Feels like I'm a tick in the box

Elliotmidnight

I'm currently employed and I feel it's now time to climb the ladder, I have applied for various different roles within my organisation, some have been degree level with knowledge in that field of work, which I haven't got but I have always been offered an interview, I been for 7 Jobs now and they have all but one of them I've had no experience and don't fit the job description, I have jad interviews and they all say that same thing. Your not what we are looking for, you need more experience and you don't fit the job description. 
This last week I applied for another role and was told my interview was excellent but they had me in mind for another role. I had a meeting with my potential new manager and all went well, and yes you've guest it, I don't have enough experience and I don't fit the job description and I wasn't what they were looking for. 
I feel that I'm ticking a box for them as I'm disabled and the policy is to interview anyone with a disability but surely it would be best to not interview me and just say I don't have the experience and qualifications and leave it as that. 
I really don't know what to do as I feel I'm never going to get anywhere as I keep getting the same response. I also wonder if they don't give me a chance how am I supposed to gain experience. 🤔 
I feeling very low and I have a major flare up coming due to all the stress 😩 😪 

Sandy_123

Hi @Elliotmidnight welcome to the forum. That's a shame your not getting the jobs you are applying for, have you asked for feedback? Have you thought about applying out side your organisation?  Scope have a support programme, altho your in work it still might be useful link below.

https://www.scope.org.uk/employment-services/support-to-work/

Elliotmidnight

Thank you Sally_123, I've asked for feedback on all interviews, which have been written or verbal, they all said I preform extremely well and answered all the questions, but again they state I don't have the experience, I'm not what they are looking for and I don't fit the description. 
I've never thought of looking outside for fear of change, but I think I will have to as I'm never going to grow in my current employment. 
Thank you for the link, I will have a look. 

Elliotmidnight

Thank you Teddybear12, I'm currently studying for me degree with the OU, they are amazing. 
Sadly all the roles within my workplace you need to have experience which is hard when no one gives you a chance. 
I will keep applying, but I feel I am a tickbox for them due to my disability, its also strange how the feedback is all the same. 

Elliotmidnight

Thank you, I mentioned it on my application and at interviews and tell th I'm getting high score in all my assignments. 

janer1967

Hi hi there 

Disability aware employers usually guarantee disabled candidates an interview only if they meet the essential skills for the role so as such if you don't have the specified qualifications and experience they don't have to offer interview 

Maybe you should give it a rest for a while applying as if also doesn't look good when you apply for lots of positions as it looks like you just want any role without considering if it is the right job for you 

I understand you want to get on and doing your degree is a way forward 

Maybe you could ask if you could work in some of these roles on a work trial or part of a development plan to show your ambition and gain experience 

SueHeath

Morning @Elliotmidnight welcome to our great group.
I was thinking the same way as @janer1967 going down the work experience rout, ask some of the companies if they would be willing to let you, a bit like some school students do before they leave school. It would be with out pay but it may help.
Good Luck in your venture and as i used to say to my own children, there is a job out there, with your name on it you just need to find it.