Qualified, smart, experienced etc... why no luck?
Discussion
After some pointers as to what I'm doing wrong...
Having finished my Dip-HE in Engineering Design, I'm looking for a career in manufacturing/engineering - starting out either as a junior Draughtsman, CAD designer, etc, or I'm also looking at other technical type jobs, I.E. Technical support, or Engineering sales.
I'm finding it extremely difficult going - I've applied for many, many jobs since last Autumn, and had only one interview. That one failed at the last hurdle - they were incredibly keen to take me on, really got on, then at the last minute decided to go with someone who was a little older.
The problem is - And I dont want to blow my own trumper - I AM a good prospect for an employer. I've been a model employee at all my jobs ever since I was 16, I can get excellent references, I have experience in all the right things, I'm literate, smart, personable etc. I have the correct (or higher) qualifications for all the things I'm applying for, everything I know is up to date, etc.
My C.V. is Good (I think), I honestly dont know what I'm doing wrong, and it is beginning to get extremely frustrating.
I dont even want a lot of money - I would do a lot of the jobs being advertised for a lower salary. I just want someone to take me on so I can show how good I am.
It seems the hard bit is getting past the split second when someone puts your name on one pile or the other. If people get to meet me they are always please with me - but I cant get to these interviews.
Any ideas?
Having finished my Dip-HE in Engineering Design, I'm looking for a career in manufacturing/engineering - starting out either as a junior Draughtsman, CAD designer, etc, or I'm also looking at other technical type jobs, I.E. Technical support, or Engineering sales.
I'm finding it extremely difficult going - I've applied for many, many jobs since last Autumn, and had only one interview. That one failed at the last hurdle - they were incredibly keen to take me on, really got on, then at the last minute decided to go with someone who was a little older.
The problem is - And I dont want to blow my own trumper - I AM a good prospect for an employer. I've been a model employee at all my jobs ever since I was 16, I can get excellent references, I have experience in all the right things, I'm literate, smart, personable etc. I have the correct (or higher) qualifications for all the things I'm applying for, everything I know is up to date, etc.
My C.V. is Good (I think), I honestly dont know what I'm doing wrong, and it is beginning to get extremely frustrating.
I dont even want a lot of money - I would do a lot of the jobs being advertised for a lower salary. I just want someone to take me on so I can show how good I am.
It seems the hard bit is getting past the split second when someone puts your name on one pile or the other. If people get to meet me they are always please with me - but I cant get to these interviews.
Any ideas?
Edited by snotrag on Thursday 23 July 20:47
Edited by snotrag on Thursday 23 July 20:48
I'm job hunting at the moment and the key seems to be tenacity. I'm finding that replying to job ads alone gets you to somewhere in the middle of a big pile of CVs, but a polite follow-up call or email a few days later, re-emphasising how keen you are to be considered for the role and how you'd love the chance to show your worth at interview, seems to be helping.
Recruiters are being bombarded with CVs at the moment and I think that showing that there's an enthusiastic, intelligent person behind it helps move you nearer the top of the pile.
Better still, if you can build up a rapport with one or two recruiters (and by that I mean specific agents within one or two companies), they are more likely to put you forward for interview as they know that you're a decent sort.
I may be barking up the wrong tree, but that's the impression I get.
Recruiters are being bombarded with CVs at the moment and I think that showing that there's an enthusiastic, intelligent person behind it helps move you nearer the top of the pile.
Better still, if you can build up a rapport with one or two recruiters (and by that I mean specific agents within one or two companies), they are more likely to put you forward for interview as they know that you're a decent sort.
I may be barking up the wrong tree, but that's the impression I get.
You need to try to stand out from all the other CV's.
Many moons ago when i applied for a job i put down (whilst cringing) that i was the leaders of a top 10 placed online gaming clan within the CS1.6 community under hobbies and interests, needless to say i got an interview and this was specifically asked about (what it was, what it entailed etc) and i spouted about management, delegation, organisation, managing people etc etc
It was something different and something people dont readily admit too. They want to know the real you not the generic "I like going to the cinema and reading a good book" b
ks
Many moons ago when i applied for a job i put down (whilst cringing) that i was the leaders of a top 10 placed online gaming clan within the CS1.6 community under hobbies and interests, needless to say i got an interview and this was specifically asked about (what it was, what it entailed etc) and i spouted about management, delegation, organisation, managing people etc etc
It was something different and something people dont readily admit too. They want to know the real you not the generic "I like going to the cinema and reading a good book" b
ksThere a really not many jobs in any engineer area at the moment, and the ones there are get extremely hard fought by. potentially, over qualified applicants.
I had a recruitment agency put an ad up for a very short term position (although they weren't meant to - another story!) for an experienced aerospace/motor sport/automotive designer. Rates were good, as it was only a 2month contract, but they still got over 100 CVs within 24hrs!! I was looking for a senior level engineer (5+ yrs exp.), which was reflected in the rated, but there were still CVs from principal/chief engineers with 15+ years in the industry looking to work for LESS than the advertised rate!
There are alot of very experienced, but desperate, people out there who are willing to work for not very much, just to keep some money rolling in. When things pick up and these guys get drawn back into long contracts or can go permanent somewhere you will find you will have half a chance with jobs your qualified for, rather than having to competing with people massively over qualified!
I had a recruitment agency put an ad up for a very short term position (although they weren't meant to - another story!) for an experienced aerospace/motor sport/automotive designer. Rates were good, as it was only a 2month contract, but they still got over 100 CVs within 24hrs!! I was looking for a senior level engineer (5+ yrs exp.), which was reflected in the rated, but there were still CVs from principal/chief engineers with 15+ years in the industry looking to work for LESS than the advertised rate!
There are alot of very experienced, but desperate, people out there who are willing to work for not very much, just to keep some money rolling in. When things pick up and these guys get drawn back into long contracts or can go permanent somewhere you will find you will have half a chance with jobs your qualified for, rather than having to competing with people massively over qualified!
Cheers guys.
I've been blitzing it recently as i know my current job is going to dry up in terms of hours over the winter. Modified my CV a bit and been really hassling (in a polite way) the potential employers.
I'm still finding that there are not many jobs pitched at my level - I'm perfectly happy to accept that a full 'Junior' type role - I'm not after money, just an opportunity.
Everybody wants more and more experience - these experience people are going to run out in a few years as everyone of my age hasnt been getting any!
Anway - I have had some luck - got an interview on Monday for the perfect job - pitched right at the bottom as a 'junior' role, but they are looking for someone to train up and grow with the company.
Very excited, trying to build me up a little folder of Design and CAD work to show them.
Its certainly a tough market - been applying non-stop since February, this is only my 2nd interview... Fingers crossed.
I've been blitzing it recently as i know my current job is going to dry up in terms of hours over the winter. Modified my CV a bit and been really hassling (in a polite way) the potential employers.
I'm still finding that there are not many jobs pitched at my level - I'm perfectly happy to accept that a full 'Junior' type role - I'm not after money, just an opportunity.
Everybody wants more and more experience - these experience people are going to run out in a few years as everyone of my age hasnt been getting any!
Anway - I have had some luck - got an interview on Monday for the perfect job - pitched right at the bottom as a 'junior' role, but they are looking for someone to train up and grow with the company.
Very excited, trying to build me up a little folder of Design and CAD work to show them.
Its certainly a tough market - been applying non-stop since February, this is only my 2nd interview... Fingers crossed.
snotrag said:
Any ideas?
1) Create a fictious CV which is perfect for each job you apply for, using a new email address each time. See if you get an interview then.
2) If there are any human contact details, phone the person up, to discuss whether it is worth you bothering applying for the job, as you might be a bit over qualified, but if there's scope for rapid promotion you'd take the chance.
That way they know you're CV is on it's way and they'll be looking out for it and it will go on top of the pile rather than the bottom.
Intersting that this topic got a bump.
Saw an absolute dream job advertised a couple of weeks ago. Did everything humanly possible to ensure they read my c.v. properly and gave me a figthing chance.
Got an interview. Turned up feelign great - left feeling rubbish! It was very difficult and 'pressured'.
But... they asked me back for another interview. Completely different - Same people, totally different atmosphere, felt like i fitted right in, much more 'personal', had a great chat, clicked on a number levels not only about work but was also chatting with the MD about all sorts of trivia.
Left grinning.
Start in 2 weeks.
Been bouncing off the walls all week.
Saw an absolute dream job advertised a couple of weeks ago. Did everything humanly possible to ensure they read my c.v. properly and gave me a figthing chance.
Got an interview. Turned up feelign great - left feeling rubbish! It was very difficult and 'pressured'.
But... they asked me back for another interview. Completely different - Same people, totally different atmosphere, felt like i fitted right in, much more 'personal', had a great chat, clicked on a number levels not only about work but was also chatting with the MD about all sorts of trivia.
Left grinning.
Start in 2 weeks.
Been bouncing off the walls all week.
snotrag said:
Intersting that this topic got a bump.
Saw an absolute dream job advertised a couple of weeks ago. Did everything humanly possible to ensure they read my c.v. properly and gave me a figthing chance.
Got an interview. Turned up feelign great - left feeling rubbish! It was very difficult and 'pressured'.
But... they asked me back for another interview. Completely different - Same people, totally different atmosphere, felt like i fitted right in, much more 'personal', had a great chat, clicked on a number levels not only about work but was also chatting with the MD about all sorts of trivia.
Left grinning.
Start in 2 weeks.
Been bouncing off the walls all week.
Congratuations, I am really pleased for you. I hope it goes well for you!Saw an absolute dream job advertised a couple of weeks ago. Did everything humanly possible to ensure they read my c.v. properly and gave me a figthing chance.
Got an interview. Turned up feelign great - left feeling rubbish! It was very difficult and 'pressured'.
But... they asked me back for another interview. Completely different - Same people, totally different atmosphere, felt like i fitted right in, much more 'personal', had a great chat, clicked on a number levels not only about work but was also chatting with the MD about all sorts of trivia.
Left grinning.
Start in 2 weeks.
Been bouncing off the walls all week.
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