Applying for a job, so depressing

Its awful being knocked back wheny you've applied for a job. But even worse when your not sure you wanted the job anyway. Keep applying and I'm sure something'll come up.

I've just been made redundant from my job (just after mat leave) and I;d love to stay at home for a bit, but we need money so I need to go and get a job. I'm so half hearted about finding one it's awful.

That's the thing, I'd rather not go out to work but with the fixed rate ending in November I really should find something to help out. Part of me was hoping they'd turn me down but it's still gutting when they do ?

I think the annoying thing is that I know I can do it. I'm not stupid, I can type well and I've got a good eye for detail...but of course I have nothing to back that up!

see my self belief is low, and i;m petrified no one will want me because I'm cr*p.

have you throught about doing a course? not sure if you;d get it free if you're not working. Something like the ECDL? or an evening class. Might just give you something extra to add to your cv?

Firstly, ignore the B&Q test, it's pointless.My H worked for them for years and when they introduced the test they got lots of staff employed who were useless.They couldn't do the job in reality but got lucky because they gave the right answer that the test wants.I had a friend who had worked in retail for 20 years including management and the test failed her!

I don't know how old your children are but I've been in a similar situation to you.I worked in a supermarket until I was 22, then got pregnant, had 2 children and stayed at home.When I started helping at the pre-school it was suggested I was good at working with children.

I did a night course at college to get my Level 2 Teaching Assistant award and volunteered at the local primary.I've gradually let my face be known and from September I'll have a full time Teaching Assistant contract, and I'm starting a Level 4 Open University Teaching Assistant course.

You may have no interest in the same job as me, but I'm trying to show you can change things even with children.

I think your best bet would be to work out what it is YOU would like to do, and then look at qualifications needed.Night courses and distance learning are both possibilities and they cover a huge range of subject areas.

It's disheartening isn't it? Even highly qualified people get turned down for jobs though, everyone goes through the same mill when they're applying.

What did you do before you had kids?

I'm not sure it's any easier if you had a 'career' beforehand - I know if I had kids my career would be the first thing to go - I couldn't do the travelling & 14hr days if I had anyone to look after.

Gryfon - have you tried going via an employment agency ? As well as temporary jobs (which aint great, but help with the bills), they may also be able to help with temp to permenant jobs. (That's how I've got almost all of my jobs).

What is it you fancy doing? I have just taken up 2 new self employed ventures that allow me to work around the kids but with the support from large companies.

If you like email me and I will tell you all about them. I don't want to get into trouble on here for advertising

Orly Bird is right - temp agencies can be a good way to get a foot back in the door. Plus you can be a bit flexible about when to work if you're temping - just make sure you let the agency know your availability as far in advance as you can so that you don't get a reputation for being flaky!