First of all, if you have been headhunted or got a job from a personal or business contact with no interview etc I DONT WANT TO KNOW ABOUT IT! I hate you people!! 😉
My wife has been in retail for 20 years, she absolutely hates it with a passion and often comes home in tears. She has an art degree so working in retail is wasting her talent. She has always worked part time to try and use the extra time sell her art stuff but it's an impossible market to get into and she's had virtually no success there (lots of dead ends). She can't do computer based art and design stuff unfortunately.
It breaks my heart to see her so unhappy as she is the hardest worker I know of, puts me in the shade. She works ridiculously hard at her current job even though she hates it as she can't bear to not put in 110% as it's a matter of pride to her. She would be a real asset to any company but it's hard to put that across.
Problem is I can't help her as I have no idea where jobs are advertised nowadays or how people do it? I've only had 3 jobs and I found the last 2 easily but all internet searches at job sites seem to bring up loads of jobs which aren't what you search for or are miles away. Doesn't help that she wants to do something different but we don't know what yet.
Obv know how to find civil service jobs, local council etc.
We don't do Facebook, anything on there? (Hope not!)
We are a bit lost to be honest.
Doesn't help that she wants to do something different but we don't know what yet.
Seems to me that this is the real problem here.
How can you search for something without knowing what it is?
Try this and search for all jobs within a geographical area for inspiration?
I'd start with one of those careers tests that measures what you're interested in. That will at least bring some focus to the search.
Can you suggest one?
That's a career change.
As you know I've done that.
You have to:
1. Know what you want to do and be single minded about getting it
2. Get out there. I took printed generic CVs, made a list and went round talking to people.
3. Be prepared to take the first job in your chosen area that comes up. It's all experience. It's a way in.
4. Be confident. But don't be a dick.
5. Finally, be prepared to blag it a bit. I did. I got the job then taught myself how to do it.
As always, I recommend signing up for Universal Jobmatch - https://authenticate.gateway.gov.uk
It's the official govt site that you have to sign up for when unemployed, but it harvests jobs from loads of agency sites. Good for searches if looking or a change of job type. And it doesn't spam you like the other agency sites do.
[i]How can you search for something without knowing what it is?[/i]
I found a caretaker job at a local private school on there, wouldn't have found that job without that site. Didn't get an interview for the job, but that's beside the point!
To expand on my points a bit, I'm doing a job now that was never advertised anywhere. I got it via someone I met after taking the first job that came my way.
That's what I mean about a 'way in' 🙂
Art Degree - what type?
Do you have the time and resources for her to retrain as a teacher?
One year PGCE or SCIT course, and then you're out into the world as an NQT.
I worked in retail and IT for a number of years, and I then retrained at 34 and am now a head of dept, and looking at applying for Assistant Head jobs over the next couple of years.
It's stimulating, always different, stressful but rewarding, and you do get nice long holidays!
TBH after working with the public and doing office jobs, kids are much simpler to deal with on a day-to-day basis. They are a lot less two faced than adults, and if they have a problem at least they tend to just tell you.
I think general work is a site called - Indeed. Not sure who hosts it or if it's just job centre jobs on the internet or wot.
If she's been in retail for 20yrs, she can't hate it that much. If it's just the current employer, then that's fairly easily remedied (until she decides what she really does want to do), unless she is particularly well paid for the role or her shifts are particularly suitable?.
The obvious answer is for her to open up some sort of art supplies shop, thereby using both her art and retail experience?
Job in an art gallery maybe?
[i]If she's been in retail for 20yrs, she can't hate it that much[/i]
I've been in IT longer than that.. and I hate it so much 😆
Is she competent with basic computer usage?
I mean that seriously. Can she open and save Word documents? Can she put together a quick PowerPoint? Can she edit basic data in Excell? Reply and send emails in Outlook?
If she has basic IT skills she's very employable - but will be facing the 20-somethings who speak computers as a second language learnt from birth.
But there are a host of admin-esq IT jobs that will pay 20-30k with no experience required as long as you have basic IT skills. My Mrs has just got an entry level job paying at the very upper end of that scale at the British Transport Police. She has no prior experience in the exact job, or in the Police at all, but she knows how to use a computer with some haste - she absolutely smashed both interviews and got the max reward for her IT skills (which are just basic skills)
Google "Skills for the information age" - it's a framework for measuring IT skills a lot of places use to measure reward.
If she can't do the above, get her on an after-hours college IT skills course ASAP.
Then look at:
Local Gov websites, Local services (Police, fire) careers sections (they all need admin staff!), local libraries, local schools, any local business parks, etc.
Reed et al are fine but they're the most "busy" areas for job seekers - means you're up against a LOT of competition for entry level jobs. You're better targeting careers sections direct as sometimes they don't put them on job sites.
The best website we found is:
Jobsite.co.uk
I only used LinkedIn, it's worth having a presence on there too.
Good luck!
This is advice to fine "admin" type entry level jobs. They can often progress into specialist areas or equally be a dead end job, but won't require you to completely reskill or switch career.
But there are a host of admin-esq IT jobs that will pay 20-30k with no experience required as long as you have basic IT skills.
Where are these jobs!?
I'd love to get out of the print-trade - I've done nothing else since I was 14! (now 48).
Techincally very competent, but I have no qualifications to my name (messed about at school).
On another front - has anyone just uploaded their CVs to job sites to see what response you get?
Where are these jobs!?
Did you read the rest of the paragraph? 😆
Here's an example:
Base is £20k - then you get a supplement based on your SFIA knowledge (which in my Mrs case was an additional £5k) - so thats £25k straight off the bat. Then that will be at the beginner end of that job scale, so I expect another 3-4k could be earned after 2-3 years service. If not a promotion higher.
We get a "London allowance" which put my Mrs at just over £28k and she's jumping for joy. (Being a similar Bachelor of Arts degree holder who couldn't break into her field)
These type of jobs are everywhere, you just got to think about where to find them. Every business uses computers and we're not quite at fully automation yet. It's not glamours, it'll be boring, but it'll be stable and you'll get compensated with holiday (BTP give 25 days!!!) and other quality of life things as well as opportunities to progress in the organisation that don't make it to the careers sites.
And all that job I linked is doing is putting numbers in spreadsheets. It's a temp contract sure, but they're willing to pay a good wage for someone to do that.
It breaks my heart to see her so unhappy as she is the hardest worker I know of, puts me in the shade. She works ridiculously hard at her current job even though she hates it as she can't bear to not put in 110% as it's a matter of pride to her. She would be a real asset to any company but it's hard to put that across.
Are you two within commuting distance of London? Even with Brexit, they are always looking for Ops/Admin people - and the pay is pretty ****ing great. There are a few certificates she could take to get a foot in the door with even better jobs (the easiest and cheapest being the IMC and the hardest being the CFA) - with a customer/client facing history she may eventually be able to move into a more front of office role. I say that because your wife sounds like she has the same personality as mine, and my wifes personality has meant that she is well valued, treated well and given good bonuses and pay rises.
That or she could perhaps train as an accountant?
My wife started out doing Data Input for a Hedge fund (instead of the BTP as above), then moved to a Japanese bank doing Ops type adminey work, then a boutique wealth management fund as Ops for the client facing team - who are now training her with a view to eventually becoming a Fund Manager....or something...it's mostly over my head.
Are you two within commuting distance of London
No. They're in Huddersfield
Ahhh well. Accountancy then?
she can't bear to not put in 110%
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaagggggggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Plyphon is right though. If you're not fussy there no reason for anyone to be out of work at the minute.
I'm about to put my money where my mouth is too, as we're looking at relocating and won't have a job to go to. I just know I can do it.
Some people are like that though, I think that my missus is at risk of going a bit Japanese and throwing herself out of an office window if she ever failed at something.
Where as I'm ****ing used to it! 😀
I'm about to put my money where my mouth is too, as we're looking at relocating and won't have a job to go to. I just know I can do it.
Too right, moved to London in about 6 grand of personal debt between us after university and no job on my part - we converted that to savings in around 6 months!
She can most basic IT stuff. Suffers from a severe lack of confidence (partly retail beating it out of her, i know as I had it done to me).
At the moment we can't afford to do any extra qualifications or certificates I'm afraid.
That can be a sign of intelligence, my missus can be like that as well.....
again....she got amazing grades at university...is brilliantly hard working....and is generally better than me.
I get by, by acting a little bit cocky and pretending that I know what I am talking about. We balance each other out - some companies value careful people who aren't quite sure of themselves though, as long as that person can cope with that aspect of their personality without it spiralling out of control.
At the moment we can't afford to do any extra qualifications or certificates I'm afraid.
You can download old source material, you will get a foot in the door for a lot of the jobs - if you state that you are studying for the qualifications and can talk about what you are studying - even if you can't afford to sit the exam yet. It's worth a thought....
Put together a CV tailored around computer usage/number counting/etc - really push the "technical" side of retail (stock counting, handing till counts, etc) - businesses love technical bollocks talk and unfortunately you need to play the part.
If they can see that she's a good worker in language they understand then I reckon you'll be flying
^^^
What Plyphon said!
She really doesn't want to do a sit down at a computer all day job. She can use computers ok but isn't a huge fan of them. Something outside would be nice, physical activity not an issue.
Logistics?
Location - Anywhere Halifax/Hudds etc, towards Leeds and Leeds itself is good too.
Got a few tips on websites to look at, not heard of a couple of those, thanks.
According to their facebook page, Alpkit are looking for shop folk. Might be a way in to something else...
I suppose we really need a application form/interview type job as I know she wouldn't be able to go round companies cold and sell herself (oi stop s****ing at the back!!!!). With the traditional route we can prep and practice beforehand.
According to their facebook page, Alpkit are looking for shop folk. Might be a way in to something else...
Only says Ambleside on their website. Bit of a long commute!!
Oddly enough I know she'd like to be a trades(wo)man - electrician or something but for a 41yo woman with no experience that's probably less likely to happen than her becoming an astronaut!!
Only says Ambleside on their website. Bit of a long commute!!
Oh well!
I have no idea, anything north of Birmingham is a mystery to me...
The thought was nice. 🙂
LinkedIn is the obvious way of getting your face and skills out there. However, with no idea of area to target you are never going to able to pinpoint any particular path.
That's the first issue.
If she just wants any old job that's not the one she's doing then has she tried local papers/websites and, god forbid, the job centre?
Blue sky thinking and art connection (see links), see what the National Trust are offering near you, found this albeit it is for INTERNAL candidates, I know BUT they often go outside thereafter and maybe worth contacting them, see here
https://careers.nationaltrust.org.uk/OA_HTML/a/#/vacancy-detail/53585
and here https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbey-and-studley-royal-water-garden
and Yes I work for NT, project job but surveying! nowhere near Fountains.
As others have said network and see what happens.
Is she bothered by rejection letters ???
(I'm guessing yes ... but you can also work on that)
As well as other stuff being recommended (not instead of) ... seek out some local places she would like to work. Obviously showing a bias towards needing arty/creative people.
Don't even bother if they are advertising .... write a very brief CV (but offer to send a more complete one) and say how she would love to find out about working with XXX co.... Get a email address from their website.... if it looks promising spend a few pence on a phone call... even if you only get reception ask for an email address in the creative dept.
So long as you don't mind about most not replaying and most that do saying "sorry" you actually stand a good chance per 100 sent of getting something not even advertised.
I'm at the opposite end (scientist/engineer) but I have actually got jobs by asking (just using the professional directory) but I've also had these emails and actually some have ended up being hired... I find after lunch much better... If I got one in my work inbox before 09:30 I'd probably delete it .... but often after lunch and especially Fridays I've not delete them and found something interesting and known about a future opening before it's even been advertised.
She really doesn't want to do a sit down at a computer all day job. She can use computers ok but isn't a huge fan of them. Something outside would be nice, physical activity not an issue.
Yeh me and you both, I'd love to get paid my salary to dick about in the woods but unfortunately the world isn't that kind!
Plus it's the people who make the workplace. Find a job with some cool, smart people to be around and you'll forget that you're spending 8 hours playing Outlook Warrior 2017.
And plus, anything has to be better than this situation:
absolutely hates it with a passion and often comes home in tears.
At least in an office you probably won't have to speak to members of the public.
Polyphon is speaking so much sense I'm starting to think he's a recruiter hahaha.
On a serious note, CV Library and the associated recruiter tsunami is a Godsend - I doubled my salary and moved to 4 days on 4 days off.... Thanks to one really great agent.
newrobdob - Member
Oddly enough I know she'd like to be a trades(wo)man - electrician or something but for a 41yo woman with no experience that's probably less likely to happen than her becoming an astronaut!!
Bollocks.
If she turned up when she said she would and did a good job she'd survive on word of mouth alone.
Can't find any apprentiship schemes anywhere near where we live that will take on anything but teenagers.
Last one I found was on Facebook/Twitter. Unfortunately they didn't pass the process. It's a great way to get into local small companies where the work will be varied and stretching. One of my team was sourced this way too.
Are your skills needed?
http://www.visabureau.com/uk/shortage-occupations-list.aspx#arts
Maybe something to think about/work on for the OP and his Partner?
#EDIT - Sorry, that sounds condescending 🙁 I simply meant to imply that there may be an opportunity to make the most of the skills elsewhere in an industry that is 'supposedly' struggling enough to have been highlighted as suitable to attract people from elsewhere
#EDIT2 - My word I made a hash of that! Feel free to follow the link, but please scroll up and down to see the options other than the Arts ones which (sadly) I don't think are suitable in this case
Sideways move? Perhaps a daft idea? - activities coordinater in a care home? don't pay well but lots of time to make folks lives better and being "arty" would be a real benefit.
Apprenticeships don't always want young entrants, but new entrants. A friend of mine with an arts background took an apprenticeship with the Canals and Rivers Trust in her 30's. Obviously the funding runs out once trained, but she's now working for a local heritage building firm and working on some smart places. Her art speciality was ceramics, so still has the hands on material experience.
Plyphon, I get paid to dick around in the woods, today it mostly involved diggers.
Bookmarked for future reference
Bookmarking for current reference
I get by, by acting a little bit cocky and pretending that I know what I am talking about.
Perfect STW fit then!
Update - we've started looking and she is going for a job with a very big regional company as an apprentice. However the application process is a complete joke, the IT to use doesn't work and they expect you to buy IT stuff just to complete a job. Basically if you don't have a PC at home you couldn't apply for it, very bad I reckon.
Not had any luck anywhere else yet. Nothing at Canal and Rivers unfortunately.
Signed up for Facebook (we don't use it normally) to see whats on there. Seems to be mostly jobs in pubs and restaurants and "earn £500 a day with 1 hours work!!!!!" type "employment". 🙄
If it's about not knowing what to do / getting some job satisfaction it's probably worth taking a step-back and assessing what's important?
I run a coaching programme through my work where employee volunteers support people in a similar position, after career breaks, families etc. A lot of time, people are simply bewildered by the choices, often get confused and frustrated by continual rejection which as probably for jobs they're not suited for anyway.
Via Facebook or similar, see if you can find someone local looking to gain experience as a life-coach and looking for suitable candidates?
Are your skills needed?
http://www.visabureau.com/uk/shortage-occupations-list.aspx#arts
I'm going to re-train as the woman from Flashdance.
First of all, if you have been headhunted or got a job from a personal or business contact with no interview etc I DONT WANT TO KNOW ABOUT IT! I hate you people!!
Dam.
I did spend 6 moths applying to anything and everything first with no luck (had one interview in the entire time, to which they forgot I was even coming!).
Via Facebook or similar, see if you can find someone local looking to gain experience as a life-coach and looking for suitable candidates?
I'm not very good on Facebook to be honest as I've only just signed up to use it for the first time for this sort of thing so not sure how to do this.
The last place in the universe I would look for a job is Facebook.
Honestly, I'd rather look under rocks than go to Facebook.
The last place in the universe I would look for a job is Facebook.Honestly, I'd rather look under rocks than go to Facebook.
To be honest I've not been on long and I was of that opinion already...
How about dropping some speculative CV's to craft shops, arty type shops in your area. If you live in Huddersfield, how about looking for opportunities at the newly reopened Piece Hall in Halifax. Her arts and retail experience would be a major plus.
its a bit of an initiative test to weed out people who are really interested, whilst at the same time ensuring you actually have a very basic life skill for virtually any modern job (IT). Did she really need to buy equipment? Could she not have used it at a library, Internet cafe or a friend or family member's house.Update - we've started looking and she is going for a job with a very big regional company as an apprentice. However the application process is a complete joke, the IT to use doesn't work and they expect you to buy IT stuff just to complete a job. Basically if you don't have a PC at home you couldn't apply for it, very bad I reckon.
Try the bus companies , first and arriva have loads of sites in Yorkshire and have many different roles available
T). Did she really need to buy equipment? Could she not have used it at a library, Internet cafe or a friend or family member's house.
Eventually we decided the best way was to do it outside as it's an outside job and it would add interest to the video and make her stand out. Spent ages setting it up to get a great picture and background. All goes ok until halfway through when the app goes all weird and the video recording goes all off focus. No chance to record again and not the fault of the phone as I had full signal/wifi on an iPhone 7. All practice sessions were fine. Total rubbish and we've written it off now. 🙁
Company strikes me as one who is using tech to make them loook good or maybe save them time but the app was total garbage and their website they used was contradictory in what they asked for (said in one bit to have a blank background and in a quiet area then next said you could use an Internet cafe). The app used the phone camera but in a really odd way which throttled the data steam somehow and automatically reduced the video quality down to 1995 standards. I can stream HD with my phone connection so it certainly wasn't my phone.
how about looking for opportunities at the newly reopened Piece Hall in Halifax. Her arts and retail experience would be a major plus.
Nowt there, have checked. Thanks anyway.
its a bit of an initiative test to weed out people who are really interested, whilst at the same time ensuring you actually have a very basic life skill for virtually any modern job (IT).
Job didn't ask for ANY IT skills, couldn't be much further away from needing them. I have loads of IT skills and I couldn't get their stupid application system to work.