So I have now reached two months unemployed (three months not working).
It isn’t so much fun any more.
Generally speaking I remain confident, and positive about the situation – but I do have a few temporary moments of despair, but they are very short-lived, never for more than a day…I just have to keep plugging away!
The worst thing about it is the amount of time I spend by myself, inside the same walls, driving myself a little crazy sometimes – but I do set myself plenty of tasks to keep me occupied and I have a good, sensible routine now – waking up after 10am is very rare now.
My job hunting statistics so far read 57 applications (mostly serious, the odd silly one – I decided against applying for the Nuclear Power Plant Engineer) and 2 interviews.
The first interview was a total waste of time as she had clearly already worked out who to employ.
The second interview was much better, I thought I did well but always realised that I was very experienced for the role I was applying for, and I assume it went against me as I did not get invited back for a second interview.
More possibly in the pipeline, awaiting confirmation, and two more agencies to see this week.
A couple of my good friends have made some good suggestions to me too which are very appreciated – if anyone else has any suggestions please let me know.
Oh, and today I had the job centre experience. I wasn’t the only beautiful looking person there either. Clearly I have competition.
I definitely want a job now, I really am bored of being unemployed. It will happen.
Not sure if your doing this James, but when I apply for jobs I always tailor my CV towards that specific role. Its lovely having a wealth of experience in different area's(web development for me) but identifying what they are looking for an offering it up on a plate(without fibbing (too much)) goes a long way. This is from my personal experience on both sides of the interview table.
That coupled with down/up playing your skills as well can also go a long way. "The second interview was much better, I thought I did well but always realised that I was very experienced for the role I was applying for, and I assume it went against me as I did not get invited back for a second interview." – I know i've missed out on a role in the past because I was too experienced. At the time I just wanted the job and intended to give them at least a couple of years but they thought i'd be bored after a couple of months…
I have a collection of different covering letters, but I do like your suggestion of different CVs, so I might try some others depending on the role.
Hope all is well.