“I would question the value of social science degrees. Anyone with a strong work ethic can find work, and not hold out for something they feel is appropriate for their perceived level of education.”

“Jonathan - on the other hand, tell us how well the free advert is working......”

“be honest though, the beard means he can't work with some people

He could be a lookalike for Frankie Boyle, but he has sort of pushed himself off the tv with all the jokes about demographic groups that this guy looks like he has to stay 100yds from at all times”

“Unfortunately the UK government strategy means that there are not enough jobs for everyone. 2 of my previous jobs are now being done in India.

There must be a lot of people whose manufacturing jobs are now being done in Asia or Eastern Europe and there are only so many new jobs available on Starbucks and Pret a Manger.

And don't be taken in by the government statistics on unemployed. Nobody I know who has been out of work has been eligible to claim benefits so none of them were ever included in the jobless totals.

Get a job in a big company - stack shelves in a supermarket - you will be a department manager within 18 months, a store manager within 5 years and Head office after that - if you deserve it, not because you have a certificate.”

“A Sign of the times I'M afraid LA, You have to take what you can get these days.
If you don't then your a Sponger and will continue to be, until your ideal job turns up.!
NEVER.”

“I have also met a couple of people who lost good jobs they had had for years. Both ended up as taxi drivers.”

“I met an old friend at Croydon University Hospital on Tuesday and he handed me his old business card. Used to manage a computer business in Thornton Heath for six years. Then had to close down. Now he works as a hospital porter.”

“A CV says nothing about a person really, always nice to actually meet them in person.”

“I've looked through so many CVs in my time. Once read they go on two piles - worth a second look, or forget this one. A degree says something but not enough. For most jobs the specific degree may be irrelevant - I've known successful IT people with degrees in Astronomy, Theatre, Art, for example, but some subjects score more points than others. Employers don't just look at qualifications. Experience is more important. How well will you do the job for me? How well will you fit in? How reliable will you be? How flexible are you?

Employers know times are difficult and many good people have lost jobs despite doing them extremely well, because of cut backs and closures. But what have you being doing in the mean time? Voluntary work while looking for a permanent job, low paid work while looking for a permanent job, temporary work while looking for a permanent job, permanent jobs which ended in redundancy, or just looking for a job?

An employer needs to know you are used to working, without arriving late, taking lots of sick leave or taking time off without warning because something came up. That you have been working is more important than the work you have been doing, for whom you were working or what you were doing.

If you are holding out for a job and salary commensurate with your degree, you are following the wrong route. Swallow your pride and throw yourself into a new direction with enthusiasm and energy. Work for free if it gets you working. Above all, don't be a snob about the job - I know someone who spent a career managing IT systems but when semi-retired unloaded lorries and enjoyed it tremendously and five years later still enjoys meeting former colleagues from both areas.

Don't get demoralised, keep looking, and good luck.”

“I wonder if those making negetive comments are the ones that are infact employed by any chance. hmmmmm yeah you live in a perfect world dont you, just embrace what you have got, and be lucky you have it.”