X Factor’s Ottavio rejected for jobs at McDonald’s, Primark and Argos
The pop star - one half of X Factor duo Bratavio - worries that his fame and qualifications are working against him when it comes to finding employment
HIS 15 minutes of fame ended when the last series of X Factor wrapped in December and now Ottavio Colombro says he’s struggling to find a job in the real world.
The pop star – one half of divisive X Factor duo Bratavio - has been turned down for a string of jobs at some of the UK’s biggest high street chains and worries his fame and qualifications could be putting off possible recruiters.
He’s applied for jobs at McDonald’s, Primark, Argos, River Island and even Waitrose, and is baffled as to why he's had no luck so far.
Ottavio told The Sun Online: "Perhaps because I was on X Factor they think I want to be a celebrity and have a TV career so won’t be sticking around.
“But that’s not true. I’ve got a new agent and have been in talks about appearing on a new TV show, but I do want a full time job and would give it my all.
“X Factor was an amazing platform to get myself noticed and an incredible experience but I don’t see myself above working and earning a living. I’m getting interviews but just not jobs.
"I’m a hard worker and just want a chance to show what I can do.”
As well as wondering if his talent show fame could be working against him, Ottavio believes recruiters think he's over qualified for the positions he wants.
He said: "I’m about to complete a Masters in Creative Enterprise, I have a BA (Hons) in Fashion PR, and a BTEC Extended Diploma in Performing Arts which I achieved with distinction.
"Perhaps they think I'm too over qualified.
"I’m very proud of my Masters degree and having a good, solid education behind me.
“I just want to work for a living.”
“I went on the McDonald’s website and they’d advertised a job for full time customer care assistant in Southampton, where I’m based, so I applied.
“I didn’t get it.
“I went through the whole online application process and filled out the questionnaire, and then got a reply from McDonald’s saying they have a very rigorous selection process to ensure they choose the right people and they wouldn’t be taking my application any further.
“I just feel I didn’t even get given a chance and, after all the hassle of filling out the application questionnaire, I didn’t even get any feedback.”
Ottavio reached out to the fast food giant via Twitter, saying: “You know times are tough when you get rejected for a job at @McDonaldsUK” but has yet to receive a response.
Ottavio told us he had a similar experience with unsuccessful applications for customer care and relations jobs at Primark, Argos, River Island and Waitrose.
The singer said: “River Island interviewed me twice and turned me down twice despite having fashion retail experience at New Look.
“I just love working with people and I’m such a people person. I’m great at dealing with customers.
"I would just like some feedback on why my applications are being unsuccessful."
For now, he’s focused on completing his MA at Southampton Solent University, where his business model is creating a transgender modelling agency, and hoping that he’ll get a job offer once he finishes the course on August 13.
Although, he sighed while pointing out he'll be "even more overqualified" once he graduates, so isn't sure it will help his chances of landing a job.
"I just want someone to give me a chance," he said.
"I won't let them down."