Jobseeking - got a job now!

Maddie · 7 November 2004 at 11:32PM

Hi
I graduated this year with a first in maths from warwick, but so far I have not been able to find a job. Basically Ive started this thread hoping for help and support and answers to a few questions.

I signed on (JSA) at the end of July, presuming that it would only be for a very short time, but finding something at the right level has been impossible.

I had presumed that I would have at least been able to get a temp job. But when it came to this they didnt want me since they thought Id leave too soon, due to either getting bored or being offered something better.

Ideally I want to work in accounts and study for the CIMA and want to stay close to home (Sheffield).

Recently I have found a great website https://www.reed.co.uk and have had interviews at two specialist agencies and have also been interviewed for a job I found in a local paper, but no word as yet.

How many agencies is it acceptable to register with, as many as i can? (though they have all asked how many others im registered with :-/)

At one agency I was applying for a particular job, and he made it sound like I would almost definately be passed on to the employer, but that was almost 3 weeks ago and he has not been in contact. I have emailed and also applied for another job from reed.co.uk which he was dealing with, but no reply :'(

The longer it all goes on for the more my enthusiasm drops, and the longer ive been 'doing nothing' in their eyes. Its beginning to feel like Im never going to get anywhere :(

So what should I do;

Carry on looking and applying from reed.co.uk and local paper? (anywhere else I should look?)

Concentrate on grad jobs starting next september?

Send out my CV to companies not advertising?

??? ??? ???

Thanks for any comments
Maddie

Spendless · 7 November 2004 at 11:44PM

Hi Maddie

well you're close to me(I live in Doncaster) when hubby was looking for a different job last year he found the same with agencies, they took ages to come back to you - though they did in the end.

He eventually got another job thru an ex collegue of his, so I'd say try every way you can think of letters to companies, agencies (asked hubby he says you can register with as many as you want) and networking, ask everyone you've ever met if they know of anything.

Local paper - Do you mean Sheffield Star? I don't get the Doncaster version so don't know what it's like for jobs. What about the Yorkshire Post? Think its Thursday for jobs - but sure the newsagent will know for definate.

Good luck with the job hunting

wickedwitch_2 · 8 November 2004 at 1:30AM

Hi Maddie

You should also consider looking at the websites of as many companies as you can think of. They all need management accountants!!

Many large companies don't use recruitment agencies and most organisations will have the details of their graduate training/entry schemes on their website. Some invite applications on line but I can't remember who.

A bit of direct action might be more effective than relying on agents just looking for their commission! And it would show JC+ that you're serious about finding work that is right for you.

Good luck

WW

StratApproach · 8 November 2004 at 9:50PM

Sorry to hear you dilema.

I'm in a situation where I'm now self-employed and trying hard to make it work. I did a 12 month contract and have been doing ad-hoc work since.

I'm qualfied with bags of management experience but due to studying for an MBA this is hindering me - who wants to employ someone who they feel may have their job if the business makes cuts.

As for agencies - really don't have much faith (by experience). Had all the stories, your great, there is a lot of people going for the job etc. How many 'false jobs' do they have attracting you to purely get your name on their books? I've applied for a number of jobs where the job description is different to what they have advertised.

Personally, I would if I was you, write direct to as many businesses in your locally that you want to work for. Make sure it is tailored to the business and addressed to the right person.

Or do some networking and try to get to know people in the business area you want to go into. Check accounting forum websites. Get you name out there and don't rely on your degree to get you a job - it shows you can apply yourself but industry does like experience.

It may be your CV letting you down - mine was initially.

Good luck, well done on the degree (it will help in the long term)stay positive and you'll get there soon.

StratApproach

PS join as many agencies as you like.

The more activity you do the better your chances.
Get up every morning and plan to do X number of letters etc.

Maddie · 9 November 2004 at 12:03AM

Hi
Thanks for the replies, it makes me feel better just talking about it! Ive just finished an application for a job from the local paper (yep spendless, its the star, i'll look in the yorkshire post as from now on

) which i'll post tomorrow on the way to my free back massage!

StratApproach
Have to say ive been tempted to start my own business a quite a lot recently, if only i had a good business idea ::)

I'm not just relying on my degree, would be quite happy to start in a low role to get experience, but its hard to find someone willing to take the risk of me finding something better once theyve trained me.

If anybody would like to have a look at my CV and recent covering letters, pm me your email address, I welcome constructive criticism!

Any recommendations on accountancy forums or where to look for businesses to target?

Thanks again for all the help and encouragement :-*
Maddie

geniejj · 10 November 2004 at 4:48PM

Maddie,
Your not alone. Here`s some advice I gave to my sister a month ago. She was feeling exactly the same after graduating. She started a job within the month paying 19K.

You have a much better qualification than her. You should be able to walk into a job.

Agencies are crap, but neccesary and you just have to get in their faces more. A phone call once a week works wonders. Remember your worth a couple of grand to the agency.

Careers depts at UNI`s are worse dodgy CVs and they insist on things like personal statements. They tend to recive jobs rather than go out and get them

My advice comes from personal experience of job seeking, and I belive that after 8 years doing this, in the last 12 months I understand the process better and managed to double my wages in two job moves.

I am also a Marketing Manager for an accounting Firm which gives me an understanding of the sector you are looking in.

Advice

Remember every time you feel like you wont get a job, or you don’t want to go on the net today looking,every other unemplyed graduate will feel the same. you`ve got to keep going.

There will be less and less graduates looking for the same monthly amount of jobs.

SOME HARD WORDS

If your being really honest with yourself, your not applying enough.

You should set your self a target of 25 job applications a week minimum.

The jobs are there. Send for ANYTHING to make up the 25. an Interview for any job is good experience.

It will take you 4-5 hours a WEEK to do this.

WHEN YOU START WORK YOU WILL BE WORKING 35 HOURS PLUS AWEEK.

Treat looking for a job as a JOB.

Getting your job is a numbers game. The more you send the more interviews you will get.

I gave her some actions to do which i dont want to disclose publically at the mo, becuase Im thinking of setting up a business around them.

However, if you don`t mind being a guinea pig, PM me, I will happily do the same for you , in return for confidentiality of the methods(nothing dodgy) and feedback.

If not try https://www.icaew.co.uk for a list of practices in your area through the directory of firms and get a job , any job for christmas to fill the hole in your CV.

Maddie · 19 November 2004 at 10:51PM

Good news!

I was offered a job today, start on monday morning ;D

Basically I rang the agency that hadnt contacted me to see what was going on, spoke to a different bloke cos the bloke who'd interviewed me was ill. He said he had a couple of jobs i might be interested in, told me a bit about them.

Next day, rang up and told me more about one of them, asked if i was interest, said yes, and he said he'd forward my cv.Hour or so later, he rings me to say that ive got an interview on friday.

Go to the interview today, turned out to be mainly just an office tour, and they offered me a job!

Its pretty crap pay, but I'm sure that as soon as they realise how wonderful i am, they'll put it up :P

Thanks for all the help, couldn't have done it (so quick) without you all! :-*

Maddie

rushnowt · 20 November 2004 at 5:32PM

Congratulations Maddie, I hope all goes really well for you, the best of luck :-*

Fran · 23 November 2004 at 1:53AM

Congratulations on the job Maddie

Jobseeking - got a job now!

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