Finding A New Job

[Cove_Sheep]

Anyone got any decent advice on how to actually do this? I've probably been trying to get a new job for about four years now and I'm now at the stage I'm more bored than ever before.

I've been registered for a fairly long time with multiple recruitment agencies and on the rare occasion anything I'd actually be interested gets run past me, things never end up going further than them forwarding my CV.

With roles I've applied for directly myself (hardly any seem to be advertised), I've had about two interviews in the last six months.

The first one, I was initially invited to a practical test, and then called back for an interview where I was told I was probably the best at the test, and I thought the interview had gone reasonably well. Turns out it didn't, and from the feedback I got afterwards, I really don't understand why I was ever invited for the test & subsequent interview in the first place.

The other one, it wasn't really surprising that I was unsuccesful. I felt it had gone as well as possible, but they were very clear that I was far and away the least experienced of the candidates who they had taken in as a lot of people that would never have been available to them had applied due to the downturn in the oil industry, so they were needing to decide which approach to take - someone who can tick all boxes from day one, or someone that can develop along with them.

I think I've now reached the stage that I'd also consider moving from the security of a permanent which I have been in for over six years, and one that is exceptionally unlikely to be lost at any stage, to taking some longer-term contract work, although with the way things are at the moment, even that is potentially a long-shot!

Pretty f*cked off with it all at the moment, so any proper advice would be much appreciated.

Edited March 19, 2015 by Cove_Sheep

[Parklife]

What do you do?

[euan2020]

if you are continuing in the same career, you maybe need to get more experience in your existing job/change role, and use that as a step on for a new role - maybe that the issue you are having.

it's very much a case of what added value you add to a job, and responsibility you take.

sometimes you need to set your sights higher - I seen some folk @ your old work accepting too low a role, given they had Unviersiy Degree and also went onto obtain professional qualifications - but they were not marrying their experience with the qualifications they had.

Lot of value in staying with same company but changing role in Company every 18-24 months

I been in same Company 12 years, but have likely had 6-7 different roles and each change affords change to CV and chance of pay increase

[Cove_Sheep]

if you are continuing in the same career, you maybe need to get more experience in your existing job/change role, and use that as a step on for a new role - maybe that the issue you are having.

My existing role can't actually be expanded any further than it already has unfortunately. In terms of your "too low" role comment, the job I'm in, I wouldn't have actually applied for at the time had I not been unemployed for some time. The position being "too low" for me is also something I was recently told by a senior member of staff here as well.

Changing job internally is not really an option, despite it being something I would be keen to do as I do like working here.

In the six years I've been here, there's been about three jobs crop up that I'd have been interested in and I don't believe they have ever even interviewed an internal candidate let alone appoint one. Seems like everywhere else, they want someone that can hit the ground running from day one.

[Fairbairn]

My existing role can't actually be expanded any further than it already has unfortunately.

MI5?

[tangerinetartan]

Go self employed no problem getting time off for the important things in life (Scotland games home and away)

[Cove_Sheep]

Go self employed no problem getting time off for the important things in life (Scotland games home and away)

Self-employed is certainly not an option. Time off being ok is about the only positive in my current job.

MI5?

[aaid]

In the six years I've been here, there's been about three jobs crop up that I'd have been interested in and I don't believe they have ever even interviewed an internal candidate let alone appoint one. Seems like everywhere else, they want someone that can hit the ground running from day one.

Not that this helps your situation - apart from probably confirming that its time to move on - but if that is the policy - official or otherwise - it's a pretty poor one IMHO, for a number of reasons.

Anytime you hire someone new it is a risk, you can look at someone's background and experience and think this is the right guy for the job but usually you are making that decision off the back of two sides of A4, possibly some competency tests and a couple of interviews as opposed to an internal candidate who has a track record within the organisation and who's strengths and weaknesses should be well known. Cultural fit and getting on well with people in the organisation shouldn't be underestimated either. It's also a lot, lot less expensive to promote internally than to hire externally.

Finally, it sends out the wrong message to existing employees, that there are no opportunities for growth or advancement within the organisation which will ultimately lead to people voting with their feet.

All that said, there are plenty of times when you have to or want to recruit externally, e.g. you may need to get specialist skills in to do something completely new and the timescales around retraining are not feasible or you may want to shake things up a bit and challenge the existing team.

In terms of advice, if you haven't already done it, then look beyond registering with agencies and get your CV online on the main job-boards, that way you are casting the net further and can also reach employers direct. Get on LinkedIn and start to use your network.

[harrystarfish]

Which agencies are you registered with? Are you with 'catch-all' ones or ones targeted to your industry? I find sites like Jobserve provide better results for me (engineering, telecoms, projects) and ones like Monster or Reed aren't worth it, they're too generic.

Maybe widen your search area too. There may be jobs advertised in different parts of the country that offer home-working that you're not picking up. I've been into the office once this year so far, there's little need apart from the social aspect, my project team is spread all over Europe. But the office location of roles might be filtering out results like those.

[Cove_Sheep]

Which agencies are you registered with? Are you with 'catch-all' ones or ones targeted to your industry? I find sites like Jobserve provide better results for me (engineering, telecoms, projects) and ones like Monster or Reed aren't worth it, they're too generic.

Maybe widen your search area too. There may be jobs advertised in different parts of the country that offer home-working that you're not picking up. I've been into the office once this year so far, there's little need apart from the social aspect, my project team is spread all over Europe. But the office location of roles might be filtering out results like those.

I'm registered with pretty much all of the agencies in Aberdeen that recruit for Accounting/finance type roles. The exchange I had with one of them this morning really did underline how difficult I can see things being for me in actually finding something suitable.

Sent an email in that I do semi-regularly just to check-in and see how things are and they respond asking if I'd be interested in a role they have. Turns out it would be a pay cut (I'd say I'm poorly paid for this region as it is) and an even more limited role than the one I'm desperate to get out of.

As for home working, given how weak my experience is for what I'm looking to move to, that's not really something that would likely be an option.

The amount of time I can spend on here during the day also underlines how bored I am.

Edited March 19, 2015 by Cove_Sheep

[Glasgowmancity]

I'm registered with pretty much all of the agencies in Aberdeen that recruit for Accounting/finance type roles. The exchange I had with one of them this morning really did underline how difficult I can see things being for me in actually finding something suitable.

Sent an email in that I do semi-regularly just to check-in and see how things are and they respond asking if I'd be interested in a role they have. Turns out it would be a pay cut (I'd say I'm poorly paid for this region as it is) and an even more limited role than the one I'm desperate to get out of.

As for home working, given how weak my experience is for what I'm looking to move to, that's not really something that would likely be an option.

The amount of time I can spend on here during the day also underlines how bored I am.

What kind of job are you looking for & what level)?

Is it Accountancy (CA, accounts assistant etc) or Financial Services (IFA, paraplanner etc)

[Fairbairn]

I'm registered with pretty much all of the agencies in Aberdeen that recruit for Accounting/finance type roles. The exchange I had with one of them this morning really did underline how difficult I can see things being for me in actually finding something suitable.

Sent an email in that I do semi-regularly just to check-in and see how things are and they respond asking if I'd be interested in a role they have. Turns out it would be a pay cut (I'd say I'm poorly paid for this region as it is) and an even more limited role than the one I'm desperate to get out of.

As for home working, given how weak my experience is for what I'm looking to move to, that's not really something that would likely be an option.

The amount of time I can spend on here during the day also underlines how bored I am.

There's a pretty well know company in Glasgow that could probably do with some help in their accounting/finance department. Would you consider relocating.....?

[harrystarfish]

There's a pretty well know company in Glasgow that could probably do with some help in their accounting/finance department. Would you consider relocating.....?

I would avoid new start-ups myself.

[Orraloon]

What do you do?

Moans about his job.

[biffer]

Have you had this discussion with your boss?

[Kirk]

im kind of in the same position but if my knee decides to not be shite im considering an Arborist/tree surgeon course.

You maybe need to go and do a training course or get a new qualification to find a job that ia satisfying.

[Cove_Sheep]

Have you had this discussion with your boss?

Not really, but there is literally nothing that can possibly be added to my role that hasn't already been over the time I've been here.

Nothing has ever been filled internally and I know from someone much higher up than my boss that nothing is likely to come up in the near future either.

[Glasgowmancity]

What about trying to become a Councillor, MP or MSP - I hear the expenses are good

Edited March 19, 2015 by Glasgowmancity

[deecie]

The amount of time I can spend on here during the day also underlines how bored I am.

Nothing wrong with that.

For job advice I tend to pester out mutual associate and recruitment consultant MD.

[Cove_Sheep]

Nothing wrong with that.

For job advice I tend to pester out mutual associate and recruitment consultant MD.

Who does he work for?

[deecie]

Who does he work for?

'Rightpeople'

[Orraloon]

Not sure I can help you in getting a new job as it's probably not a good time to be changing job up in your neck of the woods. My experience of interviews is mostly from the other side of the interview table. Unless you have actually done it, you probably won't realise how mind numbingly boring it is to read through dozens of CVs which are usually pretty much identical in format and content.

Make sure you have something unusual and eye catching in your CV to get folks interest. Things like

1. Your love of the Scotland team and the fact that you witnessed that goal in Paris. Even non football fans know about that.
2. Your weight loss program - folk will be genuinely impressed by that.
3. Moderating the TAMB

Just something that is a wee bit different.

As for your current job, you clearly have a wee bit of spare time on your hands. How about asking your boss for a wee special project? You will need to come up with your own idea. I'm just guessing here, but you probably see a huge pile of numbers flash across your desk every day. Have you ever seen a number and thought something like "How tae fuk can we spend £120,000 a year on doofers?" Have a wee dig about and see what they are used for and does the company really need to spend that amount of money?. Tell your boss you might have an idea how to save some money. Bosses love to save money.

Just a couple of ideas off the top of my head.

Oh aye, and job agencies are filled with useless morons. I would hate to be dealing with them from your end of the process.

[JasMc1973]

Not sure I can help you in getting a new job as it's probably not a good time to be changing job up in your neck of the woods. My experience of interviews is mostly from the other side of the interview table. Unless you have actually done it, you probably won't realise how mind numbingly boring it is to read through dozens of CVs which are usually pretty much identical in format and content.

Make sure you have something unusual and eye catching in your CV to get folks interest. Things like

1. Your love of the Scotland team and the fact that you witnessed that goal in Paris. Even non football fans know about that.
2. Your weight loss program - folk will be genuinely impressed by that.
3. Moderating the TAMB

Just something that is a wee bit different.

As for your current job, you clearly have a wee bit of spare time on your hands. How about asking your boss for a wee special project? You will need to come up with your own idea. I'm just guessing here, but you probably see a huge pile of numbers flash across your desk every day. Have you ever seen a number and thought something like "How tae fuk can we spend £120,000 a year on doofers?" Have a wee dig about and see what they are used for and does the company really need to spend that amount of money?. Tell your boss you might have an idea how to save some money. Bosses love to save money.

Just a couple of ideas off the top of my head.

Oh aye, and job agencies are filled with useless morons. I would hate to be dealing with them from your end of the process.

Aye jut tell them your Cove_Sheep, jobs will be flowing in in no time at all....maybe look further out than Aberdeen, plenty other no voting cities around

[kumnio]

I moved jobs/company last February, was very bored at last role, could do the job in a couple of hours a day, assistants did most of my job for me. My day pretty much consisted of two hours work then buzzfeed or youtube.

I utterly despise my new job, and hold my employers in absolute utter contempt, and its pretty much the biggest mistake of my life. I go in each day and sit in my office looking suicidal, and thats a good day.

Cove, your current job may be boring, but moving isnt always a good thing, you might need to wait until the right opportunity comes up, its better waiting than jumping too quick.

[Cove_Sheep]

Not sure I can help you in getting a new job as it's probably not a good time to be changing job up in your neck of the woods. My experience of interviews is mostly from the other side of the interview table. Unless you have actually done it, you probably won't realise how mind numbingly boring it is to read through dozens of CVs which are usually pretty much identical in format and content.

Make sure you have something unusual and eye catching in your CV to get folks interest. Things like

1. Your love of the Scotland team and the fact that you witnessed that goal in Paris. Even non football fans know about that.
2. Your weight loss program - folk will be genuinely impressed by that.
3. Moderating the TAMB

Just something that is a wee bit different.

As for your current job, you clearly have a wee bit of spare time on your hands. How about asking your boss for a wee special project? You will need to come up with your own idea. I'm just guessing here, but you probably see a huge pile of numbers flash across your desk every day. Have you ever seen a number and thought something like "How tae fuk can we spend £120,000 a year on doofers?" Have a wee dig about and see what they are used for and does the company really need to spend that amount of money?. Tell your boss you might have an idea how to save some money. Bosses love to save money.

Just a couple of ideas off the top of my head.

Oh aye, and job agencies are filled with useless morons. I would hate to be dealing with them from your end of the process.

There's been exceptionally few jobs that I've seen advertised (which would actually be things I could do) that are being directly recruited by the companies themselves. In the last 12 months or so, there's maybe been 5 or 6 that have asked for CV's in application and I've been interviewed for two of those.

Almost everything seems to go through recruitment agencies and therefore the CV would be at the mercy of them.

Essentially when I do get interviewed, any job specific questions utterly kill me on the lack of experience front.

As for looking for other things to do as part of my role, that's not at all possible unfortunately.

Edited March 19, 2015 by Cove_Sheep