Work advice greatly appreciated 😀

Pohappiness

Hey, making a new account for this post, as I already feel embarrassed that I have no job.

Was just wondering if I could get some advice. I have seen people with work issues but have a job to have issues would be a nice thing. I have been applying for a full year and I am getting no hits, I even paid someone to spruce up my cv but still nothing. I have many years advertising and marketing experience but took redundancy a couple of years ago when my folks became ill and then passed. I’m desperately seeking employment if anything just to feel normal again. I’m so exhausted. I even applied as intern at 37 and no reply I applied for two positions in pramerica and heard nothing so I contacted the recruiter on LinkedIn and asked if he could offer any feed back that would be really appreciate and offered to take part in any surveys in return and. Nothing.. I’m starting to lose faith.

Anybody been in a similar position that found something I’d love to hear from you.

Diceicle

Pohappiness wrote: »

Hey, making a new account for this post, as I already feel embarrassed that I have no job.

Was just wondering if I could get some advice. I have seen people with work issues but have a job to have issues would be a nice thing. I have been applying for a full year and I am getting no hits, I even paid someone to spruce up my cv but still nothing. I have many years advertising and marketing experience but took redundancy a couple of years ago when my folks became ill and then passed. I’m desperately seeking employment if anything just to feel normal again. I’m so exhausted. I even applied as intern at 37 and no reply I applied for two positions in pramerica and heard nothing so I contacted the recruiter on LinkedIn and asked if he could offer any feed back that would be really appreciate and offered to take part in any surveys in return and. Nothing.. I’m starting to lose faith.

Anybody been in a similar position that found something I’d love to hear from you.

Are you not getting any replies?
How active are you on your linkedin profile?
Have you considered starting a small agency? Could be good for local work and get projects from Upwork or Pph? Having your portfolio with current work would be a good start.

Pohappiness

Diceicle wrote: »

Are you not getting any replies?
How active are you on your linkedin profile?
Have you considered starting a small agency? Could be good for local work and get projects from Upwork or Pph? Having your portfolio with current work would be a good start.

Absolutely zilch replies, it’s making me paranoid beyond belief. I have everything on linked even got people to endorse me, unskilled in a degree in digital marketing and nothing. Have thought about the agencie and own business but would love to get back to actual work environment and being part of a team.

Ajsoprano

Have you been checking your junk mail?

Pohappiness

Ajsoprano wrote: »

Have you been checking your junk mail?

My junk mail as in spam?

Another day

Have you actually called into Recruitment agencies? Much better for them to evaluate you in person! Your Cv is only part of the process and sitting with a recruiter will give you information on how to improve your Cv and applications.

Pohappiness

Another day wrote: »

Have you actually called into Recruitment agencies? Much better for them to evaluate you in person! Your Cv is only part of the process and sitting with a recruiter will give you information on how to improve your Cv and applications.

I have tried agencies, but I haven’t been too pro active with them as I am looking for something more permanent, agencies are only offering jobs that are basic and not exciting

Pohappiness

Pohappiness wrote: »

I have tried agencies, but I haven’t been too pro active with them as I am looking for something more permanent, agencies are only offering jobs that are basic and not exciting

Also as stated I paid a professional to re jig cv, make sure there I had no grammar errors.

Another day

Pohappiness wrote: »

I have tried agencies, but I haven’t been too pro active with them as I am looking for something more permanent, agencies are only offering jobs that are basic and not exciting

They don't just do contract work or basic roles. And tbh any job is better than none. The old saying it's easier to get a job from a job. Maybe you're looking at the wrong agencies?

Pohappiness

Another day wrote: »

They don't just do contract work or basic roles. And tbh any job is better than none. The old saying it's easier to get a job from a job. Maybe you're looking at the wrong agencies?

Perhaps, maybe I can look into that avenue. Maybe what puts me off is the thoughts of agencies putting so many people up for the same job and in doing so competing against a lot younger is a bit demoralizing. Actually come to think of prosperity gave me the run around and cpl kept asking if I’d do data entry. I know what I want it’s just hard getting it 🀔

Labcoats and Running Shoes

OP are you just throwing in a generic CV and cover letter for every job or are you tailoring them to each job spec to highlight different skills that may be necessary? If it's the former, I can see why you're not getting a response. You need to make sure when you're applying for things you're really showing off how you fit their job spec and why you would be a good member of their team. It is a lot of work, but I always found it to be better for getting interviews than just throwing in something generic and hoping for the best. I would also stop being choosy with looking for something "exciting". Of course you don't want to be bored out of your tree, but you've been unemployed for a while and the longer you're unemployed the more unemployable you get. So that said, go in to a recruitment agency and sign up with them, tailor your CV to different job specs, and dial down your expectations. Once you have your foot in the door somewhere, you can look in to moving to something more exciting.

Pohappiness

Labcoats and Running Shoes wrote: »

OP are you just throwing in a generic CV and cover letter for every job or are you tailoring them to each job spec to highlight different skills that may be necessary? If it's the former, I can see why you're not getting a response. You need to make sure when you're applying for things you're really showing off how you fit their job spec and why you would be a good member of their team. It is a lot of work, but I always found it to be better for getting interviews than just throwing in something generic and hoping for the best. I would also stop being choosy with looking for something "exciting". Of course, you don't want to be bored out of your tree, but you've been unemployed for a while and the longer you're unemployed the more unemployable you get. So that said, go in to a recruitment agency and sign up with them, tailor your CV to different job specs, and dial down your expectations. Once you have your foot in the door somewhere, you can look in to moving to something more exciting.

First off, Thank you all for responses, I have tailored my CV, and as I mentioned I have paid some private firm to look at my cv, and they also applied for two positions. and still nowt!! I have registered with Agencies but like I say I have been in bad situation with caring for parents and then they passed, so for me to really want to get back to how it was before everything happened is what I want, I know I cant be picky, I made a second cv and have applied to a bookies, food delivery, I would chew bread for gummy chickens.

I hope I didn't offend anybody by saying jobs are not exciting enough for me...

I don't want to but perhaps the UK is my next call.

Labcoats and Running Shoes

Pohappiness wrote: »

First off, Thank you all for responses, I have tailored my CV, and as I mentioned I have paid some private firm to look at my cv, and they also applied for two positions. and still nowt!!

I made a second cv and have applied to a bookies, food delivery, I would chew bread for gummy chickens.

I think you misunderstand me OP, I get that you've had a professional look at your CV, but if you're putting that CV in to different jobs who want different things, your CV isn't going to stand out.

For example, I work in science research. If I'm applying for jobs in industry I put more in about the industry collaborations I've worked on, how I can work within a standard operating procedure, and I make sure if I have experience (even just a day observing) in the experimental procedures they list, that it's included. Alternatively, if I'm applying to an academic position I add in more about supervising students, lecturing, grant/paper writing, etc. Having a professionally tailored CV is all well and good but you need to make sure you're appealing to the company and you fit the job spec. In addition, what's your cover letter like? Is it generic or is it tailored? Again, if you're just changing the company name and job title for each position then it'll read like a you don't care about the job and that'll put off potential employers.

With that second part of quoted text, those are all very different jobs. I can't imagine an employer will want to give you a job making sandwiches if your CV is talking about how creative you are at marketing or how good you are with money or whatever.

In any case, best of luck with the job hunt OP. It really is a soul destroying time!

zoobizoo

I'm 45 and was out of work for a year - same field, marketing. I took a two day a week marketing position in the middle of last year which was

I secured a job at the start of the year having applied for many across last year. Funnily enough, it was for a job I didn't want, only applied for it so I could tell my wife that I had applied for some jobs that day, and even after two interviews and accepting it, it wasn't something I wanted to do...... turns out, it's great - nice people, keeps me busy and new opportunities have arisen since I started so I'm now looking after the marketing for 3 businesses, not just the one.

So head up!


The job market in marketing & sales is pretty bouyant at present and you're not over the hill - you have experience and someone will want that experience. Jobs.ie, irishjobs.ie and Indeed.com are emailing me jobs every day - have you signed up for updates from the jobs sites?

Recruitment agencies:
There are a number of marketing focused agencies. Call them up, arrange an appointment. Take interim positions - they often turn into something else / they can open up new opportunities / someone on maternity decides not to come back / you fill your cv.

And when you finish one role, the recruiter will try to get you another.

As for interesting, well, nothing is more boring than sitting at home and staring at jobs websites for a day.... believ me.


You upskilled in digital:
Have you your own website, a portfolio, do you blog?


If you're on jobseekers you can apply for online design courses - Photoshop etc


You could go around to local businesses and ask them to do their marketing for them. Small businesses who might have no one looking after it but who don't have the money to pay a full time marketing person. 20 companies at €50 a week...... or for free for a while - you get it on your cv, you get money and you keep your head in the game.

It's a good place to start

Or how about old contacts / friends in the industry - I called some friends a previous time I was out of work and they got me a couple of intros.


BTW, I applied for about 100 - 150 jobs, can't remember... Got about 5 interviews out of it and the one job offer that I took .....

Pohappiness

Labcoats and Running Shoes wrote: »

I think you misunderstand me OP, I get that you've had a professional look at your CV, but if you're putting that CV in to different jobs who want different things, your CV isn't going to stand out.

For example, I work in science research. If I'm applying for jobs in industry I put more in about the industry collaborations I've worked on, how I can work within a standard operating procedure, and I make sure if I have experience (even just a day observing) in the experimental procedures they list, that it's included. Alternatively, if I'm applying to an academic position I add in more about supervising students, lecturing, grant/paper writing, etc. Having a professionally tailored CV is all well and good but you need to make sure you're appealing to the company and you fit the job spec. In addition, what's your cover letter like? Is it generic or is it tailored? Again, if you're just changing the company name and job title for each position then it'll read like a you don't care about the job and that'll put off potential employers.

With that second part of quoted text, those are all very different jobs. I can't imagine an employer will want to give you a job making sandwiches if your CV is talking about how creative you are at marketing or how good you are with money or whatever.

In any case, best of luck with the job hunt OP. It really is a soul destroying time!

Thank you, Actually, I have applied to positions before, tailored my cv, and have gotten jobs, I suppose I am asking if anyone has been through the same experience and if they have could they advise on any methods they have successfully used. the food delivery job was to do something at least until something better came along.

Pohappiness

zoobizoo wrote: »

I'm 45 and was out of work for a year - same field, marketing. I took a two day a week marketing position in the middle of last year which was

I secured a job at the start of the year having applied for many across last year. Funnily enough, it was for a job I didn't want, only applied for it so I could tell my wife that I had applied for some jobs that day, and even after two interviews and accepting it, it wasn't something I wanted to do...... turns out, it's great - nice people, keeps me busy and new opportunities have arisen since I started so I'm now looking after the marketing for 3 businesses, not just the one.

So head up!


The job market in marketing & sales is pretty bouyant at present and you're not over the hill - you have experience and someone will want that experience. Jobs.ie, irishjobs.ie and Indeed.com are emailing me jobs every day - have you signed up for updates from the jobs sites?

Recruitment agencies:
There are a number of marketing focused agencies. Call them up, arrange an appointment. Take interim positions - they often turn into something else / they can open up new opportunities / someone on maternity decides not to come back / you fill your cv.

And when you finish one role, the recruiter will try to get you another.

As for interesting, well, nothing is more boring than sitting at home and staring at jobs websites for a day.... believ me.


You upskilled in digital:
Have you your own website, a portfolio, do you blog?


If you're on jobseekers you can apply for online design courses - Photoshop etc


You could go around to local businesses and ask them to do their marketing for them. Small businesses who might have no one looking after it but who don't have the money to pay a full time marketing person. 20 companies at €50 a week...... or for free for a while - you get it on your cv, you get money and you keep your head in the game.

It's a good place to start

Or how about old contacts / friends in the industry - I called some friends a previous time I was out of work and they got me a couple of intros.


BTW, I applied for about 100 - 150 jobs, can't remember... Got about 5 interviews out of it and the one job offer that I took .....

Have already tried all of the above, if there is a job that goes up on the job sites I apply! I have contacted somebody this morning about getting a site up and such.

The people I used to know have all gone to new places, diff careers or new countries which I may need to do.

I am not down, or sad I am just utterly confused.. anyway, guys thank you all for your time, it is appreciated.

zoobizoo

If a recruitment agency isn't taking you on, then you need to find the reason behind that...

Maybe you've said "I don't want to do interim posts" or "I want to work in FMCG no finance / telecoms".

Time to go back in and meet them again

Pohappiness

zoobizoo wrote: »

If a recruitment agency isn't taking you on, then you need to find the reason behind that...

Maybe you've said "I don't want to do interim posts" or "I want to work in FMCG no finance / telecoms".

Time to go back in and meet them again

Thanks for taking time out a appreciate the advice so far and I hope something wonderful will befall all of you. I think I’m gonna get the web page up as per suggestion and also apply outside of Ireland. Have a good day 🙂

Another day

Op....just for info. i am in my 50's, self employed for many years which I hated and eventually for personal reasons had to give up. I took a job in desperation on a yrs contract. When that finished I took another job in the same area, which was my profession, which again didn't suit me. After that I applied for more jobs in that line and was offered jobs with salaries which were derisory. As a result I applied for a job which is not my field but uses my background. The pay is better but not as satisfying. I met with a career counsellor last week which was eye opening as in I realised that I had many transferable skills that will open many more opportunities to me. Maybe this would be a worthwhile investment for you. They would also review your cv and cover letters. Just a thought...

Pohappiness

Another day wrote: »

Op....just for info. i am in my 50's, self employed for many years which I hated and eventually for personal reasons had to give up. I took a job in desperation on a yrs contract. When that finished I took another job in the same area, which was my profession, which again didn't suit me. After that I applied for more jobs in that line and was offered jobs with salaries which were derisory. As a result I applied for a job which is not my field but uses my background. The pay is better but not as satisfying. I met with a career counsellor last week which was eye opening as in I realised that I had many transferable skills that will open many more opportunities to me. Maybe this would be a worthwhile investment for you. They would also review your cv and cover letters. Just a thought...

Thank you for this,, this is also a pretty good idea I have popped a mail to a couple of people. I suppose sometimes you just need a spark!! but knowing others have been in this spot and things got better, is assuring!!

joeguevara

Have you approached small businesses and offered your services. If you do one pro bono it might open doors. I hate undervaluing yourself but one break is all you need.

Also approach your enterprise center and offer to train people in digital marketing. They will pay you. Also the world is your oyster. Go traveling and do digital marketing from abroad.

Teyla Emmagan

What field are you actually applying in? I am not seeing from your posts what it is that you actually want to do. Is your CV too generic maybe?

I think you should go in and speak to a few agencies. They do get people jobs, I use them all the time. Sit down, go over your CV, see what they think is holding you back and see what work is out there. There is clearly something 'wrong' (no offence). A professional will help you find out what it is. Or if you know anyone in HR go talk to them. Even approach someone in the industry you want to work in and see what they think the issue is.

Would you think about retraining? I am currently doing a free 3rd level course courtesy of the government. Have a look for Springboard courses. Maybe your skills just need to be brought up to date. And college means interaction with people, new opportunities etc. Could be good for you, you sound a bit lonely.

And you are only a little chicken at 37, don't feel your age will work against you.

shesty

Covr letter!Make it smart and snappy and not generic!
I have zero faith in recruitment agency myself, have had far more luck in trawling job sites and individual company sites and applying directly to jobs.Tailor your cover letter to each position.
I spent a year unemployed and job hunting in an industry that had zero jobs at the time, so I do feel your pain OP, it's lousy.

Pohappiness

Teyla Emmagan wrote: »

What field are you actually applying in? I am not seeing from your posts what it is that you actually want to do. Is your CV too generic maybe?

I think you should go in and speak to a few agencies. They do get people jobs, I use them all the time. Sit down, go over your CV, see what they think is holding you back and see what work is out there. There is clearly something 'wrong' (no offence). A professional will help you find out what it is. Or if you know anyone in HR go talk to them. Even approach someone in the industry you want to work in and see what they think the issue is.

Would you think about retraining? I am currently doing a free 3rd level course courtesy of the government. Have a look for Springboard courses. Maybe your skills just need to be brought up to date. And college means interaction with people, new opportunities etc. Could be good for you, you sound a bit lonely.

And you are only a little chicken at 37, don't feel your age will work against you.

My background is advertising, marketing and now digital marketing. My main problem is applying for lots of jobs but getting no responses, like at all. I’ve paid for my cv to be checked out and re jigged. But to get nothing back made me scratch my head.. I left on great terms, made no enemies. I have taken a few suggestions and gonna do it in my own and be my own boss.. Can’t join them? Beat them.

Pohappiness

shesty wrote: »

Covr letter!Make it smart and snappy and not generic!
I have zero faith in recruitment agency myself, have had far more luck in trawling job sites and individual company sites and applying directly to jobs.Tailor your cover letter to each position.
I spent a year unemployed and job hunting in an industry that had zero jobs at the time, so I do feel your pain OP, it's lousy.

Thanks for the advice. Agencies are only out for themselves. I’ve seen invoices from agencies, ‘‘twas weird also, looking at your name on an invoice!!! It became so clear that we really are just numbers to them.