Trying to find a job

**mark&rachel** · 25-01-2011, 10:47 PM

Morning to all, i'm not happy, how hard is it getting a job. I have applied for jobs and no one ever gets back to you, not even we have received your application and will get back to you, not a dicky bird. Have applied for jobs using the SEEK website, they send you a generated e mail saying job application confirmation, but again don't hear anything, i don't even know if my application has been passed on. Has anyone else used SEEK, i feel like i'm wasting my time. I have even done cold calling, dropping in my resume and again, nothing. I really want to work in a coffee shop or a cafe, and would love to become a barista, i have even done a 1 day barista course. I was a police officer in London and have bags of customer and people skills. So what's the problem. I just don't understand, it seems like people are put off by me, just by my resume, it's not a bad resume and i have got all the skills neccessary to get into 'hospitality'. I'm really frustrated. I put a post on Gumtree, and to my surprise someone contacted me saying we need staff in our cafe, we will provide training, contact me if you are interested, so i did via gumtree and it seemed promising, but then i e mailed my resume and nothing, then i see an advert on gumtree form the same cafe wanting reliable and hardworking staff, what a kick in the teeth. So i e- mailed back asking for feedback and guess what, you could hear a pin drop. Even the big arches don't want me....Does anyone have any ideas how i can get the job i want to do or have the same problem in getting a job. I can't see any light at the end of the tunnel.

**kerfumph** · 25-01-2011, 10:53 PM

Same problem as Mrs K. You're too old, all the places like that want school leavers so the don't have to pay the full adult minimum wage rate.

**mark&rachel** · 25-01-2011, 11:02 PM

Yes that has crossed my mind, but i see people that are at least 40+ working in macca's, surely maturity is an advantage.

**tooeasy** · 25-01-2011, 11:09 PM

as kerfumph said a lot of these places want school kids my son was looking for a job and the foodland by us said he was too old and he is 18 lol he works at maccas now till he starts his apprenticeship and 90% of the staff are school kids so they dont have to pay them much and most of them are casual i know coles are always looking for staff just depends on what you want to do and wages aren't too bad either

**clare** · 25-01-2011, 11:11 PM

yes im the same tried loads of places and they dont even acknowledge the fact the got ur resume. Im thinking im un-employable. I find it so annoying especially when i go somewhere (not gona name anything - dont need the stress) and recieve rubbish service, knowing i cud better its crazy an im really fed up with it.
Its got to the stage now when i try 4 somthing i dont expect to hear anyything back, thats not a good way to be but im so disheartened by it,

I think its an "age" thing too, a lot just want kids
the thought of being un -employed at 27 is killing me

Good luck with your search and i hope you get somthing soon

**mark&rachel** · 25-01-2011, 11:19 PM

I feel the same Claire, i will keep applying, not expecting anything back, it's the fact that there is no acknowledgement, don't even want to meet you.

**Kris** · 25-01-2011, 11:42 PM

There are a lot of places that employ just the young ones for cost saving purposes but you do see a lot of people who are in the 30 and over age group who are working at Deli's etc. In the city you see a lot of "shift workers" working between the busy lunch time period of 11.00am to 2.00pm and most of those people are in the mature age group. Most people who work in the Central Market are well into their 40s and 50s (I know that is far out from where you live). Get someone to check your resume it may be that people also think you are over qualified for the job.

**wizzywozza** · 26-01-2011, 12:38 AM

My daughter is a barista in a coffee shop on North Terrace. (Bean Bar opposite the station ........ GREAT coffee!!!) She's worked at 6 or 7 different places over the last 8 years and it's generally all casual work. Most of the coffee shops are franchises and often employ family members to cover the odd shifts. Quite often my daughter is called in at very short notice, and has 6am starts to catch the business rush. The nature of the business also means that you can get sent home if business is slow, and being casual that means less pay. It helps to have some short order meal prep, or sandwich/wrap/rolls training as most places also serve light snacks. You just have to keep plugging away to get a job. Don't let age worry you, the coffee shops employ all ages, school kids are not available for work during the busiest times!!

I'll ask my daughter if she knows of anything going so you can get your foot in the door, but you might have to be prepared to travel to the city to do it.

Good luck

Sharon

**mark&rachel** · 26-01-2011, 01:56 AM

Thanks for your post Sharon, all i want is casual work, i would even travel to the city, just want someone to give me a chance, i know i can do a great job that's why it's frustrating, have good day.

**Dawn** · 26-01-2011, 02:42 AM

Try temping - using some of the many agencies. Hays, Challenge Recruitment, Careerlink, Randstad are some I would suggest. Be prepared to take typing & computer use tests - I've even had a spelling test at one !! Good luck