Somebody please just tell me..........

[QueenOfQuotes]

that i'm not the only 26yr old in the country who's never filled in a job application form.

Have to find a part time job to help cover the bills. But I've not done any work for 5 1/2yrs and I've never had to fill a job application form in.

Don't even know what sort of work I want to/could do - and to be honest not particularly bothered (although I did turn my nose up at one job in the paper the other day - a cleaner in a nightclub - office cleaner I could cope with - but the thought of those toilets........)

Anyhow, feeling completely inadequate and useless at the prospect that I'm struggling to fill in a simple application form - DH says he'll help me - but we're not exactly on good speaking terms at the moment.

Just feel that at 26 I shouldn't be phased my all of this.

[bonym]

Why don't you go to any employment agency - sure they would help you - both with the sort of job you could go for and in filling out any applications.

[CountessDracula]

Fazed that is

Which bit are you struggling with. Isn't it just name, address, education, previous jobs, some crap about why you want this one etc?

[charliecat]

Me neither

[QueenOfQuotes]

I keep thinking of doing that, but the thought just make me go like jelly

I must just break off on a tangent as DH has just appeared upstairs, and without a word placed a 2ltr bottle of (cold!) Strongbow Cider on the desk! (I know even sadder I still drink cider )

I've also got an application form for a Christmas Sales Assistant at boots - which has to be in on Monday (I can hand deliver it though).

[CountessDracula]

Yes, yes but which bit do you need help with?

[starlover]

right what are you stuck on?

[Chandra]

Try to concentrate in which points of your character/experience make you suitable for the position. For example, if you apply for a position in a travel agency, your first hand experience of different cultures would be very valuable. Have you checked www.jobcentre.org.uk? or was it .gov.uk?

[Skribble]

If you want to get some experience and can afford the time you could consider voluntary work in something you are interested in. Charity shops are always looking for help and you can do as little or as much as you want. Even doing a couple of months will give you the chance to operate tills, cash up, sort stock, merchandise on shop floor. Then you can use this to help you get paid work and will give you a reference.

[bobbybob]

Nightclub toilets - yuk.

What bits are your struggling with - maybe we can help.

Fill in in pencil first and then write over in pen. I hate filling in forms, it took me weeks to do my UCAS form.

[QueenOfQuotes]

Skribble - I need to find the work asap - otherwise I'd do that wihtout a second thought - and I probably wouldn't be FAZED by it.

[CountessDracula]

vg A*

Now come on, which bits do you need help with?

[bobbybob]

Which bits are you stuck on - stop avoiding the question, let's get some filled in and then you will have a job as soon as possible.

[Skribble]

OK I didn't realise it was as urgent . I hate the bits on the form where they want you to give more information to support your application. I used to draw the same size box on paper and practice fitting in every thing I wanted to say. Kep the rough copies and use for further applications. You can get help with CV's as well.
Sometimes it helps to get someone else to put down your skills and good points on paper as its difficult to boast about yourself.

[charliecat]

I usually work at a nursery 2 days a week, not needed at the moment except for supply. I would like to work in Sainsburys shelf stacking or doing the net packing. Cant deal with the interview or the froms though. Thats really sad isnt it? But I can chat to mums about toilet trips, sing loudly having a giggle etc etc. Weird.

[starlover]

i got turned down for a job at tesco!

[charliecat]

Thats half the reason I wouldnt apply, fear of being turned down, did they give a reason?

[Skribble]

Tescos are always looking for DotCom packers, start at 6am and finish early enough to pick kids up from school.

[starlover]

no. although, they did seem very surprised that i had a-levels. at the interview they asked me why i wasn't going to uni

i think they were suspicious of me!

[Chandra]

I have been turned down for a job even when I was not even applying! hos sad is that?

[charliecat]

My cousin did it 10-2. Now that would be ideal.

[QueenOfQuotes]

sorry went downstairs to 'patch up' with DH (well I couldn't not make up when he'd bought me some booze could I ).

Ok. Look at the form in perspective I guess it's not that bad.

Under the "skills and experience" bit it says

What 3 Qualities do you feel you could bring to this role?

I need two references and I've only got one I can think of

Then in the work experience bit it wants to know details of my 2 most recent jobs !!! And the "key tasks" I had in them.

I've only had one previous job.........

Idealy I need to be working no later than 2pm - as DH has to fit his hours in - and even a 2pm finish would mean he'd still have to work weekends - which he wants to avoid if possible.

[starlover]

3 qualities you could bring might include:

responsible, honest, very hard working, great with people, reliable

who is your first reference? could you use pastor/doctor/school teacher? a family friend?

write on there thast you have only had one previous job, even put a covering letter if that would help

[QueenOfQuotes]

my first reference will be my vicar - who is a 'sort' of employer of mine (well I'm 'employed' by the church - but not enough to shout about LOL - I once worked out how much an hour I was earning and it worked out something like £2 LOL).

[starlover]

i usually use my best friends mum because she has known me forever!

[bobbybob]

Any responsible mumsnetters know you in real life?

Having a vicar as your first reference is excellent - it says to me, hardworking, charitable (esp at $2 per hour!) reliable, and most importantly honest.