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Struggling Entrepreneur
I am an entrepreneur and have found it a real challenge getting past HR and Recruitment consultants, despite my obvious skills, achievements and experience. They always go for what on paper is the safest option.
They prefer to place candiates who have been classically trained, never earned more than tuppence and never had so much as a parking ticket! This is despite the fact that I was more than qualified for position advertised. Many times, it was clear that they had not read my the CV. So my question is this... Have the Blue Chip Multiples and their clone like trainings, killed off the free enteprise mindset?
Dennis Patrick Carr
Comments
in a word... YES
Martin Mcshane - October 9, 2008 12:50 PM
You sound like you have a bit of an ego problem, nothing is obvious from a CV - it could all be lies. That could be your downfall in finding a job. The term entrepreneur conjures up two images for me: that of Richard Branson and co, successful and determined, and the failed business people/blaggers. If you are in the Richard Branson grouping, why do you need/want to work for someone else? Be careful about using the term entrepreneur too widely. I'd use the term self-employed/contractor/consultant, as this is a more 'professional term' without the mysticism attached.
The recruitment process is one you need to adjust to. You need to listen to what feedback you can get from people, whether it be family, friends or a recruitment consultant. It might not be your career history, more the way it's structured and presented, seek serious feedback on your CV. Look at your communication approach and what would be expected for the job, e.g. Sales job vs. Librarian. Match your personality and CV to the job advertised, if it isn't you..... Act.
Good luck.
Anon - October 9, 2008 3:05 PM
Try your local Chamber of Commerces, and the Region Development Board, for help. What universities area in your area, that con direct you towards a suitable company/ies.
Yes the UK has lost a great deal, due to the "Invention Drain", flooding out to the USA over the last decade. I find this "degree needed" a sad mentality.(The world has enough media studies degrees). Some of the UK's finest inventions came from the ranks of non degree holders.
Douglas - November 7, 2008 2:30 PM
I have a degree. It's in computers and IT. I also have experience, and yet I cannot land a job. My face simply doesn't fit. Sometimes this just happens. And sadly, recruitment and HR departments are the worst culprits when it comes to hiring based simply, and literally, on looks rather than on brains or ability to work well with their firm.
A certain standard of appearance - a "normal" height-to-weight ratio, the quality of the fabric of your suit, even the make and model of car that you drive, or whether you drive a car at all - these contribute more to success at getting to an interview far more than whether or not you actually can do the job. It's sad, but it happens.
Alex Greene - December 18, 2008 11:51 AM
Dennis,
I am in a similiar situation as you are; maybe worse. I am a recent grad with a B.A. in Bus. Admin Entrepreneurship. Try getting that past the HR recruiters looking for Marketing degree holders.
For what it's worth, I would suggest that you (and I) look in smaller, growing companies who might value the skills that 'self-employed' people bring. Unless you're in Google's backyard, most large companies do not value free-spirit thinkers.
Secondly, once you're in the interview, be ready for the "why would you want to work for me (and not for yourself)?" question. I have also been asked outright, "Why should I hire you when you're going to live off my salary and leave to start your own business some day?" They're valid questions whether the interviewer asks or not.
Lastly, I have noticed that companies right now are very much looking for the safest option. It's just the environment that we are in at this moment. Maybe it's time to make your resume safer like others have suggested.
Good luck.
Charles - January 8, 2009 10:46 PM
Dear Editor and Anon - October 9, 2008 3:05 PM
I refer to the your heading 'Struggling entreprenuer'. Where in my question, does it say I am struggling? Like everyone else I just like making money . I run successful business and at the time I was seeking out another income to increase my earning capacity. I was simply asking the question why do HR professionals only look at classically trained individuals. I've always been self employed and always made good money. Finally, as a point of interest. Its good to have an ego. It means you have faith in yourself and can think for yourself. But its good to note that others are of the same opinion.
Good luck to all
dennis patrick carr - May 7, 2009 12:59 AM