Jobseekers: How Are You? Are You Ok?

hasher22 on 26/10/2020 - 01:40
Last edited 26/10/2020 - 01:41

Hey guys,

TLDR: Can't find a job after being dismissed in June from Covid. Financial stress and now volunteering so I don't have a gap in my resume.

After I've been dismissed last June because of covid, I've been trying to get another job since and I haven't had any luck, not even any interviews. I hate being on jobseeker as I was earning good coin now I cut back on so much stuff and changed my spending habits greatly. I am just scraping by. I have until the end of DEC to think if I need to take out 10k out of my super.

I am trying my hardest: I had people look at my resume, experience, linkedin profile, social media if they stalk me and everything seems to be in the green. I have paid professionals also to look at my resume, coverletter and linkedin and they made a few changes but changes vary from person to person but it's not drastic, just minior things.

Anyways, right now I am completely deflated. There are days where I don't want to eat majority of the day because I am that sad I haven't even landed an interview, I am saying no to all invites from friends as it requires me spending money, there are days where I just look on indeed, seek, linkedin, facebook jobs and applied for all that I can until the next week appears with possible new jobs. My friends want to come over my place but I say no cause I am embarassed that I don't have food for them to eat and going 3,4,5 ways on dinner is money I could use on rent, bills, insurance, travel to and from my volunteer job. I am currently volunteering for a company 2 days a week which I passively emailed to help them for free so it doesn't look like I have a gap in my resume even tho the dismissal was justified due to covid.

The job rejection emails doesn't help me either as I get sad as I thought some of the jobs I applied for, I would be a good candidate at least for an interview. You know that feeling when you submit your resume and coverletter and you're thinking how good you're gonna smash that interview cause you're application just ticked all the boxes…..well…. just to get a rejection email.

I read on some news sites that jobseekers are slowly not looking for work because it's hard at the moment. Really hard.

How are you jobseekers? Are you still seeking? over it? soldiering on? don't want to work now?

Education & Work

Comments

  • gmail92 on 26/10/2020 - 01:55
    +2

    Industry? Experience?

    How about asking for feedback as to why you're not the desired candidate and what skills you need to work on?
    Or spending some time reflecting on what you need to improve on yourself.

    • pyramid on 26/10/2020 - 11:19
      +3

      This is what I get when asking for feedback " Unfortunately, after careful review we have decided to not progress your application at this time."..

      • gmail92 on 27/10/2020 - 22:55

        Push a bit harder; that sounds like the default response. If that was the case, there would definitely have been candidates with (more desirable) skills, or you didn't match the profile well enough (and that part should be clear).

        Based off OP's post history, it looks like he:

        a) Just graduated - little to no professional experience.
        https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/516318

        b) Has lengthy retail experience
        https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/433789

        c) Possibly in graphics design industry - which would explain the lackluster demand in the current economic environment.
        https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/422825

        • hasher22 on 26/11/2020 - 00:26

          Hi,

          Sorry for the very late reply, and you're right. I just finished uni but I have 2 years worth of professional experience + freelance experience and looking for junior roles.

          I have completely changed my resume and cover letter. Also in the time posting the original thread, I've had 2 interviews and unfortunately, didn't get the job. And with feedback, I came 2nd in both interviews. One wanted more conceptual work while the other candidate had more experience in more areas.

          Ever since I changed my resume, I've been getting interviews though, in the past few weeks, I've been getting quite depressed and called beyond blue 2 times to speak to a stranger rather than family and friends.

          Even though I have customer service experience, I've been applying for CS roles and nothing. I have created 2 resumes, one for CS and one for graphic design.

  • AustriaBargain on 26/10/2020 - 02:07
    -1

    The kind of work I'm doing now, and the kind of people I do it for, I can't really do it for an employer anymore. I own too much stuff I need to do the work I do now, I'm in too deep. Income is irregular that I've been on jobseeker and it's rough, yeah people want to hire you for what you can do but then you're not just doing it you're also being like their puppet while doing it, you have to put in the company attitude they want, you have to rush things you'd normally spend all day polishing and you need to spend all day on things that don't actually matter. And then at the end of the day you don't own your output. The clients you spent all day talking to they don't belong to you, they belong to your employer. If you quit then those clients and the time you put in with them may as well not even exist, meanwhile your efforts continue making your employer money for years. And often the pay is like $30 an hour for jobs within one train from me. I wouldn't care if it was a joy to work for them, but it usually isn't. It's a tough pitch if they just said "hey man can you give up a year of your life to help me make my dreams come true and achieve financial security, in exchange I'll pay you a few dollars more than McDonald's would for scrubbing floors". I'd sooner give up my time for $30 an hour profit to any random greedy small business on my own terms, than work for The Man for the same price.

    • bobbified on 26/10/2020 - 11:16
      +1

      yeah people want to hire you for what you can do but then you're not just doing it you're also being like their puppet while doing it, you have to put in the company attitude they want, you have to rush things you'd normally spend all day polishing and you need to spend all day on things that don't actually matter. And then at the end of the day you don't own your output. The clients you spent all day talking to they don't belong to you, they belong to your employer. If you quit then those clients and the time you put in with them may as well not even exist, meanwhile your efforts continue making your employer money for years. And often the pay is like $30 an hour for jobs within one train from me.

      Do you not agree on all that in the contract you sign before you start working? And yes, everything you do while "working" belongs to them because they pay a certain level, that you've agreed on, for your time and effort. That is how a business works and how they make money. They take the risks associated with the business, while you can just go home and jump on Tinder 🤣

      Your alternative is to go out and start your own business. But when you have to hire staff, you'll be doing to them exactly what you've just been complaining about!

  • screensaver on 26/10/2020 - 02:55
    -2

    I think you will get a job, watch a current affair tonight, there are jobs out there

  • NotAnAudiophile on 26/10/2020 - 03:14
    +1

    What's your field?

    • hasher22 on 26/11/2020 - 00:28

      Graphic Design in the most simplest form. I know it's a tough job to break into now, but that's all I can do for now. Though I have a customer service background, I even applied for woolies night fill and customer service jobs either call centers or retail and no one will take me. Even though I have 5+ years of experience in those fields.

  • Blue Cat on 26/10/2020 - 07:39
    -6

    Apparently you are supposed to be very happy and thankful that the government is protecting you from the very dangerous, contagious and a 100% mortality rate coronavirus!
    In government eyes, skyrocketing suicide and depression rates do not exist, so sit down like a good boy you are and thank Scott Morrison everyday for all the great things he did for Australia in the last 6 months!

    • serpserpserp on 26/10/2020 - 08:46
      +1

      skyrocketing suicide and depression rates do not exist

      Can you point me to the research showing this? I assume by skyrocketing it must be 100% or more increase. Very alarming…

      • Zachary on 26/10/2020 - 10:55
        +1

        His post read like he said it with sarcasm…

    • Wiede on 26/10/2020 - 11:12

      Not helpful

    • EightImmortals on 26/10/2020 - 11:58

      Not sure why you got all the negs? Ozbargain reflex action I guess? It would be sad to believe that many people are still clueless as to wat's going on globally and still believe what the politicians and media tell them contrary to what they see with own eyes. :(

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RISAjTGhRO0

      1 minute.

      • SlavOz on 01/12/2020 - 17:06

        JP has a great video on what's it's like to believe in the media story 100%

        "Totally nothing else going on, people are getting sick and dying, the WHO is concerned for our health, wearing a mask and staying away from people is all you need to be healthy".

        I voted for Scomo last time but this time I ain't voting for anybody. In fact I'm going to write a firm directive on my voting slip in hopes that others do the same. It's the only way we can get the message across. Whoever we vote for will clamp down on our freedoms as soon as the opportunity arises.

        • EightImmortals on 01/12/2020 - 17:10

          Especially as the b***ards passed that defence bill amendment AND rejected a bail-in amendment to protect our bank deposits from the thieving banksters this week alone.

  • holdenmg on 26/10/2020 - 08:06

    If you step back from this, one difficulty is going to be that you (and many others) are competing for a very few positions once advertised.

    It make me so sad to see stories about how many great applicants a job received when often only one Candidate can be appointed.

    Try devoting some time to seeking out Employment opportunities at places you think you might like to work that have not advertised. Do some research, find out about the Company and who to E-mail or Phone rather than just write to "The Manager" or HR.

    If you are looking in the same field as previously, ask friends still working or people you know if they have heard of openings. Sometimes at this time of year, people reassess and move-on.

    Have a look at Jora as well.

    • hasher22 on 26/11/2020 - 00:30

      Agree,

      I am competing with 150+ candidates whereas pre-covid I was prob competing with maybe 30-50? Prob even less. I am just juding from linkedin applications. Plus who knows with seek, indeed, facebook ads….

  • Ryanek on 26/10/2020 - 08:59
    +1

    Just try and keep your spirits up mate. It seems like you've been applying for jobs in a similar field so perhaps it's time to broaden your options? Maybe something out of left field? Try something new.

  • onetwothreefour on 26/10/2020 - 09:14
    +2

    I've seen more than a few people post on LinkedIn about how they have got jobs at Coles/Woolies since leaving their previous roles in different industries. Whilst I guess it's not your ideal job to be stacking shelves but during these times you just have to make do and having any job is better than having no job at all. You can still look for another job while stacking shelves and at least you'll have some money coming in.

    • Wiede on 26/10/2020 - 11:13

      It’s not easy also getting job here and not sure OP has tried or not. My friend mentioned he received 4 times the number of applicants as last year for a job at one of the big chain

    • hasher22 on 26/11/2020 - 00:31

      Funny enough, I applied for woolies nightfill in 3 woolies. I got rejected in all 3

  • Unorthodox on 26/10/2020 - 10:22
    +1

    Feel free to let us know some more details such as your industry, level of experience, what you are aiming for etc.

    I'm sure there are people here who could perhaps give insights into the industry forecast etc

  • feebo on 26/10/2020 - 10:30

    Nice of you to ask about the rest of the jobseekers. I imagine there's a lot of people out there really doing it tough at the moment. I think its a great idea to take up volunteering, to keep yourself feeling useful and give you something else to think about that isn't job-seeking.
    Personally the thing that has kept me sane is routinely speaking with a psychologist, and building a business of my own. I have a lot of time on my hands atm and the idea of pursuing something independently without the need to find an employer is a great motivator for me. Not sure if that's something you're interested in but so far I have loved it.
    Anyway I wish you all the best with it. Just remember you're not alone in this, as much as it might feel that way sometimes.

  • Meho2026 on 26/10/2020 - 10:56
    +1

    When you say you were dismissed from your previous job, do you mean you were made redundant? Dismissed usually means fired. Either way try and avoid using that term.
    It sounds like you are doing all the right things to improve your employment prospects. Things will improve, slowly and the employment horizon will get better, dont give up, keep trying.
    These are tough times for some people in certain industries. A lot of people have never experienced unemployment or an economic recession. Talking to an older generation about your circumstances might help. Theres a generation that have lived through lengthy periods of economic hardship and unemployment. They have stories of coping and survival.

    You need the support of your friends, dont socially isolate yourself. Be honest with your friends, people will surprise you. In times of crisis people pull together and spread kindness.
    Its OK to say you cant afford to go out when you are invited.
    Dont reject people, If your friends want to visit you, give them a warm welcome and a cup of coffee, no one cares that you cant feed them. Decent people dont judge someone on the job they have or the money they earn.
    Your friends want to spend time with you, its your friendship and you as a person that they value.

  • Zachary on 26/10/2020 - 10:57

    Get an apprenticeship in construction or automotive, appears to be areas urgently required in this time of year…..or so I've watched the news that says so on tv…..

    • jellykingdom on 26/10/2020 - 11:17

      Yeah but that's not exactly going to get you out of a financial hole. The pay is horrendous for the first couple years. I mean, better than nothing i suppose

      • Zachary on 06/11/2020 - 02:28

        yeah probably….isnt the pay like $7 an hour or something?

    • Quantumcat on 26/10/2020 - 11:34
      +1

      Getting an apprenticeship as mature age is very difficult. They only want the 17-20 year olds

      • Zachary on 06/11/2020 - 02:27

        because they want hot guys or girls working on cars or in construction areas and not old people?

        • Quantumcat on 06/11/2020 - 10:07

          No, because young people cost less to employ

          • Zachary on 09/11/2020 - 13:31

            @Quantumcat: if they want more people working in the industry, they will pay more for more people, not cheap out and hire youngsters…..

  • isthatallyougot on 26/10/2020 - 11:21

    Whats your line of work btw ? I was out of a job last year for a few months and I know how you feel. If you cant find a role in your line then look the following options

    1) Can your experience be used to bullshit to get another job in a different role.
    2) Look at gig jobs , like amazon flex or coles , woolies
    3) As someone else recommended look at tradie roles . I saw on tv about A380 pilots becoming bus drivers to get them over the covid crisis. If they can do it no reason anyone else cant.

  • screensaver on 26/10/2020 - 11:28
    +1

    There are some booming businesses, food delivery, online shopping delivery, instant grocery was looking for partners

  • Some Guy on 26/10/2020 - 12:28

    At the risk of appearing to toss a christian to the lions, can I suggest a stint up north picking fruit?

    Bit of fresh air and sunshine and forced exercise! You may even meet the love of your life apparently. You'd certainly have some good stories for your friends when you can accept their invitations.

  • [Deactivated] on 26/10/2020 - 12:31

    I have nothing much to say as I am in the same boat as you are.

  • Icecold5000 on 26/10/2020 - 18:48

    I hate being on jobseeker as I was earning good coin now I cut back on so much stuff and changed my spending habits greatly.

    I spent the last 8 years preparing for something like this to happen. Saved up three years living expenses and changed career to health. Halfway through my course already. There is no easy fix for your problem. This recession could last for years and whole industries are being changed. Keep plugging away looking for jobs but it may be worse. You’ll survive though but next time it might pay to keep some money aside for a rainy day.

  • screensaver on 26/10/2020 - 19:38
    -1

    I saw a job today in a shop window at North Sydney. I just looked them up, they have several vacancies all over sydney, would OP like the link?

    • screensaver on 27/10/2020 - 10:54
      -2

      offer withdrawn, my friend looking for job has asked me not to share job offer

  • AhBeng on 09/11/2020 - 11:21

    Hello,
    do you have a car with comprehensive insurance?
    Maybe you can do some courier job. the pay is ok.
    gopeople.com.au, sherpa.net.au, zoom2u.com.au

    • hasher22 on 26/11/2020 - 00:31
      +1

      Thankyou I do have my own car, I will look into these jobs

      • AhBeng on 26/11/2020 - 09:45

        Awesome. Lots of job around CBD area. Please register quickly. it took around 2 weeks to complete registration. Christmas is the busiest time. My pay cut by 40%. That's why I'm looking into these kind of work.
        If you have any more question, just ask.
        Good luck! and stay positive, ok?

  • Darkmime on 25/11/2020 - 13:31
    +1

    Job hunting depression and anxiety has hit me hard to a point of paralysis.

    • hasher22 on 26/11/2020 - 00:32

      It's a full time job and getting rejected every 2nd day isn't helping either.

  • emptypocket on 25/11/2020 - 19:11

    Edit: wrong thread

    • jv on 26/11/2020 - 00:35

      Why did you edit the wrong thread?

  • jv on 26/11/2020 - 00:34
    -2

    Can't find a job after being dismissed in June from Covid.

    That's no good… Hopefully things will start to improve soon as the vaccines are rolled out…

    If you work in the building industry and are male, you will be raking it in, as Dan is throwing BILLIONS to his union mates to keep the builders employed. You know the ones, who all kept their jobs and worked pretty much all the way through most of this year…

    • SlavOz on 01/12/2020 - 17:07

      Someone has to pump your septic tanks or make sure the electricity stays on. Otherwise we go back to the stone age overnight .

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