Career Surgery

You need to ask for truthful feed back from the agencies and employers. Reduce the number of agencies you use to three good ones and keep a good relation ship with the contacts there. Worst thing you can do is try the machine-gun method with a CV. Pull your CV from the other agencies and get a second third and forth opinion of any manger friends' that you have of your CV. A "Professionally" written CV is not always a good one. Only apply for jobs that are a good fit with you.

Colin - July 27, 2006 11:03 PM

I can sympathise as I am in exactly the same position myself. Previously I held a senior 'tailor made' role in IT, but it wasn't until I was made redundant that I realised it was a 'cul de sac'. Not sure if my situation helps, as you haven't given your age or location. I am in my mid 40s & live in London, so after also being unemployed for 4 months, I am planning on selling up & moving to a cheaper area. I will end up doing far less skilled work & earning much less money, but at least my living expenses will also be correspondingly less and it will be a positive step.

Arthur - July 28, 2006 3:53 PM

I was in this position a couple of years ago, with out of date skills and not much hope, with contracting on my CV, who wanted me as a permie? I eventually got a job, but if I hadn't, I have since realised what I should have done. Retrained. Be realistic about your skills, if they are out of date, then retrain. Your old skills will provide useful background, your new skills will sell you.

Paul - August 5, 2006 2:24 PM

Work as self employed contractor in Logistics/ Supply Chain sector. Recently completed contract and am getting into that situation already. What is a good CV? What USP`s can you offer?

I have started to tailor two page Consultant Profile to each business sector role that I apply for; if their is an interest either via Agency or direct from company then forward detailed CV.

Agencies - I keep hassling them to establish whether leading you on or not. If no positive feedback in two weeks I move on.

My recommendation is to remain positive and always say to yourself that you are in control. Keep thinking about other avenues that you can explore so look at companies that may not be specific to your skillsets - you never know what may be thrown up.

Set yourself up with as many jobsearch prompts as poss - their is alot out there.

Peter North - August 5, 2006 3:56 PM

Work as self employed contractor in Logistics/ Supply Chain sector. Recently completed contract and am getting into that situation already. What is a good CV? What USP`s can you offer?

I have started to tailor two page Consultant Profile to each business sector role that I apply for; if their is an interest either via Agency or direct from company then forward detailed CV.

Agencies - I keep hassling them to establish whether leading you on or not. If no positive feedback in two weeks I move on.

My recommendation is to remain positive and always say to yourself that you are in control. Keep thinking about other avenues that you can explore so look at companies that may not be specific to your skillsets - you never know what may be thrown up.

Set yourself up with as many jobsearch prompts as poss - their is alot out there.

Good Luck, Peter

Peter North - August 5, 2006 3:57 PM

Colin's advice is spot on.
My advice is to also look at long term contract and interim work through 2 or 3 top agencies only; this has worked for my firnds and I. If your cv appears on someone's desk from different agencies it makes you look desperate.

This kind of work will ensure you are still working, brings you to the forefront with these agencies for other upcoming contracts and the companies you work for may be so impressed that they decide to take you on.

For each post that you apply for, jot down what assets you can bring to the company and how you can develop and move forward the role you have applied for. If they don't ask you at interview make sure you mention these in the 'anything else you want to add?' opportunity. Good luck!!

Ronnie - August 5, 2006 4:46 PM

Perhaps you could consider voluntary work as way onto the ladder. Possibly you haven't reached that stage yet but I was unemployed for two years after leaving college when I took the step of full time volunteer work. Four and a half months later one of my applications was successful.

P - August 5, 2006 4:48 PM

Depending on the level of salary you are looking for and the area you are in, four months might not be a long time to be looking for a job. I believe there is somewhere on jobsite that assesses the likely time to find work taking salary into account. When I checked for myself this came up with a figure of 6 months as the average time to find another job. Your query does not say anything about your situation, but if you have been unexpectedly made unemployeed, then for most people this is a really scary time when they have to reassess their whole lives and their whole image of themselves. Not knowing anything about your situation the best I can suggest is that you get as much support as you can from relatives and friends and your faith community to help you through this difficult period in your life.

Kay - August 5, 2006 5:23 PM

I also sympathise - I'm in the same position and have applied on-line for many IT contracts and full time positions but find that the agencies hardly ever feed back - it's as though the application gets lost in a black hole.

I was advised to have my CV professionally done as it was missing 'key words' for on-line applications and was told that with my skills I would be employed in no time at all - well ?300 poorer and 3 months down the line still not job.

I do feel that the agencies should be doing more for us considering the amount of money they make when they place us. I haven't managed to find one agency that pro-actively works on my behalf.

Donna - August 5, 2006 5:39 PM

Speak to people in the agencies and with the employers for whom whose jobs you are applying. Ask for a critique (don't take this personally though!) of your CV. Make sure info within is condensed, yet informative (explain any breaks/absences in a positive way) and tailor the CV accding to the agency/jobs you are applying for. Also, never give up! There are hundreds of people going for each job - mathematically, the odd's say that if you are persistent, the higher the odd's are of you getting the job eventually. Finally, persist , even with the same companies you have already applied to. Do follow up call's and make contact's - this will make you more than a faceless CV. Good Luck!!!

Tracy

Tracy - August 5, 2006 6:50 PM

Hi there,

As a recruitment consultant - my best advice to you would be to try and speak with a few agencies that are recruiting for your chosen role. a lot of the time the rejections are only due to the fact there are a high number of applicants who have more suitable skills for the client - bear in mind you don't know who your competition is! You may think you are perfect for the role but when all the cv's are compared together - you may not have the skills that someone else does.

It's hard to tell without seeing your CV but you may want to think about tailoring it for each application. you have no idea the hoops our clients make us jump through when presenting a CV and if you can make it easier for us by presenting your CV in the best possible light (for example if you are an IT project manager who is looking for a wide range of roles - do a PM focused CV but also a technical one, playing down your PM strengths)

Consult with the agency as to what their expectations are of a good CV and candidate for this role. For example you would be astonished at the amount of project managers who don't even put the basics of budget size, team size etc on their CV. we then have to go back and get them to put this info on their CV. it may be hard initially - agencies can tend to be a bit stand-offish when it comes to giving out info - but persevere and you will find a sympathetic ear.

Good luck

Sarah - August 5, 2006 7:24 PM

I was made redundant from a company two years ago but have only had two short temp jobs one for 3 months and the second for 5 months in two diferant areas. I have included these in my overall work search as previously I was in work for 22 years for the same firm my let down I feel is my age and health as I am 46 and have epilepsy which I have under medical control how can I find that job?

From Chris Panton

chris - August 5, 2006 9:39 PM

I know exactly where you are coming from - I'm 60 (just!) and have just despatched my 459th job application since February. My only advice to you is "don't let it grind you down". I hope you are younger than I am because I believe age discrimination is rife in the employment market, no matter what polite excuse you are offered for your CV not being progressed. I also believe that certain agencies should be avoided like the plague - how many times to do you send an application, receive an acknowledgement, and then communications abruptly cease - bad practice and atrocious manners!!

If you are able to investigate further and find out who the actual employer is - then phone up and ask the name of the HR Manager - a personally addressed application, I find, leads to a better response. In the meantime - Good Luck and please, please keep on sending off the applications, the sun will shione tomorrow and you will be over the blues then and fit to apply for lots more jobs.

Keith - August 5, 2006 9:50 PM

Its not just your cv that will get you a job. It might sound a bit harsh but I would encourage you to be positive at this stage and stop panicking! Even if your cv needs to be made simpler/easier to read you might have to fill out the application form for a job and dont include your cv. See if this works and let me know. The interview will cover points that are normally covered by your cv? Well it may give you the opportunity to become more verbal while in your interview. You could take your cv with you and cover the relevant points for that particular job (which you would also explain in writing on the application form). So really, is it your cv that is stopping you from getting an interview? I dont really know. You do!

Stuart - August 5, 2006 10:12 PM

Same here
Previously earning 100k + and had contracts of ?900 per day. Now I'm too experienced, got an MBA am a PRINCE2 practitioner and can't even get a job at Tesco's. They say I'd be bored probably true but I wouldn't lose my house.

Paul - August 5, 2006 11:56 PM

Why not do some voluntary work in the field you are hoping to get a job in, then they can see how you work and you maybe offered a job if not you will gane experience and a get a reference in the prosses.

Good Look

Cath Schumann

cath - August 6, 2006 10:25 AM

Could it be the professionally written cv is the problem? It may not be reflecting the authentic you. Look at it again and ask yourself tough questions that tell you whether your are looking at yourself or an ideal. Some employers can see right through professional cvs as it demonstrates that you lack the confidence in promoting your own abilities. Write your own cv and see how it differs to the professional one. What makes you stand out from all the other cvs - what else do you offer over IT skills.

Secondly how do you kick start your job search? After four months whatever it is you are doing is not working, so do something different. Scrap that cv - its not working. What could you do that takes you out of the comfort zone of just sending out your cv. How about talking to employers, how about selling your skills on a freelance basis, how about increasing your portfolio and adding interest? If Arthurs suggestion isnt an option for you, volunteer to do something radical, something even you havent considered, and see what you get from this, what it teaches you about yourself. Why do you think everyday folk step off the straitjacket of a big salary? Could it be because their skills are ten a penny and they need to say they have done something different to the norm. Do something different and keep adding to your cv and portfolio. Show that you are using your freetime wisely.
Good luck I hope this is helpful and allows you to think differently about your situation.

Kathy - August 6, 2006 11:00 AM

I think Colin's advice is excellent, and given that I am in the same position, I will adopt it. My question is though, how do you find the good recruitment agencies. I've had quite a few interviews with agencies, all of whom seem great, and then I never hear from them again despite emailing.

Jane - August 6, 2006 11:53 AM

Yes, it is a dilemma, but as an employer, I see just far to many CV's that are identical in all but name. I can almost tell from which organisation the 'style' came from. Try, if possible, to approach the employer direct, with a unique CV. Also establish a good relationship with one or two agencies, and persuade them that if they put you forward, that you can do the job, and that you will do you damnedest to keep that job for at least 6 months.

Gavin - August 6, 2006 12:02 PM

I fully understand your predicament and frustration. The earlier comment about reducing your agency base is cetainly valid as there are so many agencies out there. The only problem being that most clients work to their 'approved recruiter list' and there is always the possibility that certain opportunities will slip thro' the net if the agencies you select are not one of their approved suppliers' so to speak. You must attempt to meet in person with the staff within your selected agencies as I have found that a 'face' is more often remembered than a mere phone call. I have also had some success with trying to contact/meet the person within a range of companies who will ultimately make the recruitment decision for my discipline, although it can be difficult to bypass the 'HR' dept. Best of luck.

Alan - August 6, 2006 4:49 PM

I can very well understand your dilemma and the situation you are in. The above two are good suggestions, do try them and furthermore you must not lose hope such things do happen if I told you my story you will be shocked that such things do happen. I have not lost hope and now I am setting up my own consulting company where I can share my experience with others. I wish you all the best do keep in touch for as your experience can be a good case study. Keep your head up

Asad Rehman

Asad Rehman - August 6, 2006 6:06 PM

I fully understand where your coming from. I have been looking for a job for a few months myself. I have applied for a few jobs only to be refered to an agency and then having to register with these agencies. You are then forgotten and you then have to keep calling them with no luck. It seams to me that you cannot deal direct with these companies that are looking for staff. It is a mad world which does not make any sense to me. I will keep my fingers crossed and hope that we will all be in employment soon.

karen blakeway - August 6, 2006 7:08 PM

I was made redundant and had a similar experience. I decided I wanted to pursue interim work and after sending my CV through to a number of agencies and applying for jobs directly the response was very disappointing. I changed my approach by concentrating on working with a small number of agencies I felt comfortable with and this improved things, at lest I was getting some interviews. The breakthrough came for me when I decided to invest in getting some help with my CV from careerconsultantsonline, not only did they produce me a good looking CV but the process they took me through to produce it made me realise I was not really clear on what I actually wanted to do and the CV reflected this. Also my original CV concentrated on what I had done, whereas the new one says much more about the skills I can bring to a new employer. The first position I used the new CV for I got offered and I spent the next few weeks after I started the new role getting calls from other agencies that I had sent it to wanting to meet to discuss other opportunities. For me it really was money well spent. Stick with it, be clear what you want out of a new job and don,t let the process knock your confidence.

Ray, Age 56

ray - August 6, 2006 7:54 PM

You did not mention what led to your being redundant. Were you fired and for what reason, being incompetent or not met up to your former employer expectation? If for any of this reason you have to brush up your skill and must be able to proof your ability in any interview as he desired candidate for the job you are applying for.
Is your skill one of the highly demanded for? if not acquire an enhancement that would make you the ultimate desire of all employers in your area of specialisation.

Akin Adeyemo - August 6, 2006 8:41 PM

You may well need to totally revamp your CV. Especially that all important front page. Despite it being 'professionally' written, it is not doing you too much good. Decide what your key skills are and emphasize those. Target your applications according to those key skills. You're wasting your own time and that of other people, if you're simply going for every job that you see. Finally stay dogged, determined and don't take the knock-backs personally.

Bill - August 6, 2006 10:01 PM

Are your recruitment agencies interested in quick placement? It's a business at the end of the day interested in making money. Speculative target selective companies, outline your abilities with no waffle, what can you do for them. keep it short and too the point. You can always expand at interview, no one understands your ability better than you, It worked for me eventually...

Tony - August 6, 2006 10:52 PM

Dear Colin,

A few things come to mind here. It is always a good idea to periodically refresh your CV in subtle ways. This can be the appearance and/or content. Try changing it and send it out again to test for responses. If your comfortable with the way your Cv looks and it is getting you interviews then it's a great document and I wouldn't change it for the world.

If you feel you're not "connecting" at the interview stage then perhaps you need to look at your interview technique and skills. Are you marketing yourself and getting your message across? You might want to consider going through a mock interview with one the many job help organisations, where you can get immediate advice and constructive feedback. The main thing is not to get despondent but take positive steps to improve on your job search by changing things that you can control.

Fred Brooks - August 7, 2006 8:40 AM

I agree with Colin, a 'professionally' written CV is not necessarily a good one. Re write your CV yourself, include a hand written covering letter with all applications.

Ken - August 7, 2006 8:52 AM

I work at a University Careers Service and we advise keeping your CV as short as possible. Average time taken before HR officers bin it will be seconds rather than minutes, so make it look good and put the most important information first - tailor the CV & letter to each job, make sure you cover the essential requirements and give brief examples. Make sure your name and contact no is on the CV and letter - you'd be surprised how often that is missed out. Check for spellings, punctuation, grammar VERY carefully, again it's amazing how many badly spelt CVs are sent out. The other thing is, if you are applying again to a particular organisation, turn it into a positive thing - say that you want to work for them so much that this is the second time you are applying. But say WHY you want to work for them, you will have done some research on the organisation beforehand, of course.....Hope this helps!

SallyG - August 7, 2006 8:56 AM

CV - The first page will keep you out of the bin, and keep the rest short, 3 or 4 pages max.

Out-of-work : Re-train or cross-train to keep your skills saleable.
When in doubt lie; you can always blame the agency when you get to the interview.

Be positive about your situation, take exercise and use your spare time to good effect.

Best of luck.

Ken Birch - August 8, 2006 4:42 PM

I have been in a similar situation in the past. yes I was younger and probably cheaper than most. Sometimes it more prudent to take one step back in what you are doing i.e. salary position, in order to take two steps forward. keep your options open, talk to people, you will be surprised to find out who is looking for people and cant find the right one. some companies as already mentioned get fed up with recruitment companies. Net work, talk to people, you may find a different use for your skills.

Be positive, keep your self cheerful(not always easy I know!) take the opportunity to retrain/refresh your skills, look at something else you may have liked to do in the past.

Use a local agency and keep in touch...it works!
Good luck and keep your chin up, you just don`t know what is round the corner......

Andrew - August 8, 2006 8:53 PM

I understand that you have already had interviews with recruiters and companies.
Assuming your CV is well built enough to get you to interviews, your next step is to become excellent at interviewing. Remember that once at interview stage, it is not the candidate best fit for the job that gets the offer, but the one that performs best in the interview.
There are several resources out, but the best one I have seen by far is: Interview Mastery. American but really good. It really helped me.

ML - August 10, 2006 10:04 AM

I don't know how old you are, but if you are over 35 in this ageist society it may have a bearing. The older you are the tougher it gets.

You say you have regular contact and conversations with companies: what do you say to them? How do you think you come across to them? You might be giving off something that is negative in some way eg do you think you might be a tad desperate? I would explore this if I were you.

If you know that you are doing everything fine, then I wouldn't worry. 4 months isn't a long time to be searching. Give it more time. Be patient and positive - you may get a thousand no's before you get a 'yes', and all it takes is one.

Your CV is probably OK because career/agency experts never agree on what makes a good CV! Ever! In the meantime try to be active while unemployed: training courses where possible, hobbies and interests that you could develop or voluntary work even. I am also reminded of the words of a song by The Smiths, "I was looking for a job and then I found a job and heaven knows I'm miserable now..." Try to make the most of and enjoy the time that you have now because it is not forever. You make get an interview when you least expect it.

Sam

Sam - August 13, 2006 11:46 AM

I'm in a similar position. I started off respectfully polite with agancies as I percieved that progressing to shortlist & interview was within their gift - an unequal relationship, becoming progressively disappointed with agencies' lack of business professionalism. I came to realise that if you're applying to c£100k roles the staff in most agencies will not be sufficiently skilled to understand the value you will contribute to such roles. Therefore select your 3 agencies on the quality of the people and their understanding of what you can contribute. Employers will look at agencies the same way.

There are lots of books and loads of advice on websites such as jobsite on how to produce a perfect CV. Test your professional CV to destruction against this advice, if it fails you have all you need to re-write it.

Looking for a job is a sales campaign with you as the product. So get your sales story clear. Again go to the books and websites and work on the building blocks of your sales campaign. What are your USPs? Why should they employ you? What additional value can you contribute beyond the job description? Make sure you know your CV inside out and have prepared stories for each USP. Do not try to "wing it" in interviews - do the preparation. All the best "ad libs" are well rehearsed. Hope this helps

Ian - September 2, 2006 1:46 PM

Hi i can sympathise with your situation,having being made redundant a number of times in the past.I would offer you the following suggestions to consider.

Take a long,hard look at your CV,get feedback from agencies/employers if possible,and consider rewriting your CV. I have done this a number of times,and felt that each time there was an improvement.

Sell yourself-say what you have done (include figues i.e. amounts reduced/saved etc) and i also use bullet points to highlight key points (remember the short period of time given by a recruiter to appraising your CV).

Make bespoke applications i.e. an application for a particular job,not something that is general & non specific. If possible if there are contact details for the agency/employer,call them and get more information,so you can tailor made your application.Also,this is an excellent way to establish some rapport and be be remembered-don`t underestimate the difference this can make.

Always have several "irons in the fire",don`t sit waiting for an employer to come back.If its a rejection,at least you have other things "on the go".

Be realistic,if your chancese slim about getting a particular job in a specific sector,and you are having no luck,there consider other opportunities-this could be a "once in a lifetime" opportunity to decide what you really want to do with your life-don`t waste it.

If you can get part-time,temporary or interim rioles,these will stand youin good stead and increase your morale.Also voluntary work can be rewarding-it is absolutely crucial that you don`t begin to stagnate,you need stimulation,otherwise a negative feel could come through in your applications and interviews.

Keep abreast of industry news, so at the very least your knowldege is upto date,also consider training/updating your skills (even if it`s reading a book on a newsubject).

Finally stay positive, i have lost my job in the past (once for three years) and know what you are going through) believe me,persistence pays off. I lost a wel paid managers jobs 6 yrs ago,and ended up stressed,in debt and working in a Supermarket. Out of the blue came an interim role, i applied-not thinking much of it-i was offered an interview,resulting in a 6 month interim role with 1 of the worlds biggest Food companies. see what can happen-don`t give up.

My biggest disappointment was the bad manners i encountered from agencies and some employers-this can demotivate you,and this must`nt happen.If you get no replies/feedback etc.,or if the recruitmer isn`ttoo knowledgeable/professional,look farther afield there are plenty of good ones-and these are the ones who will show you in the most positive light to a potential employer.

Finally,on possibly a controversial note-remember that a lot of the time its not the best person who gets the job,its the person who "appears" to be that does. If you desire to make certain claims that aren`t strictly true then that is for your own judgement. Personally i have found trhat being totally honest isn`t the best (or most successful ) policy, and frequently isn`t recriprocated by agencies/employers. Do what you feel you have to do,there are very many people out there how haven`t been totally honest about their applications,but wouldn`t be where they are without takinga gamble.

So good look, and don`t give up.

I`ll leave you with two sayings i always remembered:

"Its not where you start,it`s where you finish",and

"It`s never too late to be the person you always wanted to be" (George Eliot)

Chops - September 2, 2006 4:56 PM

If you know the job family you are looking for, then why not bypass the agencies, show a bit of enterprise, and approach these companies yourself. Speak to the head of the dept, then sell the idea of sending your CV in with a strong covering letter on why you have approached them and why you would like to work for them specifically. Agree with previous post's ref your CV, maybe be worth another look. Also ask for some realistic feedback, from your previous interviews. It is important to know what areas you need to work on, and what is working for you. You might indentify a pattern. Tell them you need honesty to be able to identify these areas and work on them for future interviews. Good luck.

Chris - September 2, 2006 6:33 PM

That is a tough one, but why not try a training scheme for advice and they could find what the problem is for you, I know that ymca training is really good as I attend one, but there are others too nationwide, even try learn direct helpline, ask at your local library, or look it up on-line.

svetlana vostok - September 2, 2006 9:27 PM

I am aware of the sad feelings you are currently undergoing. Do not despond. Patience is virtue. Stick to the advise of reducing the job agencies you send your CV and make visits to the agencies to establish your presence.

Try to focus your CV to the job criteria and be honest about the skill you would bring to the firm.

Consider carreer change if you are over 48 yrs.
I would advise you to think about retraining as a driving instructor. If you are successful, you'll provide yourself with a life support earning potential.

Good luck and may God reward you honest endeavours.


02 September 2006 Kingsley

Kingsley - September 2, 2006 10:55 PM

I have been on the jobsearch for over 38 months and I am above 58 although I am still young at heart and physically. I am registered with different agencies and job boards.

I was hired in Paris to work here on contract and it has been hellish since the contractor, an international IT company, changed strategies.I was trained on the job but not enough.

Are there any agencies for the over 50's? I'm bilingual French and speak German.
Can you help?
Thanks
Fabian FINUS

FABIAN FINUS - September 3, 2006 3:11 PM

In order to kick start my career I've had to lie on my CV. I've reduced the prominence of the titles I have held (Manager instead of Director, Head of instead of VP), lost my Degree, and MBA qualifications. Since doing this I have had 3 interviews and 2 offers. Try this is you have a lot of experience and qualifications.

Paul - September 3, 2006 6:17 PM

Dont waste your life trying to get a job in this country. Just get out if you can. I am 62, a CEng. Not had a staff job for 25 years. No government funded retraining is available if you are over 25. I have retrained as much as possible at my own expense , to no avail. It is all a total waste of time.

Paul R.

Paul R - September 3, 2006 8:25 PM

I was also made redundant last October - Company downsize exercise. Been to University to retrain my skills and now back on the job scene
I agree with many points on these postings

My main issue is with recruitment agencies and the way they deal with applicants

I think the vast amount of applicants apply for jobs that they deem to be suitable - If someone applies for a job out of their reach or experience then they seriously need to revalue their job seeking techniques

But when you do apply for a suitable job through a recruitment agency - The standard response is almost normally 'no response'

The ones that do respond often fail to let you know what you were lacking - This would be a great help to know what to put right

I have even telephoned agencies asking for feedback and they cant be bothered to take my call or follow up their promise of a call back

Recruitment agencies are dominating the job hunt scene and should have common standards across the board. Policies should be set and maintained

Anyone can set up an agency and believe me there are a lot that run by people out for a quick buck and are effectively playing with peoples lives and futures

I have come across some agencies that advertise non-existant vacancies just to get candidates on their books

Being out of work is one of the hardest stressful things to encounter in your life and I would not wish it on anyone

Recruitment agencies need a big shake up and better understand the needs of the candidate - Here's wishing!!

Good luck to you all !

Mark - September 3, 2006 9:52 PM

I was made redundant in March and have applied for well over 200 jobs. I've also registered with a lot of agencies and can honestly say they are just about all completely useless - they never get in contact with me when they say they will and most of the times I apply I never hear a single thing. I have, however got the 'possibility' of a temporary-to-permanent job, not in the line of work I was in AND half the pay, but, if I get it, it's better than nothing (I managed to save over the years and because of that will not get any more dole). I hope you have better luck than me.

David - September 4, 2006 10:19 AM

I totally agree with all the comments about recruitment companies. I have been looking for work for 4 months also and I am very dissapointed with the service offered to their candidates. What makes it even more frustrating for me is I used to be a recruitment consultant and I would never have treated my candidates in the way I have been treated. May I suggest that you take a look at the sort of role you are looking for and get a directory of local companies and check out their web sites direct. A lot of companies now advertise their vacancies on their web sites before putting their vacancies out to agencies. Also, companies use the job boards directly as well so get your CV registered on the job boards, register yourself for daily notifiations and search daily.
Good luck!

Kathryn - September 4, 2006 10:27 AM

I may have missed the boat on this one as the last posted comment was 3 weeks ago.

It seems that a lot of the postings are from, shall we say, "mature" people suffering from the ageist attitudes that pervade our modern society....and don't hold your breath if you think that this month's anti-ageism legislation is going to change anything! However rather than bemoaning the commercial reality I want to be positive

People over the age of 50 have a vast wealth of knowledge, skills and experience to offer (life experience as well as work experience) and whilst it may be the younger generation that makes the world go round, it's the expertise and wisdom of the older generation that ensures it goes round in the right direction!!

Having wasted almost a year chasing jobs I eventually decided that if no one wanted me as an emplyee they might want me as a Business Adviser. The owner managers of most small companies are so busy running the business they don't have time to manage it properly and most can't justify the cost of employing people full time in necessary management functions, but will happily utilise the services of a pert time or ad hoc "expert". I have only just started but already have two ongoing contracts and I'm negotiating a further 3. Coincidentally one of the contracts is with a company I approcahed about a job 6 months ago.

I am also looking to put together a register of people with business and management expertise with a view to collaborating for mutual benefit. If anyone would like to discuss becoming a Business Advisor or would like to register their skills and expertise with the view to obtaining/sharing work, please send brief details to datredynamics@aol.com.

Dave

Dave - September 4, 2006 11:53 AM

Many thanks for all your comments and advice on my original question

I am still looking for work, but have revisited my CV a number of times, and now only deal with a select number of agencies

In a perverse way, it's good to know that I am not the only candidate who is struggling with responses from agencies. I was beginning to feel paranoid that the lack of response and interview opportunities was down to me. From a number of your comments, it seems as though this is a common experience for many of us.

Martin - September 4, 2006 11:53 AM

I can sympathise with you, I have been in the same situation with no response from agencies. One agency I tried to get feedback from wrote me off their database for daring to ask for feedback! No need to say that that attitude from an agency kills your trust in them.
The only solution I have found is to forget using agencies (I only had 3 interviews through agencies in some 3 years or more - and its not because I am unemployable, its the age thing!) - I have gone self-employed and am making a good living. Its not what I expected to be doing, but its a living!

Mike - September 4, 2006 5:10 PM

Its always the recruitment consultants fault, with that attitude all I can say is good luck.

Recruitment Consultant - September 10, 2006 12:29 PM

It's good to know we are not alone I have recently finished but have been retained on day rate for a given period of time (self-employed) Not looking forward to the prospect of finding a job given the comments I have read and my similar experience with agencies. Would like to get into interim management as it would suit my life-syle and experience but not to hopeful at this stage. Maybe we should start a management service of oldies pulling many years of tried and test experience together. Are there any good marketiers out there.

Bill - September 11, 2006 9:45 AM

People - when will you realise that the job of agencies is simply to find the perso that they think will fit the job criteria and ensure they get their commission - the emphasis is on the latter here.
In my experience, mos agencies are a complete and utter waste of time, sorry to say it, but run by youngsters who have little or no experience of the real working environment and are undoubtebly commission paid. To get a job, look for yourself - do not rely upon agencies - it don't work!!!

N Johnson - October 30, 2006 4:06 PM

Recruitment Agencies..........about as much professionalism as Estate Agents! The majority are "CV chuckers".....they want easy to place individuals so they can throw a load of CVs at an employer and hope one sticks.

Think about your skill-set and not your industry....in other words don't get locked into aiming for a particular sector but try and identify what skills you have and identify specific roles that you can fill.

Good agencies are as rare as hen's teeth: most can't even acknowledge an e-mail via an automated reply and a lot are staffed by commission led kiddies who have never even worked in industry.

wayne - October 30, 2006 5:16 PM