How am I supposed to get a decent job???!!!

[simplyzed]

I finished doing a HND in multimedia last summer as I wanted to get into either the graphic design industry, or television (behind the scenes). I feel that I am good at what I do, could be better but would succeed if someone would give me a chance. But that's the thing, NO-ONE WILL! I understand the media industry is hard & it all comes down to experience, so I've tried getting work experience & voluntary work in these fields, but once again, even for free labour, it comes down to EXPERIENCE!!! Now, how on earth am I supposed to get a job if no ones willing to take me on, not even for FREE WORK! I know I'm not the only person in this position I know of people who've got law degrees, etc & work in Macdonalds, & not even as mangers!....

So, I've decided, to see if I can use my computer skills to get into another field of work... Clerical. Now, I can do this. But once again they're saying "Sorry, you have no office experience..." Now, if I can use all the necessary packages i.e. Microsoft Office, I can type, fax, photocopy, do filing... So what's the problem? But once again, even free work aint giving me a chance!

I'm going mad with all this. I've been working in retail on & off since 16 (now 22) whilst studying. Its what I'm reluctantly still doing, it's all I have first hand experience in. It's not my fault! I only did it essentially to earn a little cash while I studied. But now it looks like I'm stuck with it for life.

Sorry about this long essay, but as u can see, I've had enough now. What was the point of me getting in DEBT to study, and still can't get a job????
If ANYONE, PLEEEASE knows how I can get out of this never ending mess, can u let me know. If you know about any kind of office based jobs I DON'T need experience in, can you let me know? Or if you know of any thing else I can do... (",) Thank You XxX

[acw]

Hey,

Ok, I have a few tips.  I know your feeling by the way.  I'm also 22 and in the process of applying for jobs for the 3rd July running (I only get an annual shot at what I want to do). Along the way of trying I've learnt a few things that might help you:

• Just in case the "experience" thing is an excuse, get your CV checked out by a careers advisor (pop back to college and see the careers team there).  If that is looking really impressive and laying out your experience well, you may have more luck. 
• Ditto with cover letters.
• Ditto with interview technique.
• Doing things the official way won't always work.  So try to find someone you know who has some sort of contact in the relevant industry.  Even go back to college and ask your tutors.  Then ask said people if they could possibly spare you a bit of time to tell you all about their job and what it's like working in the industry.  Use that time to impress them and hopefully they'll invite you in for work experience (it worked for me!)
• Go to temping agencies that supply office workers and find out if they'd take you on.  If they say no - ask what you'd have to learn in order for them to take you on.  Ask if you could have some experience as an Office Junior and work your way up from there.  This will give you the experience they might well be looking for. 
• In the mean time, you'll have to lump it in retail/bar work in order to avoid the mounting debt pile!   Sucks I know!
• Keep plugging away at what you enjoy - graphic design.  Build up a portfolio of designs and present it well.  Maybe try rebranding all our favourite/least favourite products until you like their logos etc.  You'll have the inspiration I'm sure!

Good luck!  This MUST end - for all of us in this situation!! :-)

[simplyzed]

Thank u soooo much acw. Im glad to see someone understands (",) and your advice sounds promising. I'm gonna put this into action and hopefully I'll soon get offered a job. THANK YOU! xxxxx

[acw]

Of COURSE you'll get one!  Now give me 3 stars (rate this answer), wish me luck with my own job applications, and have a good day! :-p :-D

PS - Welcome to AB! :-)

[simplyzed]

I wish you good luck in all that you do and for the future! ...And I mean that with all my heart (",) xx

[sslinks]

Life is like that. You determine what you want to do, train and get into debt, and end up in another line. I have been there and done it and so here is my advice.

1. Lie. This needs to be taken with a pinch of salt. Obviously if you say you are a woman when you are really a man you will probably be found out (but not always!). But anything that you have done that is remotely close to your target should be carefully exaggerated to imply you know more than you really do or that you have worked more than you really have.

2. List all the areas (however tenuous) that might be associated with your target. eg. You want to work as a marketing manager in advertising. So go and be a promotions "bod" handing out leaflets in the high street or drinks samples at the front of supermarkets. Then be the best that you possibly can. Work your way up to being the first call that an agency makes when they need either the best or someone on short notice. When you go to the briefings be friendly, remember names and take numbers (even write notes when you get home about everyone you have met). Start networking with these people (but dont talk about work unless they do). Then you can start to work your way into the office side. etc. etc.

This has been done, is being done and will be done thousands of times.

3. If it is really what you want to do. Never give up. Even when it appears that every door has been shut, locked and cemented up, be creative (do some brainstorming) and find another way.

There is a story I live by. A bit part actor wanted to be a star. But he was always "man walking dog in background" kind of thing. The days he wasn't working he would go to the busiest casting agency and sit in reception. He was always first to arrive and always last to leave (if he hadn't picked up a job).

[sslinks]

PART 2

One day a casting director arrived and said to the agency he desparately needed a cellist for a supporting role that was starting to film that day but the cellist and broken HER arm. The guy stood up and said "I play the violin."

He was cast immediately and they worked their way around the different instrument and male not female aspects. After that he made a load of films.

If it's really what you want to do, NEVER, EVER GIVE UP. You WILL find  way.

4. TV is a bitch to get into. Go and drink in their bars and make friends with them. Gate crash Creative Designer parties. (I know someone who climbed in through a second floor bathroom window to get into a party and left with a promise of an interview!).

Be the best you can possibly be. Talk it up even more. And back it up with a great portfolio.

Best of luck.

PS. Can you come back to this thread and let us know how you get on.

[simplyzed]

Wow! thanks ss... I can't believe so many people care! with the advice I'm getting, I really have high hopes! I was even in tears last night cos I'm just soooo fed up, but right now I'm smiling :o) ...and don't worry bout it, I definitely will keep you posted. I'm excited now! THANK YOU!!!! x

[JoBurke]

 you may have already tried this, but there are many corporate comapnys like BT who have a graduate scheme/ or possibly you could apply directly as a non-graduate. Send your cv and cover letter outlaying your skills and experience clearly. the technology industry is crying out for individuals with skills like yours and individuals at the begining of there career that can be developed. You could also possibly use your skills in newspapers or magazines. In short -don't narrow yourself to a certain type of industry. Your skills are transferable.

[simplyzed]

Hey! Im just updating u all on my situation.  Still not looking good Im afraid but still got high hopes. Im making progress tho, I'll be starting a course in Admin in Sept (I know its nothing to do with media, lol). I've decided to make a career change briefly as Im having no luck with the media industry.

I've also been applying for admin jobs including voluntary work 2 get some more experience so that these jobs have no excuse not 2 take me on. Unfortuantely I've not had much luck with these either, but not giving up just yet.

So hopefully I'll make some from of progress. Watch this space (",)