After a string of failed interviews, should I give up on finding paid work?

[Mr Allen]

Topic.

I had an interview last week for my "dream" job working in a video games store, but it actually turned into a nightmare, as I was turned down because of an issue of only being able to do limited hours because I'm on benefits, I know the whole point of getting a job is in theory, to come off benefits, but my personal circumstances mean I can't come out of the benefit system.

Anyway, about a month ago I had another interview for a sales position with a local company, they're still yet to get back to me to see if I got to the second stage and a formal interview so I suspect I failed the informal interview because of the limited hours thing.

With this in mind, I am considering temporarily giving up looking for paid work, at least until after the Christmas temp season, and looking at voluntary work, which I've been doing for years.

Is this the right decision though?

 

[dragoncat16]

You have listed only two interviews, which is not really a string. To get the positions I've been hired for, I have literally sent out hundreds of applications and CVs all over the world. If you really want a job, don't give up. It doesn't take much time to apply for a position, and the only way you can be sure of whether you will get it or not is to not apply in the first place, and then you know you won't get it.

 

[Mr Allen]

You have listed only two interviews, which is not really a string. To get the positions I've been hired for, I have literally sent out hundreds of applications and CVs all over the world. If you really want a job, don't give up. It doesn't take much time to apply for a position, and the only way you can be sure of whether you will get it or not is to not apply in the first place, and then you know you won't get it.

There's been other interviews before then, 1 for a sales position with a local company based in the centre of Town, and 1 for a Home Fundraising company, also in the centre of Town, neither of which I got.

So it's not like I'm not putting the effort in to get a job, I've had at least 3 interviews in the last 2 months, and someone left me a message on the mobile last week about another job I applied to online, but they're yet to ring me back, and every time I try to ring them they're on voicemail, I've left messages but they never ring me back.

What winds me up though is the fact I've been busting a gut to get a job these past few months and I still get accused on Facebook of being a "Workshy slave to the benefit system".

 

[Keigan]

@Rich Allen

I think that the forth coming holiday season might be a good opportunity for short term work assignments, as the work is seasonal and won’t last beyond the holidays.

 

[Mr Allen]

@Rich Allen

I think that the forth coming holiday season might be a good opportunity for short term work assignments, as the work is seasonal and won’t last beyond the holidays.

Problem is though, they want someone who can work more than the 15 hours I'm allowed to work without benefit sanctions.

That's more or less what they said after the interview last week.

So applying to Shops in Town or Meadowhall for the Christmas temp season is a waste of mine and their time.

 

[Mattymatt]

Topic.

I had an interview last week for my "dream" job working in a video games store, but it actually turned into a nightmare, as I was turned down because of an issue of only being able to do limited hours because I'm on benefits, I know the whole point of getting a job is in theory, to come off benefits, but my personal circumstances mean I can't come out of the benefit system.

Anyway, about a month ago I had another interview for a sales position with a local company, they're still yet to get back to me to see if I got to the second stage and a formal interview so I suspect I failed the informal interview because of the limited hours thing.

With this in mind, I am considering temporarily giving up looking for paid work, at least until after the Christmas temp season, and looking at voluntary work, which I've been doing for years.

Is this the right decision though?

I wouldn't give up. Most people it takes several interviews. I am in a similar situation where I cannot earn more than 1170.00 USD or I risk losing my benefits as well and I need them right now. Surely there is some part-time help needed somewhere?

 

[Mattymatt]

There's been other interviews before then, 1 for a sales position with a local company based in the centre of Town, and 1 for a Home Fundraising company, also in the centre of Town, neither of which I got.

So it's not like I'm not putting the effort in to get a job, I've had at least 3 interviews in the last 2 months, and someone left me a message on the mobile last week about another job I applied to online, but they're yet to ring me back, and every time I try to ring them they're on voicemail, I've left messages but they never ring me back.

What winds me up though is the fact I've been busting a gut to get a job these past few months and I still get accused on Facebook of being a "Workshy slave to the benefit system".

I got off of facebook completely because of that judgmental nonsense. I completely deleted my account because there is so much toxic behavior that goes on. Facebook used to be about connecting with friends but it's become a verbal wrestling slamfest. Good riddance ... I say

 

[pjcnet]

I understand your frustration and also why it can be very difficult to come off benefits (I'd write a lot more about this, but it's not the politics forum), but I say keep trying, it's quite normal these days for people to have to do mass numbers of applications and interviews before they get a job they want, you hear of some people applying for 100s of jobs over a year for instance. There must be part time positions out there that fit in with the number of hours you are allowed to work. Also if you have the confidence walk into places and ask them about possible employment, the worst response is effectively "get lost" (it will usually be polite) and you have lost absolutely nothing, but occasionally managers respect your enthusiasm and even if there isn't a position available at the time you could be considered more favourably when there is one. When I was younger with more confidence I got a couple of jobs just by asking, including one when I simply walked into shops asking (I actually started the same day I asked at a Tandy store which was known as Radio Shack in the USA, the company now only operates a lessor known online store). Don't ever give up on your dream job either.

PS: I respect you for wanting to get out there and work even if it is part time, well done!

 

[Bella Pines]

It's not a bad thing to step back and take a breather. To rest in a comfort zone and clear your head. Ultimately, keep trying, and to quote Galaxy Quest "never give up, never surrender". But taking a pause to find your inner confidence (which facebook doesn't help with), can give a clear perspective.

 

[Mr Allen]

I have an interview for a voluntary job at the British Heart Foundation shop in Town on Wednesday, going to do a few hours a week as a Sales assistant hopefully, the limited hours issue I'm having with regard to looking for paid work doesn't matter with volunteering, as most places are glad of ANY time you can offer, especially Charity shops.

It's hardly selling PCs and mobile phones, which I'd like to do, but work is work, keeps me off the Streets.

And last week I emailed JD Sports in Meadowhall a copy of my CV and cover letter based on an ad on the Meadowhall website, but they're yet to even acknowledge my email.

Probably because I declared my AS and the limited hours issue, I officially give up.

 

[Mr Allen]

The interview at British Heart Foundation didn't go as planned, I have a "trial" day next week but I don't really wanna do it, because I know they'll have me doing stuff I don't want to or physically can't do but I'm kind of obliged to turn up.

Anyway I have a meeting with the Socials tomorrow regarding the results of a recent IQ test, allegedly they might be able to help me with stuff like getting a job, thing with that is that I refuse on principle to be plonked into some Government sponsored £2 a day position where all the clients are disabled and thus, on benefits and can't earn much without severe sanctions, I'm better than that.