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Recruiters and HHRR: how do I get a job.

Irene

Veteran

I apologise in advance because I know I'm not much of a poster these days, but I think I could use some help from you wise women.
I've been in London for five weeks and so far I haven't found a job. My main problem is that I don't have enough experience in my area of expertise (Publishing industry) yet I have absolutely no experience in 'non-qualified jobs' (which, btw, is a term I dislike). I'm 26 and I've never been a waitress or worked in a store. I've been an English teacher, an editorial assistant, a writer and a bank clerk.

I feel like they don't want me in what I want because I either do not have enough experience, I'm not a native speaker of English or both. Yet I can't get a job at Zara or Starbucks because I've never done this sort of jobs before, and they would rather have someone with some experience.

I feel like I am at a loss, and I am starting to feel a bit depressed/desperate. Don't get me wrong, I'm having my share of fun, but I really need a job that pays my bills!!!!

I don't know which jobs I should go for (I don't have teaching qualifications, just the experience). If I were to erase my 'qualified job experiences' my CV would be empty. I feel like I am not the person they are looking for, whoever that may be. I know I can be great at many things, I just feel like I look like I am not good enough for anything right now, and I don't know how to prove otherwise.

Taking courses, unless very specific and super necessary, is out of the question because they cost money and I don't have / can't spare that.

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17 replies

Latest reply was from mintytulip

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

Any option to volunteer somewhere to get the necessary skills you identified as gaps in your CV - while you look for the right postion? It might be one way to get the experience(s) you need. It can also show to the prospective future employers you're proactive.

I am sure you feel disheartened. However, remember one thing - Britain is in the post-recession time and jobs are hard to come by anyway.

There is something to there for you, I'm sure.

Claudia

Veteran

Sales (if it suits your personality enough to make a successful effort for a year or two) is often a great way to learn an industry, and often the easiest way into the industry or a company.

abc

Veteran

I'm not in HR so please take this with a grain of salt, but is there something in the informal economy you can do to get cash flowing while you look for something more permanent in your field of interest? Tutoring, babysitting, house cleaning, etc? Good luck.

Alexandra

(website)

Veteran

What position are you looking for and at what type of company? Once you've done some research to answer those two bits, you can start looking at how other people in those positions got there, and ask them what you can do to be competitive in that area. It isn't rocket science but it does take time and determination, which is where most people will give up so if you don't, you're already much farther ahead. Keep in touch with them, ask to be introduced to others, help them as much as you can. The vast majority of jobs (I think I read something like 70-80%) are filled before they're even advertised. They go to people who are doing the above. It's called networking, a word with some negative connotations, but done right, it's of huge value to everyone involved.

Kristin SF

Veteran

What about language institutes that don't require teaching certifications? I think your native language is Spanish, right? Are there language schools in London that would pay you to teach Spanish as a second language? Tutoring is a good idea also -- sometimes people will pay someone to talk to them in a second language, as a way to brush up on their conversational speaking skills.

You could also teach English as a second language to Spanish speakers who find themselves living in London.

Good luck!

Irene

Veteran

Ornella - I am trying to get some work-experience, and have sent a couple of CVs to small independent publishing houses I would love to work in even if for free. Still, I need to earn some money because it's been expenses only for five weeks.

Claudia - I'm afraid I wouldn't be very good in sales... but I've tried that too, anyways. No luck so far.

abc - Seriously considering that, but then it's not very serious, is it? Maybe I could teach English to the Spanish, I don't know

Alexandra - I want to get into publishing, and do have a bit of experience within the industry in Spain (and an MA). I don't have any connections here so networking is difficult. I have joined a society of publishers in London, and have attended every meeting since day 1. They are very nice, but it will take some time. In the meantime I should try get a job even if it's not within the industry, but I am having a hard time at that, too.

Thanks so much for the suggestions, ladies!

rabbit

Veteran

It's tough. When I was looking for work in the UK (but this was many many years ago) I found that organizations were more interested in formal qualifications than in the US for example, where your degree usually didn't matter as much as work experience, at least in the humanities. But getting the work experience in the US often started with interning, at low or no wages in certain fields.

I think the tip about continuing with networking is key, that's really worked for most people I know, usually by scheduling informational interviews to get advice from people in the industry about where to look and who to talk to. The book 'what color is your parachute' which I understand is now revised to reflect online hunting talks a lot about this.

Could specifically looking for publishers that work with bilingual clients or books/magazines be a place to start? Also I don't know your field, but I wonder if online content - blogs, online magazines, etc. might be another approach, especially if you can work remotely. I contracted a long time ago with an educational publisher where they hired people to do piecework proofreading and indexing at home. It was the kind of job they didn't advertise but I found through an informational interview.

I also echo what Kristin says about looking for language related temporary work, with translation, tutoring, teaching, etc.

Best of luck!

kkards

Veteran

i don't know how it works in london, but in the US one way to get some work, some experience and often a foot in the door is to sign up with a temp agency. these agency's have jobs that can last a few days to a few months. i know in my past, i have often ended up offering up full time jobs in a few of the temps who worked in my office.

Laurinda

Veteran

Networking through your Spanish [or YLF ?] connections on Linkedin might be helpful. Best wishes, it can be tough getting established.

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

How about calling the companies you want to work for directly? Present yourself at least, ask if you can come, once you're there you never know... it certainly puts you on the map better than the copy of the CV alone

ClaraT

Veteran

One strategy is to use LinkedIn to find some people who are doing the job you want to do and ask if they would be willing to meet with you for coffee or lunch to talk about the industry and how they got their job. Emphasize that you are *not* asking them for a job, but just want to ask about the industry in London (and stick with that). Once someone meets you and knows you and thinks you are competent, they will more than likely keep an eye out for you. The key here is that your original letter must strike just the right note so that they think they'd enjoy meeting you and having a chat. Your LinkedIn profile/CV etc. should also be up-to-date and flawless if possible

A second strategy is to utilize professional society websites. For example, if you were a scientific editor/publisher, then (in the US), there are forums and job lists at the American Medical Writers Association website (just to illustrate what I mean).

A third strategy is to look for companies in your native country that want someone in England (not sure this applies at your professional level in your field).

While looking for your 'real job' I echo the others' suggestions about temp agencies, baby sitting, tutoring etc. to pay the bills for now. Best of luck!

rachylou

Veteran

Translating and editing specifically for university students is another thought...

Jeanie

Veteran

I ditto kkards and suggest using a temp agency just to get you working. If the company likes you they will likely hire you. If you are lucky the company may have some work in your field and you could work your way into a position in your field. If they don't have anything in your field, you will at least have some money while you continue your job search.

Have you considered doing something like customer service in a publishing company to get your foot in the door? It is an entry level position but can be a good way to work your way up in a company. I'm not sure about London but in the U.S. publishers, banks and insurance companies usually like Spanish speaking customer service representatives.

Good luck and keep the faith.

Irene

Veteran

Girls!!!! I have good news I mean, it's not a huge deal, but just yesterday I was speaking to this girl who works as an editorial assistant in a huge publishing house and she was looking for (unpaid) help. I offered myself and it seems like I will have a short work experience week which might lead me to meeting new people blablabla

I'm also looking into tutoring Spanish. Not ideal, but better than nothing!

PS: Sooo glad I joined a society within my industry. It can be hard to put yourself out there -being foreigner, no native AND not knowing anyone- but totally worth it!

Claudia

Veteran

That's great! Best wishes, Irene, just keep plugging away as you have been doing, that's the only way to make things happen.

rachylou

Veteran

Oh no, that's great news!

Hey, have you ever heard of Task Rabbit? It's a web for odd jobs (like mother's helper, typing a paper, etc.). On a whim I just looked them up, and they have a board for London - it's their only city out side the U.S. But they're there.

https://www.taskrabbit.co.uk/

mintytulip

Have you heard of the website askamanager? She has an open thread weekly. It wouldn't hurt to put a message out there as she has a worldwide readership. I'm not affiliated with her site in any way. Good luck!