FabSwingers.com forum: How to get a job.

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

With several thousand members lets pool our experience and help people get a job, ideas, advice, personal experience will all help.

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By *nnyMan
over a year ago

Glasgow

If unemployed folks put as much effort and used as many of their skills and talents into finding work as they do trying to get a shag on Fab, there wouldn't be a problem.

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By *wingerdelightCouple
over a year ago

eastliegh

Get out there with your cv and personaly give it to local business . You can't beet the personal touch

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Turn your playstation off and open the curtains. Not a bad start

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

My Top Tips:

1) Decide what you don't want to do, make a list. Include jobs you don't have the aptitude for.

2) Write down your experience, qualifications, if any, and your ideal dream job.

3) Use the internet to find a company or organisation that you would like to work in, if it is employment you want, rather than self employment.

4) Find a named person who works in that company, doing work that you would like. ( not human resources )

5) Check that you have the aptitude, personality and skill set that would be needed.

6) Write to them, by hand is always best, emails get overlooked. Offer your services for a trial month, free of charge. Always always include a head and shoulders, passport type photo, this shows who you are and lets people know you are willing to put a face to a name, so important.

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By *B9 QueenWoman
over a year ago

Over the rainbow, under the bridge

"Get out there with your cv and personaly give it to local business . You can't beet the personal touch"

My daughter tried this. She got no response. In the end it was a friend who put her on to a new job. Sometimes it really is who you know.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"My Top Tips:

1) Decide what you don't want to do, make a list. Include jobs you don't have the aptitude for.

2) Write down your experience, qualifications, if any, and your ideal dream job.

3) Use the internet to find a company or organisation that you would like to work in, if it is employment you want, rather than self employment.

4) Find a named person who works in that company, doing work that you would like. ( not human resources )

5) Check that you have the aptitude, personality and skill set that would be needed.

Good advice, but also;

After your submission, chase up by telephone. Shows that you are keen.

Also ignore sarcastic comments made by those that don't know you or your circumstances!

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By *nnyMan
over a year ago

Glasgow

"Get out there with your cv and personaly give it to local business . You can't beet the personal touch

My daughter tried this. She got no response. In the end it was a friend who put her on to a new job. Sometimes it really is who you know. "

That's perfectly true. Most jobs are never advertised.

Word of mouth can be your best friend.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Get some free advice on covering letters and c.v's (I've seen some shocking ones).

Take any and all free training.

Volunteer to gain experience.

Don't give up heart, ignore stupid ignorant people who think all unemployed are lazy benefit scroungers!!

I was made redundant at Christmas, took me 9 months to find another one. But the upside is I now have my dream job

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"If unemployed folks put as much effort and used as many of their skills and talents into finding work as they do trying to get a shag on Fab, there wouldn't be a problem."

they probably have as much chance of getting a shag as a job and vice versa, the success rate is fairly low

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Lots of jobs are advertised due to company policy or local authority guidelines, in reality most advertised jobs already have an internal candidate shortlisted, so applying for random jobs can be very de moralising.

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By *nnyMan
over a year ago

Glasgow

"Lots of jobs are advertised due to company policy or local authority guidelines, in reality most advertised jobs already have an internal candidate shortlisted, so applying for random jobs can be very de moralising."

There's 'advertising' and there's 'advertising'.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Make sure your CV reflects the roles you are applying for. This can mean having two or three different CVs but it is worth it because it makes it relevant. Present your CV well and professionally and never more than 3 pages, 2 is best. Your CV is the first impression most employers will have of you and 1st impressions count so make your CV work for you.

As previously stated, when applying for jobs always follow up with a phonecall, even with Agencies. This makes them stand and take note and offers them a chance to ask you questions there and then. Most of the time they will look at your CV whilst you are on the phone and you can answer any questions they may have to strengthen your application. It puts your name in their heads too.

The above can be the difference between getting a inter_iew or not even getting a response so well worth it in my opinion. Once you secure an inter_iew you are half way there. First impressions have been positive and as they want to see you it means that they are really interested in you for the role.

When at inter_iew remember you are up against a bunch of other candidates and you need to sell yourself. Not in the sense of boasting but drawing on your experiences as best you can to demonstrate your abilities and if you haven't experienced something before then tell them but also go on to explain what you would do, this shows honesty and your ability to think fast and that you have insight into the role and requirements.

If you suffer with nerves I would advise practicing your inter_iewing techniques. By going in to an inter_iew confident and relaxed you give yourself the best chance of answering any questions in the best way possible and it will also instantly relax your inter_iewers.

Hope this helps

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By *rumCoupleCouple
over a year ago

birmingham

"Get out there with your cv and personaly give it to local business . You can't beet the personal touch"

Although you might want to spell check it first

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By *nnyMan
over a year ago

Glasgow

"Make sure your CV reflects the roles you are applying for. This can mean having two or three different CVs but it is worth it because it makes it relevant. Present your CV well and professionally and never more than 3 pages, 2 is best. Your CV is the first impression most employers will have of you and 1st impressions count so make your CV work for you.

..................."

You can probably skip your Brownie badges

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By *ouplefunukCouple
over a year ago

North Bristol

"Get out there with your cv and personaly give it to local business . You can't beet the personal touch

Although you might want to spell check it first

This!

There are those who frequently state in the forums that correct spelling and grammar isn't important, but this is one of the times when it really is.

When you've got over 200+ applications coming in for one job, one of the easiest ways to whittle down is those who haven't been bothered to either spellcheck or get someone to check it over for them.

*Her*

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Erm...maybe not the 'best' way...

But I made it to second inter_iew, greeted the inter_iewer with a firm hand shake and then kissed her on both cheeks!!!!

Groans....but I got the job! Wooo

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Confidence, take the approach its not about what you can offer them its way they can offer, believe you have job and the inter_iew is to see if you want to take it,

Iam not the most confident of people but adopting this mindset helped me no end in inter_iews, come across as more enthusiastic confident

Plus research, examine the website get your understanding of the company across and try to prepare a couple of questions using this knowledge

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By *reelove1969Couple
over a year ago

bristol

not everyone who is unemployed find themselves in this situation through lack of effort .. I was employed in an office environment and due to an accident have lost the use of one arm .. not an ideal situation when your primary skill is based around a keyboard. However I am retraining in a new field and hopeful for the future when I am finally qualified ... best of luck to all those out there currently seeking employment !

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

NHS is a good one for doing that

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By *_MariusMan
over a year ago

Currently Faraway

"Get out there with your cv and personaly give it to local business . You can't beet the personal touch

My daughter tried this. She got no response. In the end it was a friend who put her on to a new job. Sometimes it really is who you know. "

Agreed! How about actually giving a chance to those who don't have previous experience on a job instead of expecting everyone to just have it magically?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"With several thousand members lets pool our experience and help people get a job, ideas, advice, personal experience will all help.

go to collage or uni and get a qualification to enable you to get the job you want and will be happy in

just one option

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"If unemployed folks put as much effort and used as many of their skills and talents into finding work as they do trying to get a shag on Fab, there wouldn't be a problem."

Lol, well said. If i was unemployed id rather b looking for work than being on here most of the day.

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By *iewMan
Forum Mod
over a year ago

Angus & Findhorn

Don't stop trying, it will happen

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By *isscheekychopsWoman
over a year ago

The land of grey peas and bacon

They are making my job permanent but I can't go for it as it's going internally and I don't have a contract the only way I will get it if it goes externally...

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By *reelove1969Couple
over a year ago

bristol

"They are making my job permanent but I can't go for it as it's going internally and I don't have a contract the only way I will get it if it goes externally...

always find this a very harsh situation that some people find themselves in whereby they have to apply for their own jobs ... any best of luck and hope you are successful with your application !

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Do not be afraid to start at the bottom,you may have a degree and a list of other qualifications but that does not equal a right to a high paid job.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

when i did my plumbing apprenticeship i lost my first job when the company went bust. spent 8 months trying to find another one, then one day picked up the Thompson local magazine, rang the first company that caught my eye and started a few days later.

posh well written cvs, cover letters, online applications and inter_iews got me no where.... 1 phone call is what it took for me. so get on the blower and see what it brings

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By *nnyMan
over a year ago

Glasgow

"Do not be afraid to start at the bottom,you may have a degree and a list of other qualifications but that does not equal a right to a high paid job."

And following on from him and her, don't be afraid to start at the back.

Job seekers and sales people tend to start at the front of the phone book. Start at the back (or the middle) and you'll find yourself talking to people who don't get pestered as often

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Currently applying anywhere and everywhere, I carry CVs in my handbag, I'm a whizz at inter_iews. They go great until I mention I can only do certain hours as I'm a single parent with no support network....

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By *uud 4-funMan
over a year ago

Dartford

Hi Fabbers

What advice for people in their 40's considering a complete change of career direction. For instance, Most of my jbs have been technical. My hobby is environmental conservation and I enjoy it so much I can see myself working in that field (see what I did there?) My Cv will not look too promising.

Anyone else had experience of how to approach job hunting in a career change?

Thanks

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By *reelove1969Couple
over a year ago

bristol

" My hobby is environmental conservation and I enjoy it so much I can see myself working in that field (see what I did there?) My Cv will not look too promising.

Anyone else had experience of how to approach job hunting in a career change?

Thanks"

I love that sort of thing also but am also in my 40's and would be a complete career change but would love to work outdoors .. where my parents live there is a massive country park (kielder) and they welcome volunteers to go and maintain the extensive landscape .. I would imagine if there is such a place round you and you could add that to your cv then prospective employers would look at you in a favourable light .. I know I would

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By *nnyMan
over a year ago

Glasgow

"Hi Fabbers

Anyone else had experience of how to approach job hunting in a career change?

Thanks"

There's a group called The Conservation Volunteers (Google will find them).

The few jobs they advertise are poorly paid but there seem to be volunteer vacancies which might suit a weekend shift or two while you get your face known and your skillset appreciated.

Good luck.

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By *uud 4-funMan
over a year ago

Dartford

"Hi Fabbers

Anyone else had experience of how to approach job hunting in a career change?

Thanks

There's a group called The Conservation Volunteers (Google will find them).

The few jobs they advertise are poorly paid but there seem to be volunteer vacancies which might suit a weekend shift or two while you get your face known and your skillset appreciated.

Good luck."

Thanks for the tip

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

...................

You can probably skip your Brownie badges

Lol, it is what I do for a living

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

for a career change late in life, i would suggest be realistic in your terms.

you have no experience, other than hobbies, if it is, and you are also starting minimum 20 years behind everyone else.

will have to get a step on the ladder by maybe offering your services in your free time to start with, then work your way into it from there.

good luck though.

i had a career change myself 4 years ago.

went from being a factory worker, to unemployed, to selling everything i owned (except my car, otherwise i wouldnt have been able to get to work) and retraining as an HGV drver.

havent looked back since.

have read most of the advice on here, and the only one i really cant agree with is the 'make a list of what you dont want to do' part.

disagree.

when i was out of work, i went for anything and everything to get off the dole.

cleaning

bar work

macdonalds and the like

nothing was off limits, i just didnt want to NOT be working.

and the old saying always rings true.

its easier to find a job when you already have one

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By *hynottsCouple
over a year ago

nottingham

Had a add on the net for drivers (hgv) for 52days only 1call and he only wanted nights

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