Dealing with recruitment agencies – advice

Redbull

LadyMissA wrote: »

yes and thats what agencies tell me they are doing, calling companies and talking about my CV etc to try and get business for them and me a job but no luck or so they say. One said the other day they can't look for me anymore as I have been out of work too long

The bigger the gap, the more likely it is they will say that. Have you considered any voluntary work?...even if its part time just to close up the gap and have something current on your CV?
Have you considered contracting/temping?

LadyMissA

hcb42 wrote: »

Might be time to move with the times.

So how does having a page there help ?

hcb42

Lots of companies and agents using it now. I had two new solid approaches just last week, and that was me not even looking as I have just started a new job. I have seen loads of jobs I have not seen elsewhere I would be interested in potentially. Companies do post direct as they can do so easily. My sis and bro in law even got to australia on the back of the network they found there (he is in a niche area)and both moved out with jobs. It's a no brainer.

LadyMissA

Redbull wrote: »

The bigger the gap, the more likely it is they will say that. Have you considered any voluntary work?...even if its part time just to close up the gap and have something current on your CV?
Have you considered contracting/temping?

yes but I said I wasn't out of work 11 mths ago when you first got my CV! That's a fact.

I am looking for temp. contract, minimum wage too and nothing. Still up now looking on various sites making sure I applied for everything I could today . Prob go to bed at 3 and start all over again at 8am!

Redbull

hcb42 wrote: »

Might be time to move with the times.

I was reluctant too, but as im hearing from many people, its another step closer to a job. At the moment im trying to add as many people as I can so I dont look like a loner :rotfl:

You could always rip it down when you've found something. But I think once its been up a while, you probably won't mind + u can set all the privacy settings to high so people cannot find you through google etc

LadyMissA

hcb42 wrote: »

Lots of companies and agents using it now. I had two new solid approaches just last week, and that was me not even looking as I have just started a new job. I have seen loads of jobs I have not seen elsewhere I would be interested in potentially. Companies do post direct as they can do so easily. My sis and bro in law even got to australia on the back of the network they found there (he is in a niche area)and both moved out with jobs. It's a no brainer.

I have my own advert up on Gumtree and have so for a year now but I am not prepared to have my name all over the net

hcb42

Redbull wrote: »

The bigger the gap, the more likely it is they will say that. Have you considered any voluntary work?...even if its part time just to close up the gap and have something current on your CV?
Have you considered contracting/temping?

Explaining gaps is critical. I am recruiting at moment, and I have received some very poor/abysmal CVs so far, most of which in no way meet the minimum criteria outlined in the job description - but one (which was not actually that poor and the most relevant to the position) stated "actively seeking work" for over 2.5 years...that doesnt quite ring true in my industry, positions are always available. If there is a gap, try and mask it with something productive i.e. "degree studies" or something...anything valid and within reason..!

(I might see the candidate, depends on how many stronger candidates apply now, but we will see after I have sifted though 400 CVs next week lol)

hcb42

LadyMissA wrote: »

I have my own advert up on Gumtree and have so for a year now but I am not prepared to have my name all over the net

Well that's your choice, but gumtree isn't an appropriate place to find a job...which is evident if you have had an advert there for a year and are unemployed - do you not like professional social networking or something?

LadyMissA

hcb42 wrote: »

Explaining gaps is critical. I am recruiting at moment, and I have received some very poor/abysmal CVs so far, most of which in no way meet the minimum criteria outlined in the job description - but one (which was not actually that poor and the most relevant to the position) stated "actively seeking work" for over 2.5 years...that doesnt quite ring true in my industry, positions are always available. If there is a gap, try and mask it with something productive i.e. "degree studies" or something...anything valid and within reason..!

(I might see the candidate, depends on how many stronger candidates apply now, but we will see after I have sifted though 400 CVs next week lol)

If anyone wanted to see proof of all the jobs I have applied for I can provide that and I can explain what I have been doing every day only to have one interivew. It is not a crime to be out of work and we are in a recession too so not too hard to believe. I am competing with people in work too and they would rather have someone who is working already.

Can't get minimum wages roles as I have too much experience and I am going round in circles with no way out

LadyMissA

hcb42 wrote: »

Well that's your choice, but gumtree isn't an appropriate place to find a job...which is evident if you have had an advert there for a year and are unemployed - do you not like professional social networking or something?

Agencies and companies place adverts there all the time and there is a page for people looking for work too

I have no idea what professional social netowrking is or how you do it