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Tips for looking a Job in UK

Discussion in 'Life in the UK' started by portia, Feb 9, 2016.

  1. Timmers
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    Timmers Well-Known Member Trusted Member

    I have 30 years experience and I can fit all my jobs on two pages, as a rule most people only put recent jobs (maybe 10 years) on their CVs as what you did 20 or 30 years ago is likely to be irrelevant for the job you are applying for today.

    Five pages, my word, I know salesman like to go on a bit :lol:
  2. Aromulus
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    Aromulus The Don Staff Member

    Blimey...5 Pages...???

    It is not a CV anymore but Biography..!!!
  3. knightstrike
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    knightstrike Well-Known Member

    There was this guy that sent his CV to one of my job adverts. His CV was five pages long and I was just shaking my head while reading it.

    He included his experiences as a driver, bartender, etc. even though he was applying as a SAP Developer.

    -----------------

    Looking for a JOB is simple and easy, Either you will find it or it will find you. The good news is, you can do it online. Here's how:
    1. Create your CV and cover letter.
    2. Upload your CV and cover letter to recruitment websites.
    3. Start job hunting and apply.
    4. Prepare yourself for an interview. Recruiter will phone you.

    Tips:
    1. CV - must be comprehensive (detailed)
    2. Cover letter - short, simple and straightforward
    3. Recruitment website - reputation must be considered (linkedin, reed, cv library, totaljobs, jobg8, jobsite, monster, indeed)
    4. Hunting - From the recruitment website, search job based on your preferred criteria. Spend some time to read on what is advertise before you apply.
    5. Criteria - very important
    6. Interview - answer all the questions with honesty

    -------------

    I honestly don't read cover letters. It's a waste of time. I go straight to the CV, then pick up the phone and call the candidate.

    I qualify his/her experience then match with the client's requirements.

    Don't trust recruiters too much. Ironic since I am one, but it's much better if it's the actual company that is recruiting you.
    I'm not saying don't apply to recruitment agencies because they can still help you, but just be wary.

    I can't reveal all my secrets here yet though. When I quit my job and become a developer, I will. Hahahah.
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  4. Timmers
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    Timmers Well-Known Member Trusted Member

    I think recruitment agencies are one of the many tools at your disposal when looking for a new position, some agencies are good and some are not so good as you already know.

    My main beef with recruitment agencies is that they are sometimes not very good at matching candidates with the position on offer. Its almost as if they find prospective candidates by just using keys words to filter and find the CVs, whilst sometimes that can work on other occasions they can be way off the mark.

    As you stated, if you download your CV to all the well known jobsites you are sure to drum up some interest from recruitment agencies at least.

    And finally, a little luck always helps when trying to find work although it is often said that "you make your own luck." :)
  5. paw
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    paw New Member

    The most important thing in your cv is to show your qualification and experience matched the job.
  6. Maley
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    Maley Well-Known Member

    Just going over this post double checking everything i've got it right.

    It is frustrating looking for a job and not getting anything. It makes you question everything that you know. its the longest job hunting period of my life so far. My first job in ph took me only 3 days, then never been unemployed until i moved here.

    Is it difficult to break into the UK workforce even if your employment history shows all multi-national and listed companies?

    Is my specialization too unique that vacancy is rare? Or its too common?

    Maybe there are not a lot of work here that we need to relocate? This is not a very feasible option right now.
  7. Timmers
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    Timmers Well-Known Member Trusted Member

    What line of business are you in @Maley ?
  8. Maley
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    Maley Well-Known Member

    Finance, accounting and i had experience with big 4 audit firms both in ph and in ae.

    I thought that was enough so im not sure why i dont get any calls.
  9. Timmers
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    Timmers Well-Known Member Trusted Member

    A very frustrating time for you I'm sure, most of us have been in the same boat, I really hope you do not have to relocate to find your desired employment, moving home for work is something I would never do but that's just me.

    You need to establish in your mind why you are not receiving calls and try to address the reason, you are better placed than me to know the reasons why.

    You have a disadvantage of course being Filipino and new to the UK, this disadvantage will disappear once you have your first UK job under your belt and have local job history so to speak.

    I'm not going to ramble on about which job sites you should be on etc as its apparent you're a bright girl and know exactly what you're doing.

    Hang in there Maley, something will turn up because it always does :)
  10. Maley
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    Maley Well-Known Member

    Thanks for the words of encouragement @Timmers.

    I'm just looking for that 'break'.

    Hopefully better weather brings about better mood for employers!
  11. Heathen
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    Heathen Active Member

    Hi Maley, i havent looked at the whole thread just page three, hopefully you have found a job now, but if you havent may i suggest that you register with agencies that specialise in Finance & Accounting, they usually have both Permanent & Temporary roles available at various locations. In my past experience these agencies (Plastic Injection Moulding) in my case usually found me work within weeks, never months, and even now i get emails from them advising me of vacations or asking if i know anyone suitable. I dont think im allowed to post a link to various websites, so i will see if i can Pm you, good luck.
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  12. Gravesy
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    Gravesy Banned

    Hi Folks. I am Gravesy.
    Talking of jobs in the UK, has anyone noted the form filling to be done now if you do not have a UK passport?
  13. Gravesy
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    Gravesy Banned

    I am looking for an accountant, Maley. You know much about the IR35 rule?
  14. Gravesy
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    Gravesy Banned

    Or a Tesco Delivery Van driver.
  15. Timmers
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    Timmers Well-Known Member Trusted Member

    I think there is a lot of form filling too if you do have a British passport, its good that employers have to check that prospective employees are entitled to work in the UK.
  16. Timmers
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    Timmers Well-Known Member Trusted Member

    My wife has recently started to have groceries delivered and the delivery drivers are far too friendly and helpful, I don't think I could keep that up all day long :)
  17. Gravesy
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    Gravesy Banned

    That will be because she is a young pretty Filipina!
  18. Drunken Max
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    Drunken Max Well-Known Member Trusted Member

    I've recruited quite a few engineers and admin over the years and seen some awful CVs. The CV is key to the interview but people's attention span can be limited. Focus on the last 5 to 10 years at best. Any more just list timescale and job title. List you relevant qualifications first including and recognised training. Always include responsibilities and achievements. The idea is to pique their interest into an interview, nor answer all their questions. After the front sheet you only need two to three pages. No colours, use bold to show a heading. Preferably Ariel font, 11 or 12 font size. Use paragraphs and line spacing also.

    The one thing I do look at is how many jobs and how long each job was. If you have a lot of changes then you might want to summarise the period. Don't forget, they will not be able to check all the details on job history.

    Most CVs start with a short paragraph usually in the 3rd person describing you. This needs careful work as its the only part that you can describe your personality and strengths.

    If anyone wants any help then message me and good luck.

    Ps. Never underestimate the value of a network and be prepared to use it.
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  19. Dav3&Ai5a
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    Dav3&Ai5a Active Member

    Interesting. Do you have experience recruiting Filipinos in these fields who are already in the UK? Do they actually get hired?
  20. Drunken Max
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    Drunken Max Well-Known Member Trusted Member

    I've interviewed philippinos in asia but not in the UK. I tend to come across European or Indian engineers. there is actually quite a shortfall at the moment. I've made recruitment drives in South Africa before now. If there are any Phil engineers looking for jobs then in the NW there is lots of opportunities, especially if you will contract.

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