It's that time again. My current interim contract is coming to a close soon so I need to be making plans. All in all not an easy time and anxiety creeps in. No matter what happens bills need paid and not being in employment is not good on either the financial or psychological front.
For me it's not a new phenomenon, so I know the timetable of recruitment into roles and I have been proactive and already found another contract. So all is good, fine and dandy.
But even so it has been a frustrating time and again a reminder to me of how volatile the recruitment industry can be. I believe that I have an excellent record of achievement in my career to date, across a number of business sectors, both private and public, in local, national and international organisations. My CV and my Linked In profile speak highly and positively for me (in my humble opinion). I have an extensive list of achievements to be proud of across that time and have many personal recommendations.
In these days of the Internet being all pervading and so powerful in its reach it is still the case that just following a path of applying for jobs via this route is the road to madness. Firstly, there are still a major number of roles that never get to the advert stage. The power of Linked In and your connections will be a help. I got this new role via a connection remembering me and asking me if I'd be interested. In addition, some other HR contracting work that I undertake also came about through an old, in the nicest way, connection.
Secondly, when a role is advertised there is the likelihood that literally there will be hundreds of other suitors applying as well. And if you play the lottery or gamble in any way you will see that the odds are stacking up against you. You do well to get even to interview stage. So my advice here, is that you must not rely on the advertised roles as your only tool in a job search.
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When you are getting into the job market again, whether it is because of the end of a contract or as a result of redundancy, it is important that you review your CV and its contents. Make sure that it sells you well - because that is what its task is. Check spelling and even the simple things such as having the correct telephone contact numbers on there. You need the recruiter or the recruiting organisation to be able to get you to invite you to visit them.
Review again your achievements in your roles. Are they still appropriate or have you more powerful and recent ones that can really sell you? Be ruthless with yourself on this, hard though it might be. Use a friend or colleague to critique it. Remember you probably only get the one chance to impress enough to get the interview. Don't lose it.
You may wish to use the services of a professional CV writer to craft a powerful and strong document for you. Clearly it won't guarantee interviews and job offers for you but it will give you an advantage. Have a look at my website for ABespokeCV . I'll be happy to help you with your job search activity, whether it be writing a CV, redrafting your current one or supporting you through the interview and selection process. It will be an investment in you that will be well rewarded when you secure the job and career prospects you deserve. I'm happy to have no commitment discussions with you so that you can fully understand what I can do to support you in your employment endeavours.
One of the other frustrations in your job search will be your interactions with Recruitment Agencies and their representatives. It always feels like they return your calls when they need you, but when you need them they are slow to respond. There are very many of these folks who are fantastic at their job and will be excellent allies to you in your job search. Make them your friend and ally and also find the ones you will be happy to represent you to companies. if you don't like them, then don't use them!! Simple really. But you would be foolish not to use them for their range of contacts which inevitably because of the animal that they are will be much wider than you will have.
One of the irritations will be that multiple agencies may well be handling the same job. Sorry but that's business!!! They'll tell you if they have exclusivity, or just ask them. Make sure they have you in their mind when they take a brief from a potential client so they will then call you first.
Remember though, you must also behave professionally towards them. I had a situation only this week where a potential placement was lost by somebody who mislead the agency. It didn't reflect well on that individual and now I am sure that agent will think twice before considering that person against any roles. Don't cut your nose off to spite your face!!! That individual has lost the respect of a rather large and widespread national organisation.
Let me ponder a bit on the power of Linked In as a support for you in your job search. In my view the jury is out at the moment in terms of what it can do.
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Absolutely it can help your job search in terms of finding out about companies and, indeed, individuals who work there. But as yet I have not experienced a positive outcome to any applications I have made directly to a role, permanent or interim, that has been advertised there. Indeed, I've only ever had one interview as a result of a direct application.
On the other hand, my profile has generated a lot of interest from recruiters. And as I said earlier, these folks are an important strategic tool in any job search. Grow your connection list and one day it will be a fruitful outcome. It only needs one of those connections to come through and as I said earlier my latest venture has come about via that particular route.
As always, thanks for reading my blog and please share it widely. I'm happy to talk further to anybody on future roles or any HR support you or your business may need. Have a read of my Linked In profile and get in touch. All requests for connection will be gratefully accepted.
Happy job hunting.
(c) Iain Williamson 2013
