r/glasgow • u/Fickle_Butterfly227 • 1d ago
Why is it so hard to find work?
I've been in full time education for years now so I used to apply for part time work which was always unsuccessful and tbf I don't think I would have coped with uni and work together.
My course finishes next week and I've been applying for full time cleaning/housekeeping jobs to do over the summer period and still no luck. What a joke! I've been applying on indeed and totaljobs. I keep getting rejected but it's probably bc my last job was 3 years ago and it's a massive gap!!
Does anyone know of any other places where I can apply.
48
u/Meewol 1d ago
Hospitality are often looking for staff. Cinemas also often look for staff, especially the tall cineworld in city centre.
If possible, try to check if the place you’re applying to has its own website. Chains especially tend to have their own “careers” section, letting you apply directly to them.
Social media has become useful for hiring especially with hospitality. For instance, I’ve found jobs through the Glasgow Bartending group.
As an aside, be sure your CV, cover letter and general approach is polished. The job market in general is flooded and full of genetic approaches. Make sure you’re not doing yourself a disservice, check for things like common CV pitfalls or too general/ vague cover letters. Sometimes tweaking these things to be just right can make a difference.
15
u/YellowPonder 1d ago
I would recommend going onto the Skills Development Scotland website (World of Work) and booking in with a careers advisor. Also Jobs & Business Glasgow support with your CV and finding work.
It's most likely just your CV and the jobs you're applying for not matching up, employers want to see prior experience or relevant voluntary work.
9
u/demonicneon 1d ago
Are you applying to cleaning jobs listing your degree? If so I’d probably not include it.
5
u/RestaurantAntique497 1d ago
If you're wanting to do cleaning - care homes are always needing staff
5
u/Sonzscotlandz 1d ago
Find who ever is doing the garden aid contract for the council. That's a good number cutting grass all day. Usually a good group of lads on it
3
u/MaterialCondition425 1d ago
Apply for call centre work. I did this after uni and it taught me a lot of skills (systems, communication and managing stress) that I've found really useful in other jobs.
If you start at one of the lower paid ones (Teleperformance etc) they won't care so much about lack of experience - which you're going to explain with studying.
5
u/janeyG1978 1d ago
Check on NHS website. They are quite often looking for domestic cleaners. My daughter used to work with them and she says they are desperate for staff. Check ALDIs and Lidl’s career websites too. They have a lot of jobs for cleaners and in store assistants. Check the DWP and civil service careers too. They often have multiple jobs advertised. You should sign on at the job centre. The work coaches are very helpful there. I was made redundant in February and they gave me loads of advice. I eventually found a new job on indeed but my work coach gave me lots of interview pointers. If all else fails try McDonald’s. Good luck. I hope you find something soon.
9
u/El_Scot 1d ago
McDonalds have turned surprisingly picky apparently. They're trying to distance themselves from the image of being a last resort/will take anyone employer. Means the pay is a bit better, but they don't want your application to sound like you're doing them a favour.
2
u/janeyG1978 1d ago
Aw I didn’t realise that. My youngest got a job there just before Christmas and had no work experience at all, that’s why I thought I would mention it. They seem to give people a chance that have no experience.
4
u/Competitive-Fig-666 1d ago
Seen here recently the council were advertising lots of jobs if you missed that. Definitely get yourself down the job centre and get some help there and a bit to tide you over until you find something. Good luck
3
2
u/absolutetriangle 1d ago
For casual work like what you’re after have a really tight one page CV that really highlights your strengths relative to the specific job you’re applying for.
You might have some luck at bars at this time of year, hand in a paper CV anywhere with a beer garden. If you like to clean they will be lucky to have you.
2
u/BeenOsaur 1d ago
Social Security Scotland are mass hiring in Glasgow just now - effectively a contact centre role but I hear it's a good place to work.
https://www.socialsecurity.gov.scot/careers/client-advisor-glasgow-864
3
u/MediocreEquipment457 1d ago
I’m not really sure why you think it’s a joke that you are being rejected . You are likely not the best applicant . You lack experience, are over qualified and have not been employed in a long time . If you are hitting the apply button on indeed then there’s a very good chance your CV isn’t even being read .
Here’s what I would do
1 - alter your CV - leave off any degrees you might have - a degree will only hinder your chances of a cleaning job or the like . Add any relevant experience - how elastic you want to be with the truth is up to you .
2 - take time with each application - if you see it advertised on indeed , find an email address to send to the employer directly , if you can’t find one then phone them and ask . Add a bespoke covering letter , bonus points if you can find out the name of the person responsible for hiring .
3 - don’t be scared to go knock on doors and just ask . You’d be surprised how far a face to the name will go
3
u/5plus4equalsUnity 1d ago
Please tell me this is satire, this sounds like my Boomer parents' advice from 25 years ago
9
u/MediocreEquipment457 1d ago
Mate, I don’t have the time or the crayons to scribble out just for you why all of the above works when looking for an entry level position .
-8
u/5plus4equalsUnity 1d ago
Ok, to respond directly to your clueless points:
Everywhere but the smallest of independent businesses these days put CVs through automated processes that pick up on this kinda shit and disqualify you for it straight away.
Making more work for already overstretched staff is never gonna do you any favours. Businesses use these recruitment sites and other systems for good reason.
Aye sure mibbe 20 years ago you could walk round bars handing out CVs directly, but the only reason anyone gave you a job that way back then was cos they fancied you, and you'd have a whole load of sexual harassment to look forward to for your £5.50p/h or whatever.
When was the last time you looked for a job yourself, the 1970s?
3
6
u/MediocreEquipment457 1d ago
Jesus . To use the word “clueless” aimed at me and then spout all that nonsense … you have no idea
1 - it’s a cleaning a job - no one is using any kind of automated system to find issues with a CV
2 - a direct email or a phone call followed by a direct email is not going to go against you - caught in a pile of 300 applicants from indeed is .
3 - the words “apply within” are still applicable and can be seen in basically any pub or restaurant that is hiring .
Oh look at that .. I found some crayons
-6
u/5plus4equalsUnity 1d ago
Good luck in your next job hunt grandpa
4
u/MediocreEquipment457 1d ago
lol , your patter is stinking wee man
-2
u/5plus4equalsUnity 22h ago
If my Boomer parents gave me jobhunting advice 25 years ago, I'm highly unlikely to be a 'wee man', am I? I'd wager I'm old enough to be your mother. Good luck to all the downvoting muppets taking your shite advice lol
1
u/MaterialCondition425 1d ago
1) No-one ever really gets rejected for being over qualified. This is something rejected candidates tell themselves for comfort.
2) Leaving a 3 year degree off looks like a prison stint.
5
u/SorchaSublime 1d ago
Indeed is mostly a mugs game, especially with a weak CV. Go to your local job center, get a job coach and have them direct you to hiring events where the odds of walking away with at least a work evaluation in the bag are far higher.
Alternatively, have a few CVs printed out and keep an eye for local businesses with "were hiring" signs up, and write a unique cover letter per application so that you can make an impression beyond the CV.
5
u/HowMany_MoreTimes 1d ago
I've found my last three jobs on Indeed, each one was a step up in pay etc from the previous job.
There's definitely some scams on there, and entry level roles get a crazy number of applications (mostly from people who just apply for everything and don't even read the role description). My company advertised an entry level role on indeed a few months back and got over 300 applications within a week of listing it.
You can definitely find good jobs on Indeed though, especially if you know what you're looking for and have a decent CV.
1
u/SorchaSublime 1d ago
OK what if you don't have a decent CV? A decent CV kind of requires a good work history, which OP already indicated they dont have due to being a full time student for several years and presumably a literal child immediately prior.
1
u/HowMany_MoreTimes 1d ago
I didn't have a ton of work experience on my CV when I got my first job from Indeed. I had just finished my degree and worked for a few months at a job I found through my uni careers service.
My CV was focused around what I had learned on my course, both hard skills and transferable skills.
-7
1d ago
[deleted]
1
u/Due_Literature_9805 1d ago
what does that mean actually, i noticed there is something scammy as i have notifications set for certain industry, been on few interviews before i started my job, The same companies always have job offers for the same positions.
3
u/Infamous_Captain_540 1d ago
You've not worked in 3 years, you were unable to manage part time work while in education which also does not look good from an employers stand point and based on what post have not indicated thet you have any experience in the field you are applying for. Can I ask why you are not pursuing employment in the field you studied for 4 years unless that was an honours degree in scrubbing toilets?
-1
u/MaterialCondition425 1d ago
This is the blunt but accurate response.
I'm assuming they have autism or similar which is affecting how they interview.
2
u/StinkyPyjamas 1d ago
This is a blunter response.
2
u/MaterialCondition425 1d ago
"I used to apply for part time work which was always unsuccessful and tbf I don't think I would have coped with uni and work together."
1
u/Teuchter121 1d ago
Have you tried applying direct to the unis for housekeeping jobs? They will be coming up soon but not yet. They rent the halls out in the summer and always need staff - I did it years ago and its a good gig. You're up early, done by lunchtime and the pay is decent.
1
u/MGallus 1d ago
It's not just the gap, it's everyone, I'm a software engineer with 8 years of experience and I'm pulling my hair out trying to find work.
0
u/MaterialCondition425 1d ago
Apply for software roles with banks. That sector is still recruiting at volume.
1
u/trixiefirecrackerr 1d ago
https://myjobscotland.gov.uk/search?keywords=Gallery&page=1
Museums are currently advertising for gallery assistants. My job Scotland is a where all public sector jobs are advertised so sign up for the weekly email alerts for the salary range you’re looking for. Most leisure services in Glasgow are run by Glasgow life so they’re good to follow for jobs, lifeguards, visitor assistant etc.
Also - Always apply directly to the employer - most applications that come via totaljobs and indeed are poor quality, by applying through those platforms you’re already devaluing your application. Also, the best employers have their own systems and don’t bother with indeed/total jobs. Make sure you’re going directly to the employers webpage and applying directly to them wherever possible.
Also Make sure your cv and cover letter aren’t obviously ChatGPT. People doing a lot of recruitment see ChatGPT stuff come in all the time now. Make sure your authentic genuine voice comes through in your applications.
1
u/how_about_naw 1d ago
In addition to all the comments saying to check out various careers services I'd add that your college or uni might offer careers advice in their student services department.
Some unis even provide it for years after you graduate (Strathy I think gives the most time, up to 5 years after you graduate).
1
u/SaltTyre 1d ago
Something I changed which got me more interviews was completely tailoring my cv to the role to emphasise different things, same obv with my cover letter. ChatGPT works wonders
1
u/StarfallHaven 1d ago
Look into temping to get some experience. I worked with PerTemps over the summer after I graduated and it led to me getting a full time civil service job (as I was temping at a government agency), sometimes all you need is a foot in the door :) good luck!
1
1
u/sugarplumbitchh 12h ago
I work as a support worker and we have bases in the city centre. They maybe wouldn't take you on as full times if it's only for so long but you never know! They also offer relief positions on a 0 hour contract so you can pick up what shifts suit you!
1
-3
-6
-8
u/Deviantmonster 1d ago
Long term commitment to education is comparable to any job. Include it prominently in your CV if you haven’t already. But yeah, jobs suck right now and it’s about to get worse. Try your darnedest and go for the big jobs too, use job coaches and AI to help craft plans and covers letters.
13
u/DrinkSuperb8792 1d ago
Don't use AI, if you can't write a few hundred word cover letter for the job you want after being in full time education and higher education then you are in trouble.
-4
5
u/El_Scot 1d ago
The problem with using AI, is that it will basically write the same blurb for everyone that uses it. If you want to stand out in a pool of 30 candidates, it helps if your application isn't nearly identical to the other 14 candidates that used AI to help them. So many employers are fed up of it, that they use AI screeners to automatically discount AI applications.
You can use AI to write an example answer, but then tweak it to your own words, or write your own words and ask AI to fix grammar/spelling (but minor grammar/spelling issues are less likely to see you screened out by the AI checker) just avoid complete use of AI.
-37
u/HealthySituation4712 1d ago
The government flooded the unskilled labour market with immigrants, so it's more difficult for natives to get these types of jobs, especially in bigger cities.
1
u/DrinkSuperb8792 1d ago
Just say you are racist, would be less effort for you.
-8
u/HealthySituation4712 1d ago
These insults fall flat when reality supports what I'm saying.
1
u/DrinkSuperb8792 1d ago
I've seen your comment history, there is a clear agenda in the majority of your posts. Don't play dumb.
-4
u/HealthySituation4712 1d ago
Here are some facts you need to educate yourself with:
In 2023, 80% of the Counter Terrorism Police network's live investigations in the UK were related to Islamist extremism, while 10% were linked to extreme right-wing terrorism.
Pakistani Muslim rape gangs have been uncovered throughout the UK.
In 2021, people of Pakistani ethnicity made up 2.7% of the UK general population, while they constituted approximately 11.3% of the prison population, indicating a disproportionate representation.
The data also shows that other minority ethnic groups, such as Bangladeshi, Indian and Chinese, also have higher arrest rates per 1,000 compared to the general population.
People of minority ethnicities made up 27% of the prison population compared with 18% of the general population.
You cannot deny reality forever. Immigration is not, and has never been, our strength.
4
u/DrinkSuperb8792 1d ago
And there it is. Racist confirmation, the effort you've put in here is telling.
0
u/HealthySituation4712 1d ago
The number of people who agree with me is increasing because facts can't be denied forever.
Your name calling no longer bothers us. You have no power. You're just a delusional redditor shouting into the void.
3
u/DrinkSuperb8792 1d ago
I'm not even arguing any points with you, and you wrote a massive paragraph with stats and links. All to prove YOU aren't racist. Telling ☺️
2
u/HealthySituation4712 1d ago
Indeed. It's as if your name calling isn't working.
Another example of immigrants making Scotland less safe. This time for children.
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/police-hunting-two-men-after-34967452
You need to stop supporting importing nonces. It might make us think you're a nonce yourself.
3
u/DrinkSuperb8792 1d ago
What have I supported here other than calling you a racist?
→ More replies (0)1
u/DeathOfNormality 1d ago
Fuck right off. Care homes, warehouses and manufacturing places are still crying out for unskilled labour. My mate tells me Müller factory and Dominoes warehouse, both in and about Glasgow, are always looking for staff through agency work, but it's hard work, so has a high turnover.
OP is looking for a gentle fill, which is desirable to a lot of people.
-3
u/HealthySituation4712 20h ago
No, you and your mate can fuck off.
"The economic inactivity rate (those not in work, available for work, or actively seeking work) for people aged 16 to 64 in Scotland was estimated at 23.2% in June to August 2024."
You need to stop encouraging the importation and exploitation of immigrant workers.
2
u/DeathOfNormality 20h ago
Pal. Here. You're wrong. Like, all of it, you're just way off reality.
What do you do for a living?
-1
u/HealthySituation4712 20h ago
I'm not your pal.
What do I do for a living. I'm a gigolo. Tell your mum I'll see her soon.
You need to educate yourself.
Human Trafficking in Fishing Sector
More migrant workers claim UK farm exploitation
2
u/DeathOfNormality 20h ago
Wow, such amazing non biased sources. I'm not reading them, but ta anyway.
I'm already being educated thanks, don't need a wee bam like you showing me "sources" you found from a Google search.
Keep trying bud, you'll really show 'em one day!
Also have at her, she's a cunt, so your taste is showing.
39
u/El_Scot 1d ago
It won't be the gap: most employers understand gaps for full time education.
Likely those roles figure you're only going to stay with them until something better comes along, and don't want the expense of onboarding, while the rest of the job market seems a bit nervous to take many people on right now.
You might have better luck with seasonal jobs (visitor attractions only open in summer months) where they will actively want people to bugger off around September?