[bryce's-mummy]

As in the title- is it just pot luck? How many jobs should I be expected to apply for before landing an interview with one? Is there such a ratio?? What would be your expectation?

I have applied for over 30 jobs (actually would be now closer to 40) and only had 2 interviews so far. My resume is written well, as are my cover letters and I am addressing the person specs.

Some weeks I apply for 5 jobs- some only 1. It just depoends on what jobs are advertised.

Have I got unrealistic expectations in getting interviews? I certainly am applying for jobs which I am capable of doing and have all the necessary qualifications for. And applying for a range of jobs (admin, retail etc). Obviously the two interviews I have had so far I have not gotten- apparently came close second both times! Unless they tell that to everyone they interview?! lol

It's such a frustrating process! Anyone else feel the same?

[AMPSyd]

Have you been in touch with Centrelink ( I think it is now part of the Department of Human Services). There are various levels of help they can give you in finding work.

I am on the lowest level of assistance but still got to see an employment agency who had a look over my resume and suggested changes and also put me on an online looking for a job register (not that it has found anything - it was recommended for my industry to cold call everywhere). I volunteer and a fellow volunteer where I work is on benefits. She sees the agency regularly and they guide her into courses she should do etc.

[countrymel]

It really is the luck of the draw alas.

If you are in an area of higher unemployment then the competition is high too... unfortunately with jobs like retail they will often go for the young 'cheap' person over the more experienced 'expensive' older one.

Have you got your resume online? With recruitment agencies? This can be great as the employer comes looking for you - not the other way round!

The very best way of finding work I have always found is personal contacts - just make sure everyone you know (and everyone they know) are aware that you are fabulous and are looking for work. That way they can drop into any conversation that starts with 'we need someone to do...' with "OMG I know a woman who would be PERFECT for that, and luckily she is available right now... "

Then the prospective employer can jump online, peruse your resume and give you a call.

Good luck.

[tothebeach]

Sucks, doesn't it.

I have to agree with CountryMel. Don't rely on answering ads to get a job. Many/most jobs are as a result of personal contacts. They help to get you a foot in the door. Tell everyone that you are looking for work and to let you know if they hear of anything. Talk to people. Be personable and friendly in all your interactions. Be open to meeting new people. In fact, you can go so far as to make a list of everone you know and everyone your husband knows and talk to all of them (in a friendly, catching up way for some and with others you can be more direct).

If you have admin experience, have you signed up at a temp agency? They may be able to find you sort term jobs which may lead to something more permanent.

[~A Poetic Winter...]

OP I got a lot more calls for interviews when I added a photo of myself to my resume at the top of my CV. I also made sure the main points were on one page if possible.

A friend of mine is a recruiter and often get a large number of CV's come through and unless something stands out, such as a photo for example he said he may give it more than a glance.

If possible get a professional to check it over (someone who writes CV's - often listed in the paper) or even someone in the industry to see if anything you could add or improve it.

Good luck

[ImpatientAnna]

OP I got a lot more calls for interviews when I added a photo of myself to my resume at the top of my CV. I also made sure the main points were on one page if possible.

A friend of mine is a recruiter and often get a large number of CV's come through and unless something stands out, such as a photo for example he said he may give it more than a glance.

If possible get a professional to check it over (someone who writes CV's - often listed in the paper) or even someone in the industry to see if anything you could add or improve it.

Good luck

I was a recruiter for many years. Unless you are Miranda Kerr, do not add a photo!!!! My colleagues used to laugh hysterically at these ones.

Most important thing - are you including a cover letter customized for every different job you apply for? If someone couldn't be bothered doing that and we had a ton of applications, we would just bin straight away because it shows lack of effort. Is your cover letter and cv well written and nicely formatted?

Have you been following your application up with a phone call?

[Gangnam Style]

It's very competetive at the moment. I had 85 applications for $50-60K a year position that I'm wanting to fill. With that many we are going to have to be ruthless in choosing a short list. All we have to go on is the application material - so with 84 others - you have to look good!

I second what ImpatientAnna has said, the person in my pile of applicants, who applied for the "receptionist position" won't be getting that - or the job we advertised!

[bryce's-mummy]

Have you been in touch with Centrelink ( I think it is now part of the Department of Human Services). There are various levels of help they can give you in finding work.

yes I have- I am on payments and am seeing one of their recruitment agencies too. The lady trying to help me find work admitted that there is not much around

The very best way of finding work I have always found is personal contacts - just make sure everyone you know (and everyone they know) are aware that you are fabulous and are looking for work. That way they can drop into any conversation that starts with 'we need someone to do...' with "OMG I know a woman who would be PERFECT for that, and luckily she is available right now... "

Then the prospective employer can jump online, peruse your resume and give you a call.

Good luck.

I have found the opposite actually- everyone I know knows that I am looking for work (FB is great for that!). From this I have had friends suggest jobs to me where they work and even talk to their bosses. One was even a manager herself at a store where I applied (specifically looking for mature people too). I have been knocked back by all of them. Yet everyone I know say "they'd be mad not to hire you if they knew how good a worker you are" Lovely for them to say but I need to get my foot in the door first- ironic really.

Sucks, doesn't it.

If you have admin experience, have you signed up at a temp agency? They may be able to find you sort term jobs which may lead to something more permanent.

Yes I am also with a temp agency and have been for 5 months. I contact them but they always say there is nothing out there for me. Apparently something may be coming up- but that's still only a 'may be'.

If possible get a professional to check it over (someone who writes CV's - often listed in the paper) or even someone in the industry to see if anything you could add or improve it.

Good luck

Yep had a professional check over it- and has made changes. Doesn't seem to help. Yet the two interviews I have had were with my old resume. So I have since reverted back to my old resume and ignored many of her changes!

Most important thing - are you including a cover letter customized for every different job you apply for? If someone couldn't be bothered doing that and we had a ton of applications, we would just bin straight away because it shows lack of effort. Is your cover letter and cv well written and nicely formatted?

Have you been following your application up with a phone call?

Yes a cover letter and person specs with it- yes I am spending about 1 hour on every letter. Each one has been different and relevant to the job. I mention each point they are looking for within my paragraphs yet still try to make it concise. Yes my main uni studies were professional writing and editing so I write very well and have excellent formatting. You just need to often ignore my silly spelling mistakes here on EB!

But no- generally I am not following up with a phone call. What would this achieve? I did follow up with a phone call once, the receptionist answered, she wouldn't put me through to the person responsible for the position and she said "if they're interested, they'll call you". I got the impression I was annoying them.

I applied for two more jobs last night- and the agency put me forward for one this week too. I only applied for one last week. So tedious a task.

This post has been edited by bryce's-mummy: 18/11/2011, 11:57 AM

[KeiraKeira]

2 interviews out of 30-40 applications is normal i would say.

people i know who have gone for jobs in the past have gotten the job when they say they are currently working. But the ones that say they are not working found it harder to get the job.

As in the title- is it just pot luck? How many jobs should I be expected to apply for before landing an interview with one? Is there such a ratio?? What would be your expectation?

I have applied for over 30 jobs (actually would be now closer to 40) and only had 2 interviews so far. My resume is written well, as are my cover letters and I am addressing the person specs.

Some weeks I apply for 5 jobs- some only 1. It just depoends on what jobs are advertised.

Have I got unrealistic expectations in getting interviews? I certainly am applying for jobs which I am capable of doing and have all the necessary qualifications for. And applying for a range of jobs (admin, retail etc). Obviously the two interviews I have had so far I have not gotten- apparently came close second both times! Unless they tell that to everyone they interview?! lol

It's such a frustrating process! Anyone else feel the same?

[bryce's-mummy]

2 interviews out of 30-40 applications is normal i would say.

people i know who have gone for jobs in the past have gotten the job when they say they are currently working. But the ones that say they are not working found it harder to get the job.

Thank you. I should up the anti and apply for more. Yes I also heard this from the employment agencies I am with. They said the same. Perhaps I should tell them that I am still working? However I am doing volunteer work and I always mention that it's current.