Free Career and Job Search Advice

gh05 · Newbie Joined: 19 May 2008 Posts: 2 Career Advice: +0/-0

Hi

I have been in my current role (temporary admin work) for nearly a year and I don’t get on with my boss and highly doubt that they will give me a reference. I want to leave asap but am not sure what else to do right now. I feel like I am completely underachieving as I have a degree in Computer science and a postgraduate diploma in law (I only earn £13.5K a year). The problem with this is that I have lost interest in sitting in front of computers and currently can’t afford to pay for the legal practice course which I would need to train as a solicitor.

I was hoping that in working with this job for a bit I would at least have some working experience on my reference but now it seems I may just have a big gap in my CV. I want to start applying for any jobs which will kick-start my career but am not sure how successful I will be in an interview if they ask me about what I have been doing for the last year.

What should I do?? Feel completely stuck. Any help is much appreciated.

lexa10881 · Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 3:50 am Post subject:

Don't leave out this job experience on your CV. I would start to look for jobs as soon as possible and see what you can find, and try looking at beginners level in your field. You might be surprised.

http://www.cvtips.com/gap_history_CV.html

mistro · Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2008 5:19 pm Post subject:

Have you had a think about what you want to do?

It sounds like you're really educated, and you've figured out you don't want to sit in front of a computer ... so where do you think your interest is?

Outdoors?
Charity?
Business sector?
Building?

progzr · New User Joined: 25 Aug 2008 Posts: 5 Career Advice: +0/-0

I suggest that you should first think about what else you can do and which is better than what you are doing today. It should also be supported by qulaifications you have and the experience you have. So you must first target to find out the best vertical you wish to go in.

I have gone through a very good article on career choices for 2008, if you wish you can give it a thought. The link to the article is http://www.articlesbase.com/career-management-articles/four-hot-career-fields-for-2008-526821.html

Sueb · Newbie Joined: 11 Sep 2008 Posts: 3 Career Advice: +0/-0

You sound like you have been disheartened by your negative experience with your current boss. There is nothing stopping you moving to a similar role as a side ways move and this may give you more confidence to progress in something you really want to do, whilst earning money. I had a similar experience with my first job and when I moved it was a breath of fresh air.
Most reference requests just ask for the basics, ie are you honest, has your time keeping been ok.
9/10 times the worst that can happen if a reference comes back a bit rubbish is that your new company have a chat with you and extend your probation a little bit to ensure that they are covered should you not perform well for them.
The more jobs you apply for the more interview experience you get the better. Test out your interview skills by applying to agencies, every time you go to an agency dress and prepare like you would for an interview and assess the response you are getting. Even ask for feedback from them, this can increase your chances when you get to interview stage with a specific company.

Join our Newsletter
CopyRight © 1999-2008 cvtips.com This material cannot be published under any form or condition.