Madam, – May I applaud the efforts of Féilim Mac An Iomaire, the self-monikered “Jobless Paddy” who recently spent €2,000 on a billboard in an effort to seek employment and prevent himself having to emigrate (“Jobseeker employs sales skills in last-ditch appeal”, Home News, May 30th).
Given the media interest in his efforts, I am sure he will soon find the employment he seeks.
While admitting that the jobs market is in a dire state at the moment, particularly for recent graduates, I have found that a little creativity can make all the difference in what can otherwise be the demoralising and endlessly repetitive process of jobseeking; particularly when one’s efforts are bearing no fruit.
After graduating from the school of law at NUI, Galway last year, I found it impossible to get my foot in the door of any law firm for an interview. Taking an alternative approach to endlessly filling out traineeship application forms, I sent 150 letters, enclosing my résumé, to 150 solicitors’ practices in Dublin, seeking a position as an “unremunerated administrative assistant” while I study part-time for my upcoming Law Society exams. The response was overwhelming. One week and eight interviews later, I finally accepted a position with a great practice in Dublin city centre, with pay, agreed study leave and the possibility of being kept on for a traineeship if all goes well. All in all, it’s everything I could have asked for.
For those who think that jobseeking in this environment is hopeless, think again; it may just need a little creativity. – Yours, etc,