Hats Off to...

[lizzylemon]

...the long term unemployed people who are still trying and haven't given up yet.

I've been applying for new jobs for well over 6 months or so now, and officially unemployed for 6 weeks but it's so soul destroying and already sapping my will to live

Survival tips please

[zazen999]

Bummocks.

Swear words DO help.

I just looked more at real deep quality applications, rather than quantity - and bigged myself up...which isn't easy when you feel mopey.

[Glutton4...]

As you know this only happens to 'other people' I didn't sign on, and I spent ages looking for a job, but as I'm only prepared to work locally, there was just nothing about. So I bought a lightweight mower, advertised locally, and just got on with it. Two years later, and I'm bloody busy now!

Fingers crossed for you, Hon!

[lizzylemon]

...and bigged myself up...which isn't easy when you feel mopey.

Not something I very (any) good at at the best of times (along with good written English either apparently)

I'm being specific about the jobs I'm applying for but just not getting through to the interview stage. I've applied for at least 10 jobs in the last 8 weeks and had 1 interview, 4 rejection replies and silence from the others (including the interview peeps now.)

Huff / Sigh / switches kettle on.

[rustylady]

What sort of work are you looking for Lizzie?

[zazen999]

Not something I very (any) good at at the best of times (along with good written English either apparently)

I'm being specific about the jobs I'm applying for but just not getting through to the interview stage. I've applied for at least 10 jobs in the last 8 weeks and had 1 interview, 4 rejection replies and silence from the others (including the interview peeps now.)

Huff / Sigh / switches kettle on.

Hmm...can you call the interview peeps? Are you brave enough?

It's hard when it's for you - if it's for someone else it would be a breeze.....

[northepaul]

Not something I very (any) good at at the best of times (along with good written English either apparently)

I'm being specific about the jobs I'm applying for but just not getting through to the interview stage. I've applied for at least 10 jobs in the last 8 weeks and had 1 interview, 4 rejection replies and silence from the others (including the interview peeps now.)

Huff / Sigh / switches kettle on.

Oh Lizzy I really feel for you!
I was exactly in your situation a few months ago, lost count of the amount of job applications, CVs sent and dreaded interviews.... and there was me naively thinking cos I had just finished a BA, I wouldnt have any trouble getting one....

Its the most frustrating thing in the world!
I also had student loans chasing me!
I have two jobs now (one starting in sept) both part time and even with both together I just about earn enough money to stay afloat.

Its a B*gger out there!

Try & Stay positive!
My thoughts with you xx

[lizzylemon]

What sort of work are you looking for Lizzie?

Well my main priority is part-time so I know that cuts the market considerably but working full-time is not an option at the moment.

I've had a few different title over the years but intrinsically the jobs are the same, so have good transferable skills and have solid relevant experiences.

Administration / P.A. type positions.

I'm being to wonder if my age and lack of 'recognised' qualifications let me down. I'm competing against a lot of 20 somethings who are up on the most current software and are fresh from Uni / Business School etc

(Although, having said that my macs OS is the newest one as is my Microsoft office package and Im only 37 so not toooooo near retirement).

I think whoever said the Recession is over needs to check with the 'real' working world and stop looking at averages

[Glutton4...]

Fingers crossed for you Hon.

As Zaz says its very difficult to 'big yourself up' if you're not that type. I have a friend who's very good at it, and just walks straight from one job to another, but I'm not like that at all.

Keep at it!

[lizzylemon]

Well there's another 4 P-T jobs with the same place as the interview (It's a University) so I'll be cracking on with them this sarvo. Also seen another PT position but with a different college so will be applying for that 2.

That'll be another 5 to counteract the 2 rejections I've received so far today.

I've been 'brave' and asked for constructive feedback

[Two_Sheds]

Administration / P.A. type positions.

Have you signed up with a good temp agency? That's how I got my PA jobs (two different ones, both started off temp, but became perm).

If you're that way inclined, you could tout yourself around as a freelance.

[Glutton4...]

Phone all those you haven't heard from, and be pushy - it will make you sound keen, and may just be the push they need. Save's them choosing who to call!

But that's easy for me to say!

[bubblewrap]

...the long term unemployed people who are still trying and haven't given up yet.

I've been applying for new jobs for well over 6 months or so now, and officially unemployed for 6 weeks but it's so soul destroying and already sapping my will to live

Survival tips please

Only 6 months I was unemployed for Three and a half years before talking pension credits last year.
The main problem I had was from the joke shop.
Being in my late 50s & worked almost continually since the age of 15 I still found it impossible to get work.
In that three and a half years I got ONE job interview after applying for at least one job a week even so that did not stop my benefit being stopped on two occasions.
At least being on pension credits I don't have to jump through whoops of fire to get the princely sum of �48.

[lizzylemon]

Only 6 months I was unemployed for Three and a half years before talking pension credits last year.
The main problem I had was from the joke shop.
Being in my late 50s & worked almost continually since the age of 15 I still found it impossible to get work.
In that three and a half years I got ONE job interview after applying for at least one job a week even so that did not stop my benefit being stopped on two occasions.
At least being on pension credits I don't have to jump through whoops of fire to get the princely sum of �48.

G*d it's sh*t isn't it - that's why I take my hat off to people like you for not giving up after so long. I'm feeling dispondent after a few measley months / weeks so can't begin to imagine how I'll be feeling if still no job in 3 years time. It takes real strength of character and massive determination to keep going it up for so long.

When I look at the news and see these people who 'play' the system I wonder how on earth they do it and why most of the time but I'm beginning to understand (not agree) why a lot of them stick where they are.

Still onwards and upwards I hope. I need to eat some chocolate I think and then write my letters.

[lizzylemon]

Great idea........except I've just done that for the last year and it hasn't ended well. I went to work on Saturday as normal, all good. I got to work Tuesday;

"Go home Liz, I've got no money to pay you any more"

Didn't ring me to save the petrol and then had the cheek to email the next week asking for adhoc hours to be his book keeper. I didn't think it was a good idea for the person he's just laid off to book keep for him, bless, so I didn't bother replying.

(Actually my computer got broke when the firemen put me out after spontaneously combusting so I couldn't email back)