Sobering for those of us with jobs, and one of those things that makes me not want to switch to a new job right now, even if it is for higher pay, when I have a solid, sure-thing where I am.

The worst thing about my rarely making it even to the interview stage is that I have no idea why I am failing. I don’t know what’s wrong with my applications: whether my CV is too short, too long; whether my experience is inadequate; whether my covering letters are too boring or formulaic… On the face of it, I should be having no problem. I have a decent degree, from a decent university; I have some good experience and have worked for some reasonably high-profile clients; my computer skills are quite good - not spectacular, but surely good enough for temping work; and I haven’t been overpaid. Nor am I looking for work for which I’m totally unqualified. I’m prepared to work for less money than I used to earn, and at a lower level. I’d take any temping work in the meantime; I’d have to do so.

For those of you in the same boat as the writer… well, it’s not exactly a pick-me-up, but maybe it helps to know you’re not alone? I’m trying to remember if it would have helped me when I was in the same situation, and I find I’ve forcibly blocked memories of those times out of my mind.