I've been job hunting for one year!
Hey Jude
I’ve been looking for a job for a year. That is not an exaggeration.
I was made redundant from my payroll manager role. I started there when I was 17 and stayed for 10 years. I received some money to cover me for a few months, but I started job hunting straight away.
As a single father to one child, I did not have the luxury of taking time to find myself. I have bills to pay and a mouth to feed.
I have applied for 330 jobs and secured two interviews. Both involved multiple rounds and presentations, only to be told the role went to someone internally.
Christmas is around the corner. What used to feel like a time of celebration now feels like stress and disappointment.
I am not giving up. I cannot give up. But if I am honest, the motivation is low.
I do not really have a question. I think I just needed to vent.
Dominic
Hey Dominic
I am really sorry you are going through this. Carrying all of this while being a single father adds a level of pressure that often goes unseen.
Not sure this helps but you are not alone. Many people are in this position right now, especially in the UK.
The reality of the job market
A few stats for context
8% vs 3.3% unemployment Unemployment is higher for Black and minority ethnic professionals than for white professionals.
40% searching for over a year Long term job searching is becoming more common, with many people out of work for 12 months or more.
2.5 people per vacancy There are around two and a half unemployed people for every available job in the UK. Source: Office for National Statistics
1. Source: Office for National Statistics, 2024 2. Source: Office for National Statistics and DWP
This is not about a lack of effort or ability. It is about the system you are navigating.
Practical support
I am not going to tell you how to get a job. That is not my expertise.
What I can do is point you to someone who does understand this space. I recently spoke with Josh White-Stone who leads talent acquisition at Computacenter He shared practical advice about standing out in this market. I am including a short video with his tips.
Practical advice from experienced recruiter
For now, try not to carry the pressure of fixing everything at once. Getting through the next week or two is enough.
A few words of encouragement
Your perseverance matters. Please do not be too hard on yourself.
Two things that consistently help over time.
Keep learning
Keep building your network
They will not fix everything overnight, but they do compound.
Organisations I trust
This is not a plug. I know these organisations personally and have seen their impact.
20/20 Levels I Am Change focuses on personal development and direction. Levels supports young entrepreneurs. They also have a talent arm that connects people to work opportunities. Recruitment opens in January.
MBA 30 by Black British Initiative is an executive education programme for Black entrepreneurs, accredited by SOAS University of London . It offers MBA style learning and access to a strong, supportive network.
blackbritishinitiative.com/soas-mb-30/
Oh Yeah founded by Kat Wong is a career and life exploration platform for anyone feeling stuck, uncertain or at a crossroads. It offers practical tools, guides and frameworks to help people reflect, reset and move forward at their own pace.
Looking after your mental health
Periods like this take a real toll. Keep talking, whether that is with family, friends or even people like me. Black Minds Matter UK also offers free or subsidised support from qualified professionals.
You do not need a question to reach out. If you ever need to vent again or share an update please just DM me.
Thank you for trusting me with this.
Jude