A
female
age
36-40,
anonymous
writes:I'm struggling to apply for this voluntary job. What should I do ?. I have to do a voluntary job soon at a Youth Club. I am on Jobseeker's Allowance. However, I am struggling to apply for it. It says on the application form that you need two references, but I only have one, which is my hairdresser. Do you think I could just write one down ?. It does say that you need at least two though. It also says that you need to explain gaps in employment. I haven't worked for a long time, and I don't have much work experience at all. I'm not really sure why that is, so I don't know how I am going to explain it to them. There is also a section where you have to write some additional information about why you want to work there. I'm not sure what to write.Also, do you think it's ok to apply for more than one position?. Reply to this Question
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Fancy yourself as an agony aunt? Add your answer to this question! A
female
reader, chigirl  +, writes (9 May 2014):
 Yes, it is normal to apply for more than one position. That's the only way to get a job, you need to apply to as many as you can.
And yes, if you only have one reference then write down that one reference. But think big, a reference doesn't need to be just a former boss, it can also be a colleague, or a friend you have worked with on volunteer projects, a study colleague, a teacher you've had etc. I know some people even wrote their parents as references. I would avoid family members unless you've done work for them, but if you absolutely must list two people then do that. Always ask the person you want to be your reference if it is okay that you list them.
The reasons you were unemployed for so long are only known to you. It will look poorly if you show up at an interview with "I dunno" for an answer. You NEED to think up an answer. Decorate reality if you must, just never lie. Tell yourself the reason you were unemployed for so long. You said you don't know why, but come on. You know why. Either no one wanted to hire you, or you didn't apply for any jobs. Maybe you were busy working on something else. Maybe you were lazy. In which case, write that you spend this time working on personal things related to your family, for example, or that you were in the process of studying and deciding your next step in life etc. Just whatever sounds better than "I don't know" or "I was lazy".
You know why you haven't had much work experience. Be honest with yourself. And then twist this disadvantage into something positive. A future employer likes, believe it or not, when you know your bad sides as well as good sides. They like people who have a clear idea about who they are and where they want to go. As long as you present yourself well at work, it doesn't matter if you're a slob who doesn't know what to do when you're at home. Not that you're a slob or anything, just painting you a picture here.
And think about why you want to work there. You want the work experience? You think it will be interesting and meaningful and a good leaping stone into that particular place of business or something? Don't just write "because I have to do a job", instead think about what would be good about this job, what would you look forward to, what do you think you would enjoy etc.
If you don't know what the job entails, a good starting point would be to call whomever has the job right now, or whomever is in charge of that position and inquire about it. It shows interest, and increases your chances of getting it, in addition to you learning more about it and knowing what to write in your application.
A
reader, anonymous, writes (8 May 2014): This link will help you to fill out application formshttps://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/getajob/applications/Pages/default.aspxThis link is for the National Careers Service which is there to help you find a job. You can email / telephone / visit them in person and they will go through your CV / application form with you to help you with it.https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/Pages/Home.aspxYour friends can be referees; they can testify to your integrity and contribution in your social circles.
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A
female
reader, aunt honesty  +, writes (8 May 2014):
 Just be as honest on the form as you can. If you only have one reference then maybe you can obtain another one. Maybe contact your old school and ask a teacher to write you one, or even a landlord ect. As for the gaps in employment well if you couldn't find work then it is as simple as that. Think about the position that you are applying for and ask yourself what skills you would need for that position then put then in to why you want to work there. Be as honest as you can and sell yourself. Talk brilliantly about yourself. Yes you can apply for as many positions as you want.
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A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (8 May 2014): Does it state what kind of references? i.e. can they be character references. If so, have you got a family friend who is a nurse or another professional who has known you for a number of years?. You don't know why you haven't been working or gaining work experience?Well, if you have chosen to volunteer for a youth club, why do you want to do it? what skills do you feel you could bring to their volunteering role? (doesn't always have to be work experience, but also your attitude/willingness to learn/enjoy engaging with young adults etc. Apply for more than one position with the youth club? or another volunteering role somewhere else?. If its a different one, I see one reason why you couldn't apply for a few.
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