WHAT I'VE LEARNT WHILE JOB HUNTING

Today's post is 10 things I've job hunting over the years yes it's been a LONG time!

1.You won't always get replies from employers.

2.Job interviews are difficult and they ask pointless questions.

3.You get used to rejections.

4.You will get sick of hearing something will come along soon.

5.No one listens!

6.You will see the same jobs advertised even after you've applied millions of times.

7.When jobs say you need experience but you can't get any because no one will employ you.

8. Everyone has different ways of doing CVS.

9. You get fed up with hearing other people get jobs so easily.

10. You very rarely get any feedback from interviews so you have no way of knowing how to improve.

Thanks for reading.

JOB HUNTING IN 2025

It's been a while since I've written a blog post so I thought I'd write one about job hunting in 2025 and how things are going. I don't really read blogs anymore so I don't expect this to get many views even if it gets a couple that will be okay. One thing I'll say is it's 2025 and I can't even get a job, you'd think things would've changed by now but no.

My last paid job was 2024 which was only 4 weeks and there was no job after it which was very annoying! but now that shop has closed and is becoming another supermarket but I still didn't get a job there either. Job hunting is hard, disheartening, frustrating and tedious I apply for what I can, which is most of the time the same jobs/companies because they still advertise even after I've applied so I go round in circles. I do sometimes apply for other jobs but I know I won't be considered because I have no experience but I don't know what else to apply for. Some people have pointed out that I probably haven't got a job because I haven't had a permanent one which isn't even my fault when all I've had are either Xmas jobs or one that was only 4 weeks. That's such a stupid reason not to employ me.

I don't understand why I haven't got a job, I have all the skills, I'm capable and I want to work! I have a learning disability which shouldn't be a issue but sometimes it feels like it is. I've tried so hard over the years if I hadn't of had the job in 2024 my last paid job was 2017! yes that long ago it's ridiculous. I  really do try my best so there's not much else I can do other than keep plodding on and hope something comes along soon.

At times it gets me down but I try to be positive and keep busy with things such as my volunteering and my other group I attend. I don't know what more I can do? it's 2025 and I can't even a job which is ridiculous! I don't get how people can just get a job just like that. When I was on jobseekers I always got picked on for everything, they didn't help me, they don't help people with disabilities and I had awful work coaches it was horrible and I hate that I STILL have to go to the jobcentre or as I call it the place of doom. I first went when I left school or college one of them and I am still going there now and I absolutely hate it.

People keep saying something will come along and that gets annoying! (sorry if you're one of them!) I get what you mean but after a while it gets tedious. The job market right now is pants! it's changed so much over the years most retail places are closed or are closing or they have self checkouts so don't need as many people. I've been on many courses which at the time it was something to do! and I did learn more skills and knowledge but they haven't got me job. Over the years with the previous help I've had they never really knew what to do or suggest so the appointments were always the same.

Anyway that's all for now

Thanks for reading.

MY TOP TEN INTERVIEW TIPS 2024

Today's post is my top ten interview tips. If you're unemployed or looking for a new job then this is for you.

1.Be prepared get your outfit ready, make notes and plan your journey if needed.

2.Research the company by looking on their website and making notes on the important facts.

3.Ask questions at the end, such as what do you like about working here? or ask about any training or if there's any chance to progress or how many people work here?

4.Be on time, if you're too early find somewhere to sit to go over your notes.

5. Look presentable and wear an appropriate outfit get this ready the night before and make sure it's clean.

6.Ask for feedback so you know where you can improve.

7.Say good morning/afternoon and smile.

8.Take a notebook to make notes.

9.Practice before hand.

10.Do your absolute best!

Thanks for reading.

7 JOB HUNTING TIPS 2024

Today's post is my 7 job hunting tips.

1.Look as much as you can but take breaks when things become tedious and you feel burnout.

2.Make sure your CV is up to date and there's no spelling mistakes/errors.

3.Don't take rejections to heart, I know it's hard and disheartening but just think it's their loss and you'll find something else.

4.Look on all sites such as indeed, reed, CV library, find a job and Google is sometimes good.

5.Don't give up even though it feels like it's never going to happen but we're allowed down days so ride it out and get back to your positive self by listening to music, watch a series or get outside.

6.Take new opportunities that come your way you never know where they might lead.

7. Keep your CV to 2 pages because if it's more then the employer won't read it.

Thanks for reading.

JOB HUNTING UPDATE

Today's post is a job hunting update.

Volunteering

I have started volunteering again in a charity shop which is going well, I am meeting people, getting out for a little while and finding bargains! haha. I know I said I didn't want to volunteer again but as I'm nowhere nearer to getting a paid job I decided to start. 

Job Hunting

This is just tedious but I keep plodding on! I mean it is ridiculous though all I do is apply for the the same places and get absolutely nowhere so what is the point? no one knows what to do or suggest because there isn't anything I've been on endless courses and had support from various places but nothing has happened. I do think people forget I can't drive and suggest unsuitable jobs I can't get to and also people don't listen! I am trying my best but there's only so much I can do before things just become tedious. It's always the same places advertising so does that mean they have a high staff turnover or people just leave? I have no idea what to do anymore I am trying but it feels like a waste of time because I get nowhere. Its funny how it's so easy to get a volunteer role, yet when it comes to paid jobs it's such a kerfuffle you have to through so many hurdles and obstacles and you still get nowhere.

Thanks for reading.

FINDING A JOB WHEN YOU HAVE A LEARNING DISABILITY

There are many challenges when it comes to job hunting the searching,the applying and going to interviews all these things are difficult and take time and it's even harder for people like me who have a learning disability. I have Fragile X Syndrome which is a genetic condition this affects me with making eye contact even though I am listening, meeting new people, being in busy places and being anxious.

I volunteered at a charity shop for 9 years which helped me gain confidence,come out my shell and I become less shy I loved it and met some great people who I do still see now and then.When the pandemic hit I gave it up because all the good people left and I didn't like it as much.

Sometimes I say no to things and I know that I am allowed to but sometimes I feel under pressure to take up things even if they're not for me.I am trying my best to find paid employment but sometimes I feel like people don't listen to me and suggest unsuitable jobs which makes me feel like they don't think I'm trying even though I am. I've been trying for so long and it's tedious and draining but I keep positive and plodding on.

I just want a job I can get to specifically where I live but if not then on a bus route with suitable hours in the DAY. I'm trying to make things easy for myself but it sometimes feels like people are making things difficult and it's not helping. My first job was a Christmas one which was working in a supermarket it was alright but no one really spoke to me and I was glad when it was over. My next job was another Christmas one in Chelmsford which wasn't ideal at all but at the time it was a job and experience but again no one spoke to me. The job after that wasn't as far but I didn't really like it after I had an issue no one helped me with. All the paid jobs I've had haven't got me a job now which I don't understand? I sometimes feel like I'm being discriminated.

When I go to interviews I always feel judged and under pressure to be outgoing and really confident and while I have some confidence I am not very outgoing. I am more than capable of working with the right support and guidance. These days interviews are so difficult and nerve racking I wish they weren't a thing because they don't mean anything purely based on answering questions that are hard. I think they should give a paid trail and see how people work. Anyone who has learning disabilities deserves to work and have a supportive employer and colleagues.

Thanks for reading.

 

UNEMPLOYMENT CHAT

I wrote a blog post about job hunting after covid in June 2020 and I thought I would write an update on how things are now.

It's still just as difficult to find employment now since the pandemic hit in 2020 a lot of shops are closing and a lot of jobs are unsuitable hours so I can't get there. I feel frustrated because I've been unemployed since 2017 which is obviously a long time and not what I had in mind I don't understand why I haven't found employment? I have lots of skills and experience but these companies seem to want more which is stupid. I honestly just give up because I'm getting nowhere I've had the odd interview but I'm always unsuccessful or I hear nothing at all.

I'm now on reed restart a program to help me which is going okay I've done a interview skills session and I'm going to get help with job search. I've been on a lot of programs some more helpful than others and some I didn't like. I'm applying for what I can but as I rely on buses it makes it difficult to get to places ideally I'd like a job in Halstead but that's unlikely because there isn't much here & a lot of shops are closing. I feel overwhelmed with it all and I really don't know what more I can do? I can't be bothered anymore I'm obviously not meant to get a job because it shouldn't take this long.

I'm fed up of hearing something will come along soon which it obviously isn't as it's been 5 years and I'm clearly not going to get a job I don't think people know what to say so they just say that. Sometimes it feels like people don't believe I'll get a job. When I have interviews I always think I've done well but then I'm unsuccessful which is stupid because all the jobs I apply for are easy and I don't understand why they make them sound so difficult? I have all the skills and experience yet they don't give me a job. I don't think I'm going wrong anywhere I think it's the companies who won't give me a chance I know there are others who apply too but I've been trying for 5 years and I'm still getting nowhere.

Thanks for reading.

JOB HUNTING CHAT

It has been a while since I've posted a job hunting update so I thought I'd write one today with a update on how things are going or not going should I say.

I really don't think there's going to be a day I don't write an job hunting update because it just feels like there's no hope of getting a job. I have no idea what to do, I keep looking but most jobs I find you either need a car or the hours are unsuitable. I was meant to start another programme to help but every time I had a phone call something went wrong (their fault not mine). The first one was they supposedly thought the appointment was the day before and the 2nd time was they were clearly ringing the wrong number because my phone didn't ring, I had no missed calls and I had it with me. I don't really want to go on another one but if it keeps the jobcentre off my case then I guess that's something. I didn't think I'd be unemployed this long my last job was 2017 and I thought I'd get one soon after but nope. It sometimes gets me down but I am trying so there's not much else I can do. All I want is to make things simple with a job I can walk to and have day time hours but it's so difficult now since the pandemic/covid as many business haven't survived. I wish I wasn't on universal credit this long I don't like it but I know I've got to live on something but I want to earn my own money. 

Anyway I just wanted to let things out and I'll be back soon with some more content.

Thanks for reading.

JOB HUNTING UPDATE

I thought I would write a job hunting update post as it's been a while since I've posted one so here's a update on what's been happening etc.

I'm still unemployed and struggling a lot with finding employment I have no idea what to do, where to look and what to apply for. I know Covid and the pandemic hasn't helped with employment but my last job was 2017 and I thought I would've got a job soon after that, but I didn't even though I was always applying for jobs and getting interviews but nothing ever came of them. I haven't had an interview in a long time now and I haven't really applied for much either because I am stuck at what kind of job I want and I have no idea what do. 

Things are also difficult because I have Fragile X Syndrome a learning disability as not many people have heard of it and don't understand it and I don't feel like I have enough help and support. It does seem that some people with a disability get employment which is great but why can't I get a job? all I want is a chance. Most jobs I used to apply for had unsuitable hours so they weren't ideal and most of the time I never heard back and then the next week they'd be advertising again make it make sense! or I had an interview and still didn't hear back I honestly don't understand why they can't reply it's just so rude and unprofessional we all have to start somewhere.

I was getting help from shaw trust but that didn't work out and I am meant to be getting help from another programme but I've not heard anything so I'm not sure what's happening. I've been on so many of these programmes and courses over the years and I am fed up with them now. All I want is a paid job, yet no one will employ me I know I'm not in the only one but I really am trying my best. I do feel under pressure and I am finding it all over whelming and I worry that the jobcentre will be on my case again which I don't want. 

Thanks for reading.

JOB HUNTING AFTER COVID 19

Hello! how are you? today's post is all about what I think job hunting will be like after Covid 19.

Job hunting was hard before all this Coronavirus started and when it's over it's going to be even harder because many shops/business's won't survive this. As sad as it sounds things are going to be different when this ends and I'm not sure how finding a job is going to go but all I know is it will be a struggle.

I've read about companies that have gone into administration and I think they'll be more which isn't good at all. I think the high street will have many empty shops soon and there won't be any jobs for anyone. It's going to a tough time for everyone and I'm not sure if I will get a job?

I've been reading about the unemployment rates going up so high now and the amount of new people who have claimed jobseekers allowance and universal credit has gone up. It's going to be tough for a lot of people including me. I've got to be positive and not let it get me down because there's not much I can do because there's so many people who have lost their jobs due to this virus or have been furloughed.

I don't even know if where I volunteer will open again because charities rely on donations and without them they might not survive. This lockdown has been going on for a while now and it could be longer who knows! I don't think things will open yet but even if they do I don't want to go! everyone will be at these places so it will be chaos.

Do you have job? are you furloughed? or were unemployed when this started? let me know! I'd love to chat.

Thanks for reading.

JOB UPDATE

I thought I'd share what's been going on with job hunting and how its going or not going! haha. Anyway I've been unemployed since Christmas last year when my job ended (well I actually wanted to leave!) it wasn't the best job but at the time it was some money but I was glad when I left. Ever since then I've not really had any help with finding a job as I did with my last one I had help from Shaw trust but I never heard from them again. This time seems a bit more slower and I haven't really had support from anyone.

It is hard to find a job with and without support but I still think it would be helpful. I don't know what I want to do which does sometimes bug me because I feel like I need to have it all figured out. The jobcentre are somewhat useless because they don't know what to do with everyone (it's very obvious) my advisor isn't much help and even suggested I volunteer even though I've been doing that for the past 7 years! see they are useless!

I have thought about turning my blog into a job but everyone is doing that and I'm not sure if I would actually want to do that full time. I think I'd get bored and would probably rather get up and go somewhere and to meet new people. It is hard to know what job to I want to I have struggled since school with finding a job and I've never had a permanent one. It's not easy at all trying to find employment because a lot of people apply for the same role, you need a ridiculous amount of experience and you have to be outgoing and confident.

My jobcentre advisor also suggested doing a college course which I agreed to but then she goes and suggests something else. It was a called building better opportunities which sounded better but I can't do that because I've not been unemployed for a year (stupid rule that is). I try to do new things and take opportunities when I get them but when you agree to do something it doesn't work out. I'm just going around in a viscous circle and not really getting anywhere.

Anyway that's all for this post and hopefully I'll be back soon with a more positive update.

Thanks for reading.

JOB INTERVIEWS

Job interviews are so hard these days so I thought I would share my experiences and general thoughts.

The thing with job interviews is that you have to be this confident, outgoing person which I'm not and it's all for a job in a shop (or whatever job you're going for) on minimum wage. Why should we change ourselves just for a job we probably don't really want but need the money?

I do find it harder because I have Fragile X Syndrome which is a learning disability where I find things such as answering questions difficult. I can come across as shy/quiet, but I still think it's unfair to not be considered for a job based on personality.

I can't be someone else that's not me anyone else feel like that? job hunting has changed a lot of to be honest it seems a lot more difficult to even get a job these days because you need at least 10 years experiences, a car, a degree lol etc.

I've never had a permanent job in my whole 27 years :O yes, I know I'm shocked to! I've only had Xmas jobs or temp ones which I hate both. They're not fair you get all the crappy hours and days and then when it's over they get rid of you.

Interviews have never been my strong point and I just hate going to them because they ask such hard questions, and I don't know how to answer. I can do the job, but I think it's how I come across but like I said I'm not changing myself. I know I'm not the most confident person in the world and I have gained some, but I still find things hard. I do think it's unfair these days with applying for jobs.

I had an interview on Wednesday and I got so stuck on most of the questions, and I just know I won't get it, he kept going on about one question about fitting rooms with how you would do that, and I really didn't know the answers. It was hard and I hate interviews, I know it's experience, but I still struggle. Even if I didn't have Fragile X syndrome I'd probably still struggle.

Thanks for reading.

5 WAYS TO KEEP BUSY WHEN YOU'RE UNEMPLOYED

If you're like me and currently unemployed then you'll know how hard it is to keep busy and find things to do. I do have my blog which I started in 2014 to write posts etc. I also volunteer 2 days a week in a charity shop but sometimes I get bored.

Lists
1.Write a to do list for the day and put the most important things at the top and then work your way down. You could put things like clean kitchen, write a blog post or go food shopping. You don't have to complete the whole list in one day.

Hobbies
2.Find some new hobbies-such as drawing, baking or start a blog/YouTube channel if you haven't already! (I keep saying I'm going to make videos but I'm too much of a woss)

Get Organised
3.I love organising so this is right up my street! organise your clothes/makeup/shoes and donate what you don't want to charity.(btw only donate unused makeup/if it's still in its packaging) Also put on your favourite songs/playlist and you'll feel more motivated to get things done.

Get Outside
4.Go for a walk/run/any form of exercise you enjoy. It's good to get outside sometimes for some fresh air you'll feel loads better and have more motivation. You could take a camera or use your phone to take some photos.

Watch Documentaries
5.I'm into crime/prison/murder documentaries there's a lot of shows on Netflix/YouTube but if they're not your thing then there's many other films/documentaries to watch. I also like TV series such as the Big Bang Theory, Charmed and Sabrina the teenage witch.

Thanks for reading.

10 INTERVIEW TIPS

I hope this helps you and be sure to share it to help others who might need some tips.I know how hard going to interviews is and I thought it would be a good idea to share some tips.

1. Research the company before the interview this looks good and it also shows you're interested in working there.

2. Get organised get your outfit ready washed/ironed etc, notes, bus/train times if you don't drive leave in plenty of time to catch the bus/train, again if you drive leave in plenty of time.

3.Look at them in eye when you're talking which is easier said than done for me as I have Fragile X but I try my best.

4. Eat breakfast/lunch depending on the time of your interview.

5. Make notes on the company and also write down questions you want to ask the interviewer such as why do you like working here? or is there any training?

6.Don't be late this doesn't look good at all and gives a bad impression. Set your alarm and don't hit snooze!

7.Shower/bath in the morning or the night before.

8. Look presentable.

9.Be polite,say hello/good morning/afternoon/thank them for inviting you.

10.Ask for feedback if you are unsuccessful it's good to know where you went wrong so you can improve.

Good luck and don't give up.

Thanks for reading.

NEW JOB WEEK 2

Monday 16th January 2017-
Today was a better day I made a few phone calls but hardly had any answers but I'm getting there slowly! hope I can speak to more people tomorrow and I'll get my words out properly.

Tuesday 17th January 2017-
Today seemed to go slow I was ringing people but had no luck with answers. I still feel like I'm struggling but I guess I need to give it time and stop doubting myself.

Wednesday 18th January 2017-
Today went well I was on my own and I managed to make a few calls and speak to 2 people. I also updated Facebook and twitter with recent news stories. I then did some filing.

Thursday 19th January 2017-
Today was just shit :( I made a few calls but I'm still learning things about the job. I've just gotta give it time and I'll get the hang of it soon.

Friday 20th January 2017-
Today went okay I made a few calls and managed to get 2 leads which is something but I'm still learning! though I'm sure I'll get the hang of things soon.

Thanks for reading.

NEW JOB WEEK ONE

I thought I would document my first week of my new job as a marketing assistant. I hope you like this let me know if I should carry on the whole time I'm there tweet me @ sarahbobbeal or leave a comment.

Monday 9th January 2017- My first day at work! it went okay though I did get a bit upset think it was nerves.I'm unsure if it's suitable or not so just going to get this week out the way and see what happens. I was on the phones but didn't speak to anyone which is frustrating but hopefully tomorrow will be better. The only thing is the hours are quite short as they're split in two so if I'd have to come back if I did the evening shift it's not very practical but I am looking for other work as well with longer hours.

Tuesday 10th January 2017- day 2 done! it went better than yesterday I did a bit of phoning and the rest was looking on news articles for the companies Facebook page. I also got to know the other new girl more which was nice.

Wednesday 11th January 2017- Today didn't go very well I got upset with things and felt like giving up but I'm not because I know I can do it and I'll pick things up eventually.

Thursday 12th January 2017- I felt better today which is good! they found out about my blog and I'm currently in charge of the social media sites. I think that will be better for me for now but I know I've got to get over my fear and nerves of calling people.

Friday 13th January 2017- I made it through the first week! go me it's been okay but not the best start which is normal as it's new. I hope next week is better and I can work on my phone skills.

I hope you liked this post.

Thanks for reading.

CV TIPS AND ADVICE

As I now have a job I thought I'd share my tips and advice on what to put on your CV if you're struggling. I hope they help if you have any questions then leave them in the comments or tweet me at sarahbobbeal.

1. Keep It To Two Pages Max.
This is vital because no potential employer is going to spend hours reading your CV so keep it to 2 pages otherwise they'll throw it away.

2.Put A Personal Profile About Yourself At The Top.
This is the first thing the employee will see so sell your self! use words like keen,eager,quick learner and committed. If they see words like this they're more likely to consider you for an interview which is what you want.

3.Your Key Skills.
Similar to above but more in depth so write what skills you have from other jobs or if you've not had one take up volunteering in a charity shop to gain experience and also if you sign on at the jobcentre they will like that. Put things such as excellent customer service, quick learner, punctual and reliable etc you get the idea!

4.Put The Most Recent Things You've Done First.
When you write your employment history or school/college years put the ones which are most recent first then go from there.

5.Hobbies and Interests (keep it simple)
Write things like you enjoy going to the cinema, seeing friends, going to the gym etc. You don't need to put much in this section it's just an rough idea for the employer.

6.Contact Details.
Put your name,a suitable email address and phone numbers both home and mobile on the right hand side.

7.Use A Computer.
It's important that your CV looks smart and tidy so it's best to type it on a computer. If you don't have one then use the library or ask the jobcentre though that's a last resort. Use a clear, readable font and most important SPELL CHECK! there's nothing worse than sending your CV to an employer with spelling mistakes.

8.References.
8.Put these (maximum 2) at the bottom these can be school teachers or college tutors and past employers.

9.Keep Your CV Updated.
Remember to update your CV regularly even if you get a temp job put it on there. If you do volunteering that needs to go on too.

10.Stay Positive!
No matter how hard things get keep going and never give up. You will get a job it took me so long and I can't quite believe it's happened. Believe in yourself don't let anyone bring you down and stay positive.

Thanks for reading.

I'VE GOT A JOB!!!!

I've been sooo keen to write this post and now I finally can! ahhhh I have a job and am SO excited and happy! can you tell?!? It's been a long time coming but I'm finally getting somewhere and I can't tell you how good that feels. It's a marketing assistant at a wills and probate company not something I would normally go for but I'm so proud I got the job it's the best news ever! :D

I started applying for job roles I wouldn't normally go for and when I saw this role it said no experience required so I thought why not and then I got a call the next day! and invited to an interview. I was worried about because it was a group interview not my fave but it turned out to be just me and another girl and the interviewer so it went better than I thought. I can't quite believe I've got a job and a chance it's really happening and it's the best thing to start 2017 with which I didn't think I would but here we are.

There's so many people I want to thank for believing me my family, my volunteering friends,the people from the Fragile X group,my work choice advisor and I guess I should put my jobcentre advisor. I'm so glad I had all these people for support,the times I wanted to give up,the times my interviews didn't go well and all the times I got a no or didn't hear back at all. I've finally got there and I'm so proud of myself that I've got myself a job.

Thanks for reading.

MY TOP 6 JOB HUNTING TIPS

INTERVIEWS ARE SO HARD THESE DAYS

These days interviews are so hard for such simple jobs it seems so ridiculous and I don't get it? I can do these jobs even a monkey could do it but they make them seem so complicated. The questions are also stupid they seem to make them just as complicated so I get stuck answering them =/

When you apply for a job they have a long description etc and it's just stupid why do jobs have to be like that? it's not hard to use a till,talk to customers,put stock out etc so why won't someone employ me?. Jobs these days want you to have 10 or more years experience and that's so impossible when no one will give me a chance EVERYONE HAS TO START SOMEWHERE.

Everyone has to start somewhere so what makes me any different? I know I'm not the most outgoing person or the most confident but I'm still me and I can still do things.Having Fragile X makes things harder for me but I'm still capable of doing a job even if it takes me a while to pick it up.

I really do try my best at finding a job and it hasn't been easy at all but I am remaining positive about it and hoping something comes along. All I want is a chance and some luck because I really do deserve that. I want to work and achieve something and be successful in life. I do think I must be doing something right if I can get interviews so my CV must be good but then I either hear nothing or get a no in fact I heard nothing back from my last 2 interviews rude much.

I do have a lot of support around me which I am grateful for my parents,my volunteering friends,the people from the Fragile X Facebook page,my work choice advisor and I guess my jobcentre advisor though I don't think she's that helpful they never are in there. I think she gets it in the ear to get me a job but I can't do anymore than what I'm already doing I'm trying my damn hardest here if someone gave me chance that would be great.

Thanks for reading.

I hope to be back with good news soon (I say that a lot)

PS SOMEONE EMPLOY ME.