Persevering job-hunting

[Doclector]

I was just trying to open a student account at the bank, when they mentioned I couldn't do so without something from the inland revenue. I have never had any earnings to be taxed. I'm twenty.

It all reminded me of my attempts to get a job. I applied for every retail job out there, believing it to be the only thing I could do. I got nowhere. In four god damn years I had two interviews. I gave up for most of college, applying for the occasional thing, but not getting anywhere.

Now I'm going to uni, I'll practically need a job. But I can't stand job hunting.

I Endured years of bullying to get my 11 C+ GCSEs. They still ignore me. I have written and re-written my CV, so many times. The little b*****s still ignore me! I hate the little s***s! They stamp on me, over and over again, and never answer for it, I fill in their bulls*** forms asking me for tons of details I don't remember, dragging up memories if a school I'd rather forget, I get so stressed my head feels like it's going to explode just trying to please the ignorant little wastes of life, and they just ignore me, safe in their little f***ing offices from any of the punishment they deserve.

This constant rejection makes me so depressed, I feel like tearing chunks out of myself, and the little b******s expect to never answer for it, to never even tell me why!? I hate it so much. How dies everyone else cope? How dies everyone else handle people judging them by bulls*** reasoning and never having to answer for it, never even having to say it to my damn face!?

 

[dmase]

It seems like if someone said it to your face you'd take a hostage. For one, calm down, two think outside the box.

I'm guessing your british so I'm not sure on all your lingo. whats a "11 C+ GCSEs"

So your at a university, what are you studying? Is there away for you to get a job at the university? Bookstore, dining, lab assistant, or programs to find jobs in the area.

 

[Doclector]

It seems like if someone said it to your face you'd take a hostage. For one, calm down, two think outside the box.

I try, but I hate the thought of people judging me, especially when they don't have to answer for it.

I'm guessing your british so I'm not sure on all your lingo. whats a "11 C+ GCSEs"

it's supposedly a very good amount of qualifications.

So your at a university, what are you studying? Is there away for you to get a job at the university? Bookstore, dining, lab assistant, or programs to find jobs in the area.

I'm studying media arts, essentially film production. There may be programs, but the only thing I can think of is the jobcenter, an organisation who feel that guilt trips are the best ways to get people into work. I am sick of them. Last time I was there, it took so much self control not to smash the place up they were so judgemental. As for the other jobs, I'll apply, but how do I force them to pay some actual attention to me? They ain't reading my cvs, that's for sure. I don't know anyone with as many qualifications as me, I've even took on multiple programs to get more skills since leaving school in order to keep myself busy. If they were reading it, they'd at least have the decency to give me a damn interview.

 

[dmase]

snipped

Everyday you walk out on the streets your going to have someone judging you. They are gonna look at the clothes you where and the way you act and they are going to think they know who you are in the first 30 seconds. Thats wrong, but an employer has every right to judge you. Whether they consider your job history to be sufficient, your education, people skills, and drive to excel.

Just the other day I was reading about a guy in the US that sent his resume to hundreds of employers in just one year. He had a masters in business management. He ended up only getting about a dozen interviews.

I've never had to actively push to get a job but those that do usually say to bug the living shit out of the people you sent the resume into. You send the resume in either online or otherwise and then call after a week and ensure they got it, get a time frame for when they'll have read it.

Next think outside the box when your applying for jobs. There are listing for things besides waiters and receptionist. I'd also suggest going back to the job center and taking any advice they give whether or not you think they are just judging you, because thats their job to evaluate you and help you.

Last time I was there, it took so much self control not to smash the place up they were so judgmental

And this, when you get to have an interview you are going to need to keep calm in body and mind. Whether you notice or not you give off signs of aggravation and irritation whenever you get angry on the inside, it happens to everybody. You may not explode but it looks like you will and employers will watch for that if they are good at their job.

 

[Doclector]

snipped

Everyday you walk out on the streets your going to have someone judging you. They are gonna look at the clothes you where and the way you act and they are going to think they know who you are in the first 30 seconds. Thats wrong, but an employer has every right to judge you. Whether they consider your job history to be sufficient, your education, people skills, and drive to excel.

difference is that if they want to call me stupid, they're gonna have to answer to it. These people just take a shot at me from safe distance.

Just the other day I was reading about a guy in the US that sent his resume to hundreds of employers in just one year. He had a masters in business management. He ended up only getting about a dozen interviews.

I've never had to actively push to get a job but those that do usually say to bug the living shit out of the people you sent the resume into. You send the resume in either online or otherwise and then call after a week and ensure they got it, get a time frame for when they'll have read it.

Next think outside the box when your applying for jobs. There are listing for things besides waiters and receptionist. I'd also suggest going back to the job center and taking any advice they give whether or not you think they are just judging you, because thats their job to evaluate you and help you.

Last time I was there, it took so much self control not to smash the place up they were so judgmental

And this, when you get to have an interview you are going to need to keep calm in body and mind. Whether you notice or not you give off signs of aggravation and irritation whenever you get angry on the inside, it happens to everybody. You may not explode but it looks like you will and employers will watch for that if they are good at their job.

they called me lazy. Why? I wanted a part time job to go alongside college. Trust me, they literally know nothing.

How do I know what other jobs to apply for? They judge me enough already. If I get into a job I'd be bad at, and make mistakes, they'll fire me, then no one else will hire me because I was fired.

I just detest the control they have over my life without ever having to answer for it. I feel defenceless. And I also have aspergers syndrome, which doesn't stop me doing anything, but they judge me for it. Sure, there's fair treatment laws, but how the hell do they enforce those?

In actual interviews with employers I stay calm, but it doesn't make a damn bit of difference. They judge within thirty seconds of seeing you, don't they? That's what I heard once.

 

[Amethyst Wind]

Did you know that you used some form of the word 'judge' 6 times in this little tirade?

Yes, it's hard to get a job right now, even the most basic jobs because there's so much competition, but really, you aren't putting yourself across very well here. From an employer standpoint, you aren't hiring material if you get so uppity over PERCEIVED slights.

What, besides your studies, are you doing while at university to make yourself more attractive to employers when you earn your qualification? Have you joined any societies, gone to any events in the career that interests you? Gathered any contacts (having some people be familiar with you helps a great deal)? What are you doing to make sure you're not just another 20-something with a piece of paper?

Have you considered looking overseas for work? I know they're always looking for English language teachers in certain countries, that's something anybody can do so long as they're native.

Closing statement: Your qualifications aren't nearly as beneficial as you think they are, you have to show them that you can work outside of the classroom too. Also, calm down or you'll get nowhere.

 

[Doclector]

Did you know that you used some form of the word 'judge' 6 times in this little tirade?

Yes, it's hard to get a job right now, even the most basic jobs because there's so much competition, but really, you aren't putting yourself across very well here. From an employer standpoint, you aren't hiring material if you get so uppity over PERCEIVED slights.

What, besides your studies, are you doing while at university to make yourself more attractive to employers when you earn your qualification? Have you joined any societies, gone to any events in the career that interests you? Gathered any contacts (having some people be familiar with you helps a great deal)? What are you doing to make sure you're not just another 20-something with a piece of paper?

Have you considered looking overseas for work? I know they're always looking for English language teachers in certain countries, that's something anybody can do so long as they're native.

Closing statement: Your qualifications aren't nearly as beneficial as you think they are, you have to show them that you can work outside of the classroom too. Also, calm down or you'll get nowhere.

I'm not at uni yet. I haven't seen any of the opportunities listed, and I can't afford to move countries, not yet, anyway. I also know that I won't get straight into film, I could spend years in a shop before I get a shot there.

And of course, I don't tell employers how I feel about them, but it angers me so much I can barely think.

And how do I gather contacts? Just go to shop owners and ask for a number?

I know my qualifications supposedly are secondary to experience, but I have that too. I worked in a charity shop for three months, no pay, then I had to quit because an opportunity for a good course, the one that gave me the push to start pursuing a film career, came up. I haven't been able to find any work, paid or unpaid since. I just suffered so much for those accursed things, now these people just shove it aside like it's nothing. They don't even alert me. They just let me come back to the shop asking when I'll hear something, so I get publicly humiliated when they say they're already doing interviews.

I just want to know how everyone else copes. These people just telling you screening you ever worked for, even fought for in my case, is useless. How do other people cope with constantly being rejected by people who don't even explain themselves?

 

[Nickolai77]

So, you have experience (working behind a till in a charity shop for three months) that should make you fairly employable with general shop-work. Plus, most people, given a few months and a good amount of effort, will eventually end up with a job even in the current climate. I would consider re-looking at your CV, checking that the spelling and grammar is correct and that all your relevant experiences are clearly detailed.

If you've been looking for a job this summer before your going to university, the odds are stacked against you because your going to uni, and will only be available for a few months. Employers want more permanent employees, not ones whom will be gone for most of the year.


One thing i will say is that, once in university, there should be paid jobs on offer there. In my university, money can be made by working for the student union, tour-guiding, and working behind bars or in university shops. The pays reasonable and the hours low- so you've still got time for studies, but it's a job none the less. As a student at a uni, you'll find getting jobs at the university easier than finding jobs at home.

 

[dmase]

snipped

"safe distance"

You sound like your just gonna snap their neck or at least yell at them if they turn you down. Its their right and if they do give you a reason consider yourself lucky.

"they called me lazy. Why?"

Did someone tell this to you at your last job or while applying?

" If I get into a job I'd be bad at, and make mistakes"

If you get a job low enough down on the pay scale what they expect of you is to try and want to learn. There are numerous things you can do, make some calls and ask which positions are open for someone of your skill level.

"aspergers"

And this is where we get to what might be an issue. When you send in your resume or fill out an application do you include that you have aspergers?

 

[Doclector]

snipped

"safe distance"

You sound like your just gonna snap their neck or at least yell at them if they turn you down. Its their right and if they do give you a reason consider yourself lucky.

I wouldn't be so angry if they had the decency not to hide like that. To explain themselves. I at least have respect for those who are honest. I have none for people who never explain themselves.

"they called me lazy. Why?"

Did someone tell this to you at your last job or while applying?

I was told this at that damn jobcenter. They say they help people get jobs, but they don't. They just guilt trip people into applying for jobs that won't even work for them. They wanted me to apply for jobs I'd have to quit college for. They're ignorant.

" If I get into a job I'd be bad at, and make mistakes"

If you get a job low enough down on the pay scale what they expect of you is to try and want to learn. There are numerous things you can do, make some calls and ask which positions are open for someone of your skill level.

"aspergers"

And this is where we get to what might be an issue. When you send in your resume or fill out an application do you include that you have aspergers?

not if I can help it, but more and more I'm finding they force you to with a part of an application that forces you to sign an agreement saying you haven't lied or omitted information that they asked for.

 

[dmase]

"aspergers"

And this is where we get to what might be an issue. When you send in your resume or fill out an application do you include that you have aspergers?

not if I can help it, but more and more I'm finding they force you to with a part of an application that forces you to sign an agreement saying you haven't lied or omitted information that they asked for.[/quote]

You always should put that under disabilities. I'm assuming the UK your level of aspergers is covered under a disabilities bill. They can not discriminate against you.

Wait, hold up I thought you would have a jobs center at your university, I've never known a university to plan a job that would not first fit into your school schedule.

 

[Doclector]

"aspergers"

And this is where we get to what might be an issue. When you send in your resume or fill out an application do you include that you have aspergers?

not if I can help it, but more and more I'm finding they force you to with a part of an application that forces you to sign an agreement saying you haven't lied or omitted information that they asked for.

You always should put that under disabilities. I'm assuming the UK your level of aspergers is covered under a disabilities bill. They can not discriminate against you.

Wait, hold up I thought you would have a jobs center at your university, I've never known a university to plan a job that would not first fit into your school schedule.[/quote]Nah, at that point it was one outside of college. Apparently they have career advice for the particular subject you're studying. I dunno about anything else.

As for the aspergers thing, we have such laws, but I highly doubt it's ever enforced.

 

[dmase]

snipped

Disability laws are only enforced if you complain, if you think your being discriminated against there is a complaint office. If you can find proof that your claim is valid you could very easily sue. But only if the reason they are not hiring you is because of your disability.

The jobs or career center at your university would be the best place to look for work that you would be suited for and that would actually help with your career.

Also if you are willing to work a manual labor job you could always do that but you would have to do it for minimum wage. There willing to take a lot more chances with people in this field because they can pay them cheap and if they fire them they've lost nothing. And it can't really hurt your chances at another job.

 

[Shivarage]

Hehe, I think it is time you heard from another unemployed person

(unless you succeeded in getting a job by the time you read this)

Everyone else here is talking nonsense, you have done so much more than most people just to get a job and trust me, they don't know the half of the story because it isn't happening to them, it isn't them who are judged very harshly because they are unemployed, it isn't them who have to face the consequences of stupid "advice"

Most glide through with contacts, others just by luck, the rest of us have to make do with surviving money until we catch a break - after all, not EVERYBODY can get a job at the same time

I hope you have caught your break by now, I certainly haven't...

 

[SirDeadly]

Summer just finished and in the time that I have been on holiday (November) I have had one interview out of countless applications. I have virtually given up on finding a job anywhere. Everyone says that you have to "sell" yourself to potential employers but I don't see the point in putting in so much effort anymore. You are not the only one having trouble finding a job but I hope it all works out for you.

 

[Angie7F]

Yes, its tough everywhere...including japan. (unless you decide to go reconstruct the earthquake/ tsunami zone)

I dont know how the employment structure is over there, so this may be of no help, but starting as a part time worker can be a foot in the door, rather than looking for a full on job.
even waiting tables can help you find connections or hear of open positions by word of mouth.

Anyways, just know that it is not just you.
the most qualified people are not getting jobs, so dont take the rejection personally.
Also, being over qualified an be a problem too...

 

[bluepilot]

I feel your pain.

I graduated from a top university in 2008 (great timing) with a good degree but ended up working, then studying, abroad.

Britain has really high levels of employment, very little investment in industry, there are over 200 chain stores a day closing and the true numbers of employment are fiddled with to keep the numbers low. To top it all off the baby boomers can't afford to retire because of their pensions, so your only hope of getting work is if somebody dies suddenly.

Your GCSEs are good, but not competitive, but congratulations at getting into college and I hope it goes better than school. The job market is really tough right now for reasons that have nothing to do with you. Do not take it personally and remember that recruitment agencies are a horrible experience for everyone.

Try to get some work experience to be more competitive on your cv. Even volunteer work is better than no experience. However, at the end of the day, it is just luck luck luck. There is no possible way to get jobs that do not exist (looking at you Cameron....you "list of words that would make a sailor blush".

 

[artanis_neravar]

snip

snip

Like these two said, it's tough everywhere.

For example:

I hold a Bachelors in Engineering, and am working on my Masters in Engineering, currently with a GPA of 3.97 (4.0 is the highest) I have applied for probably around 500 engineering jobs, and 100 retail level jobs.

I have gotten maybe 4 interviews on the engineering jobs, each one they decided to go with someone with experience.

When I finally got in touch with someone from the retail side of things I was informed that I am over qualified with my Engineering degree, they want people who will be there for a while, and with my degree it is obvious that I will only be there till something better comes along.

I have around 6 months before I graduate with my Masters, at which point the full force of my $100k loans will settle in, and if I don't have a job I will be screwed.

I was dumped by my girlfriend for not being able to spoiler her the way "she deserves"

So you don't have it nearly as bad as you may think when it comes to jobs and money.

 

[Shivarage]

*citizen snips*

That is a really sticky situation... I was lead to believe they always wanted the best person for the job, then I noticed all my rejections only ever said "we decided you weren't suitable for the job" so yeh... I'm overqualified to sit at a till and exchange money and yet there's no other choice that doesn't ask for 3-5 years experience doing till work or whatever

ps. Your gf sounds bitchy imo, you're better off without her if she didn't care about you

 

[artanis_neravar]

*citizen snips*

That is a really sticky situation... I was lead to believe they always wanted the best person for the job, then I noticed all my rejections only ever said "we decided you weren't suitable for the job" so yeh... I'm overqualified to sit at a till and exchange money and yet there's no other choice that doesn't ask for 3-5 years experience doing till work or whatever

ps. Your gf sounds bitchy imo, you're better off without her if she didn't care about you

Yep, experience is what matters, and you need experience to get you that job so that you can earn experience, it's a vicious circle that we can't win.

Oh and I agree, after breaking up with me she tried to turn my best friend against me, now I'm the Best Man at his wedding and she's not even invited