Job after depression

[gustavofring]

So I have been contacted on the phone for a job opportunity for an admistrative job via a Job Agency. It's probably simple Data Entry work. But the Job Agency lady pretty much made me drop through the floor out of emberrassment because my CV was so crappily handled. I made it very sloppily and didn't pay any real proper attention to it (because I initially applied for some job in a storehouse or something that didn't really require any admistrative skills, so I didn't take much time for it). She noticed spelling mistakes, discontinuities, etc. But she did make an appointment to meet me, so I will spend the weekend correcting the CV and making it better.

However I seriously doubt I can handle (any) job right now. I'm so easily distracted, brainfogged, etc. because of 2 years of depression. But, I must say that the prospect of a job has gotten me a little more positive and willing to put effort and work in things.

I do very much want the job because I truly urgently need the income, and I feel like a dayjob will give me some self-dignity back (This sounds stupid but I can't wait to be able to not dodge the question of "what do you do for a living"). To have some purpose in life.

Basically what I wish to ask is have any of you ever suffered depression and gotten back into the job market with succes? Do you have tips with regards to gaps in CV etc? I did do freelance work but its been far and inbetween for two years.

 

[Azunyan]

When i finished school at 18 i couldnt get a job and fell into depression. I helped out some at various places at times but it was no income. Then when i was 21-22 i went to uni and later quit that not finishing what i started. After that i finished an education in cooking and have been working as a cook since. The gap between 18-21½ hasnt been a problem for me, i havent had anyone ask me about it actually.

 

[Lea]

Ugh, gaps on CV. Explain gaps on CV. They probably mean to say "invent something, if you don´t and thell the truth that you did nothing, that´s rude and we aren´t going to hire you".

 

[razzle dazzle rose]

I do very much want the job because I truly urgently need the income, and I feel like a dayjob will give me some self-dignity back (This sounds stupid but I can't wait to be able to not dodge the question of "what do you do for a living"). To have some purpose in life.

It is great you are making progress in this area. It is also something I am struggling with. What you say here about this particular question is so true. I don't want to talk to people just to avoid it. I do wonder if I will be able to handle a job; I won't know until I try I guess.

The gaps in my resume is also what gets me. The people I have talked to about this all tell me to lie. Thing is I am not a good liar. Or volunteer. I should have been volunteering. We just have to remain hopeful and keep trying.

 

[awkwardamanda]

This sounds stupid but I can't wait to be able to not dodge the question of "what do you do for a living"

Oh I hear ya! I finished school three years ago and haven't got a new job yet. To be honest, I haven't looked much because, well, anxiety and depression make that difficult. But the store I worked at just closed, so now I have to find something else. I dread having people ask me where I'm working. Christmas, or any other family gatherings are especially bad, because a lot of people ask. I try and avoid conversation. Sometimes I've even turned away and avoided old friends or acquaintances if I saw them in my store, because I was ashamed of myself for still working there. A few weeks ago, a girl I had some classes with at university came through my till, and she asked if I went to a certain high school. I said "no," and she was like, "I feel like I know you from somewhere." I just shrugged. I didn't want her to figure it out. I've been kinda depressed since finishing work, despite the much needed rest. Makes it hard to get motivated to look for a job, but at least I have the time now. Sorry I can't offer much in the way of advice, but I know how you feel.

The gaps in my resume is also what gets me. The people I have talked to about this all tell me to lie. Thing is I am not a good liar. Or volunteer. I should have been volunteering. We just have to remain hopeful and keep trying.

I don't get that either. You would think an honest person would be more desirable than someone who embellishes their resume, but apparently not. What if they find out you're making up crap? People have gaps in their work history sometimes. Big friggen deal. It's stupid that some employers won't even consider people when they see that. Finished a term position? Next. Laid off due to cutbacks or a business closure? Next. Spent a few years at home with your kids? Next. Being unemployed doesn't necessarily mean a person was a bad worker when they did have a job. If it weren't for this snobby attitude some managers have, people wouldn't have to resort to lying.

 

[MikeyC]

I don't get that either. You would think an honest person would be more desirable than someone who embellishes their resume, but apparently not. What if they find out you're making up crap? People have gaps in their work history sometimes. Big friggen deal. It's stupid that some employers won't even consider people when they see that. Finished a term position? Next. Laid off due to cutbacks or a business closure? Next. Spent a few years at home with your kids? Next. Being unemployed doesn't necessarily mean a person was a bad worker when they did have a job. If it weren't for this snobby attitude some managers have, people wouldn't have to resort to lying.

You answered this better than I could. People have gaps in their work history. It happens. You basically have to be a good liar to get ahead.

 

[gustavofring]

Meeting went quite badly, it's like she purposely tried to really make me feel bad. Said I came across slacker-ish because of how I rushed the CV and how I came over on the phone. She asked me "how would you describe yourself" which basically made me go blank after a few sentences.

Her general attitude was very condescending and cynical towards me even though I tried to bring a lot of enthusiasm, despite nervousness. "Do you really see yourself working from 9 to 5?" I made an updated, better CV which looked quite good and professional, but she didn't really seem impressed.

Guess I'll just carry on searching and learn from this. Can't believe there are such ridiculous standards for a low end, temporary job.

 

[MikeyC]

^ Wow, that sucks. Better luck next time.

 

[crazycatlady27]

well done for trying and some people can be mean and cruel. i am sure you did a great job and i am sure karma will kick her up the butt sometime soon lol

 

[gustavofring]

I try not to hold any grudges, I guess it's their job to be highly critical.

It was the first time I went to an interview in several years so maybe it's always like this and I'm just exaggarating. Either way, I guess it's a good start to get kicked in the a$$. I will use it to up my game a bit.

Thanks guys.

 

[crazycatlady27]

no its not they are there to guide you not to tell you off like a naughty child, she should have told you what you could have done better or given you some pointers on your cv, that way you could have tried again without losing any confindence
good luck xxxx

 

[razzle dazzle rose]

You basically have to be a good liar to get ahead.

You do have to be a good liar. The few people I have talked to have told me they have lied and they got the job. So everyone is out there lying, and I am trying to be honest, no wonder it doesn't work out for me. But I am not a good liar. Perhaps it is something I can practice until I can pull it off.

Can't believe there are such ridiculous standards for a low end, temporary job.

I know!!! :veryangry:

 

[razzle dazzle rose]

I try not to hold any grudges, I guess it's their job to be highly critical.

It was the first time I went to an interview in several years so maybe it's always like this and I'm just exaggarating. Either way, I guess it's a good start to get kicked in the a$$. I will use it to up my game a bit.

Thanks guys.

It could really motivate you. My sister experienced something similar when she saw her school's career adviser. She basically told her that with her experience there were just not gonna be that many opportunities available to her. My sister got out of there crying. But she extended her graduation date, got an internship, graduated, and then got hired there. If that lady hadn't been that rough with her, she would be in my position, unemployed with no prospects.