Job rejection generation.

My last article featured interview tips and advice as I consider myself an expert I've had that many, well, I did. Lately the job front has been as slow as a slug riding a tortoise.I'm not sure about yourselves but, as a 22-year-old partially qualified young professional I am finding harder than I originally thought to find a job. I'm not talking serving food to middle aged couples or pouring cocktails for the wild youth but a proper job, a stepping stone into a career.

Most young people will admit to not having a clue as to what they'd like to do with their lives, even those at universities have little thought as to where their degree will take them. I am one of them. I know what I'd like to do as a dream job and what I need to do to get there it's just the nitty-gritty in-between that leaves me clueless.

As a university dropout (a decision that took a lot of thinking and one I do not regret) I am finding it harder to find even a simple office job but even graduate friends are having similar problems. We see in the news that unemployment has fell 14,000 between October and December to 2.5 million, especially in 16-24 band, but I can bet you that this is mostly made up of part timers. What about us who want a fresh start, a new challenge.

My CV is made up of retail, catering, bar work and waitressing with a 6 month experience in administration. I wish employers would look at this! I have the experience god darn it, albeit 6 years ago but what more do they want? Most jobs states they are looking for an already experienced Assistant with two years in a similar role, but why can't my customer service skills from current job be taken in. Same thing. I have great organisational skills, great customer service and a sponge like brain. I only need one employer to give me the break I need so I can start my career whilst I'm still young. Plenty of friends my age are in similar minimum wage jobs and it saddens me to think this is shrugged off as the norm. It's not as though I'm applying for jobs out of experience, I am a realist. I am fully aware of my strengths and weaknesses but all I appear to get is 'thanks for your application but unfortunately the position has been filled'. I just scan the email looking for that word and don't bother reading on.

I'm optimistic I will get a job soon it's just a case of when and I know it's just a case of somebody else being a little more qualified/experience than me not being good enough. I've even started a college course in hope an extra qualification will give me that extra push. Fingers crossed not only for myself but for the rest of my fellow job rejection generation.

*correct as of Feb 2013.

Blabber McBlabberson - Interview tips

What not to do in a job interview

Don't pretend you know what you're talking about: If the interviewer asks you something you don't understand do not answer with nonsense that is in no way relevant to the question and throwing in words you think will impress, they will not and you will look silly and end up babbling. This will only enhance your nerves and will get you nowhere.  Ask them to repeat the question or give an example, they'll respect your honesty.

Try not to repeat yourself over and over again: Yes you might be a little nervous, especially if the job is one you really want but/or feel you have little experience in. This happened to me recently and I ended up word vomiting all over the poor woman. I made myself out to be more skilled than I was and backtracking when she asked for examples. Oops. This is why I don't lie, I can't!

Make sure not to go to the wrong interview: As silly as this may sound, this has actually happened to me. Luckily I was in the right building, on the right floor just got ushered to the wrong office. I was sat there with a bunch of executive looking people (you'd have thought this would have sent alarm bells ringing, but no), then the interviewer mentioned a previous interview we'd all supposed to have had, and started getting us to make notes on something I had zero knowledge in. I had by then realised I was in the wrong interview but sat there casually until somebody came in and dragged me out...

Don't over-sell yourself: There is a very fine line between confidence and arrogance, a very very fine line. Try to avoid words such best, better, fantastic but try and use highly skilled, exceptionally and well-recognised. Give examples where you've shone in your previous jobs but limit them to one example every few questions. However you can twist the truth, just be careful and ready to back-up.

Probably best if you don't drink hot chocolate and sit on the same leg previously: Again, this happened to me. I was just 19 and it was my third interview. The interview itself went well, I impressed them with my ambition to progress, made them laugh, asked the right questions so I was allowed to feel a little smug when I walked off. Well, hobbled. The whole time I had my leg crossed over the other and lost all feeling and to make it worse I checked my reflection and noticed I had hot chocolate on my cheek. Safe to say I didn't hear back.

Do dress appropriately:  From my experience it's best to do a little research before your interview, find out about the company. If they are a hard-hitting business corporation suit up! If they are a relaxed 'everybody's best pals here' type then suit up casually. Example, smart dress teamed with a colourful blazer or for gents a nice shirt and trousers, no tie.

Do research the business: Find out how the business came about, it's successes and it's current ventures but don't sound scripted. They already know about their business they are here to interview you, just ensure you've done background reading in-case they ask you what you know about them. It'll be #awkward when you know nothing about the company you wish to work for.

'HAHAHAHAHA - You are so funny!'

and lastly the three S's SMILE SHINE SEDUCE: Be a happy, smiley, confident individual no matter how nervous you may be. Think about if you were doing the interviewing  Would you want you to work for you? Nobody likes a miserable cow even if they are just nerves. Shine, if you're highly skilled let them know. As I've said before, be prepared for examples as they will try and catch you out. Seduce them, I don't mean this sexually. Nobody wants to succeed this way, make them want you for your skills, your personality and your ambition. Think what you could bring from the company and what you'd like to take from them.

Have you got any interview tips? Any embarrassing experiences?

Give Gervais a break.

This is no new news for anyone who's ever read my previous blogs/knows me/stalks me but I am a big Ricky Gervais fan. Not only for his work but for himself, his attitudes and his beliefs. The Office, Extras, his stand-ups among his note-able works but Gervais, who is known for his love of pushing boundaries and causing controversy introduced the world to an old friend of his, Derek Noakes.

Derek is a 50 year-old voluntary worker in an elderly care home; popular, well-loved and highly respected and once you watch the show you to will find a place in your heart for him.

The critics had a field day when the pilot aired last year. Gervais' new character has learning difficulties? What an inconsiderate arsehole! Maybe if they watched the show then they'd realise the series isn't a pisstake but a tribute to those everyday heroes we let our inner ignorance pass-by. Kindness is magic, says Derek and it is, we can all learn a little something from the seemingly hapless careworker. It was the intention to create a character who makes you read a little more int. Didn't your mother ever tell you not to judge a book by it's cover?

As the series went on we see Derek lose friends, who he sees as 'mothers' and 'fathers', make friends and annoy his already there friends (pictured left with 'caretaker' Dougie). He creates happiness and laughter whether it's with him or at him as long as they are laughing is enough for him. He makes the best of what he's got and that's something we can take from the show. It's fair to admit I did cry most episodes and laugh lots. Don't watch the show with the idea of a new woe is me Andy Millman or a I'm bloody brilliant David Brent, this character is beyond anything you'd expect from Ricky Gervais, and it's because of that it's works so well. Highly recommend you catching up on what has easily become one of my favourite series' of all time.

It's the ignorance depicted so well from the critics that Derek has been created for. Just like Derek you might take one look at him and wonder why he has a job, question whether there was something wrong with him (this has never been revealed as fact, what would be the need?) we all like to judge before we have the solid hard facts. Be a little more like Derek and let kindness into your life. It won't hurt.

T.V Favourites - Being Human

I'm either getting boring in my old age or television just isn't what it used to be. There are a handful of shows I watch intently though, some of which are old favourites, others are new and sadly most are coming to an end, one of which has been a firm favourite for a while. Being Human, oh how I will miss you.

*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

George, Mitchell and Annie circa 2009

It was 2008 and on popped my screen were three unfamiliar faces.One a tiny bit gormless but loveable and very intelligent, another a young twenty something woman with a penchant for tea and the other tall, dark and unbelievably fucking handsome. George, Annie and Mitchell. To cut a long story short for those who haven't watched the series and followed it like a deranged stalker. The three lived together in the ladies house where she lived with her boyfriend who 'accidentally' killed her. Oh yeah, she's a ghost. Silly sausage George is a werewolf and Mr. Mean and Moody is a vampire and they all lived not-so-happily-ever-after trying to live a 'human' life.

Series one was more laughs and an introduction to the characters. Series two let us into the darkness of the supernatural world and the pain each character had, in particular  John Mitchell. Series three was darker and sad. Very sad. Very very sad. We lose several key characters but fear not, we have some very important characters on their way. Don't worry it does work. I promise.

Then series four introduced us to two new characters. Harry 'Hal' Yorke, a 15th century soldier/vampire and Alex Millar, a down-to-earth tell it like it is twenty something kookster. A slight romance bought the two together and ended in her death. (Was human, now not so human). Right, up to track?

Tom, Alex and Hal.
They sort of become best friends of yours.

Anyway, here there are. Mitchell staked, Annie saving the world and fulfiling her unfinished business in season four leaving hapless but street-smart Tom McNair (the adoptive son of Robson and Jerome) the only sort of original cast. Hal turns up, meets Alex in her human form, she dies as a result of befriending him and her ghost tags along with the duo and they make Honolulu Heights their home. Just like the previous characters a bromance forms between the two males and slight will they won't they romance lurking between the broody male (Mitchell/Hal) and the normal girl (Annie/Alex). Nothing is ever simple for us mere mortals let alone the Supernatural. They too fall in love, get jobs, lose jobs, make friends, lose friends. Just like us.

I will admit I was stubborn with the arrival of the newcomers but series five has impressed me massively. I can't deal with the fact this is the last series and the last episode is this Sunday  A few story-lines have been slightly repetitive but it has worked.

Hal is sad therefore I am sad.

Mitchell was a badass motherfucker, Hal is more of a motherfucker but is yet to truly unleash that side of him. We see the polite, well mannered, buttoned up polo-shirt Hal and have had glimpses of his evil side. Is there a link between himself and Hatch? Can Hal keep himself under control? (Pst. Hatch is the devil that Hal and some others accidentally let loose hundreds of years ago. Played by the fella who was in Bob and Rose, ask your ma)  I have nobody to fan-girl with. Nobody to discuss potential plots or read into things with. I am a slight geek and shows like this bring it out. I have never known myself to fan-girl so much since Supernatural.

I love everything about the show. It brings us a lorra laughs, it makes us cry and allows us to feel apart of the journey. I once called Hal a dickhead. In fact I shouted it loudly because I was disappointed in him. You get that attached to the characters and you have everyone involved in creating the show for that. From the brilliant and beautiful cast to the writers to the designers on set Being Human is massively underrated and deserves as much recognition as I can give it. Yes, a little late but go catch up on the brilliance. QUICK! You still have time before Sunday.

Hair care faves - after wash/before blow dry.

As a young woman I have always enjoyed experimenting, often badly, with my hair. Bleaching it stupid amount of times, colouring it, straightening it and attempting and failing to curl it. This has obviously left my hair in a horrible condition. So much so I hated wearing it down.

I decided it was time to fix up and look sharp, spending a considerable amount of time in Superdrug and ended up with the following beauties who have currently became my all-time favourites.

For volume it's a close call between two; Andrew Barton's I Love Volume and V05's Plump it Up. Both products leave my hair smelling stunning but when it comes down to it, it's V05 which leaves my hair with a lot of bounce in my bonce.

Andrew Barton I LOVE VOLUME 

Doves' Colour Radiance Hair Therapy

For general conditioning and heat protection it's either Elvive Full Restore or Doves Colour Radiance. I feel both products may not do much post blow dry but it's the pre-styling where they leave my hair feeling soft and smelling great and obviously both do their heat protection job well, (I hope!)



The over-all favourite item of all time, and yes I'm a little behind, is L'Oreal Extraordinary Oil, I mean wow! Not only does it leave my hair soft and smelling great but it gives it a great shine finish. Since using the oil my hair has became recognizably healthier. It has grown as-well!

I don't use all the products at once and I do still limit myself to straightening my hair and so far the results show this to be a winner! I have yet to try any other type of oil, do you have any favourites you swear by?

I need a hobby...

Interviews, dates or just general chit-chat with strangers I always have nothing to say when asked 'So, do you have any hobbies?' 

I really don't. I enjoy blogging but can blogging be classed as a hobby? It's something I enjoy and do not-so-regularly but I'm not out the house and not with people. I always include 'socialising' as a hobby but what I really mean is getting pissed now and again and/or eating myself into a food coma.

I am a very social person who loves learning and doing and meeting new people but I seem to have gotten myself into the inevitable rut of a working woman; work, wine, sleep repeat. Time to kick my large for a slim person arse into shape. Here are a few hobbies and things to do that have taken my liking around Birmingham, plus I need to see more of my hometown, and been added to my to-do list. (Seriously, I've made one)

First and foremost is the O2 Academy. Gigs. Who doesn't love a good gig? Rubbing against a sweaty stranger is one of my favourite things to do. The website provides a listing of up-coming gigs and allows you to book tickets there and then. Other music venues include NIA, NEC, the flapper, Hare and Hounds, the Yardbird. There is always a gig going on somewhere in town if you look for it.

To fulfil my inner adrenaline junkie a friend mentioned Redpoint (image from www.redpointclimbingcentre.co.uk/) It's only £16 p/a for an hourly session, including training and equipment. They have several routes and it has been constructed with varied routes across different shapes and angles. Unless specified otherwise you are invited to use everything

I plan to see hidden gems the town has to offer  and spend more time there whether it's cafes, coffee shops (Yorks, 6/8 Kafe etc) or restaurants or even spend a day at Birmingham Museuem.

I have never ever been to Cadbury World either, something I am very ashamed of. I shouldn't really allow it to become a hobby although I'd very much like it to be.  The tour includes how to make chocolate, demonstrations and a history of the factory and it's local area. It says it's great for families and groups of school children but I don't remember seeing an age limit on bars of chocolate do you?



For my creative side I have also found loads of make-&-do crafts through through Creative Open Workshops (C.O.W) all perfect for that inner quirky chic character we all have inside of us. 'I love your_____ Bec. Where did you get it?' 'I made it myself'

• Jewellery Making - March
• Sewing - March
• Create your own table linen - March
• CYO Purses - March
• Laptop sleeves - Feb 

(for more information please see the website in link above - may require booking)

I've always been proud of Birmingham, though I currently live in Walsall I do consider myself a Brummie. The town has so much to offer than you might initially think.

Have you got any interesting/exciting things to do around Birmingham?

Hey, it's okay...

... to enjoy being single.

Aged 22 I have had only one long term relationship and few but lovely short term things. I date, quite a lot in recent months but mostly because I enjoy meeting new people. There was no 'spark' with any of them if I'm honest, I don't believe things like that grow with time. It's either there it or it isn't. Not love, just a tiny spark to get you excited. My last 'relationship' was a few years ago but I haven't been that bothered in having anything serious since. That does not mean I sleep around! Woah!

 I think either I expect too much, am too fussy or I scare the good guys off, my personality can hit you like a ton of bricks if I'm comfortable enough with you, but it's who I am and I like me.

Everybody else around me is in a relationship and it's gotten to the point my family/friends have stopped asking if I'm 'seeing anyone'. I do see people, ie more than dating and less than a serious relationship (again, not in a slutty way) feelings involved but as are complications. Complications always seem to find me and this might be the underlying reason I avoid relationships. I'm not a fan of drama in situation. I think a relationship should be with somebody you consider a best friend as well as somebody you find so fucking irresistible and who makes your heart beat that little faster and is the reason for the twinkle in your eye. The person who can make you happy just by being in the same room, who cheers you up by saying nothing and doesn't give a shit  if you have serious conversations with your cats.

I don't just have relationships with anyone, I am, according to family and friends, very fussy. I have to 'feelings' or at least a spark with someone to consider taking it to the serious level. I enjoy my life as it is, I don't need a man there. I see my friends as and when I please and do what I want when I want. I'm not saying couples don't do this but in my experience couples are clingy and around each other 24/7. Maybe I am just jealous, been single too long so just found myself used to it. Some people are used to relationships, I'm used to being on my own. (Christ, this sounds remotely 'pity me', it isn't!) I either really like people who are taken/friends or go on dates with people who really aren't my type whatsoever just for the 'craic. It's for this reason I've stopped dating for a while. I wouldn't say no if the right-ish one came along but I have other things keeping me happy right now. I don't hate on couples, if I did I'd have no friends, I'm the permanent third wheel for christ sake! 

All I'm saying is, if you to like me enjoy your own space, your own time and being single then don't be afraid to shout about it. Don't let people pity you. Be proud of everything else you have achieved or are achieving in your life.

BXO