Suggestions in finding work after redundancy

[Greedyfly]

I have worked in retail/customer service for nearly 9 years, part of that time as a supervisor but I badly broke my ankle last year, long story short I had to leave retail as I have had several surgeries since. I found an office job and was working there for around 4 weeks when the business went bust and we were all made redundant. Since then I have been applying for every job I can find on a daily basis that I can do which will not involve me standing all day or lifting. Mostly office work, but I keep getting rejection letters. I know I have virtually no office/reception experience but what can I do? I scour the internet daily usually twice a day applying, I have updated my c.v, I go to the job centre regular and I am even applying for jobs that won't even cover the bills just so I can get some experience. It would seem I am either not experienced enough for reception roles or too experienced for customer service roles. Its beginning to annoy me. I have been unemployed for 2 months now and this is the firts time since I turned 17 that I haven't had work. I am more than sufficient with a computer and obviously have good customer service skills.

Any suggestions? Maybe I am missing something or you have an idea I haven't thought of.

Thanks and hope you had a great Christmas.

[Androcles]

Sadly, in your position, it is persistence that counts - you just have to keep trying. Ask at the job centre if somebody can have a look at your CV and also ask if they know of any job clubs in your area. These are where groups of unemployed people get together to support each other and to do things like reviewing CV'a dn interview techniques. Did you know anybody in HR at your old company where you were a supervisor who might talk to you for half an hour for old times sakes and give you some advice. Who knows they may even have HR colleagues they might give a recommendation to about you.

Contacting as many of your friends and old colleagues as you can and see if any of them know where there may be a job can also be a fruitful avenue to follow.

It really is about you trying to keep your head up and keep being positive - if you can, it does come through at interview and gives you a better chance.

Do let us know how you get on - all the best!

[Greedyfly]

Thank you for your post Androcles, unfortunately the company I worked for is a huge company where personal doesn't really exist. I can get good references when I need them but I can't seem to get the interviews. I had one interview and got the job but the hours were only part time and it will not cover my rent let alone bills etc... So I had to turn it down. I will keep chipping away, I am hoping the New Year brings a better situation.

[Androcles]

The thing I forgot to say, there is an excellent book"What colour is your parachute" which contains tons of ideas.

See http://www.jobhuntersbible.com/ the official site for the book.

Good Luck!