What am I doing wrong?

m5ex9oqjawdg2i

Simple problem... I cannot, for the life of me, get a bloody job... and I mean at anything. I posted some time ago about this and little has changed. I have since got my full B licence and recieved my BA in international business.

I find recruitment agencies to be completely muck. Never get any replies from them and yet a lot of my friends swear by them. Now I don't just send in a CV and hope for the best, never to contact them again. Most jobs I apply for I follow up with an E-mail or a phone call. I regristered with FAS (which I find to be completely useless) I have attended meetings with my career guidance person in the college, I went to the jobs club and have spoken to countless people in jobs seeking advice. Now I come to you guys and gals. Every interview (about 4 since last March) I go to I prepare for. The most recent one was today, came out of the interview thinking what a bloody waste it was driving up for it. 25 minutes is all it took.

What gets me really going, is mates that have no qualifications are getting head hunted. My girlfriend recently moved from Belgium and secured a job after 2 weeks, that's 2 weeks of searching and interviews.

I have just about given up, like seriously given up. There's millions of jobs out there yet I cannot seem to find just one. Anything at all. Even for the experience. I would nearly work for free at this stage just so I could put some extra "professional" experience on my CV...

Woe is me

Josie_dub

I know it might not be any good to you seeing as your definitely over qualified but the pensions board are looking for temporary staff at the moment. Could be something just to keep you going while still looking around. Steady hours and income. Check out publicjobs.ie.

metaoblivia

You're getting interviews, but not seeing anything come of them, so that leads me to believe the problem lies somewhere within how you're presenting yourself. Since I'm not in the room with you, I can't say exactly what the problem is. But this is a tough job market we're in, and the people who can sell themselves and their skills the best will get the jobs that are available. It sounds like your frustrated and desperate, which is understandable, but in no way do you want that to come across in an interview. Interviewers can pick up very easily on negativity, so it's really important to come across as positive and confident. I know it's hard when you've been looking for so long and come up empty-handed, but it's the truth.
Best of luck!

m5ex9oqjawdg2i

I am not over qualified for anything, BA or no BA... honest. I will check out the website, thanks. (it's been a while since I checked that site, normally for the Gardai recruitment, but I always seem to miss it)

As for selling myself, I am damned good at talking, I won't be modest about it either. The job club say I am fine with my interview skills also. I have had about 4 interviews in about 9 months, and that is from countless applications. I apply for about 3-4 jobs every day on average. I know the market is rubbish at the moment with skilled workers looking for jobs in the service industry etc etc.

I am most definately desperate but I don't think I let this show too much in interviews. I do say that I am available right away when asked and my salary expectations are pretty basic for anyone, qualified or not, starting off.

metaoblivia

Ronnie Tinkling Paper wrote: »

I am not over qualified for anything, BA or no BA... honest. I will check out the website, thanks. (it's been a while since I checked that site, normally for the Gardai recruitment, but I always seem to miss it)

As for selling myself, I am damned good at talking, I won't be modest about it either. The job club say I am fine with my interview skills also. I have had about 4 interviews in about 9 months, and that is from countless applications. I apply for about 3-4 jobs every day on average. I know the market is rubbish at the moment with skilled workers looking for jobs in the service industry etc etc.

I am most definately desperate but I don't think I let this show too much in interviews. I do say that I am available right away when asked and my salary expectations are pretty basic for anyone, qualified or not, starting off.

If you're putting your resume out there that often and not getting many requests for interviews, the problem might lie with your CV and initial inquiry. Getting a job is all about selling yourself, and if you're doing this much hunting and not seeing any results, something about your sales pitch is off.

m5ex9oqjawdg2i

Maybe I am too cheap? Before the recession, I sent off my CV one day, next day (no joke) I had an interview. about 3-4 days after that I had my first "real" job. Now it's a cluster muck, with an F.

My CV has been to all the official places, jobs club, fas, careers guidance and my mate who works in recruiting, they said it was an excellent CV... I do know that I am not that great with interviews. I sometimes clam up, but not too much and I answer every single question they ask me. I have never missed a question.

Jimmy Bottlehead

I'm in the exact same position... honours degree, a year and a half of temping experience... this time last year, I was walking from job to job when I got bored with them and it was EASY getting another.

Now, though, its a nightmare. All of us in our early 20's have had it easy so far, and its only now that reality is kicking in with regards jobs.

Just keep ploughing ahead and keep the chin up. Something is bound to come up. At least thats what I'm hoping!

Not sure if you're already doing this as you say you've researched the companies but...

Tailor your cv for each job you apply for to emphasise whatever skills or experience you have that are most relevant to the job or company (unless they're all very, very similar)

If you have limited experience in the area then one of your biggest selling points will be your enthusiasm for the job/company. Show them how much you want this particular job because of how brilliant it or the company is (not desperation mind...) and how much of an interest you have in the area.

Hope that's some help!

Marksie

Deleted User wrote: »

Tailor your cv for each job you apply for to emphasise whatever skills or experience you have that are most relevant to the job or company (unless they're all very, very similar)

Good idea. You may already be doing something similar, but highlight for a particular position what they are looking for and what your skills bring to it.
Or tailor a covering letter that adds the extra dimension, fleshes out the bare bones of the CV.

If you aren't getting to interview stage then something isn't gelling with the CV

It may sound silly, or obvious, but you say you are good at talking...but are you saying what they want to hear? Its something to consider, but whatever you think. Best of luck with it.

I often wonder if the hopping from job to job when people got bored was necessarily a good thing. On the one hand it shows expoerience, yet on the other it shows a lack of commitment to go the extra mile required in a particular position.

bmcgrath

I am in the same position. I've had zero luck getting a job and it's really beginning to get frustrating.

I've sent my CV (tailored to each job) and when I follow up I get the "sorry were not hiring at the moment due to current economic times". Then WHY ADVERTISE JOBS!?

I also find (as the OP said) recruitment agencies a waste of time to be honest. I'm getting a bit bored now of having no job, but thankfully I have photography to keep me busy on these jobless days.

MagicMarker

You need to play the numbers game, 3 or 4 jobs applications a day is not a lot tbh. I was applying to anything up to 10+ a day.

Where does your experience lie and what kind of jobs are you applying for?

You say you never get any response from agencies? If that's the case then you must not be applying for positions you have experience in, because if you did they would be on top of you in a flash, so something is wrong there.

Personally, I hate agencies, I hated having to take time out of my day just to meet them when it could amount to nothing. But it got to the stage where i was getting nowhere applying directly to employers and I was desperate, so I swallowed my pride and went through agencies, met with 4 or 5 of them in the space of a couple of days, earned a couple of interviews and got a job.

Apply for as many jobs as possible, always include a cover letter.

m5ex9oqjawdg2i

MagicMarker wrote: »

You need to play the numbers game, 3 or 4 jobs applications a day is not a lot tbh. I was applying to anything up to 10+ a day.

You say you never get any response from agencies? If that's the case then you must not be applying for positions you have experience in, because if you did they would be on top of you in a flash, so something is wrong there.

.

No offence, but you are wrong about the "agencies jumping on you", I am applying for jobs within my skillset. I seldom apply for anything out of my experience, salary expectations or skillset.

I do tailor my CV for the differant jobs I am going for, not every single job though. Customer service is customer service.

On average I may send 3 to 4 a day. Today I sent 15+ yesterday it was 10, I sent none the weekend. Maybe my average is higher.

AngryBadger

Ronnie Tinkling Paper wrote: »

No offence, but you are wrong about the "agencies jumping on you", I am applying for jobs within my skillset. I seldom apply for anything out of my experience, salary expectations or skillset.

Actually OP, my experience was the same as MagicMarkers, altho unlike MM, I applied to agencies as well as directly to employers from the word go. Agencies were onto me the whole time about different positions. They still are in some cases

If you're applying for jobs relevant to your qualifications AND skillset, but you've only had 4 interviews in 9 months then you're clearly missing something fundamental. I WAS over-qualified but completely lacking industrial experience when i was trying to find a job, if you've graduated recently (as in within the last year or so), then you should be a prime candidate for any number of entry level positions within your chosen career. Granted there aren't as many jobs in that area right now, but still...

I'd suggest having someone else cast a critical, and brutally honest eye over your CV. If you're getting interviews at all then you must meet the requirements for at least some jobs, but obviously something about your CV/Cover letter is turning potential employers off. Like it or not that's the only conclusion I can draw from what you're presenting here.

Also, if agencies aren't getting back to you then either they simply don't have positions suited to what you want, or you're giving them a really bad impression of you whenever you meet them.

I don't mean to be harsh OP, but attitude, and presentation are where I suspect you're falling down, you need someone to be cruelly honest re: your CV, and how you perform face-to-face.

NOGMaxpower

Ronnie Tinkling Paper wrote: »

Simple problem... I cannot, for the life of me, get a bloody job... and I mean at anything. I posted some time ago about this and little has changed. I have since got my full B licence and recieved my BA in international business.

I find recruitment agencies to be completely muck. Never get any replies from them and yet a lot of my friends swear by them. Now I don't just send in a CV and hope for the best, never to contact them again. Most jobs I apply for I follow up with an E-mail or a phone call. I regristered with FAS (which I find to be completely useless) I have attended meetings with my career guidance person in the college, I went to the jobs club and have spoken to countless people in jobs seeking advice. Now I come to you guys and gals. Every interview (about 4 since last March) I go to I prepare for. The most recent one was today, came out of the interview thinking what a bloody waste it was driving up for it. 25 minutes is all it took.

What gets me really going, is mates that have no qualifications are getting head hunted. My girlfriend recently moved from Belgium and secured a job after 2 weeks, that's 2 weeks of searching and interviews.

I have just about given up, like seriously given up. There's millions of jobs out there yet I cannot seem to find just one. Anything at all. Even for the experience. I would nearly work for free at this stage just so I could put some extra "professional" experience on my CV...

Woe is me

I know how you feel buddy don't get too stressed. I've been around the block when it comes to interviews, jobs, job hunting, the does and don'ts. I've even had official training on how to get the right job for you!

So i'll need a lil information from you to help you out.

Whats your age? What line of work are you going for? What are your salary expecations? Do you have any work experience in the jobs you're looking for? What part of the country are you trying to find work or willing to work in?

Some advice in the meantime:

1: Recruitment agencies are and will always be your last resort. They can be useful but most of the time they're only looking for specific candidates or whats frustrating you is someone to make up the numbers so their customers are happy that they're doing something.

2: Use monster.ie or irishjobs.ie, not for recruiters but search by employer. This will give a list of who's looking for what. Have a logn hard think about who's right for you and make sure its not just a job for the sake of having one. Once you shortlist a few write up a cover letter and update your CV (no more than 2 pages and uniform formatting throughout) and send it in. Follow up each application (at least 10 a day) with phone call the next day if you don't hear from them and just say "i sent my CV in yesterday and I wanted to check if you received it".

3: Buy a nice suit not a cheap Dunnes Stores one. You'll be surprised what a sharp suit will do.

4: Buy nice shoes, again you'll be surprised how 1st impressions last when you walk in the door.

5: Buy a nice pen (nothing fancy) just somehting that looks "nice" not a BIRO!

6: Buy an organiser you know the A4 leather kind.

7: Have a list of questions ready for the interviewer. Couple this with your well wirtten CV you can control the interview. Ie you CV drives their questions to you which you're prepared for and you have follow on questions base don theirs.

8: At the very least review their website, wiki them, google them look for news about their business. THis will aid you in your knowledge of their company and help with questions you may have.

9: Never let the invterview go longer than 40 minutes.

10: Never lie NEVER EVER LIE you'll be found out. Be honest about your skills and limits.

11: Eye contact at all times, when talking aknowledge everyone in the room when speaking.

12: Firm strong handshakes not breaking their hands but afirmative and confident.

13: Be ready for the classic questions to you> "why do you want to work here" "what can you bring to the team" "Can you give us examples in your life that were challenging, required you to manage issues, dealing with irrate customers or costic meetings/employee's.

14: Be prepared or prepair to fail. If you try the above you'll get results.

Remember recruiters are your last resort... go direct to employers look for ones with graduate programs (no experience roles - low money but a foot in the door). Network with family/friends for opportunities... research shows that only 30% or recruitment actually happens through agencies!

Sorry for the long post I hope its of some use to you and others.

dblennon

If you are narrowing down your search's to Customer Service, then you will be hard pressed to be called for an interview.

I was speaking recently to a girl from Robert Half(recr.) for a friend who is in the exact same postion as you, she wouldn't even consider taking him on as the competition for places in this sector is fierce she said you would need to have at least 2 years experince in the sector before they'll even pick up the CV.

your best bet is to try areas of interest/companies you would like to work for get in any where and try moving internally as in this recessionary market most companies are hiring internally.

Good luck

LolaDub

I know its probably not what you want but would you consider temp or retail work? Retailers tend to take on extra staff for Christmas, and a friend of mine has been doing temp work recently, she's in a different place every two to three weeks but has constant work

Fiona24

Hi OP

I'm sorry to hear your story but there are jobs out there! Im currenty in the process of leaving my job and starting a new one in December.

There are plently of jobs out there you just have to keep your ears and eyes open, I have a list of companies in Cork that are recruiting, if thats any good. If you answer the below questions it might make it easier for people to give advise

What area of work are you looking to get into?
What area do you live in?
Are you willing to move?

Hopefully you will find a job soon enough, fingers crossed for you!

m5ex9oqjawdg2i

Well I am 25, I graduated a few months ago, I am looking for work around south and inner city Dublin. I am not looking for a crazy wage, but I want to match the one I was on when I worked for AIB. I normally apply for jobs such as, customer service, marketing, insurance, banking, human resources. Thats a pretty broad area. Like I said before, I have had my CV checked by professionals, it's their job to see these things are correct. I have had two people check it, amoungst others who work for HR in companies. I will go with their word that it is what they say.

Nogmaxpower: I got me two nice suits from river island, an arse load of shirts and ties, some from river island and brown thomas and others from dunnes (you know the set ones) I also have a really nice pair of shoes that I only use for interviews, so not that often. I do need to get an organiser and a nice pen but I have a breifcase, not the square leather type. My eye contact is good, so I have been told and I never lie about anything on my CV. I do prepare and look at the website prior to the interview.

I think my first impressions are good, but when it comes to the interview I can fumble on some things. I will have an answer for all the classical questions (each answer is differant for each company of course).

I have never ever recieved a reply from an agency, I have never had a meeting with any agency. I tend to go 80% with agencies and 20% with going directly to the company.

I will look at them websites and source some companies. Right now I have no preference as to what company I want to work for and what role I would have to do. I would just like a job, in any sort of job that will buff up my CV for future jobs. I have even considered applying to Mc Donalds for trainee manager. (Not that there is anything wrong with it, it's just not an ideal job for me)

Thanks a million for all your suggestions, I really appretiate it.

Boom_Bap

A few tips....

Recruitment Agencies: Try to get a face to face with the recruiters, they can then put a face to a CV. Also, if they meet you they will have a better understanding of what you want and how you present yourself, appearance wise and personally. A recruiter will probably not put you forward for an interview if you do not present yourself well. They want to put people into an interview situation if they are confident that the candidate can make an impression, at the end of the ay, the recruiter makes commission from placing people, they will not waste thier time on people who are not presentable and who are not right for the job.

Interviews: One thing I learned is that when you first meet the interviewer, have something ready to talk about for the walk from reception to the interview room. This chit chat puts both you and the interviewer at ease...they can be nervous too! From experience, they normally always ask "Did you find the place OK?". There is so much you can do with this question, tell them that you scouted the location awhen you heard about the interview, you jog passed there, you live nearby, you have a friend you used to meet for lunch nearby and you always noticed the building etc. These are all leading responces in that the topic of converstaion can develop. For example you respond that you used to jog passed the building...the interviewer could be a runner and they may focus on this.
It may be only a minute or 2 worth of chat but it gets things at ease.

I think my first impressions are good, but when it comes to the interview I can fumble on some things

This is quite ok, its all about how you recover from when you fumble.

An interviewer will normally ask if you have any questions at the end, this is also an important part of the interview, this is your oppertunity to interview the company to see if they are right for you. I always had a few good questions here....things like if the company performs any fund raising or if they are involved in charities, is there any sports societies, are there any annual social events, what is the working environment like, try to relate something to something you read on thier web site....tell them you read something interesting on the web site.

Right now I have no preference as to what company I want to work for and what role I would have to do.

Dont settle for any job, this is somewhere that you will have to work, it has to be somewhere that you will enjoy working. I know that things are getting difficult for you now but it's not good for you to work somewhere that you are not satisfied.

Anyway, best of luck to you.

Fiona24

OP the companies I know taking on are all in Cork

m5ex9oqjawdg2i

Hehe. Yea I had a job but they were positioning me in Cork, it's way too far for me. Place is the only thing that I am really picky with. I need to be. I do want to be in Dublin. Had another interview in wexford, but again too far. We have everything sorted up in Dublin already, place to stay etc etc.

AngryBadger

Ronnie Tinkling Paper wrote: »

Hehe. Yea I had a job but they were positioning me in Cork, it's way too far for me. Place is the only thing that I am really picky with. I need to be. I do want to be in Dublin. Had another interview in wexford, but again too far. We have everything sorted up in Dublin already, place to stay etc etc.

Have to be honest here OP, you may simply have to accept that if you're going to get a job in your chosen field then you're going to have to move out of Dublin.

Given the choice I'd have preferred to get a job near home in Waterford, or else in Cork, as it is I live/work in Dublin because that's where the job I wanted was located. Fair enough if location is a dealbreaker for you, but you can't really complain about not being able to get a job when the reality is that there are jobs available, just not where YOU want them.

m5ex9oqjawdg2i

AngryBadger wrote: »

Have to be honest here OP, you may simply have to accept that if you're going to get a job in your chosen field then you're going to have to move out of Dublin.

Given the choice I'd have preferred to get a job near home in Waterford, or else in Cork, as it is I live/work in Dublin because that's where the job I wanted was located. Fair enough if location is a dealbreaker for you, but you can't really complain about not being able to get a job when the reality is that there are jobs available, just not where YOU want them.

Excuse me, but I don't have the ability or the resources to move to Cork or to Wexford, I already said that I have a place sorted up in Dublin and that is where my girlfriend is working. It's not as simple as moving to cork or galway, which I am not prepared to do. With most agencies I will state that I would work in wicklow and carlow as the commute is not as bad as going to dublin.

I also said that I WANT to work IN dublin and not move OUT.

IF I happen to land a good job in a differant location then I would definately consider it, I would not move to cork for 22K per year in a job where shifts are any hour of a 7 day week including all the holidays, no thanks. I can afford to be somewhat picky. I mean, dublin ain't a small town with some family run businesses... that is the best place, for me, to look for work.


What I want to ask people is, where do you look for work? Fas notices, newspapers, internet or radio? I check the paper but I don't find it helpful. Internet seems to be good, but you have to go through agencies mostly.

lolli

Op,

I am in the exact same position as yourself and I also find recruitment agencies to be a complete waste of time. I have talked to a few who ring me, bull**** on the phone to me for 20 minutes, they promise to ring me back but I never hear from them again unless I contact them to which i'm told they don't have anything.

I have a degree and a postgrad but at the moment I am willing to take any job, but of course I cant do that because once people read my education they arent going to take me on for the likes of office jobs or working in a shop.

I'm feeling very low about the whole thing, only for my parents i'd be living on the streets. I guess we just gotta keep on going!!

m5ex9oqjawdg2i

lolli wrote: »

Op,

I am in the exact same position as yourself and I also find recruitment agencies to be a complete waste of time. I have talked to a few who ring me, bull**** on the phone to me for 20 minutes, they promise to ring me back but I never hear from them again unless I contact them to which i'm told they don't have anything.

I have a degree and a postgrad but at the moment I am willing to take any job, but of course I cant do that because once people read my education they arent going to take me on for the likes of office jobs or working in a shop.

I'm feeling very low about the whole thing, only for my parents i'd be living on the streets. I guess we just gotta keep on going!!

Well I am on social welfare and have been since I left college. YOu should look into that if you don't already recieve it.

I bought a tent before I left college and my mother asked me what I bought it for. I told her that I cannot find a job and if I have to I will live in the tent... She laughed...

Parents are great as they went through the same thing. My parents were lucky that they had trades that weren't effected by the lack of work in the 80s.

I get some of my friends sending articles and application forms, do you have anyone looking out for you? I don't even know where they see them half the time.

For a lot of jobs people will say that you are over qualified and think you will look for serious money, and then jobs that you are qualified for you don't have the experience... I don't know to be honest

lolli

Ronnie Tinkling Paper wrote: »

For a lot of jobs people will say that you are over qualified and think you will look for serious money, and then jobs that you are qualified for you don't have the experience... I don't know to be honest

What you say is very true, for the area I am educated in I have no work experience, so i'm getting turned down because of my lack of experience. I worked in an office job for 2 years but cant seem to find another because I have furthered my education.

My parents had it tough in the 80's they were only starting out and had small kids to feed and my dad lost his job. they had 2 kids by my age so i'm lucky in the sense i've only me to look out for. I'm claiming social welfare but I have a credit union loan which takes more than half of that every month

Could be worse, at least I dont have to worry about paying a big mortgage

Peewee_lane

First of all, your in Carlow and you're probably only looking in your comfort zone as to where you can travel with ease to?

Also, only 4 interviews since March? I lost my job end of July and I have been to at least ten unsucessful interviews, CVs everywhere, I am now temping but have applied to go full time in retail as long as its a sustainable income!

Really man, a job wont land on your lap.. those days wont be back for a good while. I was a legal sec and I could just pick and choose what I wanted. I cant believe that I cant get a job either.

I suggest, with your degree you go abroad. Come back when this mess is over.

AngryBadger

Ronnie Tinkling Paper wrote: »

Excuse me, but I don't have the ability or the resources to move to Cork or to Wexford,

What resources do you need? Are you living at home right now? Fair enough I guess if you're at home then maybe you're not paying rent. But if you are paying something at home then you should be able to pay a rent down in Cork or Wexford. And if you found a job down there you'd easily be able to rent somewhere down the country.

Ronnie Tinkling Paper wrote: »

I already said that I have a place sorted up in Dublin and that is where my girlfriend is working. It's not as simple as moving to cork or galway, which I am not prepared to do. With most agencies I will state that I would work in wicklow and carlow as the commute is not as bad as going to dublin.

Look man, I don't care if you get a job or not, but you came on here looking for advice about what you're "doing wrong", I'm simply pointing out that if the jobs in your chosen career are outside of Dublin, but you're refusing to move outside of Dublin then the reality is you may not be able to find a job in said career.

Ronnie Tinkling Paper wrote: »

I also said that I WANT to work IN dublin and not move OUT.IF I happen to land a good job in a differant location then I would definately consider it, I would not move to cork for 22K per year in a job where shifts are any hour of a 7 day week including all the holidays, no thanks. I can afford to be somewhat picky. I mean, dublin ain't a small town with some family run businesses... that is the best place, for me, to look for work.

I'll be honest OP, to me it seems your attitude is the biggest impediment to getting a job. 4 interviews in 9 months is unbelievable, it's obvious that the jobs appear to be outside Dublin, but even though you've been on social welfare since leaving college you maintain that you can "afford" to be picky.

What you need is a wake-up call OP. The work won't come to you, if you happen to find a job in Dublin then well done, but if the jobs aren't appearing in Dublin then you need to consider going outside Dublin.


You're well within your rights to refuse to move out of Dublin, but ultimately that just means any jobs will go to someone who wants them more and is therefore willing to re-locate.

m5ex9oqjawdg2i

Pewee jane, the mess is worldwide Unless you can lay bricks then go to Australia...

I really do appretiate the advice, but if you are unwilling to read my initial post, other peoples post and my replies to them posts, then please do not fustrate me further by posting your rubbish.

Resources I need? Well there's money for one. Where I live now the rent is cheap bills are cheap etc etc. Oh, I also have my family and friends here for support. Not something I am moving away from any time soon. Not when times are this insecure. The house we almost have secure in Dublin is owned by a family member, not an immediate family member but a family member. The rent will not what it should be and we will not need to put down a deposit etc etc. That is a big money saver right there. I am comfortable staying in dublin carlow and wicklow (I would work in kildare too, within reason of course), why do people have a problem with that? However desperate I am I will be picky with these locations. PLease stop telling me that I need to move here and there. It's not happening. Simple.

I do not have a chosen career, I stated earlier that I would work in almost anything relating to my degree, which is Business... It's a pretty broad area. I am comfortable working within my skillset and would not feel confident working outside of it.

the 4 interviews in 9 months is not that accurate but still poor. Prior to this year I never failed an interview, ever... There have been times that I have given up and not searched, I had exams up until august. I was not looking every day every week. Right now I am full steam ahead, I am somewhat positive and I have changed my cover letters completely.



I have stated numerous times that I live in carlow, I want to move to dublin, and I would work in the surrounding areas. That includes carlow and wicklow, maybe kildare.

No matter what you think, I am not sitting on my arse "waiting for work to come to me", I don't need a "wake up call" or anything of the sort. Thank you for your concern though

Peewee_lane

*sigh*

I did read your initial post and it was actually your initial post that prompted me to write a reply, but I have now carefully re-read over any replies I may have missed and I stand by my suggestion, which I don't think was off topic or unhelpful.

Tbh, from reading your replies to peoples helpful replies, I think you only want to hear what you want to hear.

If you want a job but are not willing to step out of your comfort zone in order to get a job, for example, to have taken that job in Cork then why are you posting here? Where exactly is the personal issue?

I would suggest, seeing as you are a graduate, applying to the likes of AIB, etc, they have great graduate packages. Once you secure a position on a graduate program, move up (or get a car and commute for a bit). Once you have a lovely one year solid on your CV the a potential employer will see your degree and your employment history and you can go where you want to go, but you have to start from somewhere and sometimes climb the ladder sideways to get where you want to go.

Personally, I fail to see the personal issue, would this not be better off here?. They have really helpful tips for interviews and there are other people who share how you feel.


Anyway,good luck in your job search

AngryBadger

Peewee_lane wrote: »

Tbh, from reading your replies to peoples helpful replies, I think you only want to hear what you want to hear.

+1

InReality

Its worth looking at the work and jobs forum.
I'd also suggest going to an interview training place like carr communications.
Its very expensive but they will tell it to you straight if your doing something wrong at an interview and can also give feedback on your cv.
There is a good book called "what colour is your parachute" which also has a got a lot of essential advice , such as using friends and family to find job openings.
Also go to agencies , treat it like a ( free ) mini/practice interview.

Finally best advice i've heard is treat getting a job as if it was your job.

good luck.

m5ex9oqjawdg2i

Thanks for the advice. I will take a look at that forum. I have been to the jobs club and to my guidance councilor on various occasions. Didn't do too many interviews but they did help a lot. I don't really have the money right now to spend on training my interview skills. Wish I could.

Pewee, I appretiate your replies. Honest. What you must understand is that I am already standing out of my comfort zone, I don't know how else to say it.

Cork or anywhere else but where I have stated, is just not going to happen. Scenario: Move to cork, lonely. Sure I will make mates, but I will not last a few months in a job there, I can guarantee you that. However much I would love to get up and move that far, I simply cannot. I am unable. Can you please try to understand that.

Right now I am using my girlfriend and one or two boardies to get connected to some companies. I will see in due time what the outcome is, really appretiate that by the way guys One recruitment agency got back to me to organise an apointment, this seems very positive. Although only slightly, things are starting to look better. I just don't want to get my hopes up and then next week fall back down to square one. Like so many times before...

CavanGal

Ronnie Tinkling Paper wrote: »

For a lot of jobs people will say that you are over qualified and think you will look for serious money, and then jobs that you are qualified for you don't have the experience... I don't know to be honest

Ya hit the nail on the head there OP! I qualified in May and altho I have a job, its as a receptionist which has absolutely nothing to do with what I want to do. Its also mind numbingly boring and I fear that when/if I get a real job my brain cells will all have curled up and died and Ill remember nothing that I did in college!! Experience seems to be a biggie but you can only get it if you're willing to work for free which is a pain in the a**.

I dont really have any advice but if its any comfort you're not alone. This thought has comforted me!

PS I worked in Mc Donalds while in school and I would say emigrate before you consider the trainee manager job because they have to put up with some amount of rubbish for incredibly bad pay! :eek: