Experienced Installation Engineer - But struggling!

[Mr AJ]

Alright so i know i'm putting my neck out on the line a bit posting this on here, But times are getting desperate now! My latest contract has finished unexpectably early, and its left me unable to carry on trading. So i'm back out hunting for work again. I've been firing off CVs left, right and centre - over 30 speculative and advertised vacancys in the last few days alone. Just don't seem to be getting much response! Only had 1 interview, and whilst they seemed very keen at the interview stage - i've heard nothing from them since!. This is going to be a very long post, and probably not much interest to anyone not currently Recruiting for a similiar role.

So, with my OH's Maternity leave getting closer and closer i'm hoping with the large userbase on PH someone on here will be recruiting for, Or know of a company recruiting for a position i may be suitable for. Ideally in Greater Manchester/North West region.


For the last 5 years i have been working as a Sole-Trader, Carrying out contract installation work in a wide range of technical disciplines. Mainly Computer/Server/Network installations and Aerial/Satellite rigging carrying out work to CAI standards. Due to my last contract coming to an end and a change in personal circumstances. I've decided a change of direction is in order. Thus, I am looking to move away from being Self-Employed and seeking a Permanent/Long Term contract with a stable company, With whom i can advance my existing skillbase.

I am not opposed to re-training and will accept a hands-on role within any field.

I am/Was a RDI Digital Tick approved installer, However my membership has lapsed and has not been renewed due to this change in career direction. I do however, Obviously still have the Level 2 NVQ in Electrical and Electronic Servicing (City & Guilds 1687)

I do have a clean CRB check.

My Previous installation experience includes:

* Installation/Maintainence/Repair of Antennas (Terrestrial TV, Satellite, Microwave and Radio IP)
* Installation/Maintainence/Repair of Cabling infrastructure (Data Cabling/Cat5/Fibre Optic, Single and Dual core Co-Axial, CW1308 Telephone Cable aswell as Multi-core general purpose cabling.)
* Installation/Wallmounting of Flatscreen TV's and Monitors
* Installation of AV/Home Theatre Equipment
* Site surveying, Customer specification and System Design
* Basic understanding of the Installation/Maintainence/Repair of Domestic burglar alarm systems (PIR, Door/Window Switches, Vibration Sensors) and Fire Alarm systems.
* Installation/Servicing/Manufacturing of IT Servers & Switchgear

In Addition to this existing experience, I am currently studying for the following qualifications through a self-funded home learning course:

* Part P
* City & Guilds 2377 Portable Appliance Testing
* City & Guilds 2330 Certificate in Electrotechnical Technology
* City & Guilds 2382 17th Edition Wiring Regulations compliance

I do have my own Ladders/Tools/PPE including harness/ropes for working at height (With corresponding certificate.) and some old stock (Cabling/Sky boxes/Dishes/Aerials etc).

Obviously, anyone can contact me via the PM function and i will be able to forward on my CV and contact details. Serious replies only though, Please!

[AJS-]

People going back into employment after working for themselves always struggle. Employers think (often correctly) that this person will a) be used to managing himself and struggle to get back into the habit of doing things their way, and b) take off again as soon as the market picks up.

If you are going for contract jobs this makes a) slightly less important and b) perfectly acceptable, but for permanent jobs you will struggle with this. No easy answer, get your name and CV out there, use your contacts and try to answer these reservations as comprehensively as possible. For example stating a genuine reason for wishing to work for a company again other than simply lack of work - career advancement, variety of work, working with colleagues rather than on your own.

Also, always ask for feedback and if possible a time frame after interviews. Ask if they have any comments or reservations at this stage, it allows you to answer them, and gives you something to improve on for next time. Then ask when they expect to make a decision and when you will be notified. This helps close off the unsuccesful ones and stops you worrying about them after the interview.

Good luck

[Mr AJ]

Cheers for the advice buddy. Will give the Company that was keen a call tomorrow and see what the crack is.

Doesn't help that my last contract still owes me money for outstanding work, 3 Unpaid invoices coming to just over £2.5k, One of which is over a month late respectively. So with only the Mrs. income coming in we're feeling the pinch and its putting more stress on me to find more work!.

[Arese]

Mr AJ said:

Doesn't help that my last contract still owes me money for outstanding work, 3 Unpaid invoices coming to just over £2.5k, One of which is over a month late respectively.

I usually find that a quick email to their accounts department, with a brief mention of the Late Payments Directive usually results in a quick payment.

Good luck with everything.

[Mr AJ]

Arese said:

Mr AJ said:

Doesn't help that my last contract still owes me money for outstanding work, 3 Unpaid invoices coming to just over £2.5k, One of which is over a month late respectively.

I usually find that a quick email to their accounts department, with a brief mention of the Late Payments Directive usually results in a quick payment.

Good luck with everything.

Spent a good half-hour on the phone to their accounts dept yesterday listening to every excuse under the sun about why they wasnt chasing up my missing payments, In the end i spent a good 3hours phoning around all the different departments within THEIR company doing their accounts teams job for them... Paid off though, they got fed up of me pestering them so cleared my payment and the transfer should be in my account tomorrow.

Plus, Had a chat with someone last night - Friend of a friend, who happens to be hiring for a job im perfectly qualified for (Its pretty much exactly the same as what i have been doing self-employed!) and now i'm going out with them for 2 days tomorrow, If i get along with them and they get along with me i start as soon as they can get me a van. All in all, a very good week!.

[Arese]

Mr AJ said:

Plus, Had a chat with someone last night - Friend of a friend, who happens to be hiring for a job im perfectly qualified for (Its pretty much exactly the same as what i have been doing self-employed!) and now i'm going out with them for 2 days tomorrow, If i get along with them and they get along with me i start as soon as they can get me a van. All in all, a very good week!.

Congratulations! And good luck.

[Mr AJ]

Typical, Just had a second company on the phone also offering me a job. Same type of spec, exact same pay & benefits package!. Like busses, wait around for a month or two with no sign on the horizon and then two come at once!.