Can't get a job

frosty123 · 11-12-2018 2:20pm #1

Honest to god...sending out cv's left right and centre, signed up with recruitment agencies, not being in anyway fussy even warehouse work would do and ......nothing, no replies nothing, even aldi & lidl don't wanna know.

Granted i'm long term unemployed (over 2 years) and in my late 30's..but i thought i'd get at least some sort of response esp this time of year, but ..no, zilch!

am i on the scrapeheap for life?

(i'm in the mid-west btw, near Limerick)

wakka12 · 11-12-2018 2:28pm

Just keep looking, if youre open to any kind of job youll definitely get something eventually, it can take a while for places to get back to you as they might keep your CV on hold for a while in case they need any new staff in the future

frosty123 · 11-12-2018 2:32pm

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

but this is xmas! if i can't get a job at the busiest time what chance have i got come the new year???

Mr. Incognito · 11-12-2018 2:33pm

Retrain?

frosty123 · 11-12-2018 2:34pm

Mr. Incognito wrote: »

Retrain?

been there done that x 100

mistersifter · 11-12-2018 2:35pm

keep goin frosty - you WILL get one if you keep it up.

have you any training or experience inanything?

SeaFields · 11-12-2018 2:36pm

Approach places in person. Hand your CV in person and have a few lines that you are looking for employment. Ask for a manager. A CV that arrives in the post on spec in most places goes into the shedder.

Pawwed Rig · 11-12-2018 2:38pm

Go back to college or train for something. In the meantime do voluntary work.
There is so much work out there that it is now difficult to find anyone actually willing to so it.
Have you thought of self employment? Start a window cleaning/ general maintenance business? ?

frosty123 · 11-12-2018 2:41pm

Pawwed Rig wrote: »

There is so much work out there that it is now difficult to find anyone actually willing to do it.

really? where do you live?

SeaFields wrote: »

Approach places in person. Hand your CV in person and have a few lines that you are looking for employment. Ask for a manager. A CV that arrives in the post on spec in most places goes into the shedder.

yep, i've done that, blitz my local business parks and industrial estates.....but zilch! just the usual "we'll keep you in mind"

Hammer89 · 11-12-2018 2:42pm

If you're in the Limerick region might I suggest selling drugs.

Pelvis · 11-12-2018 2:43pm

wakka12 wrote: »

Just keep looking, if youre open to any kind of job youll definitely get something eventually, it can take a while for places to get back to you as they might keep your CV on hold for a while in case they need any new staff in the future

It doesn't take 2 years for places to get back to you. There's practically zero unemployment right now.

OP, chances are your CV, cover letters (you are writing cover letters, yes?) or interview technique is not up to standard. Have you spoken to anyone regarding these? Have you had interviews? Have you asked for feedback?

In the mean time, you should look at doing some volunteer work. It'll look better on your CV that you've taken initiate and been active rather than sitting on your arse for two years.

eviltwin · 11-12-2018 2:43pm

Have you had your CV looked at? Maybe it's not as well presented as it could be.

frosty123 · 11-12-2018 2:46pm

Hammer89 wrote: »

If you're in the Limerick region might I suggest selling drugs.

no,

but i'd like to buy some to cheer me up

campo · 11-12-2018 2:47pm

What kind of experience do you have OP ?

Might be easier that way for folks to point you in the right direction, also there is a thread in the Limerick forum for gis us a job that is pretty good.

Dalomanakora · 11-12-2018 2:47pm

Have you had your CV checked over for errors or formatting issues?

Are you adjusting both your CV and cover letter for the jobs you're applying for?

Do you have experience/education? Did you do anything in your two years of unemployment to retrain?

I know lots of people hate them but have a look at services offered by your local intreo centre.

A sibling was unemployed two years and had done further education in that time. Still couldn't find work so asked for help to do a CE scheme for experience in their field of interest. They got in touch with someone who actually gave her a full time job instead in her chosen field.

frosty123 · 11-12-2018 2:49pm

Pelvis wrote: »

It doesn't take 2 years for places to get back to you. There's practically zero unemployment right now.

its not 2 years....i've only recently started looking (past 3 months)

i was out of work previous to that for personal reasons

Hammer89 · 11-12-2018 2:50pm

frosty123 wrote: »

no,

but i'd like to buy some to cheer me up

The drugs don't work pal, but neither do you so fill your boots I reckon.

Ruraldweller56 · 11-12-2018 2:52pm

Would you consider a CE scheme?

seamus · 11-12-2018 2:54pm

I wouldn't even be that sold on a cover letter. They're fairly 1980s, you're selling yourself to an employer who doesn't need an employee right now. If I have an open role, then the cover letter goes in the bin and I look at the CV. If I don't have any open roles, both go in the bin.

As said above though OP, unemployment is so low right now, that you should try take an honest look at your approach. Your CV might be crap. It might say more about you than you need it to, for example you don't need to put:

- Your age or date of birth
- Your religion
- Your nationality
- Your address (your location is sufficient, if at all)

It also needs to formatted nicely - clear and readable - with no spelling mistakes. If you know you're no good at this and know someone who IS good at this, ask them to look it over. I'll even do it if you want.

Take a look at your personal approach. If you are going around handing out CVs, you need to be clean. If your hair is a mess, you haven't shaven in 3 days and you're wearing a smelly Megadeth t-shirt and knee-high Docs, then forget about it. You don't have to be wearing a suit - a pair of jeans and a well-fitting hoodie is fine, but at least make it look like you showered and looked in a mirror when you got out of bed.

Don't just walk up and say, "I want to leave my CV in for jobs", hand it over to the receptionist and walk away. It's going into a bin. If you can, ask to speak to a member of management, and if they ask why, just be honest and say that you're enquiring as to whether they have any jobs. You may be told to leave your CV there, that's cool. Or that there are no jobs. Or someone might come down to you and have a chat. In any case, you'll get a better idea as to whether you've wasted your time.

Though online is really the main way now, especially for companies with head offices, like Aldi or Lidl. If they have an online application form, even better, because lots of people won't even go to the trouble of filling them out.

frosty123 · 11-12-2018 2:55pm

Would you consider a CE scheme?

just finished one

tringle · 11-12-2018 2:56pm

No help now but for easter lots of jobs available in shannon airport. Sign up to indeed for alerts.

tigger123 · 11-12-2018 2:58pm

It sounds like you might be spamming OP.

Is there any area you have previous experience in that you could apply for now? Maybe be a little strategic in your approach?

_Kaiser_ · 11-12-2018 2:58pm

SeaFields wrote: »

Approach places in person. Hand your CV in person and have a few lines that you are looking for employment. Ask for a manager. A CV that arrives in the post on spec in most places goes into the shedder.

To be fair, as someone who manages a team and hires new staff every so often, unsolicited CVs probably aren't gonna help the OP.

I'd normally give the spec I want to our recruitment/hr team and let them reach out to agencies, post on job sites, trawl LinkedIn etc. Even if the company doesn't have a hr department, they're just going to go to an agency or upload it to a job site.

Only direct CVs I would review are those referred by existing staff with good performance records themselves

Wabbit Ears · 11-12-2018 3:01pm

common demonstrators in all this is your CV and how you're presenting yourself ( i.e, its not everybody else, the jobs market, limerick or god, its all you).

Get your CV professionally written and learn how to write a cover letter. Find an agency where you can practice professional in-person introductions and mock interviews. Have a linkedin profile that looks impressive. Suspend your dodgy FB account. Buy new clothes. Get a haircut. Treat getting a Job like a full time job. Spend 9-5 five days a week working at it.

Dakota Dan · 11-12-2018 3:02pm

frosty123 wrote: »

Honest to god...sending out cv's left right and centre, signed up with recruitment agencies, not being in anyway fussy even warehouse work would do and ......nothing, no replies nothing, even aldi & lidl don't wanna know.

Granted i'm long term unemployed (over 2 years) and in my late 30's..but i thought i'd get at least some sort of response esp this time of year, but ..no, zilch!

am i on the scrapeheap for life?

(i'm in the mid-west btw, near Limerick)

What about milking cows? I thought they had a training course and a job if you were suitable for welfare recipients?

Church on Tuesday · 11-12-2018 3:09pm

Pelvis wrote: »

It doesn't take 2 years for places to get back to you. There's practically zero unemployment right now.

OP, chances are your CV, cover letters (you are writing cover letters, yes?) or interview technique is not up to standard. Have you spoken to anyone regarding these? Have you had interviews? Have you asked for feedback?

In the mean time, you should look at doing some volunteer work. It'll look better on your CV that you've taken initiate and been active rather than sitting on your arse for two years.

He has taken initiative. He's out looking for work constantly by the sounds of things for starters.

Chin up OP. I can identify and it's extremely frustrating. Just keep plugging away and volunteer if you can.

Pelvis · 11-12-2018 3:11pm

Church on Tuesday wrote: »

He has taken initiative. He's out looking for work constantly by the sounds of things for starters.

Yes, but unfortunately you can't put "constantly looking for work" on your CV.

raze_them_all_ · 11-12-2018 3:14pm

Most companies filled Christmas work months ago

Lux23 · 11-12-2018 3:15pm

I think you should start looking for a job you would want rather than just any job. Employers probably look at your CV and think you're too experienced for stocking shelves or what have you.

ARNOLD J RIMMER · 11-12-2018 3:17pm

Become a Barman

Laois_Man · 11-12-2018 3:18pm

So what is all this re-training you've done OP?

Austria! · 11-12-2018 3:18pm

Pawwed Rig wrote: »

Go back to college or train for something.

There is so much work out there that it is now difficult to find anyone actually willing to so it.

That seems contradictory. If there's so much work why does he need to go to college or do additional training?

PhoenixParker · 11-12-2018 3:20pm

raze_them_all_ wrote: »

Most companies filled Christmas work months ago

And they're now way too busy to think about the faff that goes with hiring and training someone new up.

If they're not a Christmas busy industry, chances are they're doing a million year end things or simply winding down for the year.

Blazedup · 11-12-2018 3:20pm

Engage a poetic licence when drafting your cv

seamus · 11-12-2018 3:21pm

Austria! wrote: »

That seems contradictory. If there's so much work why does he need to go to college or do additional training?

Because plenty of jobs still need a basic level of qualification.

It's one thing to say that companies are crying out for software developers, but that doesn't mean they're going to take just anyone in off the street and sit them in front of a computer.

KungPao · 11-12-2018 3:22pm

It’s probably too late for you now, sorry. Just go on the sick and live the high life.

Pawwed Rig · 11-12-2018 3:23pm

Austria! wrote: »

That seems contradictory. If there's so much work why does he need to go to college or do additional training?

Depends if he wants a skilled or unskilled job. Not much info has been provided.

Deebles McBeebles · 11-12-2018 3:24pm

frosty123 wrote: »

Honest to god...sending out cv's left right and centre, signed up with recruitment agencies, not being in anyway fussy even warehouse work would do and ......nothing, no replies nothing, even aldi & lidl don't wanna know.

Granted i'm long term unemployed (over 2 years) and in my late 30's..but i thought i'd get at least some sort of response esp this time of year, but ..no, zilch!

am i on the scrapeheap for life?

(i'm in the mid-west btw, near Limerick)

No one else has said it so I'm obliged by the laws of AH to ask if you considered being a snowman, Frosty? Right time of year for it, very seasonal work.

Seriously though, best of luck, its a horrible situation.

Farfromhome02 · 11-12-2018 3:24pm

Own opinion
CVS never got me a good job or any for that matter
It's all who you know,certain industries and jobs are a closed shop unless you know someone
Ask around friends and family
Your doing your best,keep your head up
Don't let it get in on you
Life's to short

Gimme A Pound · 11-12-2018 3:29pm

Hey Frosty, sorry to read it.

Firstly, how is the economy doing in your locality? Am I right in saying it's not one of the better regions for job opportunities? Would moving be an option? A lot of jobs in Cork, which isn't too far. An Irish Water call centre is in Cork.

What kind of work experience/training do you have?

How effective do you think your CV is? E.g. are you tailoring it to suit each organisation?

Is there anything you could get involved with on a voluntary basis while job hunting? Are you going for the jobs that lots don't want to do? E.g. call centres - I see the Three call centre is in Limerick. Also HCL Technologies - the eir outsourcer. :eek:

Church on Tuesday · 11-12-2018 3:33pm

Pelvis wrote: »

Yes, but unfortunately you can't put "constantly looking for work" on your CV.

There's not a whole pile more the OP can do apart from keep looking really. Most folk have gaps on a CV.

But yeah, do give voluntary work a go ,always looks good on a CV. It's a recent reference too.

Like others have said maybe reformat your CV to have it more streamlined and concise, there's load of good examples online and I always reckon it's best to go to an interview in a suit, even if it's fairly remedial work, it gives off a good impression straight away.

Best of luck OP.

Raheem Euro · 11-12-2018 3:37pm

December is not a great time to be looking for (permanent) jobs.
Might have been better to have started in mid January.
Keep plugging away now that you've started and have some momentum.
You have to be strong and resilient and not lose heart. Some good advice above
about networking. Talk to everyone you know and half know - get it out there you're in the market for a job.

dhaughton99 · 11-12-2018 3:40pm

Don’t put your criminal record on your CV.

chancer12 · 11-12-2018 3:41pm

Offer to work somewhere for a week for free and see if that will lead to something. Have heard of people doing that in restaurants, best of luck

BrokenArrows · 11-12-2018 3:41pm

frosty123 wrote: »

Honest to god...sending out cv's left right and centre, signed up with recruitment agencies, not being in anyway fussy even warehouse work would do and ......nothing, no replies nothing, even aldi & lidl don't wanna know.

Granted i'm long term unemployed (over 2 years) and in my late 30's..but i thought i'd get at least some sort of response esp this time of year, but ..no, zilch!

am i on the scrapeheap for life?

(i'm in the mid-west btw, near Limerick)

If you're not getting any responses the maybe your CV sucks. Get some professional advice on the CV.

Farfromhome02 · 11-12-2018 3:43pm

chancer12 wrote: »

Offer to work somewhere for a week for free and see if that will lead to something. Have heard of people doing that in restaurants, best of luck

Never work for free
Know your worth
By all means help around as a volunteer but do not work for a company for nothing
You will be used

the_syco · 11-12-2018 3:44pm

frosty123 wrote: »

been there done that x 100

What have you retrained in? How useless was the course? What course did you do? Did you get a industry recognised certificate from the course, or did you get some bullsh|t piece of paper saying that you did XYZ course?

frosty123 wrote: »

yep, i've done that, blitz my local business parks and industrial estates.....but zilch! just the usual "we'll keep you in mind"

In that case, your CV is useless. Get someone to look at it. You could be shooting yourself in the foot with your own CV.

fancy pigeon · 11-12-2018 3:51pm

frosty123 wrote: »

am i on the scrapeheap for life?

An honest, get your hands dirty job right there

frosty123 · 11-12-2018 4:31pm

Raheem Euro wrote: »

December is not a great time to be looking for (permanent) jobs.

i started back in September

BrokenArrows wrote: »

If you're not getting any responses the maybe your CV sucks. Get some professional advice on the CV.

i did from my "good friends" in turas nua :rolleyes: (don't get me started)

my PA made it completely OTT...as if i'm capable of working for NASA can just imagine HR people havin a right snigger at it

Raheem Euro · 11-12-2018 4:42pm

Would you work on a building site? And if so do you have a safety pass
and manual handling course?

frosty123 · 11-12-2018 4:46pm

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

eemmmmm building site??? not to sure

yes i have the safe pass but i never worked in construction before, don't think i made out for it (physically)

Can't get a job

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