Job search in the UK - tips and tricks

Newby · #1 (**permalink**) 11th September 2009, 11:33 AM

Hello everyone, I am new to the forum.

I have moved to the UK (Leeds) few months ago and was desperatly trying to find a job, mainly through the agencies. I have a degree, I've got working experience in few other EU countries, my CV looks quite ok (that's what the agents are saying). But no success so far, even close to any interview outside the agencies. The recruitment agents are saying that at least 1 year UK experience is relevant, but where to get it from??

Can anybody share your "tips and tricks" on job hunting in England? I would really appreciate this - as already getting quite desperate about perspectives..

jojo · #2 (**permalink**) 11th September 2009, 11:47 AM

Theres unemployment everywhere, jobs are in demand. You are one of the nearly 2 million unemployed in the UK, You've just gotta keep trying!!

Jo xxx

Newby · #3 (**permalink**) 11th September 2009, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jojo

Theres unemployment everywhere, jobs are in demand. You are one of the nearly 2 million unemployed in the UK, You've just gotta keep trying!!

Jo xxx

Thanks a lot for reply! Yes, I know it's not the best situation at the moment... But in general - is there anything that I should keep in mind about job search here? Any more ideas ?

jojo · #4 (**permalink**) 11th September 2009, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newby

Thanks a lot for reply! Yes, I know it's not the best situation at the moment... But in general - is there anything that I should keep in mind about job search here? Any more ideas ?

I dont think you should put all your faith in agencies. Most companies looking to cut corners and "tighten their belts" would probably not use agencies at the mo. Try local papers, websites, word of mouth.... Government job centres??? And maybe forget your degree for now and be prepared to do anything to get a foot in the door????

Jo xxx

Newby · #5 (**permalink**) 11th September 2009, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jojo

I dont think you should put all your faith in agencies. Most companies looking to cut corners and "tighten their belts" would probably not use agencies at the mo. Try local papers, websites, word of mouth.... Government job centres??? And maybe forget your degree for now and be prepared to do anything to get a foot in the door????

Jo xxx

Sure, this is the time to think differently than before, you are absolutely right! Tried already jobcentre, city council, other public organisations.. Well, will be keep moving anyway!

missmulticulture · #6 (**permalink**) 12th September 2009, 01:44 PM

I can offer you some tips but more specific info on what kind of job you are looking for makes a difference...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newby

Hello everyone, I am new to the forum.

I have moved to the UK (Leeds) few months ago and was desperatly trying to find a job, mainly through the agencies. I have a degree, I've got working experience in few other EU countries, my CV looks quite ok (that's what the agents are saying). But no success so far, even close to any interview outside the agencies. The recruitment agents are saying that at least 1 year UK experience is relevant, but where to get it from??

Can anybody share your "tips and tricks" on job hunting in England? I would really appreciate this - as already getting quite desperate about perspectives..

ktmoir · #7 (**permalink**) 13th September 2009, 01:26 PM

this may be an obvious answer, but I always look at gumtree.co.uk, i got my job through there.

also, if i'm ever desperate for work I carry a few CV's around with me at all times, just incase you see any wanted signs or see a place you like it doesn't hurt to ask if they're looking for people

Joppa · #8 (**permalink**) 13th September 2009, 02:26 PM

Or do cold calling. A mate of mine went through every pub in town - dozens of them - with his CV asking for a bar job. None was available at that time, but got a phone call a week later with an interview offer. They were just about to advertise when they found his CV in a pile of papers and decided to contact him.

swedeinus · #9 (**permalink**) 16th September 2009, 05:48 AM

Before kids while job hunting I would always call back after applying. It seems it really helped. I worked at a hotel once, front desk and received lots of applications, most of which were just tossed aside. If there was no face to go with it, the manager didn't look at the application. The ones who asked to speak with the manager, or who called back after submitting, were generally those who got the job. Timing was always important too. So if you hear nothing back for a while, call back in a couple of weeks or so, especially for high turn over jobs. Sound personable on the phone, do not make it look routine (easy to do when you become discouraged).

tomben · #10 (**permalink**) 16th September 2009, 09:16 PM

i graduated during a recession in the UK and did a temporary bar job for 5 months while trying to find an entry level software engineer position.

I finally decided to mail my cv to all the local computer and tech companies i could find, and some further away too. Bear in mind i had no experience so I sent my CV along with a letter stating that i would work for x amount less than the normal starting salary in order to get my foot in the door and prove myself. I sent out about 200 letters. I had 2 interviews with companies thinking i was overqualified until i got the third interview through a company that forwarded my letter to the agency they normally use. That agency lined me up with a job with another company.

You do what you can and hope for some luck along the way