Speculative CVs to local authorities - worth it?
Speculative CVs to local authorities - worth it?
Author
Discussion

D-Angle

Original Poster:

4,468 posts

269 months

Sunday 20th September 2009
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Is there any point in sending speculative CVs to local councils with the way their recruitment seems to work, or is it just a case of keeping an eye out for what positions they advertise and apply for one if you're suitable?

Conian

8,030 posts

228 months

Sunday 20th September 2009
quotequote all
wont achieve anything in my opinion
you have to use their very specific forms for the very specific jobs using their very specific criteria

log onto the councils website, job sections are usually very well kept up.

D-Angle

Original Poster:

4,468 posts

269 months

Monday 21st September 2009
quotequote all
Conian said:
wont achieve anything in my opinion
you have to use their very specific forms for the very specific jobs using their very specific criteria

log onto the councils website, job sections are usually very well kept up.
That's what I fearedto be honest, I was just wondering if anyone had any stories of finding work in such institutions by other means than the one mentioned.

Gedon

3,097 posts

203 months

Monday 21st September 2009
quotequote all
D-Angle said:
Conian said:
wont achieve anything in my opinion
you have to use their very specific forms for the very specific jobs using their very specific criteria

log onto the councils website, job sections are usually very well kept up.
That's what I fearedto be honest, I was just wondering if anyone had any stories of finding work in such institutions by other means than the one mentioned.
Agency work.

Offer yourself below agency rates and main payscale.


barney123

495 posts

238 months

Monday 21st September 2009
quotequote all
D-Angle said:
Is there any point in sending speculative CVs to local councils with the way their recruitment seems to work, or is it just a case of keeping an eye out for what positions they advertise and apply for one if you're suitable?
They dont even accept your CV when its attached to an application ! (Well not in the LA where my MRS works).

War Pig

1,527 posts

219 months

Monday 21st September 2009
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Trying signing on to their Temp register.

BigAlinEmbra

1,629 posts

239 months

Monday 21st September 2009
quotequote all
What sort of job is it you're after? Whilst sending in a speculative CV isn't an application, it lets whoever that's recruiting for similar jobs know you're interested.

I work in the public sector as well (NHS), so when I get contacted by folk I explain that we can't accept off the cuff CVs, but I'll keep them in mind and let them know of relevant vacancies when and if they do pop up.

You still have to apply with the standardised application forms, which are anonymised by the time they reach the recruiting manager, but you stand a better chance of actually finding out about relevant jobs.

Best advice is to find out the name of someone who is likely to be the boss for the job you want and try to have a quick chat with them.
Much as folk slag the public sector off, it's not the case that they don't want decent people in the door. It's just that once you're lumbered with under performers they are very hard to shift.

D-Angle

Original Poster:

4,468 posts

269 months

Tuesday 22nd September 2009
quotequote all
BigAlinEmbra said:
What sort of job is it you're after? Whilst sending in a speculative CV isn't an application, it lets whoever that's recruiting for similar jobs know you're interested.
I'm interested in something in transport planning. I will follow up on what you say about getting in touch with whoever would be in charge of that department, councils seem to be quite good at giving you the name of who you want to speak to so it's worth a go. Ta. smile

Mojooo

13,291 posts

207 months

Tuesday 22nd September 2009
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as has been said, try and get in touch with relevant manager, then they will know of u should a job come up and can maybe notify you so u can apply like all others