I need a job

[Danners9]

Seriously.

Since I graduated i've had nothing. It's the old catch-22 situation again; we want experience, I don't have experience, how can I get experience without a job, I can't get a job without experience.. round and round and round.

If it wasn't for my birthday then i'd have no income at all ;). Luckily i'm living at home so don't have to pay out for much, but that won't last - either i'll go insane or get kicked out! My holiday drained my finances even more but i'd rather have gone than not.

What annoys me most, and this must happen to others, is when you write to someone - either submitting a CV or just asking a question - they don't reply. They don't reply with a yes or a no, or anything at all in fact. It's so rude.

I'm reasonably intelligent, can be well presented, confident and more than capable to do the majority of the jobs I apply for.. but without 2-5yrs experience they won't even consider me. It's a bit frustrating.

Oh to be a student again :)

[OrlandoSPUR]

...I know what you mean, it was tough coming out of Uni, hell I moved over the pond with a resume/CV that had literally nothing on it, other than a BA which also meant nothing, with about 600 pounds thats it...and it took me 3 years before I even made $13/hr, so I know how its tough. But someone will give you a chance you need to keep sending the CV to companies you want in at...maybe go to a location if they are local go ask questions about the company, and then hand deliver your resume (if possible) to the hiring manager. But try not to make the mistake of taking a job which is not related to what you want to do, as you will probably never get into what you planned.

If you want a job, you seriously have to make your job search a job. Go to industry events where you can network with people in the industry you want in at, network with your peers or people that you know. and never worry about rejection, its all part of it. Companies don't reply back anymore, its ************ but its the way it is. Have your CV posted to any industry sites and general job boards. Keep applying to positions, join industry specific associations...find recruiters that specialise in your area of interest, as they will have relationships with hiring managers and its far easier being one of 3 or 5 resumes) then going on your own.

Good idea posting on here, i'd do the same on COYS and GG as well. Good luck mate.

[Spur_Forever]

What do you want to do?

[Danners9]

I have a journalism degree. Ideally I want to be a sports writer, but they are all wankers from what I have learnt. Features, interviews, research for stories that sort of thing.

The other day I sent off a letter to Toronto FC in Canada, it's a new team so I hope they have a lot of vacancies. I sent a nice intro letter, cover letter and CV.. so hopefully. But realistically I doubt it. I'd cry with joy if they did.

I emailed the sports editor and general editor of the local paper here, Dundee Courier, asking for a meeting to discuss my next move - get some tips, speak to them how they got into their jobs and without any hint of wanting a job from them (because I don't want to live here, let alone work here) and no reply. It's so rude. ********s sake. I can take a 'no', it doesn't bother me, but no reply at all is shocking.

I don't want to work or live in this country anymore. I want to move to Canada. I qualify for a student visa, if I could afford the year's tuition, and I also qualify for landed immigrant status - again if i could afford the 500 quid fee and wait the 4 years it takes. It is something I'll proceed with but in the meantime I need a job to earn money to pay the bank and my student loans back with.


I know that searching for a job is as if you have a job, but seriously it's depressing.

[Spur_Forever]

I have a journalism degree. Ideally I want to be a sports writer
Excellent start.

The other day I sent off a letter to Toronto FC in Canada, it's a new team so I hope they have a lot of vacancies. I sent a nice intro letter, cover letter and CV.. so hopefully. But realistically I doubt it.
You're right not to get your hopes up, but that's the right approach. Get yourself out there, and you never know what might come up...

I don't want to work or live in this country anymore. No shit, you need to get out.

I want to move to Canada. I qualify for a student visa, if I could afford the year's tuition, and I also qualify for landed immigrant status - again if i could afford the 500 quid fee and wait the 4 years it takes. It is something I'll proceed with but in the meantime I need a job to earn money to pay the bank and my student loans back with.
You're on to something here. From what I understand, it's really hard to get into your chosen field without contacts. And the best way to get contacts is either (1) a job in a related industry, or (2) a graduate degree.

I think your best option is going for a graduate degree in Canada or the US. My advice would be to look at the US. There are more universities, more jobs and just generally more opportunities. And it's not as cold (although Chicago's not got a tropical climate either...).

Spend some time looking for a degree program that you like (US News Graduate school guide is not perfect, but it's a good place to start). Look into the requirements (you'll probably have to take a test called the GRE) and get cracking on your application. They're usually due around Jan or Feb, so if you're dedicated, you could be in the States by September 2007.

Don't worry about the money or the visa. You can get loans pretty easily and the visa is cake (but both are dependent on your acceptance). I came over to the US with no money (and on a student visa) 7 years ago and I'm still here. This country is awesome and it was the best decision I've ever made. Immigration status, etc will all work itself out in time. Plus the girls really like the accent :)

[Danners9]

I've already applied to the University of Western Ontario to do a Journalism Masters. I need the finances and all, but I think I can do it... I have been pre-approved for a student visa as I say (or meant to say if I didn't put it..). I need to photocopy my results transcript and get some references together by January (and learn to type, that took me ages!!).

Oh yeah, and chicks dig the accent. It's like shooting fish in a barrel. ;)

[Spur_Forever]

My advice would be to apply to around 10 schools. Gives you options and increases your chances of getting in. Plus, different schools have different policies in terms of financial aid, etc.

It'll take a while, but not that much longer than just 1 application. You can probably send the same references, essays, etc to all of them.

Good luck!

[IvanIV]

...Oh yeah, and chicks dig the accent. It's like shooting fish in a barrel. ;)

Yes, and that last barrel, in Toronto(?), you were shooting in cost only $100 US per blow...I mean shot!! :D

I feel your pain. But trying being 42, no college degree, and out of the work force for 12 years due to "Mr.Momming".
I barely get in the door with my resume before they slam it shut. When I quit my job back in '94 I was making $13.65 an hour. I'd probaly be making 20+ right now...
Oh, and did I mention my own business that isn't even 3 yrs old is going tits up?
But's it's all good...I guess...

[Danners9]

Ah but i DIDN'T pay for that ;) It was in Niagara Falls anyway.

Could I come and work at your business, perhaps save it?

[pookspur]

Could I come and work at your business, perhaps save it?

do you like coffee?

i mean, really, really like coffee?

[C'e' Solo l'Inter]

Look at job placement agencies. alot of bigger cities in the states have good ones that put you into respectable jobs. i have a friend who got a job with a respectable NGO in dc through one. it may cost some money, but they will find you a job. or just go back to school. thats what i did. yay london.

[Danners9]

do you like coffee?

i mean, really, really like coffee?

I don't drink coffee, so maybe that's a good thing!


Agencies, yeah, that's probably a good idea... I am trying to go back to school, I e-mailed two of my tutors about Academic Reference Letters today. So hopefully they will do that for me. Then all I need is to photocopy my results and send the $50 application fee cheque off.

Oh yeah, and be accepted and stuff.

[Danners9]

Two more rejection letters this morning.

"After tough deliberation"... blah blah "we had some candidates whose experience is more closely aligned to our needs".


Also, not sure whether it's from this thread or not but I had two emails about my inbox being full.. so maybe someone tried to send a PM. Well, the box is empty now.

[Skizz]

I woudl say you can come and work for me at Company X but 1) I live in London, and 2) as your boss I wouldn't put up with the banter. :)

Seriously, try the job centre plus website. I've got a few jobs from there. You know what they say, it's easier to get a job when you have a job...

[Danners9]

I am more than willing to move, wherever (abroad if possible!).

What banter? me? Never!

[OrlandoSPUR]

I am more than willing to move, wherever (abroad if possible!).

What banter? me? Never!

...but BS would know when you're on BS

[Danners9]

As long as the work gets done on time, or early, I feel I can do BS :)

[C'e' Solo l'Inter]

I don't drink coffee, so maybe that's a good thing!


Agencies, yeah, that's probably a good idea... I am trying to go back to school, I e-mailed two of my tutors about Academic Reference Letters today. So hopefully they will do that for me. Then all I need is to photocopy my results and send the $50 application fee cheque off.

Oh yeah, and be accepted and stuff.

being accepted isnt tough. getting school abroad to understand this crazy british grading scheme, thats tough. ive been here for weeks now and i have no idea. crazy brits.

[Danners9]

I already have my degree, so it's not so much about grades and such - as I have the proof in a certificate (two actually).

There should just be one system for countries that 'trade' students, or two but they both match up.