Job search is fruitless - advice?

Lollipop95

Hi all,

Hoping for some advice. My role at my former company was made redundant a couple of months ago due to COVID and since then I’ve been finding the job search difficult. Despite applying for many jobs, I either hear nothing back or receive the standard rejection email. I’ve had someone look over my CV and they just made a few small amendments and suggestions. I graduated college 2 years ago and back then I would be getting called for interviews almost every week. This time I’m not hearing anything at all and it’s starting to get me down. Does anyone have any suggestions?

OMM 0000

How good is your cover letter? Is it generic or unique for each job?

RandomViewer

Have you applying for particular types of jobs or a wider any type of job, very few taking on in many sectors due to Covid

Tell me how

Irrespective of what jobs you see advertised, what job do you think you would be a good fit for or would specifically like to do?
Can you identify a company where such a job might exist.

If you know the answers to the above 2 questions, don't be afraid to reach out directly to people in the company who may be in a position to suggest you get an interview.
For example, if you have a finance background, may reach out to the finance manager directly and ask for a few minutes to discuss if there are any opportunities in their company.
If doing this, have your research done in advance and be ready to act if they respond.

I have been in a position of looking for and hiring staff for a department and was always interested in those who sought me out as it showed both interest, and initiative. This will only get you an interview, not a straight out job offer, but is a much more productive route to pursue in my view than just applying for advertised roles.

jaffa20

I know how you feel, it's very disheartening.

Today, i spent 40 minutes tailouring my CV towards a job that looked interested that i can easily do. I also included a relevant cover letter.

Within 20 minutes, i got a rejection email. It was like a slap in the face!!:( I would almost rather get no reply like i do for many other jobs i apply for.

Ohnononono

Sector?

jaffa20

Ohnononono wrote: »

Sector?

Accounts but also considering customer care and admin roles because have experience in all. I have 3 CVs depending on which role i'm applying for and tweak them for each job.

antix80

I'd say people at entry level won't do very well in the job market during covid.

Experienced staff on furlough will often be head-hunted.

At your level... 2 years experience? who knows. Depends on the sector and your experience. Make sure your skills stand out - if the company has not fully returned to the office yet put focus on your flexibility and the value you can add by working remotely. But in such a way that it shows you don't particularly favour remote working (because most employers are still wrapping their heads around that concept)

You might also contact some of your old co-workers and find out where they got jobs and perhaps ask them to throw in a cv for you. Many employers still rely on word of mouth to get the best talent.

jaffa20 wrote: »

Accounts but also considering customer care and admin roles because have experience in all. I have 3 CVs depending on which role i'm applying for and tweak them for each job.

My friend's office headhunted a lot of qualified accountants and experienced payroll staff at the beginning of covid. They were people who probably wanted to move on from their current employer anyway and saw the opportunity when their salary was reduced to a not-very-secure €350 a week.