Stuck- job search

Going through the job search right now and I'm feeling pretty... lost, and it's getting me down. The problem is, I just don't know what I can do and what I may be qualified for. I have a BA in Speech Pathology and Audiology that I obtained in the US, and also a Postgraduate Diploma in Speech Therapy that I obtained in the UK. With my education, doing something like speech therapy assistant or audiology assistant would be perfect, but unfortunately I've found these jobs to be few and far between (didn't know this before my PGDip course). At this time going back to school isn't an option- I'm not a qualified speech therapist or audiologist.

Currently I'm working retail in a small clothing store here in the UK. While I'm grateful for my job, it's just not where I want to be. I don't earn very much at all and there are only limited work hours available. I'm more than ready to move on. My boss and I have a great relationship though and she understands that this position is more "interim" for me until I find something more within my field. Before my current job I did volunteer work with a charity organization here in the UK.

Previously in the US I worked as a tutor for a tutoring company.  I also worked as a early intervention service coordinator for delayed and disabled toddlers, which was highly related to social work. At this point, I've realized that I can't be too picky when it comes to applying for jobs. Pretty much anything related to healthcare or social work interests me.

My CV is up to date with all UK spellings, terms, etc. I've even put in conversions where necessary, too (i.e. I noted on my CV that my high school diploma was the equivalent of 5 GCSE passes). I've applied for a handful a jobs so far, most replied with rejection letters.

Does anyone have any advice on job searching? I just feel overwhelmed with no true focus.

Going through the job search right now and I'm feeling pretty... lost, and it's getting me down. The problem is, I just don't know what I can do and what I may be qualified for. I have a BA in Speech Pathology and Audiology that I obtained in the US, and also a Postgraduate Diploma in Speech Therapy that I obtained in the UK. With my education, doing something like speech therapy assistant or audiology assistant would be perfect, but unfortunately I've found these jobs to be few and far between (didn't know this before my PGDip course). At this time going back to school isn't an option- I'm not a qualified speech therapist or audiologist.

Currently I'm working retail in a small clothing store here in the UK. While I'm grateful for my job, it's just not where I want to be. I don't earn very much at all and there are only limited work hours available. I'm more than ready to move on. My boss and I have a great relationship though and she understands that this position is more "interim" for me until I find something more within my field. Before my current job I did volunteer work with a charity organization here in the UK.

Previously in the US I worked as a tutor for a tutoring company.  I also worked as a early intervention service coordinator for delayed and disabled toddlers, which was highly related to social work. At this point, I've realized that I can't be too picky when it comes to applying for jobs. Pretty much anything related to healthcare or social work interests me.

My CV is up to date with all UK spellings, terms, etc. I've even put in conversions where necessary, too (i.e. I noted on my CV that my high school diploma was the equivalent of 5 GCSE passes). I've applied for a handful a jobs so far, most replied with rejection letters.

Does anyone have any advice on job searching? I just feel overwhelmed with no true focus.

I understand where your at. I left my last job that I loved the people I worked directly with and what I did, but the head of HR sucked and was making my life crappy so I had to leave for my sanity. Of which I REALLY regret leaving... *sigh*

I'm sure you're applying for any job that you think fits your qualifications. Have you tried emailing them back and asking for some feedback? The HR folks are usually willing to let you know why you weren't chosen. That'll help you figure out where you might need strengthening.

The thing to remember right now is that there are a LOT of people, applying for the same jobs and that rejection letters/emails are going to come through. Don't let it get you down!
If we're being honest, It does get you down... be upset for a few minutes and then let it go. No one likes being rejected. It hurts our pride.

Just keep applying. Someone will call you in for an interview. It just takes time, like ever other bloody thing in this country. haha. The hiring process most places seems to take several weeks too. *shakes head* It's mental.

If you're open to starting a new career, I would recommend getting into dentistry. You can do dental nursing, hygiene, etc.

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I've applied for a handful a jobs so far, most replied with rejection letters.

Does anyone have any advice on job searching? I just feel overwhelmed with no true focus.

Wow! I've never had a rejection letter... not that I've got every job I applied for - they just never reply...

Would you consider looking at a teaching assistant position?? Pay is not good. But it would give you some experience of working with special needs; it might be you could find a child with speech/ hearing difficulties to work with, and thus would be working sorta within your field?

Well done for trying to think a bit outside the box too!

Wow! I've never had a rejection letter... not that I've got every job I applied for - they just never reply...

A few companies still send out letters, one of which is Molson Coors. They're probably the most opaque company I've seen for where you are in the process.

I didn't really think of teaching assistant. Thanks for the suggestion. I know my husband's cousin is a TA and she's been doing it for years. I'm not overly concerned with great pay. At this point anything above what I currently make is better!

Thanks for the advice. It feels good getting this off my chest. I've never been one for change, so it's really been difficult trying to build a new life here when it comes to job, driving, friends, etc. Things were a lot more cushy for me back in America. In the area I'm originally from it seems like there are more job prospects within my field as well. I know these things take time, I'm just impatient.

I got rejection emails, not letters. Typo! Though a couple years ago in the states I applied for a job at a local library. Heard nothing, until about 8 months later when a rejection letter came in the mail. Um, I think I figured out by then that they weren't considering my application.

What about selling hearing aids?  There's plenty of little shops around and they must need people.  Not sure how much better it might be than your current retail job but at least it's relevant to your education.

Don't be too hard on yourself, it always looks like you won't ever find anything until you do.

What about selling hearing aids?  There's plenty of little shops around and they must need people.  Not sure how much better it might be than your current retail job but at least it's relevant to your education.

My dad did this job for a while, though he sold hearing aids door-to-door rather than being based in a shop.

It wasn't quite as simple as just applying and getting a job though - in order to become a hearing aid specialist, he had to undertake 6 months of intensive training (with exams), living in a hotel 100 miles away, 5 days a week.

I did look up the profession a while ago. Seems like there's a lot more to it than just selling hearing aids, based on the training courses I've browsed. That would be something I'd definitely be interested in, but the training seems pretty extensive (and expensive!). There are a couple training courses that can be funded by your employer, but you already have to be employed in the audiology field to do this.

Something I may be interested in the the future one day, perhaps not the best fit right now though.