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Active job search routes

 

There are a number of routes open to you to actively search for the job you are looking for. 

  1. Job fairs and career exhibitions
  2. Recruitment agencies
  3. Online recruitment sites
  4. Newspapers and trade publications
  5. Job centres
  6. Networking 
  7. Direct approach to companies

Job fairs and career exhibitions:

They can take you into a first interview on the day.  You need to be prepared and ready to make the right impression in what may appear an informal engagement.  Dress the part and have plenty of copies of your CV with you.  On www.engineerjobs.co.uk you will find details of up coming engineering and graduate exhibitions.  Another advantage of attending these is that Elliott Penny Ltd offers a free CV surgery to attendees.

Recruitment agencies:

They tend to be the most time efficient, but you need to impress them to ensure they put you forward for the jobs you want.  The main categories of agencies are:

  • High street recruitment agencies - these may be local or national organisations and can be found on most high streets. Those that are part of a network will have access to opportunities further afield. They typically deal with areas such as manpower, accountancy or administrative roles.
  • Specialist recruitment agencies  - these tend to focus on particular market sectors or salary banding's.
  • Executive search recruitment - these normally operate at the top end of the market and many of them in specialised areas.  Further advice on these can be provided by the Association of Executive Search Consultants at www.aesc.org.

An effective way to find an agency with the right sort of portfolio for you is to look in the papers or trade journals and see what roles they are advertising.  When you contact the agency, they may well invite you for a provisional chat.  Treat it as an interview.  It is good practice, as they are deciding what clients or roles they are happy to send you to.

You have to follow through with agencies to keep your name at the front of their minds.  Give them a call once a week and always ask for feedback if you are sent through for something but are unsuccessful.

Online recruitment sites:

Use Internet recruiters but exercise caution. You potentially lose a high level of control of who has access to your CV so think carefully about the level of personal information you provide. There is an association of online recruiters (AOLR) which is a body established to regulate the online recruitment industry. Members are required to adhere to a code of ethical conduct that covers, among other things, a commitment to protect personal information. Please note this is not to say that sites that are not members do not do so.  Many Internet sites offer an input form to complete which helps develop your CV.  However, many employers recommend that you develop and use your own, as it is likely to be better researched and presented.

Newspapers and trade publications:

Job sections in newspapers and trade magazines are a great source of information.  They can give you a strong feel for what the market is like and the chance to compare what different companies have on offer.   Newspapers also provide a good research material to get up to date with what is happening in the economy or industry sector you are interested in.  

Job centres:

Many companies use job centres as a first port of call before going to agencies or advertising and do not make the mistake of believing it only caters for low paid jobs.  The best way to prove this is to look at their web site www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk.  You may be surprised as to the range of vacancies you will find.  In addition it provides a lot of valuable information if you are currently unemployed.

Networking:

Never underestimate the power of networking.  Tell everyone you know you are on the job market; forward them a copy of your CV and ask them to distribute it if a suitable opportunity arises.  If you let them have it electronically this is often easier to do.  Ask them to let you know if they hear of anything or to pass your details to anyone who might. More jobs are filled through networking than any other route; in fact, it is estimated to result in filling over 60% of vacancies available. 

Direct approach to companies:

The Internet is without question a great place to do research and some company web sites provide a route to apply direct.  If you want to go direct to a company then try the business section in the library.   You can often get the names and addresses of companies in the area or industry sectors that interest you.  You will also be able to access a computer from there either to type up your CV or surf the net. 

Whatever route you take get feedback, especially if you did not get the response you wanted! Listen to it, adapt as appropriate and go on to the next application one step nearer to getting the role you want.

 

Call Elliott Penny Ltd on 0870 7702557. They offer a range of advice and services to help you get the most from your career or job hunting.