that should make you feel a bit better

looby75

lol I suppose it's a kind of Karma.

Right I'm drawing a line under this and will learn from it (thanks to Oldernotwiser ) From now on I will won't be quite as blatantly honest and will think more about how prospective employers could negatively interpret what I consider to be a positive point.


:eek: I sound like a manager!

Oldernotwiser

Apologies for being harsh. Keep positive and make sure your applications are as well. Good luck.

Bismarck

Well, everyone.

I think that this thread is very useful and has helped provide a lot of insights and support into a very strange game that is more complicated than it really should be.

I'm expecting an offer letter from an employer and it will be a delight to contact the agencies I'm signed on with and say that I'm no longer available - it will quite satisfying that I did it all by myself without their "help". The agencies have been a mixed experience but I've learnt something and if there's a next time, it should less strenuous.

lb364

Am still jobseeking, had 3 interviews the week before last, all went well, had right experience for each of them (was even told I was dressed perfectly for one role) then received "you came 2nd out of all the applicants"; "someone else had more experience" and just plain "we've appointed someone else"

I just don't know what else I can do, it's getting a bit quiet again but I have one last interview friday. Customer service role via an agency, no real (professional) experience. I need help, am obviously doing something wrong and really want this job.

Advice?