I Need A Slap

ABajaninCork

I'm unemployed, and have been for some time.

Busy applying for jobs, brushing up on skills and generally trying to keep busy and motivated.

There's several jobs on a certain company's website which fit my skill set and I know I can do in my sleep.

But I'm having a hard time actually applying for them. It's like I can't be bothered. Why should I spend time tailoring my CV, writing cover letters, researching the company in order to make the CV and cover letter as specific as possible, when I know good and well most of the applications will disappear into the ether never to be seen again? :mad:

I know I've got to keep pushing. I just need some encouragement!

TIA!

Brego888

Your want to succeed needs to come from yourself.
Show some pride, pull the finger out and get it done.
I'm sure plenty of unemployed people would love to have as good a chance of a job as you do.

Forever Hopeful

ABajaninCork wrote: »

I'm unemployed, and have been for some time.

Busy applying for jobs, brushing up on skills and generally trying to keep busy and motivated.

There's several jobs on a certain company's website which fit my skill set and I know I can do in my sleep.

But I'm having a hard time actually applying for them. It's like I can't be bothered. Why should I spend time tailoring my CV, writing cover letters, researching the company in order to make the CV and cover letter as specific as possible, when I know good and well most of the applications will disappear into the ether never to be seen again? :mad:

I know I've got to keep pushing. I just need some encouragement!

TIA!

Key to jobs are contacts. Do you know anyone working in these places? Looks like you are based in Cork if that's the case (and you want a job in Cork) it's definitely required. Do you use LinkedIn? Useful for building a network.
I've done a lot of hiring in the past and its down to agencies making recommendations or personal contacts to get you into the interview. Employers want to make sure they are hiring the right person and it can be a gamble.

ABajaninCork

Forever Hopeful wrote: »

Key to jobs are contacts. Do you know anyone working in these places? Looks like you are based in Cork if that's the case (and you want a job in Cork) it's definitely required. Do you use LinkedIn? Useful for building a network.
I've done a lot of hiring in the past and its down to agencies making recommendations or personal contacts to get you into the interview. Employers want to make sure they are hiring the right person and it can be a gamble.

Thanks for the response!

Yes, I am in Cork, and yes, I am on LinkedIn. Trouble is, I don't know many Irish people (I have only one friend here) and it's difficult to make contacts. Most of my contacts are people I know from home (London). I do have a couple of recruiters to whom I'm linked, but they've added me after getting my CV IYKWIM.

I do agree it can be a gamble, especially with someone like me who is a non-national.

I worked with a couple of recruiters, but it seems to be a high turnover role. They tend to disappear after a couple of months (must change my perfume!).

Forever Hopeful

ABajaninCork wrote: »

Thanks for the response!

Yes, I am in Cork, and yes, I am on LinkedIn. Trouble is, I don't know many Irish people (I have only one friend here) and it's difficult to make contacts. Most of my contacts are people I know from home (London). I do have a couple of recruiters to whom I'm linked, but they've added me after getting my CV IYKWIM.

I do agree it can be a gamble, especially with someone like me who is a non-national.

I worked with a couple of recruiters, but it seems to be a high turnover role. They tend to disappear after a couple of months (must change my perfume!).

Also there should be talks/fairs/lectures Etc in your field that you could attend to build a network. Any associations you could join or participate in?
I know it's painful but as they say it only takes one job.
With recruiters, I would seek out 1 or 2. If an agency deals in your industry, ask who is the most senior recruiter. Ask them on their success in placements. I don't want to bash them but often they just collect CVs without actual roles.
The fact that you are non national shouldn't matter.
Keep plugging away.
Don't be shy on LinkedIn. Look at companies, people etc and your network could provide a link.

RoisinDove

Try not too get too down. I'm in a similar position - working abroad now but only for a few months then back looking for work. It's just so so so demotivating to spend time writing cover letters and filling out applications and then not even get a 'thanks but no thanks' e-mail. It's got so bad now that I get excited by rejection letters because at least someone bothered to acknowledge my existence.
.
Try to find little treats for yourself. That's how I get through it. 2 hours of sending CVs, then a little walk, or a hot chocolate with cream, or a Skype call with a relative. I just try to set milestones for myself.

Chara1001

Ugh its just so awful. It becomes really hard to motivate yourself when you see all your efforts going nowhere. I used to live in London and at one stage was unemployed for 6 months, one of the most depressing, mind numbing, hopeless (it felt at the time) experiences of my life. I really feel for people in this situation Its horrible. I used to see people during rush hour looking fed up and i felt really angry with them, that they had a job to go to and they didn't realise how lucky they were.

That aside, since then every job i got was through contacts. I work in a very specialized area, and its a pretty small community (in london and here) so i attended lectures, functions, just became more active and visible within the field and it paid off luckily. A friend has done exactly the same thing, she attends functions on her own, for an area where her expertise is peripheral but has now built up a wealth of contacts and now things are happening for her.

I understand how de-motivated you will feel at times, but it will pay off, so keep going!!
Very best of luck

Lollipops23

I was the same as you- it's so easy to get disheartened when you feel your application is going into the abyss.

Just remember- you only need it to work once. You certainly won't be considered if you don't apply.

Keep the chin up

Tranceypoo

ABajaninCork wrote: »

I'm unemployed, and have been for some time.

Busy applying for jobs, brushing up on skills and generally trying to keep busy and motivated.

There's several jobs on a certain company's website which fit my skill set and I know I can do in my sleep.

But I'm having a hard time actually applying for them. It's like I can't be bothered. Why should I spend time tailoring my CV, writing cover letters, researching the company in order to make the CV and cover letter as specific as possible, when I know good and well most of the applications will disappear into the ether never to be seen again? :mad:

I know I've got to keep pushing. I just need some encouragement!

TIA!

Ugh, snap.
Sometimes I want to write a dripping with sarcasm covering letter or a really rude one 'f**k you I can do this job standing on my head'. But so far I haven't.
I've just joined LinkedIn as well, have applied for the job of my dreams, deadline is tomorrow, I have absolutely no confidence I will even get an interview because employers just DO NOT get back to me. I live in Galway and have started to apply for jobs in Dublin, because at least there ARE jobs in Dublin, not given any thought to the logistics of how I would commute.
Had a horrible experience with an agency this week, put me forward for a job that I've done at a company I've done it at - twice, didn't even get an interview, only found out because I chased it up with the agency myself, haven't had any feedback as to why not, I contacted the HR dept of the company as well to enquire, guess what, no response.
Sorry, I've ranted, just wanted to say I feel your pain!
I'm also from London by the way!

ABajaninCork

Tranceypoo wrote: »

Ugh, snap.
Sometimes I want to write a dripping with sarcasm covering letter or a really rude one 'f**k you I can do this job standing on my head'. But so far I haven't.
I've just joined LinkedIn as well, have applied for the job of my dreams, deadline is tomorrow, I have absolutely no confidence I will even get an interview because employers just DO NOT get back to me. I live in Galway and have started to apply for jobs in Dublin, because at least there ARE jobs in Dublin, not given any thought to the logistics of how I would commute.
Had a horrible experience with an agency this week, put me forward for a job that I've done at a company I've done it at - twice, didn't even get an interview, only found out because I chased it up with the agency myself, haven't had any feedback as to why not, I contacted the HR dept of the company as well to enquire, guess what, no response.
Sorry, I've ranted, just wanted to say I feel your pain!
I'm also from London by the way!

Ah - another Londoner!! Yeah, I know what you mean. I've been sat in recruiter's offices when they've been more interested in the fact I'm English rather than focusing on what I can offer their clients. I've had some lovely chats that way!!

I've applied for those jobs I was speaking of, but don't suppose I'll get a response. I've also done a six month contract at a well-known company in Cork. Applied for dozens of perm roles there, but never got a response. Perhaps they don't take back contractors - I don't know. I do know a couple of people in there, but too embarrassed to ask them for recommendations. Silly, I know...

a posse ad esse

I know you are looking for paid employment but have you thought of volunteering for some local organisations that could benefit from your skills? Volunteering does help develop a network especially the fact you are not from Cork and do not know a lot of people there. Even if you do not meet someone per say that would be able to help, the organisation may be able to help and give you a valuable reference. Volunteering will help you get out of the house a few hours a week. I can imagine how frustrating it may be to spend hours at home looking, tweeking your cv and cover letters. So a much needed break and a way to interact and meet others from the area and develop some networks.

Tranceypoo

ABajaninCork wrote: »

I've applied for those jobs I was speaking of, but don't suppose I'll get a response. I've also done a six month contract at a well-known company in Cork. Applied for dozens of perm roles there, but never got a response. Perhaps they don't take back contractors - I don't know. I do know a couple of people in there, but too embarrassed to ask them for recommendations. Silly, I know...

No I don't think it's silly, I think your confidence and self-esteem really takes a knock after a long time of getting no feedback/positive reponses (any responses) and you just think 'why should I bother it's not going to get me anywhere' - I know that's how I feel. I find it gets harder and harder to be upbeat and cheerful and sound enthusiastic or make any sort of effort at all, it's like banging ones head against a brick wall (I may try that later)

ABajaninCork

Tranceypoo wrote: »

it's like banging ones head against a brick wall (I may try that later)

Ha Ha! I may try that too, I'll get more responses that way!!

a posse ad esse

Tranceypoo wrote: »

No I don't think it's silly, I think your confidence and self-esteem really takes a knock after a long time of getting no feedback/positive reponses (any responses) and you just think 'why should I bother it's not going to get me anywhere' - I know that's how I feel. I find it gets harder and harder to be upbeat and cheerful and sound enthusiastic or make any sort of effort at all, it's like banging ones head against a brick wall (I may try that later)

I think this poster is completely correct. I cannot say I am going through what you are because I have been very fortunate in my life to always obtain work very easily due to extreme shortages in my field. But what I can say is that I have seen many friends and relatives going through what you are. Some have been unemployed for several months and others over a year. I have seen what this has done to their self esteem and how many have become depressed over it.

The thing is today's economy is much harder. To get work you need to know people. Today, it is not the "what you know" as much as the "who you know." I have heard more people able to obtain work through connections than experience. Unfortunately, this can be demoralising for those who have moved into a new country. My husband went through it when we first moved over to Canada. Companies somehow become extremely nitpicky when it comes to hiring outsiders but when it comes to someone who works inside the job who refers a friend, relative or former colleague they are moved on top of the pile of CVs. This is fact according to someone I know who works in HR.

So if you do know someone, please do not feel ashamed asking. Give them a ring, go out for a coffee and have a chat and catch up with them. For all these people you do know probably think you have moved on after the contract. It doesn't hurt to ask for guidance.

LegacyUser

a posse ad esse wrote: »

I think this poster is completely correct. I cannot say I am going through what you are because I have been very fortunate in my life to always obtain work very easily due to extreme shortages in my field. But what I can say is that I have seen many friends and relatives going through what you are. Some have been unemployed for several months and others over a year. I have seen what this has done to their self esteem and how many have become depressed over it.

The thing is today's economy is much harder. To get work you need to know people. Today, it is not the "what you know" as much as the "who you know." I have heard more people able to obtain work through connections than experience. Unfortunately, this can be demoralising for those who have moved into a new country. My husband went through it when we first moved over to Canada. Companies somehow become extremely nitpicky when it comes to hiring outsiders but when it comes to someone who works inside the job who refers a friend, relative or former colleague they are moved on top of the pile of CVs. This is fact according to someone I know who works in HR.

So if you do know someone, please do not feel ashamed asking. Give them a ring, go out for a coffee and have a chat and catch up with them. For all these people you do know probably think you have moved on after the contract. It doesn't hurt to ask for guidance.

That is grand for some people but I am not good at the shameless self-promotion required to make one's CV nor am I an agressive or any way good social networker. Like the OP I don't know too many people around and I've been sending my CV but getting very little feedback. Had a phone interview this week but I wasn't good enough, the demands are very high even for a simple tech support job. There is too much choice for the employers and they are all chasing the mythical 5-legged sheep

It was the same in college, apparently there were loads of jobs but really it was just companies looking for the child prodigies. They weren't really recruiting but if there was someone who got all A's and had a very impressive final year project they might just be given a bit of a placement

I knew someone who could bluff their way into any job at all and sell snow to the Eskimo's but could never hold down a job due to her drinking problem, wish I had talent like that but I'd say unless you were born with it you'll never acquire it

metamorphosis

I was in the same position as you in a way for a while and it wasn't until i got a little 'aggresive' that I got a job (in cork with a company that hired 30 roles for graduates from any background ... recent or otherwise). I physically started ringing HR and it eventually landed me an actual real interview ... then 2 more interviews, an assessment day and then a got the job ... rigmaroll but never would have happened if i hadnt rang HR a few times to follow up as it was a role i didnt just want, I REALLY wanted it ... and i could fight or continue to depress myself ... i fought.

ABajaninCork

metamorphosis wrote: »

I was in the same position as you in a way for a while and it wasn't until i got a little 'aggresive' that I got a job (in cork with a company that hired 30 roles for graduates from any background ... recent or otherwise). I physically started ringing HR and it eventually landed me an actual real interview ... then 2 more interviews, an assessment day and then a got the job ... rigmaroll but never would have happened if i hadnt rang HR a few times to follow up as it was a role i didnt just want, I REALLY wanted it ... and i could fight or continue to depress myself ... i fought.

That's great to hear. Thank you for sharing. Can I ask - the company where you called HR direct. Was it a multinational or was it an SME?

Thanks also to everyone who took the trouble to reply and share. I really appreciate it!

a posse ad esse

Foryourperusal wrote: »

That is grand for some people but I am not good at the shameless self-promotion required to make one's CV nor am I an agressive or any way good social networker. Like the OP I don't know too many people around and I've been sending my CV but getting very little feedback. Had a phone interview this week but I wasn't good enough, the demands are very high even for a simple tech support job. There is too much choice for the employers and they are all chasing the mythical 5-legged sheep

It was the same in college, apparently there were loads of jobs but really it was just companies looking for the child prodigies. They weren't really recruiting but if there was someone who got all A's and had a very impressive final year project they might just be given a bit of a placement

I knew someone who could bluff their way into any job at all and sell snow to the Eskimo's but could never hold down a job due to her drinking problem, wish I had talent like that but I'd say unless you were born with it you'll never acquire it

I agree with what you have stated in your post. Being able to sell yourself as well as being a little more aggressive just like what the latest poster said are important too. I have heard of companies in Germany who no longer want CVs being electronically sent. They actually prefer the old fashioned way of handwritten applications and face to face contact. They were able to see firsthand what a potential employer is like before the interview process which in the end saved more money for the company than having endless long interview processes. Today everything is electronically done and to be honest most probably go into the trash bin before having a good look at it.

Networking and connections help because it makes the company's job easier. Remember they are sifting through hundreds of CVs at a time with the same song and dance. If an employee gives a reference they are more likely going to look into that first. I have found more people gaining employment through nepotism and other connections. Let's be realistic if you are the 5-legged sheep which most aren't but you do know someone already working inside the company would by far get your foot in the door, at least for an interview. After that it is the applicant's responsibility to sell themselves.

Motley Crue

I've gone through this before, and I find Employment Forms can be a long and tricky thing to sort out, so I have a little helpful tip

Open a word document and answer most of the standard questions you can think about a job - not the one's tailored to the specific job, but questions about you and your abilities, your past and your qualifications. Also include your name, address, social security number, mobile etc

In some cases an application form template asks you to fill out your job history, rather than simply attach a CV, so do this and have it ready in bullet point format. Same with education history and any additional information/interests and hobbies

Then when you come to fill out a form you can copy and paste the essential (but generic to every application) information and make the form appear less daunting. This gives you more time to concentrate on the important questions such as the suitability for the job, the questions relating to direct experience and the occasions when you have to provide evidence/documents/assignments with your interview or application

metamorphosis

ABajaninCork wrote: »

That's great to hear. Thank you for sharing. Can I ask - the company where you called HR direct. Was it a multinational or was it an SME?

Thanks also to everyone who took the trouble to reply and share. I really appreciate it!

Multinational with the EMEA headquarters in Cork ... it was a long process after that too but was worth it as I got it ... hell even if I hadnt I had walked out of the assessment day with lots of valuble feedback and lessons. And it's true what they say ... when it rains, it pours as I had just been offered another role the minute I accepted the one in Cork.

PM me if you wish as there is another round of roles been recruited for in the same programme I was hired in. I can send you the link where you can check out the job spec and apply etc ... never know it might be a role your interested in

ABajaninCork

Just a follow on from my original OP. I had a very nice surprise yesterday. One of my old workmates dropped me an e-mail saying she'd written a recommendation for me to put on my LinkedIn! This is a girl I worked with nearly 20 years ago, and we still keep in touch via e-mail

I must be a bit hormonal at the moment, as I was very touched she'd taken so much trouble.

I woiuld like to do the same for her, and write back thanking her for the recommendation. Would this be a good idea do you think?