The 10 worst things people say to jobseekers.

Your boss comes to you with that dreaded pink slip. "The company is having to cut jobs, after all it is the recession, there's nothing else we can do" - and so you're left hung out high and dry and having to suffer the consequences: last in, first out.

Welcome to the world of job seeking. A happy place where you have all day to yourself and a dwindling savings account and… Ok – so it's not all that great. To make matters worse, you're probably going to have to endure some of, if not all of, the following:

The 10 worst things people say to jobseekers:

1.    "Well at least you now have more time, you could even start a family! Maybe now's the time!"
Reply Suggestion: "Oh yeah! You know you're so right. My baby can accompany me to the interview and help me with my job search. Babies are all the rage with recruiters! "

2. "So you're unemployed, what're you complaining about? You've got it easy on job seekers allowence!"
Reply Suggestion:  " Now I think about it, it's actually always been my dream ! Ever since I was little, when someone would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I'd always reply “I want to do nothing and live out of other people's pockets." What a stroke off luck I'm finally unemployed!

3. "Where there's a will, there's a way! You're just not looking hard enough. Look at me, started with nothing and don't have a degree and look at me now – top level management!"
Reply Suggestion:  "Unfortunately I didn't have the same oppoortunity as you to start my career in the 70s. Have you heard of ‘youth unemployment'? It's just a little thing really, a tiny part of today's reality due to the shenanigans of our dear friends across the pond."

4. "Sorry, we can't do anything for you."
If it's an Recruitment Agency talking to you, you might try: "And you do not even have a small rope and stool?"

5. "I heard they're recruiting at McDonald's, you should apply!"
Reply Suggestion: "I always knew my Ph.D. in geophysics would open doors for me! Even those famous golden arches! Hamburger and Fries to go, anyone?"

6. "Well why don't you try your luck at…oh what-d'you-call-it?"
Reply Suggestion:  " Yeah I've already tried what-d'you-call it, it's not really my cup of ‘what's it again'! It's you they want!"

7. "Don't worry, you'll find something !"
Reply Suggestion:  "Oh good, I feel so much better hearing you say that. Do you reckon I can tell that to my landlord? ‘Here, I'll just pay this £5 and add the rest later, but don‘t worry – I'll find a job' – That'll be fine, right?"

8. "Come on, is not all bad, your relationship is going well!"
Reply Suggestion:  "And that's not all: my daffodils are blooming and the World Curling Championship begins! What more could I ask for?"

9. "You should take the chance that you have time for you! "
Reply Suggestion:  "You are SO right! I'd much rather spend my days playing golf. Or perhaps I'll go on holiday – somewhere with sun drenched, white sandy beaches. Hmm, I can't decide – but you're paying?

10. "Why not start up your own business?"

Reply Suggestion: "You're just full of wisdom! The company I was previously working for went bust but that's not to say a little start up of mine won't succeed in bringing in a livable wage! Great idea. And how do I fund my start-up costs exactly?"

Adapted and Translated from : references.be