Help!

[Laura M]

Hello everyone,

I really need some help. I've just graduated from uni and although I am hoping to get into the RAF my OASC date is not until next month and if I pass that my entry won't be for at least three months or so. I am in serious need of a filler job for that time and depensing on how things work out perhaps a bit longer. I had a cracking little job at Chesington World of adventures but I had to leave to look after my Nana as her alzheimers took a downturn.
I have been looking for work in the basic admin office type roles but have tried to be flexible applying for pretty much anything. However, so far I have not been successful. I paid a visit to my local jobcentre plus yesterday and am convinced if hell existed thats what it'd be like (well maybe just one of the levels, Brixton council offices are just as bad). There were completely unhelpful and paid no interest in my skills or me as a person. I really really don't want to have to sign on and am prepared to work so hard in any job I end up in. I decided to see if anyone on the forum could perhaps point me in the right direction for a job in London (I got this idea after just losing out on a job because another applicant had 'contacts'). I really would appreciate any advice or hot tips! (please don't suggest employment websites I have probably got them all covered).

If anyone can help at all feel free to PM me or leave a message here.

Cheers

[Ajarn Philip]

Getting a TEFL or TESOL qualification is a good bet for long term fillers (just to clarify, that's Teaching English as a Foreign Language and ditto to Speakers of Other Languages), for any time you want to take a year or two off and teach English abroad, as a mid-life career change (says he!), or even as a career.

You need to make the initial investment on a 6-week course (don't do the on-line courses), and it's not cheap (not sure, but I suspect around 5-600 quid), but once you have that little piece of paper, the world is your lobster.

It doesn't sound like it meets your personal requirements for the moment, Laura, but it will come in handy if ever you get itchy feet.

Good luck!

[Laura M]

Cheers, sadly I don't have any money at all, but am appreciative of the suggestion, thinking outside the box is what I need to do I think.

[englishangel]

for a filler try one of the Department stores, they will need Christmas staff and when I did it (admittedly a long time ago) the temp job ran over into the January sales.

Good Luck

[marty]

Hi Laura

I work at one of the magic circle law firms. They are usually looking to take on paralegals, most of whom are temps as it tends to be a stepping stone or stopgap until they take up other long-term jobs i.e. they're used to people not staying in the job very long! It's relatively well paid for what you do, although the work can occasionally be tedious (but if you're only doing it for 3 months that wont matter). It's also fairly easy - I imagine if you have a degree you're over qualified! If this sounds interesting you're best off taking a day to register with two or three agencies who specialise in placing temps into paralegal jobs - simplylawjobs, Joslin Rowe & Totally Legal will probably do. It may mean you'd need to go to their offices so they can test you on your competence with a computer and fill out some forms.

Anyways good luck and I hope you find something soon!

Martin

[englishangel]

for a filler try one of the Department stores, they will need Christmas staff and when I did it (admittedly a long time ago) the temp job ran over into the January sales.

Good Luck

p.s. You also get quite a good staff discount, good for the Christmas pressies.

[Laura M]

Excellent, thankyou will try the paralegal suggestion, I can be bored for a few months!! I have looked into a few of the department stores christmas temp jobs but sadly many seem to be filled already, but I will keep trying.

[marty]

Any joy, Laura?

[Laura M]

Good News, I have just got a job that I applied for ages and ages ago that I actually really wanted working for a large wine merchant, I get to do various training course for WSEP qualifications and its a great way to get into the industry, I am thinking about putting off the RAF for a bit so I can achieve more here. Thankyou to those of you who helped!!

[Katharine]

Great news Laura, I hope you'll be very happy in the job.