Ask Sam letter

Hi there,

It can feel disheartening when your hard work and effort isn’t paying off, especially when other people have managed to find jobs. Finding a job can be a long process, and not having one yet doesn’t make you a failure.

There are many parts to finding a job that will be out of your control, for example if there are more experienced applicants. It’s important to focus on the things around your applications you can control.

It’s great that you’re putting so much effort into your applications. When you’ve been working on your CV or applications for a long time, it can feel hard to think about ways to improve them. Sometimes it can help to get a second opinion though, to make sure there’s nothing you’re missing. You could:

• take a look at our page on jobs and work and BBC’s advice for creating a CV and cover letter
• get a second opinion from someone in college, like a careers advisor
• ask for feedback from the places you’ve applied to.

Another way to build your CV and applications is through work experience or volunteering. Although this isn’t paid, it can really help you gain experience which employers look for. Your college could also help you with this or could arrange work experience placements.

It’s never easy when you’re made to feel like you’re a disappointment or a failure. It can feel like a lot of pressure when you’re trying to meet your parent’s or carer’s expectations, sometimes it can help to share how you’re feeling. Even something as simple as getting your parents involved in helping with your applications can help to show them and yourself how hard you’re working.

You don’t have to go through this on your own, remember that Childline is always here to support you.

Take care,

Sam