Job Applications

[thenry]

i'm having troubles looking for a job within the sector I've got knowledge in so I'm taking punts at other jobs I'm interested in. I've got my meet most needs C.V. saved if that makes sense and also a tailored one for the sector I want to go into. question is regarding taking punts, is it worth while? I've always told people looking for jobs to just take punts and see what comes of it but I've never really done it myself should I tailor a cover letter for each punt or just send off my c.v?

[Chris]

Always make it look like you actually want the job ... very little point in applying otherwise, given the number of people likely to be applying.

[thenry]

thanks. anyone on here looking to employ anyone in the south

[Russ]

Don't forget that in today's economy, the world of work is an employer's market. They no longer feel the obligation to be as respectful to applicants as they used to. A few years ago you could apply for a job by post/email/online etc and if you were not successful you could expect to hear from them somehow, just in case you choose to apply for another position with them somewhere down the road.

Nowadays a lot of companies don't even feel the need to acknowledge your application. Obviously it's more important for them to fill a vacancy than to be seen to be polite but they know they'll get more applicants than they need, so they don't care about whether you apply again in the future - lots of other people will.

They often use the excuse of "we couldn't respond due to the number of applicants" which is rubbish - how long does it take to send out a mass rejection email?

I remember one job I went for, my experience was such that it would not have been unreasonable for me to think I'd at least be considered a shortlist candidate for interview. Within 10 minutes I had an email back saying "thanks but no thanks". Although I respected their decision I asked them if there was any particular reason I didn't even get considered for an interview given my experience.

Almost straight away I had an email response which was full of attitude saying "We don't HAVE to offer you an interview. In any case most people would be grateful we got back in touch so quickly".

As Chris says, engineer your application so it looks like you're actually interested in the job and give no indication that it is a 'punt'.

[Halcyon]

If you are applying for a general job then a standard C.V. is fine.
If it is a job that needs particular qualifications or experience I would alter your C.V. to make sure you put the best of your abilities related to that job at the front and noticable.

The thing that will really show whether or not you are interested in this job and are passionate and qualified for it, will be in the covering letter where you want to sell yourself as well as show why you want this particular job.

[thenry]

thanks again, all posts taken into account. it'll be a long few weeks if what I've applied for already doesn't work out

[thenry]

anyone know of recruitment companies other than monster and reed.

i've found a job ad but i get redirected to http://www.cv-library.co.uk I was a little curious so I searched that site for the same job ad but nothing came up, infact nothing within a reasonable distance came up as a result.

[Gary L]

Originally Posted by thenry

thanks. anyone on here looking to employ anyone in the south

Depends if you make the tea too milky or not.

[Kymmy]

Originally Posted by thenry

thanks. anyone on here looking to employ anyone in the south

Not much point in asking that as you've not even told us which sector you're looking in

As for milky tea....YUCK!!!

[Halcyon]

www.manpower.co.uk is another site for finding work.

[squealy]

Originally Posted by thenry

should I tailor a cover letter for each punt or just send off my c.v?

For the amount of effort it takes I think it's probably worth tailoring a cover letter. With the level of competition around every little could help. Good luck.

[Hom3r]

Heres a list of ones I signed up to, some may only be for the south east (I live in Harlow (CM201QD))

http://www.totaljobs.com/
http://www.topflightpersonnel.co.uk/
http://uk.tiptopjob.com/search/tiptopsearch.asp
http://www.therecruitmentplace.com/home
http://www.thedovepartnership.co.uk/
http://www.reed.co.uk
http://www.recruit-ability.co.uk
http://home.monster.co.uk/
http://www.jobsite.co.uk/
http://www.jobsnow.co.uk/
http://www.indeed.co.uk/
http://www.fish4.co.uk
http://jobseekers.direct.gov.uk
http://www.cv-library.co.uk/
http://www.brookstreet.co.uk
https://iem-uk-candidate.adeccoweb.n...es/default.asp

This one has advice

http://www.careerslave.com/

---------- Post added at 13:43 ---------- Previous post was at 13:36 ----------

Originally Posted by thenry

should I tailor a cover letter for each punt or just send off my c.v?

You should tailor both.

Heres an example of one I sent out.

XXXXXXX

I write to apply for the above position, as advertised in the XXXand enclose a copy of my Curriculum Vitae.

As you will see from my enclosed CV that I am a Technical Librarian with over twelve years of experience, with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. Successfully demonstrated excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work autonomously or as a team to deliver excellent results in tight deadlines. Responsible for administrating the technical documents for Companies BAe-146 and Airbus A300 fleets (27 aircraft). I also had an airside pass for Liège Airport in Belgium.

I welcome the opportunity for an interview to discuss how my skills and experience fill your requirements

Yours faithfully

---------- Post added at 13:45 ---------- Previous post was at 13:43 ----------

An example of a speculative Cover Letter, which I sent out the same CV which had been tailored to that industry as a whole

I am writing to enquire if you have any suitable vacancies in your company. I enclose my CV for your information.

As you can see, I have had extensive work experience in office environments, giving me varied skills and the ability to work with many different types of people. I believe I could fit easily into your team.

I am a conscientious person who works hard and pays attention to detail. I am flexible, keen to pick up new skills, eager to learn from others, and enthusiastic. I am keen to work for a company like yours.

I have excellent references and would be delighted to discuss any possible vacancy with you at your convenience. In case you do not have any suitable openings at the moment, I would be grateful if you would keep my CV on file for any future possibilities.

Yours faithfully

---------- Post added at 13:51 ---------- Previous post was at 13:45 ----------

One note on speculative CVs, use a good quality paper minimum 90gsm.

Get white A4 envelopes, DO NOT fold the CV or covering letter, and use 1st class postage.

Don't explect a response from all of them.

I sent out 28 Sepulative CVs and 20 didn't even respond, 7 said "No Vacancies" 1 called me in and gave me a 2 month temporary job which started in May (Sick cover), which has been extened every two months and I've just been extened to end of January, but then it may be extended or go full time.

[thenry]

Thank you. I'd like to work in the I.T. sector. I live in Crawley, next to Gatwick.

[Kymmy]

What experience qualification do you have? (not asking for full job history but IT is a very broad sector and I wouldn't recommend a programmer to an IT repair centre or vice-versa)

[TheDon]

Originally Posted by thenry

Thank you. I'd like to work in the I.T. sector.

If you have no experience or qualifications in IT (which from the OP saying you're looking to move into a new sector it sounds like) I'd seriously reconsider.

Entry level IT is ridiculously over subscribed at the moment, to the point where companies are asking for degrees and certifications for entry level posts that pay a whole lot less than they used to.

There is high demand for IT workers, just not at the entry level. The growth is all higher up the chain in people already trained up and experienced.