How the hell am I supposed to attain employment if nobody is willing to give me a go?

[DGItlu]

Hi, sorry if this is the wrong place.

I'm a 23 year old from a major regional city in Victoria, and I'm trying to enter into the workforce, and have been for at least the last year and a half.

I've completed year 12, also have a couple of certificates from completed TAFE courses in IT and Digital Media. Have also volunteered in numerous ways over the years, especially dealing with people, along with more technical stuff; and partook in extra-curricula activities throughout my schooling life. So my CV isn't exactly short on hands on experience or skills. I've also acquired some good referees as a result of my volunteer activity.

However, when I actually apply for advertised positions - I either get no response at all, or an email response sometimes weeks later telling me that I was unsuccessful, or if I do get invited for an interview - I get called several days after only to be told that I was turned down for "the person who has more experience" 🙄

This isn't only IT related work - this is also what I get from what can be considered basic entry level casual retail assistant jobs. Even the IT jobs that I've applied for are entry level IT support roles which my Certificate, along with my volunteer experience, would more than cover me for. It isn't like I'm applying for positions well above my experience - its really a case of starting from the bottom.

I am more willing to and am capable of doing the work that I am applying for, and I am willing to learn as well. How the bloody hell is a young person such as myself, with volunteer experience and certificates acquired through formal education, supposed to get a job, when literally nobody is even willing to give me a go?

Advice would be appreciated.

[Croix]

Dear DGItlu~

I can you feel your frustration in every line you post, and no sorry I don't have a magic answer, and no it is not fair in the least.

It's a fact that there are more people than jobs at the moment, and with businesses and government departments downsizing (euphemism for abandoning people) there are more senior qualified people applying for the same jobs you are.

So what does one do? Well I guess if it was me three things:

Firstly keep on applying, broadening that range as much as possible (which you may already have done).

Secondly get involved in any activity that promotes networking, by people face to face. This obviously involves volunteering in any organization where not only your skills are enhanced, but where you might meet people that are in a position to know of vacancies or opportunities.

Clubs or rural organizations are possibilities. My jobs, with one exception, have come about though people I knew.

Thirdly look after yourself. This means not only leading a healthy lifestyle, as in eating well, sleeping well exercise and so on; but also to occupy the mind - perhaps a creative activity - and allow you to keep a sense of perspective.

The trap for many is they give up. The fact you post here shows you are resourceful. Your post is well written and easy to understand.

Do you have family or others that understand your situation and support you?

Please post again and say how you are going

Croix

[blondguy]

Hi DGItlu

I hear your anguish loud and clear...Its a serious pain...

Croix mentioned about Face to Face contact.....He makes a good point as if I had a company and someone had the guts to ask me for a job and bypass the internet and the emails I would lean in his/her favor

Ive been involved in senior management and human resources for years.

Can I ask how long your CV is? (how many A4's)

There is always a way DG 🙂

my best and good on you for being as pro-active as you are

Paul

[Bec123]

OH GOSH! You're not alone 🙂 My family friend has 3 University Degrees in roughly the same feild. She is completely qualified for jobs she goes for, yet even with all that nobody is hiring her 😞

Do they specify what they mean by "more qualified"?