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How the hell do I get a job?
- Thread starter It’s Time To Go
- Start date
This. Sometimes even formatting can make your resume go from hum-drum to good.
Also, you need to lie more on your resume. There is no one golden bullet, but lying definitely helps.
If I remember right the disability section of job applications don't have you specify what your disability is. I don't think they would be able to discriminate you having aspergers from that.
Apologies if I've missed it, but has OP actually said what work they're after?
That's going to affect the method of approaching the job quite substantially
That's going to affect the method of approaching the job quite substantially
I just want to say I love your attitude OP, I know it's hard when you have a disability, discrimination sucks. Try not to get too discouraged, apply at some mom and pop places where you can make a good impression on the owner as someone who just wants to work hard.
Is there some sort of voluntary work you could do which relates to something you'd like to be paid to do? If retail then volunteer in a charity shop. Valuable experience that looks great on a CV.
I'd be inclined to leave off the Asperger's from your CV but if it's going to be something that could affect your work then think about how you would discuss it at an interview. I was on a panel once where an applicant had Asperger's but they introduced it in a response to a question where they highlighted how it helped them in a particular situation. I respected that they were willing to discuss, but were also able to demonstrate the positives.
I'd be inclined to leave off the Asperger's from your CV but if it's going to be something that could affect your work then think about how you would discuss it at an interview. I was on a panel once where an applicant had Asperger's but they introduced it in a response to a question where they highlighted how it helped them in a particular situation. I respected that they were willing to discuss, but were also able to demonstrate the positives.
I wouldn't mention anything possibly negative, even if they specifically ask about it (like a disability) until after you're hired.
Dumb question probbably but have you tried going for temp jobs? I vaguley remember you're british and a lot of retail shops hire temps and keep them on. When I was at NEXT every single person there started as a temp.
Edit:
Also Indeed is terrible. You'll more likely get an interview applying directly on a company's website.
Dumb question probbably but have you tried going for temp jobs? I vaguley remember you're british and a lot of retail shops hire temps and keep them on. When I was at NEXT every single person there started as a temp.
Edit:
Also Indeed is terrible. You'll more likely get an interview applying directly on a company's website.
I would say Game/Gamestation is a good shout for temp to full time, but I'm concerned that they may discriminate regarding Asperger's (though inderectly).
It might be best to avoid retail that focuses on targeted sales and competition between staff, having been through it it can be pretty cut throat
1.) Don't include your mental illness
2.) Only list the years you completed in college, unless you got your degree then simply put your degree. If you sucked all through college put that you got your HS diploma and pretend you never went to college.
3.) 70 applications isn't really considered a lot
4.) I have a feeling the appearance of your resume itself actually needs work. Work on that too.
5.) Network. Ask friends, family, and friends of friends if their work is hiring
6.) In the meantime, volunteer for things and find opportunities to pad your resume
2.) Only list the years you completed in college, unless you got your degree then simply put your degree. If you sucked all through college put that you got your HS diploma and pretend you never went to college.
3.) 70 applications isn't really considered a lot
4.) I have a feeling the appearance of your resume itself actually needs work. Work on that too.
5.) Network. Ask friends, family, and friends of friends if their work is hiring
6.) In the meantime, volunteer for things and find opportunities to pad your resume
Repackage this it something that sounds impressive without lying. That you were heading the organization of a local or regional event for over 4 years or something. Make it sound as good as possible.
I didn't say go used car salesmen, just to sell your best qualities and leave out details they don't need to know. Not sure where you got suit and power gripping hand shakes from.
I've met a lot of people with aspergers I had no idea had it, and lots of people without aspergers who were socially the most off.
Where did I meet these? At my workplaces, so don't put it on your CV.
I got my first job at a call center, when I had only a high school degree and working experience as a part time janitor. I've heard though that I'm pretty good at interviews, so I don't know what to tell you.
Where did I meet these? At my workplaces, so don't put it on your CV.
I got my first job at a call center, when I had only a high school degree and working experience as a part time janitor. I've heard though that I'm pretty good at interviews, so I don't know what to tell you.
OP
OP
I got asked to this Asda 'magic' assessment today, which apparently is a load of group activities and if you do well, you get asked to a proper interview and I just can't do it. I physically can't make myself go and I feel so anxious at the thought of it I feel like I'm gonna throw up and now my mum thinks I'm just lazy but I don't know what the right thing to do is.
I agree. While they're not supposed to discriminate against those with disabilities, they can lie and give bullshit reasons for not looking your way OP. As a person with a chronic Mental Health disability, they don't ever need to know about it.
That sucks, there really should be more support out there.
Sorry, can't offer any serious support / advice though, other to say good luck.
As far as I remember, ASDA do have a program taking employees with extra needs, so I would advise optimism and attend. I'm sure they will do their best to make you feel at ease
I don't recall these jobs needing much information at all, especially not a fully fleged out CV. Skills are very basic, like team player.
The other thing, at least in the US, is that it's summer. People are out of school and working right now, and retail is in a lull. Once the end of August/September hits, there will be openings with people leaving for school, and openings for the 4th quarter/ holidays.
The other thing, at least in the US, is that it's summer. People are out of school and working right now, and retail is in a lull. Once the end of August/September hits, there will be openings with people leaving for school, and openings for the 4th quarter/ holidays.
Try to force yourself to go. You need to start somewhere, and it's never going to be easy. So take the challenge you think you can't overcome and try. You'll fail many times before you succeed, so... better start failing. Don't be afraid of failure. We all stumbled on the way.
As an employer, I can't support the "lie your ass off" advice. I don't know where you're located but:
- in most european countries, employers are forced to hire a person with some disability every X employees (usually 15 or so). Aspergers is the kind of problem that can be crippling in some environment and irrelevant in others. I'd be more inclined to hire a person with Aspergers than most other types of disabilities, in my line of work. I can limit the person's interaction with the public (at least forced ones, ie I don't make her productivity hinge on having to force herself to interact with others) and I can educate the personnel on the challenges of interacting with a fellow worker who suffers from that.
- being overt and detailed about your "problems" is something that could help you. A lot of people have a very nebulous idea of what Aspergers is (most people I know conflate it with Tourette); add a part of your curriculum where you detail "It means I do this and this and that, and I may seem aloof and this and that, but I can do this and this and that and I'd be grateful to be given a chance to prove my worth".
Instead of lying, try to use the innate sense of superiority that most employers have (we do) and make them feel like they're such good guys for hiring you. It may seem cynical, but it works if you choose a job where you can directly interact with the guy in charge. If you have to go through HR and a "chief of personnel" kind of position... good luck.
I think a lot of people saying don't mention Asperger's are from the US.
Not it is it illegal in the UK to discriminate based on this, there are multiple bigger companies especially who will have specific policies for this sort of thing and will likely give you a chance.
However, depending on your location the unemployment rate may be low so you're just gettkng shuffled out of the pack way.
Forget the job centres as they're fucking useless. Get to a recruitment agency, get signed up and ask for their help with CV writing and cover letters etc.
If you're long term unemployed, getting to a recruitment agency can also help, because they can likely find you short term work that can get you employment experiences in your CV and test what roles could be suitable for you.
Good luck!
Edit: Asda are actually very very good with disabilities and employment. If you've been invited to Asda magic, you really should go. I know it's hard, and I understand your situation but you must push yourself through your own fears, people will think better of you than you do for yourself. You can do this.
Not it is it illegal in the UK to discriminate based on this, there are multiple bigger companies especially who will have specific policies for this sort of thing and will likely give you a chance.
However, depending on your location the unemployment rate may be low so you're just gettkng shuffled out of the pack way.
Forget the job centres as they're fucking useless. Get to a recruitment agency, get signed up and ask for their help with CV writing and cover letters etc.
If you're long term unemployed, getting to a recruitment agency can also help, because they can likely find you short term work that can get you employment experiences in your CV and test what roles could be suitable for you.
Good luck!
Edit: Asda are actually very very good with disabilities and employment. If you've been invited to Asda magic, you really should go. I know it's hard, and I understand your situation but you must push yourself through your own fears, people will think better of you than you do for yourself. You can do this.
OP
OP
I quit even looking and went into basically the fast food equivalent of entry level medical care to build medical practice hours.
You should really try next time. I myself have anxiety when it comes to interviews, does not help that I stutter my words and have trouble talking in complete sentences. Bu it never stopped me from doing the interviews, just gotta do it. I have a job that I landed by going through 3 interviews, can't say they were perfect, but the company could see through who I am and my capabilities in the end.
Try not to worry that much friend.
That's a shame but don't beat yourself up about it, it can be very intimidating and set anxiety off in these sorts of situations. Have you engaged much with your local jobcentre/jobseekers? The can help greatly with the sort of stuff you're after and you at least get your stamp duty paid, as well as a bit of cash to help out
What sort of jobs are you currently applying for, have you considered volunteering that would at least help you pad out your experience part.
Only just noticed your most recent posts, as others have suggested have you been to your local job centre? I believe they offer some kind of coaching that may help with the nerves a little.
Only just noticed your most recent posts, as others have suggested have you been to your local job centre? I believe they offer some kind of coaching that may help with the nerves a little.
You should have went. Try to get over your anxiety. Most job positions require you to work in a team/group and you'll likely have to report to multiple people daily. Even before getting the job you'll likely have to go through multiple interviews. If nothing else the exercise you mentioned sounds like good practice and a good way to build your social circle.
OP
OP
I am currently volunteering at a national archives thing, its all online transcribing and cataloguing royal navy records from World War 1, which I'm really interested in, but I doubt I'll get a job there without a degree and experience. Still fun to do. I also made a profile on my towns volunteer website which has a large list of stuff to volunteer for, so hopefully that'll help.
And I haven't contacted the job centre yet. I have recent documentation from 2015 reconfirming my Aspergers diagnosis I want to find it first before they ask for it.
put that on your CV. You mentioned being a rep and organising stuff - that too.
Also - read your CV back to yourself when you're done. You may find it provides you confidence
As for attending things - you just have to try and go. Don't build up any expectations - use them as dry runs to do the best you can and learn from them. Maybe you'll get lucky, but if not you'll slowly get a feel for how to handle interviews and other situations which will hold you in good stead when you're going for a job you really want.
Those are some great examples and will help flesh out your CV. If you want someone to take a look at your CV let me know, I'm not an expert by any stretch but I see hundreds of cv's a year and my wife is very good at editing/enhancing cv's.
My honest advice would be to go look for the documentation right now and then call the job centre regardless of if you find it or not.
Also where abouts are you? I'm guessing the UK since the usage of CV feel free to PM if you want to keep that private.
Last edited:
OP
OP
I actually had a call from a potential employer today, asking for an up to date CV, and looking at my CV, its really terrible, no wonder I'm not getting any responses. Please help me write a better CV.
as has been mentioned earlier
you'll probably have to show your CV/resume, excluding personal details, to get useful feedback
I have a disability and actually helps me getting shitty jobs, the companies get fiscal advantages here in Spain from hiring us.
My current job, that is a tolerable desk one, got it thanks to it.
My current job, that is a tolerable desk one, got it thanks to it.
OP
OP
I mean it literally can't get much worse
Benedict Lawrence
Place email address - Mobile number
EDUCATION
GSCE's
School - November 2005 to June 2009
College - 2012 -1027
Another College
SKILLS
Microsoft Office, Reading and writing skills (fluent English speaker)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
I am hard working and tenacious. I have previously organised a recreational video game group before at several large conventions so have organisational skills. I have a keen eye for attention to detail and I'm extremely passionate about my personal interests which include jogging, reading, going the cinema, playing video games, creative writing.
So as you can see, its pretty terrible. Literally any improvements welcome.
Benedict Lawrence
Place email address - Mobile number
EDUCATION
GSCE's
School - November 2005 to June 2009
College - 2012 -1027
Another College
SKILLS
Microsoft Office, Reading and writing skills (fluent English speaker)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
I am hard working and tenacious. I have previously organised a recreational video game group before at several large conventions so have organisational skills. I have a keen eye for attention to detail and I'm extremely passionate about my personal interests which include jogging, reading, going the cinema, playing video games, creative writing.
So as you can see, its pretty terrible. Literally any improvements welcome.
I'd take out the additional information, leave that stuff to the cover letter.
Oh cool so you have event planning and communication skills? Put that in your skill section. And I'm guessing you were telling people what to do during this? Even something as simple as rubbish needs emptying? Cool now you got management skills.
I know a lot of people say you shouldn't lie but I agree with this. Just make up some fake jobs related to jobs you're applying for and say you did them years ago and get a friend to act as your reference. Invent and rehearse some duties and situations relating to the fake jobs so you sounds natural when relating it. Stretching dates on legitimate jobs you've worked also helps so if you've worked somewhere for 6 months and then had a large unemployment gap or something, just say you've worked there for a year. I always double the time I've worked on my CV.
Oh cool so you have event planning and communication skills? Put that in your skill section. And I'm guessing you were telling people what to do during this? Even something as simple as rubbish needs emptying? Cool now you got management skills.
I know a lot of people say you shouldn't lie but I agree with this. Just make up some fake jobs related to jobs you're applying for and say you did them years ago and get a friend to act as your reference. Invent and rehearse some duties and situations relating to the fake jobs so you sounds natural when relating it. Stretching dates on legitimate jobs you've worked also helps so if you've worked somewhere for 6 months and then had a large unemployment gap or something, just say you've worked there for a year. I always double the time I've worked on my CV.
It's just a minor thing, but I think you'd be better off without stating the interest of 'playing video games', or at least try to phrase it in a different way. Many employers will view it as a negative. The part about organising a group at a convention should be fine though.
You could also elaborate on your Microsoft Office skills; being proficient at Excel specifically can be quite a positive trait.
You could also elaborate on your Microsoft Office skills; being proficient at Excel specifically can be quite a positive trait.
Should take skills from this part such as time management, organization, team management, leadership etc. Remember to use keywords in your resume and cover letter.
By no means am I even remotely good at this. I still consider myself someone new in the workforce and it took a lot of patience and struggle to land my current job after school; and it took more than half a year! You can probably get better advice once you actually upload a semi-completed CV in word so people can mark it up or give you advice. I just saw the small blurb of CV you posted and it's not bad. You just gotta exaggerate and organize it better! You can do it!
Don't sell yourself short, even if you don't feel as accomplished as others. If your goal is just to have a job, you can definitely get one, especially if you try to bypass your anxiety about finding a job.
----
Benedict Lawrence
Place email address
Place Mobile Number
Objective
---------
Try to write something about why you want the job. Feel free to lie or exaggerate a reason why you want a job.
Education
---------
GCSEs
School - 11/2005 - 6/2009
College - 2017 -2017
Major/Concentration ()
Another College - Date
Major/Concentration ()
Experience
----------
1) (Volunteer Transcriber) - Location - Dates Worked
-Transcribed ___________
-Catalogued___________
-Organized ____________
-Whatever else you did
2) If you have something put it here; make something up if you wanna
3) Same as above
Skills
------
1) Proficiency in MS Office Suite
2) Communication - Creative Writing
3) Time Management/Multi-tasking
4) Something else that pops into your mind, honestly you don't have to be super good at it, just make it look good
Don't sell yourself short, even if you don't feel as accomplished as others. If your goal is just to have a job, you can definitely get one, especially if you try to bypass your anxiety about finding a job.
----
Benedict Lawrence
Place email address
Place Mobile Number
Objective
---------
Try to write something about why you want the job. Feel free to lie or exaggerate a reason why you want a job.
Education
---------
GCSEs
School - 11/2005 - 6/2009
College - 2017 -2017
Major/Concentration ()
Another College - Date
Major/Concentration ()
Experience
----------
1) (Volunteer Transcriber) - Location - Dates Worked
-Transcribed ___________
-Catalogued___________
-Organized ____________
-Whatever else you did
2) If you have something put it here; make something up if you wanna
3) Same as above
Skills
------
1) Proficiency in MS Office Suite
2) Communication - Creative Writing
3) Time Management/Multi-tasking
4) Something else that pops into your mind, honestly you don't have to be super good at it, just make it look good
OP
OP
I would never put that I have a disability. Unless you think it might be a problem down the line.
Edit: sorry I'm late to the thread.
I'm not sure about the interest section. I think probably I would leave off your hobbies, like watching movies or whatnot.
And good luck. I've had a really hard time job searching as well. And I have a tendency to bomb interviews. It's really rough out here.
Edit: sorry I'm late to the thread.
I'm not sure about the interest section. I think probably I would leave off your hobbies, like watching movies or whatnot.
And good luck. I've had a really hard time job searching as well. And I have a tendency to bomb interviews. It's really rough out here.
Don't put a Pokemon thing on your resume if you want to be taken seriously. It sucks, but it's true. I'm not judging you, but potential employers will.
Honestly, from the sound of things and from the weakness of your resume, you are basically going to have to apply to the kind of jobs that don't require a resume at all. You're going to have to accept the kind of positions a high school kid with zero experience and education would get.
Honestly, from the sound of things and from the weakness of your resume, you are basically going to have to apply to the kind of jobs that don't require a resume at all. You're going to have to accept the kind of positions a high school kid with zero experience and education would get.
OP
OP
I'm prepared to take whatever role is offered to me, but even McDonalds is asking why I'm passionate about working in a mcdonalds team and what I could contribute to the business, or Asda or wherever.
So take interests off entirely?
If you really need to get some income rolling in. Go apply at a construction company, landscape/irrigation/tree service company, or a cleaning company. They are always looking for low skilled work and more often than not, the interview will be, "Are you willing to work hard out in the elements?" and "Are you clean?" . If you can answer yes to these questions, BOOM you have a job.
The interests currently on your resume convey nothing of importance to pretty much any job you're going to want.
Maybe apply to movie theaters? That's one job where your interest in movies could actually apply, and you're probably going to get asked a lot of those same "passion" questions where you can actually give legitimate answers about how you love movies and how you want to help make people's moviegoing experience better, etc.
What country are you from, what are your interests, your age etc?
I've been in your situation OP. I also failed a multiple studies and never got a paper. I often applied for dozens of jobs with only a few replies that were always rejections. After a year or so of self investment, I landed a job. Last week I resumed my search and applied for two or three jobs, had 6 interviews and had to cancel the next few interviews because I'm gonna sign a contract next week. It is definitely possible. You can dm me if you want more details.
I've been in your situation OP. I also failed a multiple studies and never got a paper. I often applied for dozens of jobs with only a few replies that were always rejections. After a year or so of self investment, I landed a job. Last week I resumed my search and applied for two or three jobs, had 6 interviews and had to cancel the next few interviews because I'm gonna sign a contract next week. It is definitely possible. You can dm me if you want more details.