[Owennmoore]

Long post below, if you can't be bothered to read, here's it in short: Where can i look for a job? I have no qualifications that stand out, and hardly any previous experience. Job agencies don't seem to be much help!

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Long post:

Well, hi, i'm new here (obviously)

Anyway, i found the forum after reading the job page on Cambridge Gumtree, and thought i could get some tips from here.

Before i start, i don't want people to give me sarcastic comments, be abusive, or anything like that, as i saw it in another thread (Although they brought it on themselves, i'm trying to be straight!)

I'm 19 years old, unemployed, claiming benefits (I took a phone contract out when i was working, after losing my job, i had to use JSA to pay it off)

I don't have amazing qualifications, I have the standard A-C grades in English, Maths and Science, and i got an F in ICT. (Although i am fully capable, and know a lot more about all aspects of ICT than the average person does, i never handed coursework in on time, resulting in the grade)

My problem is, i can't find a job! I'm sure that does sound pretty cliché, but it's true! Due to my grades, i can't find any work that i am truly interested in. I am fully capable, but employers these days judge you on what you have done, not what you can do.

I am also very short of money (although i'm saving) and can't get any decent courses, due to funds. I was looking to go to uni and do an MCSE/A, but i wasn't happy on paying the £5k fees!

Anyway, to the point...

Can anyone recommend me some decent places to look for work? I have had a look at the agencies, but they all seem to be looking for fully qualified people with years of experience. I would work for low pay, just to get some cash in my pocket, but the problem is, i don't know where to look!

I would love to work in a sports clothing shop, a record shop, computer store, or even better, an actual computer based job (Maybe some sort of IT technician)

Could anyone please swing me some tips? It would be greatly appreciated!

[Fay_S]

Be proactive!

My cv advice from another thread but lots of it is relevant here too:

There are loads of jobs advertised online that ask for email applications. I've found that the easiest way.
If they ask you to either post or email a CV, I always email 'cos it's free and quick and 9 times out of 10 the recipient spends their whole day in front of a computer anyway.
You should look at re-vamping your CV. I've got mine in .doc and pdf formats. using pdf makes you look as if you're more computer literate and taken more time and effort.
Always get straight in with the personal statement too. Mine is under my address/contact details before the quals and employment history. That's how you can really make an impact on employers before they even see what bits of paper you have.
Have different CVs for different jobs too. Even if you're not qualified or experienced, you can put more emphasis on stuff that's relevant to the job.
Instead of looking at job vacancies, look at companies you'd like to work for. Include a covering letter that explains you know they might not have vacancies right now but you're keen to work for them and hope they will keep your CV on file for future reference.
I wouldn't bother paying to advertise when there's so much free stuff available. The trick is to make yourself stand out of the crowd.

Many schools, colleges and universities take on IT apprentices - ask at the Jobcentre or better still just write to that institute direct.
Have the Jobcentre mentioned anything to you about Work Trials. I'm in two minds about it, myself, but in your position, I think it could be just the foot in the door you need.

Good luck!


p.s. For jobs where it is not relevant (shop work for example) you could drop the ICT grade entirely. I would lie and change it to a C but I shouldn't really be telling you that!

[lanne]

Never lie about the results you got from any courses or qualifications. I have been to interviews where they have asked to see all of the certificates from the courses I have done.

[castlelgr]

As someone who goes through about 100 Cv's a day, can I please ask you for your own sake not to send CV's in PDF format no HR or recruiter person enjoys having to piss around with pdf files. Use a standard word format, they will appreciate it.

[Fay_S]

I guess it is different when you are young. No one has ever asked proof of my qualifications but then I do have others that are higher than that so it would make the GCSEs kind of irrelevant.

I was advised by some one who also deals with C.V.s and application forms as a daily task, that pdfs were actually no hassle at all.

[castlelgr]