Unemployed for six months - what to do?

Smashius_Clay

I have been unemployed for six months now. My previous experience is a bit of a mixed-bag; some journalism, some research (for a college), some retail (not an avenue I'm interested in pursuing), some data entry.

I have applied to countless jobs, from clerical work to stuff relating to journalism, to copywriting, research, sub-editing, and have found nothing. I've applied to internships and found nothing either.

Of the many jobs I have applied to, about 2% get to interview stage, 28% email you to say you have been 'unsuccessful on this occasion', and 70% flat out ignore you.

Recruitment agencies have all proved completely unhelpful. I can't even remember which ones I'm registered with, as none have contacted me for a single job.

I genuinely have no idea what to do. Is there someone who offers free advice to the unemployed? I know I am intelligent, and I reside in the capital, I just do not know how I have managed to stay unemployed for so long.

Procrastastudy

I went back to education - there is a payment while you attend college - kicks in from 9 - 12 months IIRC. I feel totally justified in doing so. I paid tax for over a decade and there aren't enough jobs to go round - so back to college.

Mr. Loverman

Would you be interested in teaching English in Korea or China?

Plenty of jobs and living in Asia is quite an experience.

cabbage crotch

I can't speak on the advice aspect (I've only tried FAS in this regard and they were woeful) but I just wanted to say you're not alone and it's not you. I know CVs and interview technique can be improved on, but at the moment there's not enough jobs to go round for stellar candidates. I'm in a similar position myself at the moment and it's not so much unemployment that is getting me down, it's the constant rejection at every turn (assuming employers even reply!)

Is there anything in your experience that would be reasonably specialised or set you apart from other candidates? The market is awash with educated, smart, experienced candidates right now.

ashers22

I think if you want to work you are going to have to be realistic about the situation. I'm qualified and have more than ten years experience within my industry. (health sciences) I spent almost two years cleaning offices when I had to due to the shortage of work in my field. Its taken a while but I have even managed to turn those two years to my advantage and bagged a job in my area of interest again.
I have had arguments with people who say that they have a degree in IT so they shouldn't have to do that kind of work and yet they continue to complain about the system and their ever increasing financial situation.
By all means consider college but if you find something menial to do that earns you a wage simultaneously consider it too.

jobseeker999

Hi. I too have now been unemployed for 6 months, I would say my stats closely resemble those that you discussed. I think I have applied for close on 80 jobs, had about 5 interviews but have been told that I was too senior or too experienced for 3 of them, nearly but not quite on the other 2. I am originally from the UK so decided to chance my arm and apply for a couple of roles back there to see if I was still employable. I was offered both of these jobs, one of them during the first interview offering very good money / benefits. I declined after lots of thought as I have a young family and a wife who has a demanding but fortunately well paid job and I didn't think it would work. Would you consider moving out of Ireland?, there are certainly many more opportunities over in the UK and probably elsewhere.

Esoteric_

If, after six months you're not having any luck in the areas you would like to work in, you're probably going to have to look in areas you don't want, such as retail. I don't want to work in retail, and have plenty of experience outside of retail, but after 3 months of not working, I'm going for a retail interview tomorrow, minimum wage too (which I've never been on before, always been on higher!). The way the country is now, you really can't be all that fussy with what you're willing to do.

If you really do not want to work outside your chosen fields, then re-training or education is also an option.

lynyg18

im in the same boat, but just came back from australia plenty of work there

Procrastastudy

lynyg18 wrote: »

im in the same boat, but just came back from australia plenty of work there

Get back in the boat?

lynyg18

Procrastastudy wrote: »

Get back in the boat?

i wish , visa is up!!

Smashius_Clay

Thank you all for your feedback.

Mr. Loverman wrote: »

Would you be interested in teaching English in Korea or China?

Plenty of jobs and living in Asia is quite an experience.

Do you require a TEFL qualification, or would a BA majoring in English suffice?

lynyg18 wrote: »

im in the same boat, but just came back from australia plenty of work there

Did you do the three months farming to extend your visa? What area were you working in?

cabbage crotch wrote: »

I just wanted to say you're not alone and it's not you. I know CVs and interview technique can be improved on, but at the moment there's not enough jobs to go round for stellar candidates. I'm in a similar position myself at the moment and it's not so much unemployment that is getting me down, it's the constant rejection at every turn (assuming employers even reply!)

I know 14.8% of the population are unemployed, but I know very few people who are in the same predicament as I am. That, to me, is one of the worst aspects. I spend most of my time in my apartment, alone. I've become a hermit because I'm embarrassed to talk to my friends who have steady incomes. I worry they see me as a lazy scrounger who's happy to rely on social welfare. In truth, I am deeply unhappy, and have eaten considerably into the savings I amassed over a few years.

This might seem ridiculous, but are there support groups for unemployed people to meet and socialise, maybe discuss different methods they’ve attempted to find work? I mean people who are genuinely looking for work at the moment.

Esoteric_

Smashius_Clay wrote: »

This might seem ridiculous, but are there support groups for unemployed people to meet and socialise, maybe discuss different methods they’ve attempted to find work? I mean people who are genuinely looking for work at the moment.

You could try Googling any 'jobs clubs' in your local area. I know there's one where I'm living that seems to be useful enough.

micromary

2 choices I reckon - emigrate if u can and have no ties or try start up your own business. i am doing the latter but plan b is to emigrate back to London or Germany. no other choices really at the moment.

Smashius_Clay

micromary wrote: »

2 choices I reckon - emigrate if u can and have no ties or try start up your own business. i am doing the latter but plan b is to emigrate back to London or Germany. no other choices really at the moment.

Back to London? So you've lived there before? Can you tell me what the best way to find employment in London would be for someone with my experience? Move over and look for a job, or try and find a job THEN move over.

I've actually flown over to London before for job interviews (last one was around September) but didn't even hear back from the crowd I had the interview with (it was for a copywriter job). I can't really afford to fly back and forth for interviews, the whole thing cost more than I earn in a week on jobseeker's allowance.

steve9859

Smashius_Clay wrote: »

Back to London? So you've lived there before? Can you tell me what the best way to find employment in London would be for someone with my experience? Move over and look for a job, or try and find a job THEN move over.

I've actually flown over to London before for job interviews (last one was around September) but didn't even hear back from the crowd I had the interview with (it was for a copywriter job). I can't really afford to fly back and forth for interviews, the whole thing cost more than I earn in a week on jobseeker's allowance.

If you end up looking for work in London, you don't need to be there (as it is expensive), but you need a London address on your CV.

So do you have a relative or friend whose address they don't mind you using? I speak from experience having recruited quite recently and being inundated with nearly 100 CVs for one position.....those with an overseas address did not get considered....it is just not worth the extra complication

But that does not mean you have to be there. If you are called for interview, you can get over there for €50 at short notice on the sail-rail (obviously you'd need to crash with a mate or relative for a night though as the schedule will likely not fit your interview time). That makes it quite affordable. But of course as far as your potential employer is concerned, you live in London.

Mrs OBumble

Smashius_Clay wrote: »

I know 14.8% of the population are unemployed, but I know very few people who are in the same predicament as I am. That, to me, is one of the worst aspects. I spend most of my time in my apartment, alone. I've become a hermit because I'm embarrassed to talk to my friends who have steady incomes. I worry they see me as a lazy scrounger who's happy to rely on social welfare. In truth, I am deeply unhappy, and have eaten considerably into the savings I amassed over a few years.

This might seem ridiculous, but are there support groups for unemployed people to meet and socialise, maybe discuss different methods they’ve attempted to find work? I mean people who are genuinely looking for work at the moment.

It's not ridiculous at all. Human beings are social animals, we need to hang out with other people, and being unwaged has challenges of its own.

I just typed some stuff about support groups ... then realised that it's the 2nd thread in as many weeks where I've put the same stuff.

Have started a new one that's more general: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056822936 (so we can link to it in general, and not bring up your current - and temporary - situation every time!)

Mr. Loverman

Smashius_Clay wrote: »

Do you require a TEFL qualification, or would a BA majoring in English suffice?

Technically you are supposed to have a TEFL, but with your BA in English you could get a job in any school or university. In fact, with any sort of degree and no TEFL you can pretty much get a job anywhere.

You could walk into a job tomorrow.

micromary

I lived in London for three and a half years in the 90's. Yes it was different times and I did for a lot of the time stay with my aunt in East London. If I was to go over again next year I would have a good one or two interviews lined up and stay with her for the evn. I certainly would not go and walk the streets as it can be headwrecking (done it before!) If I got a job I would search on the internet straight away in Dublin for half-decent priced accomodation ie maybe Olympic Park if there is such a thing in London and then arrange a number of house visits in a day getting a all day London travelcard.

The problem with London is that it is so dear to live there and if you live outside then you have congestion charges in London if you drive in or if you go by rail then then the pricing are literally crippling and make Iarnoid Eireann look very cheap by comparison (prices went up like here in Ireland last week)

I can't speak about other cities in the UK but if you have no friends/relatives where you can stay for a night or two in London, maybe look at other cities like Liverpool, Edinburgh or Newcastle. As I say I have never worked in these cities. A friend of mine who was unemployed here a good while lost all hope here (his wife and kid stayed in Dublin) and found work with MBNA in Chester. Ok it is difficult and not ideal but he is working and loving his work.

Another thing you may thing of is to go on a day-trip. Go on a early morning flight to Gatwick. Get a return-London travelcard inclusive card for approx £14, get in a few interviews in during the day and come back late evn. There are quite a few flights and some good deals. Good luck

Mr. Loverman

Mr. Loverman wrote: »

Technically you are supposed to have a TEFL, but with your BA in English you could get a job in any school or university. In fact, with any sort of degree and no TEFL you can pretty much get a job anywhere.

You could walk into a job tomorrow.

Not really true. In the private kids schools in Asia you can get a job with just a degree but you normally do need a CELTA or Master's degree for university jobs. You'd be very unlikely to get even a rubbish teaching job in Europe without a TEFL qualification.

That said, even the 'low-end' jobs in places like Korea are pretty well-paid and enable you to save up quite a bit and have a good lifestyle. You usually get a free apartment as well. It's a good deal for newbie teachers with no experience of TEFL cert and the social life is normally good if you go to a reasonably sized city (I like Busan). If I were on the dole in Ireland, I'd be over there like a shot. You can apply anytime and get taken on almost immediately. Only issue is all the paperwork, which can take a while to sort out.

Mr. Loverman

Rachel Clumsy Renter wrote: »

Not really true. In the private kids schools in Asia you can get a job with just a degree but you normally do need a CELTA or Master's degree for university jobs. You'd be very unlikely to get even a rubbish teaching job in Europe without a TEFL qualification.

That said, even the 'low-end' jobs in places like Korea are pretty well-paid and enable you to save up quite a bit and have a good lifestyle. You usually get a free apartment as well. It's a good deal for newbie teachers with no experience of TEFL cert and the social life is normally good if you go to a reasonably sized city (I like Busan). If I were on the dole in Ireland, I'd be over there like a shot. You can apply anytime and get taken on almost immediately. Only issue is all the paperwork, which can take a while to sort out.

I am specifically talking about China.

I know Korea is stricter, although I was recently offered a professorship in Korea and I don't have any sort of TEFL qualification. I know people in Korea though, and that seems to be the difference there.

Mr. Loverman

Mr. Loverman wrote: »

I am specifically talking about China.

I know Korea is stricter, although I was recently offered a professorship in Korea and I don't have any sort of TEFL qualification. I know people in Korea though, and that seems to be the difference there.

Professorship in what?

The Gibzilla

Rachel Clumsy Renter wrote: »

Not really true. In the private kids schools in Asia you can get a job with just a degree but you normally do need a CELTA or Master's degree for university jobs. You'd be very unlikely to get even a rubbish teaching job in Europe without a TEFL qualification.

That said, even the 'low-end' jobs in places like Korea are pretty well-paid and enable you to save up quite a bit and have a good lifestyle. You usually get a free apartment as well. It's a good deal for newbie teachers with no experience of TEFL cert and the social life is normally good if you go to a reasonably sized city (I like Busan). If I were on the dole in Ireland, I'd be over there like a shot. You can apply anytime and get taken on almost immediately. Only issue is all the paperwork, which can take a while to sort out.

Hi, just wondering where exactly you'd apply for such positions?
I have a bachelor degree in management and I have bought an online TEFL course which I am yet to complete.
I'm just a bit lost with regards to finding work in this field. When I Google such job searches I usually just come across agencies etc.
Any information would be much appreciated as I don't know anyone who has gone into teaching English abroad.

cloneslad

There's an entire thread for TEFL in korea in the education - teaching & lecturing forum.

If you have apa degree and are really interested in going to Korea and if you have any questions please feel to pm me and I would be happy to give you advice. It's not good seeing/hearing about educated people without work.

Mr. Loverman

Rachel Clumsy Renter wrote: »

Professorship in what?

Actually I was offered two.

One in computer science, one as an English teacher...

I will probably decline both though.

Morph the Cat

Smashius - I'm an employer. The issue is likely with your CV, since that's what most employers see first and can make a decision on very easily. You say your experience is a mixed bag; therefore I fear your CV may come across as such. Likely needs to be refined, more focused, and maybe some items rephrased...

PM me if you want me to take a look at it. I see hundreds of CVs every year, and I myself dismiss 90-95% of them, as the reality is I only want to interview 4 or 5 people for a job - not 50! So I need to be ruthless when filtering through CVs or I could spend weeks doing interviews. I allow 1 morning for interviews to fill a position, and it always works out well. Attention to the small details is key.

I dismiss some CVs based on: too long, cluttered layout, cover letter spelling & grammar (in fact, I don't want a cover letter for e-mail applicants - just be brief in your e-mail - a cover letter means I have 2 attachments to open, which is extra hassle), caps lock left on, everything written in lower case, hobbies & interests let me know if someone will fit in with my existing team; and "I like to have fun" tells me you have no imagination - so does "socialising" - that's not a hobby, filename of CV may have a stupid name (John(1) _CV REV_4.doc), CV could be an MS works doc which I can't open - I want Word or a PDF & stated this in the ad, their e-mail address tells me how professional they are (madzer101@yipee.lol is unprofessional - get a Gmail with your proper name) - and sometimes can be used to find them on Facebook where they don't have their photos private, leaving cert results should be irrelevant in the professional jobs market - yet a lot of people still have them on there - this comes across as amateur, etc.... anyway - lots of things you could be doing wrong.
Basically, anyone who makes it easy for me to read through their application & has good attention to detail, likely has a good aptitude too - and that's all I want - good attitude & aptitude (and be able/qualified to do the job, of course - but that has to be assumed, as you can't know that for sure until they start).

Mr. Loverman

I once got a CV from a guy whose e-mail address was ****_machine@somethingorother

He's now the CEO.

No he's not; he didn't get an interview.

The Gibzilla

The Gibzilla wrote: »

Hi, just wondering where exactly you'd apply for such positions?
I have a bachelor degree in management and I have bought an online TEFL course which I am yet to complete.
I'm just a bit lost with regards to finding work in this field. When I Google such job searches I usually just come across agencies etc.
Any information would be much appreciated as I don't know anyone who has gone into teaching English abroad.

There is a forum on Boards for teaching abroad, loads of posters there are living and working in Korea. You probably will have to use an agency. My BF found his job on tefl.com, there are loads listed on eslcafe.com. Just make a forum post and ask for opinions on the agency before you send off any documents. Be prepared - they will ask for a picture of you (they take this very seriously, so take one of you looking smart and professional) and when you get to Korea, they test you for HIV. The paperwork is a bit of a hassle (you need to get your degree stamped, background check from the guards etc) but other than that, it's very easy.

Mr. Loverman wrote: »

Actually I was offered two.

One in computer science, one as an English teacher...

I will probably decline both though.

Which city? What was the pay like? I'm considering something like that myself, even though the BF isn't very keen on going back over.

Mr. Loverman

Rachel Clumsy Renter wrote: »

Which city? What was the pay like? I'm considering something like that myself, even though the BF isn't very keen on going back over.

Seoul!

Pay is W246,000 per day. I have no idea if that is good or bad, but it seems to work out as EUR 3,800 per monthwhich sounds decent enough for an easy job!

Mr. Loverman

Mr. Loverman wrote: »

Seoul!

Pay is W246,000 per day. I have no idea if that is good or bad, but it seems to work out as EUR 3,800 per monthwhich sounds decent enough for an easy job!

That's amazing. Probably no free accom with that, though?

Mr. Loverman

I have no idea, I haven't asked. I suspect no accommodation as they haven't mentioned it.

It's so funny. In China the deal seems to be if you have white skin you are sorted; in Korea it seems to be who you know. It Japan it seems to be how many octopuses you can bukkake. I'm vegetarian.

StrugglingSoul

Procrastastudy wrote: »

I went back to education - there is a payment while you attend college - kicks in from 9 - 12 months IIRC. I feel totally justified in doing so. I paid tax for over a decade and there aren't enough jobs to go round - so back to college.

What are you studying? Are you an undergrad again?

ILIKEFOOD

I'm in the exact same boat as you...coming up to 9 months, did the CELTA course with the view to moving abroad, had a change of mind as I thought that it wouldn't benefit me in the long run as I'd like to return here, I kind of feel that I need to learn a skill (have a BA, law and marketing diploma..) something in IT perhaps...was too slow off the ball to take advantage of the springboard courses....not even getting replies to any jobsbridge applications...what to do, what to do...you have my sympathy..I'm pretty miserable too...

Mr. Loverman

I live in China and many of my friends are English teachers. Only the wasters or unambitious stay working as English teachers - everyone else gets promoted to head teacher (management) or into a different department like marketing or HR.

Teaching isn't a waste of time. Sitting on your arse at home is a waste of time!