job seekers advise

snowy2008

I was listening to Bill Cullen on the radio at lunchtime and i have to say that guy is an inspiration. He was giving some seriously good advice on how to get back working and how to better yourself in life. He was saying that if you know what tyour dream job is (being realistic) offer to work for nothing for a month and prove yourself so you could be in a position for them to give you a job seeing how well you worked, also, if your out of work, volunteer to do charity work or fundraising and practise your networking skills, i just wanted to share this coz i know theres alot of negetive energy around, gotta love the guy!

niceirishfella

I think he talks a lot of Bollix personally - still, not having a pop @ you Teresa but I find him annoying.

AARRRGH

Bill is someone who got lucky. He was in the right place at the right time.

The advice he gave on the radio is fairly basic - networking has and always will be incredibly important.

The working for free thing is a non-runner. Forget about that.

niceirishfella

AARRRGH wrote: »

The working for free thing is a non-runner. Forget about that.

+1 , you get lots of work if you work for nothing.

Maglight

AARRRGH wrote: »

The working for free thing is a non-runner. Forget about that.

Aarrrgh, normally I agree with you and find your comments sensible and on the mark. But in this case I have to disagree. Working for free for a set period of time is an excellent way to learn new skills, fill a hole in your CV and possibly convert to a paying job. I've seen it happen many times that people come in for free and end up with a paying job. I've seen it twice in the past six weeks alone. Not all employers are out to screw people. Most truly appreciate the sacrifice required to work for nothing for a period and will repay it if at all possible.

AARRRGH

Maglight wrote: »

Aarrrgh, normally I agree with you and find your comments sensible and on the mark. But in this case I have to disagree. Working for free for a set period of time is an excellent way to learn new skills, fill a hole in your CV and possibly convert to a paying job. I've seen it happen many times that people come in for free and end up with a paying job. I've seen it twice in the past six weeks alone. Not all employers are out to screw people. Most truly appreciate the sacrifice required to work for nothing for a period and will repay it if at all possible.

My problem with the work for free thing is most employers have no interest in hiring someone for free.

If you can get it, great, but I think it's wrong to assume employers would love to hire someone for free.

So I guess my problem with it is that's it sort of a false hope.

I could be wrong of course.

KarlDrake

AARRRGH wrote: »

Bill is someone who got lucky. He was in the right place at the right time.

The advice he gave on the radio is fairly basic - networking has and always will be incredibly important.

The working for free thing is a non-runner. Forget about that.

Working for free can be a minefield...if you're confident of at least learning something then fire away..but always quid pro quo.
Re Bill Cullen, not a fan whatsoever but I don't luck has had much to do with his previous success..the man has and always has worked every hour jebus sends, so +10 for effort but minus several million for personality

snowy2008

he seems really sound and approachable, am i completely dissillusioned?! i read his book and i really look up to the guy

mood

If you work for free you risk getting into serious trouble with the social welfare if you are signing on. Signing on means you are available for work and are actively looking.

MKMaguire

Everyone has that same ability as B.C. ... as far as I remember he never had / took a 'job' ... quote: ".... JOB ... Just Over Broke"! Never his thing. As regards 'working for free', many careers have the 'internship' system in operation. Say, in design, the newly qualified will go abroad and 'work for free' / internship for a year or so to gain experience ... as most jobs ask for qualifications AND experience!
Remember going for that 'job' you'll get trapped in the system!

miec

The working for free thing is a non-runner. Forget about that.

++1. It is not an advantage to either the worker or the employer as they have to get someone to hand hold the volunteer or free worker in most cases and it can be disruptive. However, I do think doing voluntary work is a good idea when you can't get a job easily as it fills in time, keeps your confidence up and looks good on CV plus you can fit it around interviews and job seeking.

susanroth

I have been unemployed for ages and have started doing FAS courses, I just cannot get an interview though.
I am wondering now should I volunteer and if so where? I do find it hard to believe you would get a paying job from it, but maybe you'd meet someone who would know of a job...
I have no idea what to do..

AARRRGH

susanroth wrote: »

I have been unemployed for ages and have started doing FAS courses, I just cannot get an interview though.
I am wondering now should I volunteer and if so where? I do find it hard to believe you would get a paying job from it, but maybe you'd meet someone who would know of a job...
I have no idea what to do..

If you tell us a bit more about yourself we might be able to advise you better.

What area are you trying to work in?
How much education/experience do you have?

Have you got someone to double check your CV and cover letter? These two documents, if they are not up to scratch, could be part of the reason you can't even get an interview.