Forgot how bad job searching was :(

[Shoza]

I don't see how being social is "better" or "productive" its not in my eyes, I want to be left alone.
I'm not admitting defeat in anyway, being social is something I just do not want to deal with, as I said above, I want to be left alone by myself. There is nothing wrong with that, some people just don't want to be around others for one reason or another. I myself find it too stressful to deal with.

Being homeless with nothing and no one isn't pretty. You have support right now but if that went away what would you do? Live on the street?

Sort out the issue because it definitely is one and get on with life and a career - you can change all of that.

 

[Ayahuasca]

Fair enough, but once you've resigned yourself to never being able to "fix" it as it doesn't need fixing, what are you going to do for the rest of your life?

Humans unfortunately are programmed to be social creatures, but I understand in this modern society there's a lot of pressure on trying to be someone you aren't just to please people.

 

[blairw]

So what is your plan employment wise if you don't believe there is anything to be fixed? Infant - what is your plan period?

 

[Nix]

I don't see how being social is "better" or "productive" its not in my eyes, I want to be left alone.
I'm not admitting defeat in anyway, being social is something I just do not want to deal with, as I said above, I want to be left alone by myself. There is nothing wrong with that, some people just don't want to be around others for one reason or another. I myself find it too stressful to deal with.

Where did I even suggest anything is better or not?

It seems clear to me that you're stuck in depressed thought patterns right now and you're in so deep you don't even realise it.

Please, do yourself a huge kindness and get yourself into some talking therapy.

The worst thing that will happen is you can come back here and tell me I was wrong.

 

[Stovepipes]

I've almost given up looking for another job. Because of my lack of experience, qualifications and I suppose passion I can't find many suitable jobs.
When I do see something I think I can do it usually pays way less than I earn right now, which isn't even the national average salary or requires a surprising amount of experience.

I really wish I had a good idea for a business cause I think at this point that the only person who will give me a job is myself.

Its not something that I consider needs or can be fixed. I have no interest or willingness to socialise or talk to people, that's not going to change, its too uncomfortable. I've avoided social gatherings since I was young as much as I could and I refused to work in a group of people / stand up in front to give a presentation during school by choice, I don't want it.

Wow that sounds a lot like me. So many job adverts put me off when they say they need a confident, outgoing sociable type. I used to love my current job before my new boss moved me to another site, back then I'd be lucky to see 5 people a night and I'd see management once every 6 months, now I have to deal with 20+ customers a night and multiple interactions with the whole team cluster.

 

[BennyC]

I know this is probably quite subjective but what is the consensus on Personal Statements and Covering Letters? Particularly when being put forward for positions via an agency?

Previously I had a concise Personal Statement on my CV detailing what I can bring to the business (personal attributes) and what it is I'm looking for career wise. My brother reviewed my CV and stripped it back removing this saying it's often not read and would be better placed in a covering letter.

Infrequently CV's land on my desk and I will read the personal statement to develop an impression of the individual based on their literacy & language skills and how well they articulate themselves before skimming their CV for qualifications and experience.

I will ask the recruiter for their opinion when I speak with them later but would be keen to hear peoples thoughts?

Sorry if this get's asked often!

 

[Nix]

As you can tell, it's completely subjective to the person reviewing the CV.

In my opinion, in such a case, it's better to have and not need than need and not have.

The way I look at it is, a personal summary is just that... a summary.

You spell out how you meet any given criteria in the cover letter.

 

[NickK]

Got an 'interview' tomorrow. Phone interview at 1300.. then 2 hours of separate F2F interviews with four people. Doing prep for the last two days..

 

[Richdog]

Its not something that I consider needs or can be fixed. I have no interest or willingness to socialise or talk to people, that's not going to change, its too uncomfortable. I've avoided social gatherings since I was young as much as I could and I refused to work in a group of people / stand up in front to give a presentation during school by choice, I don't want it.

So many job adverts put me off when they say they need a confident, outgoing sociable type. I used to love my current job before my new boss moved me to another site, back then I'd be lucky to see 5 people a night and I'd see management once every 6 months, now I have to deal with 20+ customers a night and multiple interactions with the whole team cluster.

Well speaking objectively, no-one wants to work with people so socially awkward that it is hard to build any sort of working relationship either with internal staff or clients. You (especially Matsy) have the psychological problems that you need to get beyond, not your employers.

 

[BennyC]

As you can tell, it's completely subjective to the person reviewing it the CV.

In my opinion, in such a case, it's better to have and not need than need and not have.

The way I look at it is, a personal summary is just that... a summary.

You spell out how you meet any given criteria in the cover letter.

Thanks.

As the Recruiter informed me as he will write short summaries for each candidate proposed, a covering letter wasn't needed. So in light of that I added back the Personal Statement my brother had removed. I kept it concise and made sure it had purpose and was informative without being full of typical dross.

Suit acquired should I be fortunate enough to be invited for interview

Lucky position I am in is that I don't need to move but doing so and the potential exposure and experience the new role could give me would be very helpful in furthering my career. Fingers crossed.

 

[R.O.S.S.I]

Wonder if anyone can offer any advice.

Currently in a role but keeping my options open for new roles in the hope of moving somewhere that pays more money and has better prospects.

In my haste at applying for some roles i've applied for one that looked pretty good, however i've just noticed that it didn't mention the salary in the advert at all (I thought it had done but I'd mixed it up with another job i'd been looking at). Now I've been invited to interview however I kind of would like to know what the salary (or range) is for the role as I'd rather not waste their time (and mine) if it is not what i'm looking to achieve.

Is there any way to go about obtaining this before the interview? Or is it looked down on or anything? I've got an email contact at the company who I have been liaising with, do you think a quick email asking what the prospective salary range is for the role is a bad move or not?

 

[Delvis]

All the best Benny.

Regarding salary, I guess it depends if you think the job will be a good stepping stone or not? In which case the interview might be good exposure anyway.

As for me, we're apparently getting a pay review in terms of how much the surrounding area pays others, so if that doesn't come back very positive I'll probably have to think of jumping ship sadly.

 

[R.O.S.S.I]

That's the thing. I'm really not sure what to expect salary-wise. The job description seems very do'able in terms of my skill set and I think I'd be able to evidence examples of meeting it however I don't want to waste my time going through the rigmarole of the interview etc.

My role isn't directly comparable as i'm in a broader marketing and development role with some fundraising and event stuff thrown in the mix, this is a more specific marketing focused role so not sure if that would pay more or less than what i'm on.

I have just had my contract extended at work so there is no particular immediate pressure to get a new job for the time being. I was trying to be proactive and obviously trying to cherry pick a role.

I suppose my question is would you ever contact a company if they'd offered you an interview to ask what the salary range is?

 

[R.O.S.S.I]

Well I jumped the gun and asked anyway.

The response I got was a bit wet.

"We haven't put a range on the advert because we want the right person for the job. Until we've interviewed we aren't sure what this will look like. Hope this helps."

 

[Delvis]

HAH.

Helpful.

 

[BennyC]

Well I jumped the gun and asked anyway.

The response I got was a bit wet.

"We haven't put a range on the advert because we want the right person for the job. Until we've interviewed we aren't sure what this will look like. Hope this helps."

I know exactly where you're coming from. The job/interview I'm hoping to be asked to attend doesn't show a salary on the company website just the usual 'competitive' but having been put forward through a recruiter I know it inline with my requirements/expectations and not a waste of time.

Two ways to approach this are to:

a) ask, as you have done. I would expect if they're willing to disclose it will say 'available upon request' or something similar.

b) put your expectation on your CV, this isn't something I've done or considered doing so don't know how it would be received. When I've had CV's come in from recruiters they usually include this so you know if they're affordable or not and saves both parties wasting time. If they bring you in and then offer below what you're asking you can 'u wot m8' look them before you leave...

If there are salary surveys for your profession then you can hope they're at least offering market rate. If their budget allows and you do a good job of convincing them of your value then you should get what you ask for.

 

[NickK]

Well that was a intense day. 5 interviews back to back with different people, additionally the company form earlier in the week came back - 2nd interview for next week with the CEO..

And the work in applications continues.. but this saturday is going to be a lazy day.. probably prep for a fishing trip

 

[Stovepipes]

Well speaking objectively, no-one wants to work with people so socially awkward that it is hard to build any sort of working relationship either with internal staff or clients. You (especially Matsy) have the psychological problems that you need to get beyond, not your employers.

True I'm not great with large groups but I'm OK with people I just don't enjoy constantly meeting new ones or faking enthusiasm about doing so.

 

[bakes0310]

Just applied for a Business Development Apprentice on the basis that the company sounds really exciting and interesting. But I am 30 years old with my only experience is in warehouse and care homes.
I think I have an equal chance as anyone else applying to get an interview as its an apprenticeship, so I'm not worried about that. Its what happens if I do get it and end up being terrible at it and not have the confidence to do certain tasks.
Like I said its completely alien to me, but the impression I get is that I will be supported. I don't know if I should link it but ill copy and paste some stuff:

Apprenticeship level: Intermediate Level Apprenticeship

You will be responsible for assisting the Managing Director in growing the business. The role is varied, and would include liaising with Customers & Suppliers, a small amount of Data Entry (Invoices), Market Research and some PA duties.

Although dealing with the “paperwork” will form the majority of your role with us. It doesn’t take up more than 10% of your working week as we don’t have hundreds of supplier and customer invoices to put on to the system. This means you will have the chance to help develop the business further through Market Research – this could also involve finding Trade Shows to attend and organising our stand.
organising the Directors Diary and making sure the Software Development Schedule is kept up to date.
we also run a small Amazon Store – the management of which could be passed over to you once you are familiar with the systems behind it and confident in dealing with our Suppliers and Customers.
As the business grows, you can expand in to other areas of the business, or focus on particular areas as more staff are taken on.
Full training will be provided so you will not be expected to do everything from day 1.
Personal qualities: Be able to work on their own initiative (once they are confident), work as part of a very small team.
Qualifications required: GCSEs in English Language and ideally in Mathematics or equivalents.
Qualifications I will gain.
Level 2 Diploma in Business Administration
Functional Skills in Numeracy, Communication and ICT
ERR (Employment Rights and Responsibilities)
PLTS (Personal Learning and Thinking Skills)

 

[FortuitousFluke]

Snip

Looks like an interesting role, and it sounds like they intend to ease you in to the position over a period of time. Most Business Development roles involve an element of sales which can be daunting, but their approach sounds supportive. It's also a growing discipline which can offer a lot in the way of advancement, and also the ability to jump to other areas like project management, procurement etc.

Best of luck!

I've just applied for two roles recommended to me by my future brother in law, they seem quite interesting and I'm told the package should be generous, just getting the traditional jitters now I've started actually applying. Must focus on my reasons for leaving and not worry about the uncertainty.