Trouble when applying through recruitment agencies

[Burty88]

Hi all,

I'm a recent graduate QS currently unemployed, although working for nothing at a local firm just to keep my CV full. I'm applying for all the jobs under the sun, everything from QS related stuff (QS/PM/FM) to just generic grad/entry-level roles. I've only had about 3 interviews from probably 70+ applications, and the only time I've got an interview is from direct applications to firms (which have probably made up about 20% of my total applications).

80% of the time I'm applying through job boards to recruitment agencies. Even though I'm tailoring my CV and covering letter each time, I just seem to be getting filtered straight away. Either I hear nothing, or hear back within 1 day saying I've been unsuccessful.

One thing I thought it could be is that my CV is a .pdf file, and I don't know if consultants get offended/annoyed that they can't edit them easily and therefore don't pass them on. Other than that, I can't really see where I'm going wrong, is there a certain tactic when applying through a recruitment consultant?

[rog007]

Have you had your CV (which needs to be outcomes based) reviewed with you as a participant? Happy to have a quick scan if you think it may help?

[Burty88]

I tried to get some feedback today, but found out that recently there's been a mass closure of all the recruitment offices in my town (bit ominous!). Have tried emailing it specifically to get feedback too, but no one seems to be interested in giving any criticisms.

Just sent it to you, through your profile.

Thanks in advance for taking a look.

[rog007]

Got it; feedback sent. Hope it helps.