Advice in finding a job

Samthefootball · 25-02-2019 09:50PM #1

Hello I am trying to find a job. I am 26 years old and go to college but i have applied to loads of companies but other then mcdonalds none want to offer me an interview

dartboardio · 25-02-2019 10:06PM

Hi.. Where have you been the last 10.years?

Why is this your first job?

Id be a bit skeptical as to why the huge blank in your CV or why at 26 you have no experience seen as most people would begin working even part time at at least 18/19 unless wealthy somewhat.

Have you tried putting on your best clothes and walking around town with a bunch of CVs into the local bars or restaurants? They always hire at the drop of a hat.

Other than that.. Write out a decent vague enough short but sweet cover letter and save it. Edit it briefly to suit each job and make it a bit more personal and apply for every entry level job you see.

Also, please double check your cv for spelling mistakes as that would probably be a no no

The best way would be to get out there as face to face is better imo if looking for casual work.

Mcdonalds is more difficult to get into than your local bistro.

Ive worked in hospitality. Get down to your local restaurants tomorrow around 1 and say you're willing to do any work and available right away. Bet youll have a job by the evening.

I wouldnt turn my nose up at Mcdonalds. One of the most successful companies in the world. They're perfect for student part time too

rosmoke · 25-02-2019 10:13PM

What's wrong with McDonald's? Everyone needs to start from something, I've been working for them for 2 years and saved everything I could while paying rent, not eating out and things like that, and that paid my degree, I'm a Software Engineer now, everyone can do it with some motivation.

Samthefootball · 25-02-2019 10:20PM

dartboardio wrote: »

Hi.. Where have you been the last 10.years?

Why is this your first job?

Id be a bit skeptical as to why the huge blank in your CV or why at 26 you have no experience seen as most people would begin working even part time at at least 18/19 unless wealthy somewhat.

Have you tried putting on your best clothes and walking around town with a bunch of CVs into the local bars or restaurants? They always hire at the drop of a hat.

Other than that.. Write out a decent vague enough short but sweet cover letter and save it. Edit it briefly to suit each job and make it a bit more personal and apply for every entry level job you see.

Also, please double check your cv for spelling mistakes as that would probably be a no no

The best way would be to get out there as face to face is better imo if looking for casual work.

Mcdonalds is more difficult to get into than your local bistro.

Ive worked in hospitality. Get down to your local restaurants tomorrow around 1 and say you're willing to do any work and available right away. Bet youll have a job by the evening.

I wouldnt turn my nose up at Mcdonalds. One of the most successful companies in the world. They're perfect for student part time too

I lost a lot of confidence. Had a crap childhood and only in 2013 started at college when i had no qualifications and i had to start off in a entry 3 course but now on a level 3 extended diploma. I do voluntary work but i have also had to look after my grandfather who was ill as well

dartboardio · 25-02-2019 10:23PM

Samthefootball wrote: »

I lost a lot of confidence. Had a crap childhood and only in 2013 started at college when i had no qualifications and i had to start off in a entry 3 course but now on a level 3 extended diploma. I do voluntary work but i have also had to look after my grandfather who was ill as well

Thats fair enough.

The voluntary work will stand to you. Make sure to put that on the cv. Looks great.

Anyway best way even if you dont have a lot of confidence is go for a casual chat in a local bar or restaurant. Youll deffo pick up something. Kitchen porter glass collector etc

Samthefootball · 25-02-2019 10:26PM

maybe, but i needed help with my personal statement from family members to make it look good i can't really do the same with a CV

touts · 25-02-2019 10:32PM

Samthefootball wrote: »

Hello I am trying to find a job. I am 26 years old and go to college but i have applied to loads of companies but other then mcdonalds none want to offer me an interview

26 and still in college. You are either over qualified or have big gaps in your CV you aren't telling us about. If you are overqualified (eg PHD) you need to apply only for jobs related to your research etc. No one will waste time and money hiring you if they think you are just waiting for a better job to open up. If you have spent 8-9 years as a student finding yourself and only have a basic degree to show for it then you need to be open to starting in something like McDonalds and proving that you have grown up.

Also applying to loads of companies isn't always the best tactic. The trash cans of HR departments across the country are full of shallow generic CVs. Every CV you send out should be tailored to the job and the company you are applying for. Go through the job spec line by line and adjust your CV to hit all the main points. Then when you do get an interview research the hell out of that company and the role and go in there ready to sell yourself and not just give basic answers to basic questions.

No one owes you an interview let alone a job. You have to fight for it

touts · 25-02-2019 10:44PM

Samthefootball wrote: »

I lost a lot of confidence. Had a crap childhood and only in 2013 started at college when i had no qualifications and i had to start off in a entry 3 course but now on a level 3 extended diploma. I do voluntary work but i have also had to look after my grandfather who was ill as well

You've spent 6 years getting a diploma which most people get in 2 years. That's the big warning sign that is getting your CV binned. Diplomas by themselves are pretty much useless. Degrees are the basic requirement for most roles.

But depending on the volunteer work you have done you may be able to put some focus on that. I've used volunteer work with a charity to fill in a gap in my experience. I went to the charity and asked to do work part time (I continued to work full time in my main job) in a particular area and they were more than happy to facilitate that as I was well able to do the work and was doing it for free for them. After a couple of years i had built up a portfolio of experience that helped me get a full time job in that area. I'd say go to wherever you are doing the volunteer work and ask them to give you experience in an area you would like to work in.

Samthefootball · 25-02-2019 11:02PM

touts wrote: »

You've spent 6 years getting a diploma which most people get in 2 years. That's the big warning sign that is getting your CV binned. Diplomas by themselves are pretty much useless. Degrees are the basic requirement for most roles.

But depending on the volunteer work you have done you may be able to put some focus on that. I've used volunteer work with a charity to fill in a gap in my experience. I went to the charity and asked to do work part time (I continued to work full time in my main job) in a particular area and they were more than happy to facilitate that as I was well able to do the work and was doing it for free for them. After a couple of years i had built up a portfolio of experience that helped me get a full time job in that area. I'd say go to wherever you are doing the volunteer work and ask them to give you experience in an area you would like to work in.

I started doing

Entry 3 Skills for working Life
Level 1 Animal Care
Level 2 Animal Care
Level 2 Travel & Tourism
Level 3 90 Credit Travel & Tourism
Level 3 Extended Travel & Torusim

So no mate I have not spent 6 years.

touts · 25-02-2019 11:27PM

Samthefootball wrote: »

I started doing

Entry 3 Skills for working Life
Level 1 Animal Care
Level 2 Animal Care
Level 2 Travel & Tourism
Level 3 90 Credit Travel & Tourism
Level 3 Extended Travel & Torusim

So no mate I have not spent 6 years.

You aren't getting the point. You started a diploma in 2013 and still haven't finished it. Even if the CV details all the above I'm not seeing why it has taken from 2013 to 2019 to get a diploma. And it looks like you switched topics mid way. All that alone is going to get you binned in the application process. So this "enhanced" diploma isn't going to get you where you want to go. Plus you've got cranky when someone asked you about it and that's not going to help either in the event you get through to an interview. They will probe that and any bit of a defensive reaction is going to cost you.

You need to show focus. Focus in your studies (what is your passion in those studies). Focus in your volunteer work (what have you achieved for the organisation you volunteered for). And focus in why you are a good fit for the job.

Samthefootball · 25-02-2019 11:33PM

touts wrote: »

You aren't getting the point. You started a diploma in 2013 and still haven't finished it. Even if the CV details all the above I'm not seeing why it has taken from 2013 to 2019 to get a diploma. And it looks like you switched topics mid way. All that alone is going to get you binned in the application process. So this "enhanced" diploma isn't going to get you where you want to go. Plus you've got cranky when someone asked you about it and that's not going to help either in the event you get through to an interview. They will probe that and any bit of a defensive reaction is going to cost you.

You need to show focus. Focus in your studies (what is your passion in those studies). Focus in your volunteer work (what have you achieved for the organisation you volunteered for). And focus in why you are a good fit for the job.

And your not getting the point either. Those are different bloody courses i did. It is not part of the same diploma

I did not have ANY qualifications. I started on a ENTRY 3 ENTRY 3 ENTRY 3 course. Look it up LEVEL 3 is different then ENTRY 3

touts · 25-02-2019 11:37PM

Samthefootball wrote: »

And your not getting the point either. Those are different bloody courses i did. It is not part of the same diploma

I did not have ANY qualifications. I started on a ENTRY 3 ENTRY 3 ENTRY 3 course. Look it up LEVEL 3 is different then ENTRY 3

Fine. Best of luck finding a job.

Get Real · 25-02-2019 11:41PM

What kind of job are you seeking OP?

If you got the offer of an interview in McDonald's, I'd take it. Definitely would recommend working there.

I don't get the negativity associated with it, especially compared to any entry type of retail/bar/hotel work.

I took a job there in 2010, nobody else was taking on. Eventually became shift manager. I concede it's not the most important job in the world. But sweet Jesus, the experience was invaluable. Opened alot of other doors for me.

9 years on and I'm in a completely different career and salary zone. However, have to say, I look back on McDonald's fondly. Every job after that, be it physical or office based, has been a piece of p1ss!

upinsmoke · 25-02-2019 11:43PM

I would definitely work in McDonalds over any Restraunt, Hotel work, Bar work.

McDonalds are good to work for

Samthefootball · 25-02-2019 11:45PM

touts wrote: »

Fine. Best of luck finding a job.

Look I don't mean to get angry but I really don't think you understand

The Level 3 Extended Dipolma on Travel and Tourism is the one that lasts two years however I would not have been able to get on to that course if I had not done the other courses because I didn't have the qualifications needed for the extended diploma which is why i got distinctions and merits.

Oh and travel is my passion but like i said i had to do animal care to get onto travel as i didn't have the grades first

Wildly Boaring · 25-02-2019 11:47PM

Samthefootball wrote: »

I started doing

Entry 3 Skills for working Life
Level 1 Animal Care
Level 2 Animal Care
Level 2 Travel & Tourism
Level 3 90 Credit Travel & Tourism
Level 3 Extended Travel & Torusim

So no mate I have not spent 6 years.

Are you looking for work in these areas or any area?

By Level you mean Fetac?
Level 4 is Leaving Cert equivalent, if I'm correct?

"Always easier to get a job when you have a job"

Sprouted on building sites continuously.

Take the mc Donalds one and keep looking.

After 2 or 3 months of mc Donald's you start to look way more employable to other hirers.

Samthefootball · 25-02-2019 11:47PM

Get Real wrote: »

What kind of job are you seeking OP?

If you got the offer of an interview in McDonald's, I'd take it. Definitely would recommend working there.

I don't get the negativity associated with it, especially compared to any entry type of retail/bar/hotel work.

I took a job there in 2010, nobody else was taking on. Eventually became shift manager. I concede it's not the most important job in the world. But sweet Jesus, the experience was invaluable. Opened alot of other doors for me.

9 years on and I'm in a completely different career and salary zone. However, have to say, I look back on McDonald's fondly. Every job after that, be it physical or office based, has been a piece of p1ss!

I need part time work before university in September to get a bit of money. So I wouldn't mind supermarkets or other retail but i either fail online questions or don't here back and I wouldn't mind working as a team member in hotels.

I suppose fast food would not be too bad but its the bad name you hear from it

Samthefootball · 25-02-2019 11:49PM

Wildly Boaring wrote: »

Are you looking for work in these areas or any area?

By Level you mean Fetac?
Level 4 is Leaving Cert equivalent, if I'm correct?

"Always easier to get a job when you have a job"

Sprouted on building sites continuously.

Take the mc Donalds one and keep looking.

After 2 or 3 months of mc Donald's you start to look way more employable to other hirers.

BTEC yes. And there is not officially a level 4 that's when university starts in higher education and I am the first person at the college to have achieved starting out in a entry 3 course and progressing all the way onto university

Teyla Emmagan · 25-02-2019 11:52PM

Samthefootball wrote:

I did not have ANY qualifications. I started on a ENTRY 3 ENTRY 3 ENTRY 3 course. Look it up LEVEL 3 is different then ENTRY 3

No idea what the distinction is, doubt an employer would either.

Take the interview with McDonald's.

belfe · 25-02-2019 11:55PM

Contact with recruitment agencies specialized in tourism. Try to avoid the recruiters that only send your CV and find one that takes the time for reviewing your CV and helps you to change it. Some recruiters could even prepare you for interviews.

If you go to an interview, the interviewer will ask you why there are courses unrelated between them, try to be prepared for this question and answer in an assertive way. If you answer in the way that you are answering to other people in this thread, it will look that you are giving defensive answers, and most of the times that is the end of the interview. There's nothing wrong with the gaps if there is a reason for it, but be prepared for explaining this reason.

Samthefootball · 25-02-2019 11:57PM

Teyla Emmagan wrote: »

No idea what the distinction is, doubt an employer would either.

Take the interview with McDonald's.

I think a employer would know because its the best you can get. Like an A*

coffeepls · 26-02-2019 12:29AM

Sam - people are trying to help you here. No need to be short with them.
You’re looking at having a job in McDonalds like being the bottom of the barrell. You’re very wrong. It’s actually a great place to work, and you would probably enjoy the team camaraderie.
So it’s far removed from your coursework. But it would open your mind to working with other people and for other people. And while you actually have a job, then you can refine your choices.

Never underestimate the importance of working well with your colleagues. A job in McDonalds would teach you a lot there.

So you don’t like McDonalds? What about Dunnes, Tesco, M&S. Drop your CV into these places. Ring their recruitment office. You ring the main phone number and ask to be put through. Ask them can you drop in your CV - who should it be addressed to, etc. Can they keep it on file if there’s nothing at the moment.

AndrewJRenko · 26-02-2019 12:32AM

Five different clerical officer posts open in the public sector

https://publicjobs.ie/en/job-search?category=-1&searchphrase=Clerical%20officer

dartboardio · 26-02-2019 01:30AM

Samthefootball wrote: »

I think a employer would know because its the best you can get. Like an A*

Your employer wont give a crap about your level 3 or level 4 distinction in animal care.

Go to Mcdonalds. Get a sense of the working world. As a pp said nobody owes you anything if you want a job go out and get one, fight for it!

Nobody ever badmouths fast food workplaces, its perfect for a young person/ new worker.

The main thing would be to have somewhat a positive attitude about the experience rather than thinking of every place you dont wanna work rather than do.

Beggars cant be choosers..

OMM 0000 · 26-02-2019 06:29AM

If you're just looking for part-time work before college in September, McDonald's is absolutely fine.

This is my advice:

Take the McDonald's job and keep applying for other jobs in the meantime.

eeloe · 26-02-2019 01:13PM

There's absolutely nothing wrong with working in McDonalds, it's experience, and it's an income.

I know quite a few people who are raising families and buying homes, while working in McDonalds.

Saying that, i also know a number of people who have degrees and are quite highly educated who can't "find" employment.

Any job, is better than no job!

Samthefootball · 26-02-2019 05:13PM

Yeah good point

26-02-2019 05:16PM

Samthefootball wrote: »

.............other then mcdonalds none want to offer me an interview

How did the interview go?

Samthefootball · 26-02-2019 05:52PM

I didn't go they offered me 4 interviews but i didn't go

GalwayGrrrrrl · 26-02-2019 06:30PM

I think one problem could be that people don’t understand the qualifications you have. Are they equivalent to leaving cert? A degree? I’ve experience working in many sectors in Ireland and the uk and I’ve no idea what those qualifications are. On your cv you should put “level 3 is equivalent to xxxx in Ireland”

If you want to work in tourism go to every hotel in your area and speak to the manager about part time work. Expand on your voluntary work to focus on the tourism area you are interested in. Build up lots of local contacts.

Why didn’t you go to four interviews?

Thoie · 26-02-2019 06:34PM

Samthefootball wrote: »

I didn't go they offered me 4 interviews but i didn't go

How come?

Advice in finding a job

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