I stated previously that I began working for the British Lung Foundation in April as a Volunteer Administrative Assistant. The whole experience was lovely, including: applying, being interviewed and actually working in the office.
My contract time was supposed to be for around 3 months but due to exam priorities, and the fact that the charity had become less busy with time, I stopped volunteering after 2 months. It was an excellent experience and I gained valuable skills (which I will be blogging about in the near future) but I am now back to the metaphoric drawing board of job hunting.
I was told by various staff from Penguin’s HR department that admin and office experience is extremely useful on your CV when applying for publishing jobs. Considering I’ve been finding it extremely difficult to gain a work experience placement in an actual publishing house, I’ve changed tactics and been on the hunt for an admin position. I have relevant admin experience, so I set my sights on a temporary or part-time vacancy in admin. I haven’t really had much success over the past month despite applying for several vacancies at a time. I even started to apply for retail work to maintain my funds but yet again I’ve had no success. It’s both upsetting and de-motivating me but I’m trying to soldier through the disappointment.
I’ve more or less given up on the idea of paid admin work and am now more focussed on volunteer admin work in the charity sector. I don’t believe that successful companies making a profit for their own personal gain should ask for volunteer work. Especially when they try to refer to it as “work experience” for over a month or an “internship” for various months. But that’s a whole other story…
There’s been a little good news, but I’m trying not to get excited since nothing is final. I’m still applying for jobs and vacancies but I have to admit it gets very tedious and I’m beginning to hate writing cover letters. It’s so difficult to try to be original in each letter so I feel like I’m just regurgitating the same information over and over again. It makes me wish the whole job application process was different. Maybe I should invent a new system? Hmmm that’s something to think about… Haha.
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Posted on 14/06/12 | 
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Your disappointments are completely understood. I was recently going through a similar hassel myself. It is as though the world is against you as you are trying to prepare and enter this cruel world for a better, happier future. Though I am sure something will work out for you, if you keep moving forward and look to those that say no as minor stepping stones so when you finally arrive it will be their lost
Wish you luck in your hunting and prospects!
Yup I’m trying to keep a positive mind about the whole thing. My friends are all employed so it motivates me to carry on searching and applying! Plus they’re on the lookout for vacancies for me too.
Good luck finding a job, I know how hard that can be hopefully you’ll get one soon.I think its great that you don’t mind volunteering looks really good on a resume/cover letter
I enjoy volunteering for charities because I feel like I’m actually helping society rather than wasting time on the internet! I don’t think I could volunteer for something more superficial though… I feel like if a company is making a profit they shouldn’t be in need of volunteers. Especially since most companies take advantage of students and graduates by offering “volunteering” instead of hiring new employees. -_-’
Have you looked for an online job working from your home? I hope you get something great soon!
@Victoria @Easy2SaveBlog: I have, but I’d rather work somewhere away from home. I feel like it’ll be a greater experience since I’ll be able to meet new people and make new connections.
Hi, I saw your bloglink on dramabeans and decided to take a peek.
I, myself interested in publishing too and but so far I’ve been working at the library.
When you talking about admin job, can you describe what kind of job is that, I mean what it’s job desks?
Thanks.
@momogi: hi there! I’ve sent you an email in regards to this, I hope it helps.
@Farhana Chowdhury:
thank you!
@momogi: No problem!
Goodluck on your job hunting!
It’s been 4 months and I’m still unemployed. During these past months, I’ve thought about which career path to take, and I’ve come into conclusion that I want to work in the H.R department, specifically Recruitment. Although I might find it hard to get in since I don’t have experience and my course is far from H.R too. Well I hope I can convince them to hire me on my desired job position. I’m really nervous 
Good job on Volunteering at the British Lung Foundation.
Plus points on your resume 
Hope you find a good company 
and I hope I can find a good one too.
@Mara: thank you
Recruitment sounds really interesting! You should try to get into a lower level company and maybe try for something else (assistant type of job) within HR to build some relevant experience. I think it’d be really helpful on your CV, plus you’ll pick up necessary skills too!
Luckily I’ve made a lot of progress since this blog post! I now have a full time internship (though it doesn’t pay well) and may possibly be getting a second job (that pays a lottt more but is part time) whilst going part time on the first one. If that makes sense…? Haha I’ll be writing an update soon!