How to find a job??!

Mimojo

Hi all

I have been job hunting for months now with abs no luck. I know that it is a really really tough market out there, and my qualifications are completely irrelevant given that I was in the construction sector and there are zero opportunities in my area.

But am I going about it the wrong way or something??! I am applying for EVERYTHING that I think I could even be a bit suitable for, and checking all the job websites every day religiously, but I am not even getting any responses to anything I send! I dont care what kind of job I get at this stage, or the salary, I just want a job to keep me sain.

I have applied for a couple of graduate programmes, and have gotten some feedback from this, but these programmes dont start for ages and I am hoping to find any kind of work asap

What are other peoples experiences at the moment? Is anyone having any luck at all? I am applying for admin/clerical roles, retail/sales roles and any general positions. I have good experience in admin/clerical, and some experience in retail.

I guess I am just venting and I know that lots of people are in the same situation, just wanted to put it out there and see how others are getting on.

Are potential employers looking at my CV and qualifications and thinking that I would not stick out a job, or if I got a better offer I would leave?? This is certainly not the case as I would be grateful for any job I got and would do my best at it, but I am starting to think this, along with the high numbers of applicants, this is the reason.

Anyone got any advice??!

AARRRGH

It could be your cover letter and CV, although judging by your post you seem quite literate so it's probably something else.

There are a lot of people applying for jobs they're not qualified for. This is causing employers to dismiss a lot of job applications out of hand if they don't instantly jump out at them. So it would be worth your while trying to figure out a way to make your applications stand out, e.g. ring the employer two days after sending them your CV.

What area of construction did you work in?

Dempo1

Its not you, its the current climate. Many, Many highly skilled people are applying for jobs out there, even for Jobs in sectors they have no experience in. Such is the volume of applications and too few jobs, only a small percentage of applicants are getting responses. Construction, Hospitality, Legal, engineering & Retail seem to be hardest hit.

I know of some construction friends who applied for maintenance, care taking posts which seem to favor construction skills, might be worth exploring?

Mimojo

AARRRGH wrote: »

It could be your cover letter and CV, although judging by your post you seem quite literate so it's probably something else.

There are a lot of people applying for jobs they're not qualified for. This is causing employers to dismiss a lot of job applications out of hand if they don't instantly jump out at them. So it would be worth your while trying to figure out a way to make your applications stand out, e.g. ring the employer two days after sending them your CV.

What area of construction did you work in?

I have a lot of different cover letters that I have tailored to specific jobs, and I always try to go through the job description and show how I meet thier criteria.

I was a town planner, have about 3 years experience. I try and show that I have transferable skills from this i.e. report writing, excel, powerpoint, telephone skills, meeting clients etc but it doesnt seem to do any good!!

Dempo1 wrote: »

Its not you, its the current climate. Many, Many highly skilled people are applying for jobs out there, even for Jobs in sectors they have no experience in. Such is the volume of applications and too few jobs, only a small percentage of applicants are getting responses. Construction, Hospitality, Legal, engineering & Retail seem to be hardest hit.

I know of some construction friends who applied for maintenance, care taking posts which seem to favor construction skills, might be worth exploring?

Ya I figure it is just there are many appliants applying for the same jobs, it is so dishearting! I guess everyone is the same boat, just keep going.

Thanks for the advice on maintenance, but I was office based so dont know if I would be suitable.

AnnyHallsal

It is disheartening. I'm in a similar position - 550 points, first-class degree, scholarships, experience - and can't get so much as a phone call either. I think you probably have to fit the spec perfectly to be in with a shot. From what I can gather from boards exploiting your network seems to be key.

T-rev

read "slave to your job, master of your career"

Mimojo

AnnyHallsal wrote: »

It is disheartening. I'm in a similar position - 550 points, first-class degree, scholarships, experience - and can't get so much as a phone call either. I think you probably have to fit the spec perfectly to be in with a shot. From what I can gather from boards exploiting your network seems to be key.

Ya I have seen a few posts noting the importance of Linkedin, but any contacts I do have are in the construction sector! I have set up a profile anyhow, and linked up with any business contacts I have.

Can I ask what sector you are/were in? Are you applying for all kinds of jobs at the moment?

Dempo1

Really disheartening to hear about these continuing difficulties in searching for Jobs, especially highly skilled people. I reviewed my total applications to date over a period of 7 months and i must be up to over a Hundred (Hospitality sector). I see a mention of Linkedin and initially i thought this worth developing but nothing seems to come of my profile, despite it being very detailed. I guess theres a lot of professionals who have created Linkedin profiles probably all in a similar position.

Think its time to sell up, buy a beach hut in Thailand and forget about this damned recession.

AnnyHallsal

Like you, I've been applying for anything I have experience in or think I'm qualified for. Your expertise and experience probably works against you when applying for the more basic/entry-level office/admin roles. As many posters have noted, employers think you'll leave if offered anything else.

My background is in third-level education and research. I'm working on building up my career CV - presenting papers, writing articles etc - in the meantime, but desperately need something to keep the wolf from the door.

Have you considered retraining or relocating? I can't see circumstances in Ireland improving much in the near future.

Dempo1

AnnyHallsal wrote: »

Like you, I've been applying for anything I have experience in or think I'm qualified for. Your expertise and experience probably works against you when applying for the more basic/entry-level office/admin roles. As many posters have noted, employers think you'll leave if offered anything else.

My background is in third-level education and research. I'm working on building up my career CV - presenting papers, writing articles etc - in the meantime, but desperately need something to keep the wolf from the door.

Have you considered retraining or relocating? I can't see circumstances in Ireland improving much in the near future.

You hit it on the nail re employers concerns. I have an unusual scenario whereby i was a humble but very experienced chef, when into general management and ran two hotels over the past five years, sadly the last one closed (owned by a developer), despite the decision to close, i appear to be tarnished with the stigma of a closed hotel even though its closure had nothing to do with the 15 other employees and my humble self. Now i am seeking to return fully to kitchen management, i probably come across as being over qualified. The Irony being i don't even need a high paying job to survive. I would dearly love to retrain but how to go about this offers challenges in itself, relocating would be an option if the Job offered accommodation (quite normal for some hospitality jobs) but i have a humble cottage and small mortgage to consider.

I think some posters feel only their industry is affected in the current climate but based on numerous contributions, it would appear no sector has escaped.

Still need to be positive and plug away!

AnnyHallsal

Dempo1 wrote: »

I have an unusual scenario whereby i was a humble but very experienced chef, when into general management and ran two hotels over the past five years, sadly the last one closed (owned by a developer), despite the decision to close, i appear to be tarnished with the stigma of a closed hotel even though its closure had nothing to do with the 15 other employees and my humble self. Now i am seeking to return fully to kitchen management, i probably come across as being over qualified. The Irony being i don't even need a high paying job to survive. I would dearly love to retrain but how to go about this offers challenges in itself, relocating would be an option if the Job offered accommodation (quite normal for some hospitality jobs) but i have a humble cottage and small mortgage to consider.

I think some posters feel only their industry is affected in the current climate but based on numerous contributions, it would appear no sector has escaped.

Still need to be positive and plug away!

You're right, people from every imaginable background are struggling to find any kind of work. Are you definitely finished with cheffing? I've noticed a few positions in the area on jobs.ie over the last few days, but no doubt you've seen them already :rolleyes: I can only offer my personal opinion, but I can't imagine the closing of the hotel reflects badly on you. The hospitality sector is, as we all know, struggling so competition must be intense there too. As you say, chin up. I find boards very consoling. It helps to put things in perspective and enables me to benefit from the wisdom and goodwill of the boardsies

Dempo1

AnnyHallsal wrote: »

You're right, people from every imaginable background are struggling to find any kind of work. Are you definitely finished with cheffing? I've noticed a few positions in the area on jobs.ie over the last few days, but no doubt you've seen them already :rolleyes: I can only offer my personal opinion, but I can't imagine the closing of the hotel reflects badly on you. The hospitality sector is, as we all know, struggling so competition must be intense there too. As you say, chin up. I find boards very consoling. It helps to put things in perspective and enables me to benefit from the wisdom and goodwill of the boardsies

Yes, indeed its a mine field out there, i also know some people with similar background as you. I have not given up on the cheffing, just think some employers are terrified of my experience, also and unfortunately theres quite a number of fictitious jobs being posted in the hospitality sector from some recruitment agencies.

Chin up nonetheless and i wish you well in your continuing search!

Mimojo

Have to agree with everything being said here, it is def all sectors that are being affected, and everyone is finding it tough. All anyone can do is keep plugging away, apply for what you can, and hopefully something will come up. As for retraining, I would love to, but I honestly dont know what else I want to get into, and the financial and time commitments of going back to do any other degree/masters etc is a lot to take on, esp when there is no guarntee that at the end of it there will be a suitable job. What areas are good to get into at the moment anyhow?

I agree boards.ie is great, at least you know that you are not alone, others are coming up against the same things, and good to get a bit of perspective on your own personal situation!

I have just come back from an interview with a recruitment agency looking for temps so hoping something, however short term will come of that. Recruiter was very nice, went through my CV with me and gave me his opinion on areas that I can alter to make my skills more clear. He also noted the importance of ensuring to write a detailed cover letter that is specific to the job requirements for each and evey job that you apply for.

Sleepy

Getting the most out of LinkedIn doesn't end with creating a good profile. Get searching your contacts contacts, join groups and explore the member lists and find who's out there that could be in a position to hire you. Then drop them a line / invite to connect mentioning that you see they work for Company XYZ and, while you don't know if they're hiring, you thought your skillset might be of interest to them.

Worst that happens is you get a PFO. Best that you get called in for an interview. If nothing else, they'll at least recognise you for the extra effort made in making the direct contact and if/when they or someone they know needs someone of your skillset they'll remember you.

AnnyHallsal

boozelerooze wrote: »

As for retraining, I would love to, but I honestly dont know what else I want to get into, and the financial and time commitments of going back to do any other degree/masters etc is a lot to take on, esp when there is no guarntee that at the end of it there will be a suitable job. What areas are good to get into at the moment anyhow?


I have just come back from an interview with a recruitment agency looking for temps so hoping something, however short term will come of that. Recruiter was very nice, went through my CV with me and gave me his opinion on areas that I can alter to make my skills more clear. He also noted the importance of ensuring to write a detailed cover letter that is specific to the job requirements for each and evey job that you apply for.

I know how you feel about retraining. Maybe brush up on any languages you have? There seem to be quite a few ads that mention them, though it's difficult to know if they're genuine As for growth sectors..everyone's saying that green is the future and your background could be relevant there. I'm considered some kind of business masters to make my research skills more clearly commercial.

At least that interview was productive. I was wary of agencies because of things mentioned on other boards threads, but it may be worth a look after all - there's some good advice mentioned there. Good luck, let us know of any updates

Dempo1

Sleepy wrote: »

Getting the most out of LinkedIn doesn't end with creating a good profile. Get searching your contacts contacts, join groups and explore the member lists and find who's out there that could be in a position to hire you. Then drop them a line / invite to connect mentioning that you see they work for Company XYZ and, while you don't know if they're hiring, you thought your skillset might be of interest to them.

Worst that happens is you get a PFO. Best that you get called in for an interview. If nothing else, they'll at least recognise you for the extra effort made in making the direct contact and if/when they or someone they know needs someone of your skillset they'll remember you.

Interesting points and i will give it a shot!

Mimojo

AnnyHallsal wrote: »

I know how you feel about retraining. Maybe brush up on any languages you have? There seem to be quite a few ads that mention them, though it's difficult to know if they're genuine As for growth sectors..everyone's saying that green is the future and your background could be relevant there. I'm considered some kind of business masters to make my research skills more clearly commercial.

At least that interview was productive. I was wary of agencies because of things mentioned on other boards threads, but it may be worth a look after all - there's some good advice mentioned there. Good luck, let us know of any updates

I have noticed the amount of jobs with a language too, maybe worth looking into. I also am considering some kind of masters in business/commerce, think it is something that would be benifical. Green Technology could be the way of the future, but I think a lot of technically skilled people may also try to get into this sector, and will there be room for everyone? Also with the BER testing for homes I know so many businesses who are now supplying this service along with their other work.

I too am very wary of agencies, have heard a lot of bad things about them, but this guy seemed very genuine, and ever for the tailored advice on my CV alone it was worth it. I have looked into "CV surgery", sending off your CV and getting a professional to review it, and it costs a fortune! This was pretty good advice. I know agencies are going to tell you what you want to hear, but hopefully some temporary work will come of this. I will certainly keep you posted! Best of luck in your search!

Mimojo

Sleepy wrote: »

Getting the most out of LinkedIn doesn't end with creating a good profile. Get searching your contacts contacts, join groups and explore the member lists and find who's out there that could be in a position to hire you. Then drop them a line / invite to connect mentioning that you see they work for Company XYZ and, while you don't know if they're hiring, you thought your skillset might be of interest to them.

Worst that happens is you get a PFO. Best that you get called in for an interview. If nothing else, they'll at least recognise you for the extra effort made in making the direct contact and if/when they or someone they know needs someone of your skillset they'll remember you.

Good advice, I will certainly keep it in mind

AnnyHallsal

boozelerooze wrote: »

Green Technology could be the way of the future, but I think a lot of technically skilled people may also try to get into this sector, and will there be room for everyone?

That is the issue. I was thinking of something linked to your planning background but perhaps with so many countries fecked they won't be thinking of planning at all for a while. Making ourselves attractive to businesses seems essential. Governments won't be hiring to any significant extent until things are back on the upswing.