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Thread ID: 88758	2008-04-08 08:01:00	Reality of jobseeking	Nomad (952)	PC World Chat

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
657076	2008-04-09 01:24:00	easy Roddy, forum-language and CV language are two different things, I don't care as much about my punctuation and spelling in here as I do when, for example, writing for PCW :) Indeed . . . . . seems we have a few members that like to 'Seagull' post - fly in, crap on everything, and then fly away again . As my mother would surely say, 'if you don't have anything nice (or in this case constructive) to say, don't say anything at all . :thumbs:	nofam (9009)
657077	2008-04-09 01:28:00	My first piece of advice is get someone else to do your CV for you. Judging by your writing skills it probably doesn't make any sense. If this is the type of work you have been doing, it obviously doesn't give you any interest. Have you considered getting some training in a different field or perhaps just trying something else for a change? There is a big difference in being confident of yourself and abilities and BS a future employer about your honest abilities. It will be found out. It would be better to say that while you don't have a lot of XYZ experience, you do have the ability to learn quickly and give examples of previous work you have achieved that is similar. Doesn't have to be this way. Of course the hard realities of having to support a family/mortgage may mean you have to work in a field that doesn't interest you, but you can study in your own time towards something that does. Good luck with the job hunt. :) Good advice from both Jen and roddy_boy. You have to remember that recruiters aren't working for you - they are like car salesmen (in soooo many ways!! :) ) - you are just their raw material. Don't be disappointed if they don't respond - YOU have to chase THEM, if they have something you want. Pick three or four specialist recruitment agencies (not just the big one's - you'll get lost in the masses) and lodge your CV with them, get an interview with one of their consultants, even if they aren't advertising anything of interest to you at the time. Then, when they do advertise something, YOU contact THEM. They will already have information on you and this will make the process easier. But keep chasing them!! As far as reading the between the lines of the ads goes, remember what they advertise for is their ideal candidate (they will almost never get one that has everything they want). In my experience, if you have around 70% of the requirements (and maybe have an interest in the 30% gap), go for it. But don't hide your gaps - explain you're a fast learner and accentuate your current skills and show an enthusiasm for more training/challenges. Don't close off any channels - use online and the paper and special interest magazines and your mates (and their mates). You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Job-hunting can be demoralising and tedious. But if you turn the hunt into your 'job', it's surprising how much your attitude changes to a positive one (which is reflected at interviews). Good luck.	johcar (6283)
657078	2008-04-09 02:43:00	On forums I just speed type. I can touch type .. Now, typing while looking takes soo.. long. I think all office jobs are like that. From my experience is that agencies tend to provide jobs to you once and that's it. Sometimes they do but, perhaps jobs that no one else wants, like call centre jobs, maybe photocopying jobs, print jobs and matching envelopes. My last job, I got that via an agency. I did apply to the organisation directly but didn't get it. They went via a restructure, won't name names but they had quite a high turnover rate, when I left there was around 15 others that I knew who resigned by themself. I went through a restructure and the agency appeared to be place legal advice over looking for another job for me. He said that don't worry about the job yet .. let's sort this issue out first kinda thing. He provided free legal advice from a employment law specialist, and suggested I see a HR lawyer... After consulting unions there might of been some gains but given legal cost it wasn't really worth it. Just for consulting with a specialist lawyer they can cost $300/hr, excluding other expenses.	Nomad (952)
657079	2008-04-09 03:34:00	Well, for me I'll rather do something I already know . Instead of starting all over again, with something new I tried places like seek a while ago . Pointless if u ask me . Upload your CV, it goes into cyberspace somewhere . Got no calls from them or whoever they passed the CV to . I spose it doesnt help when even tho I look in the papers / online, that I've got no quals etc . So, what I already know, and what I've done . That'll have to do . I think you missed the point of Seek there Speedy . I got several jobs from the site that I applied for . The best way is to fill out your job criteria and get Seek to email you when a job fitting your criteria comes up then you can apply for the job and send your CV .	vitalstatistix (9182)
657080	2008-04-12 12:48:00	Some do's and dont's for CV's Do try and find out what the company is about and how your skills will help . Do-not brag . Do use a spell checker and read what you have written . Do-not write that you are a team player and also love to work individually . If you prefer to work as part of a team environment then say that . If the job calls for you to be by yourself for a large part of the day and that would make you unhappy then you have lost nothing . Do put down skills and attributes relevant to the job only . Do-not put down after work activities like playing video games or crocheting quilts . Do put down after work activities if they may be use-full in the job or they show you have social conscience such helping 'Habitat for Humanity' Do-not tell your life story (Frankly nobody cares) Do keep it professional and factual . Do-not bag your previous or present employer . After the introduction . Do put the more relevant facts that may make you useful to the prospective employer first . You only have a minute or two (probably less) to hook them . Some do's and dont's at an interview based on some dreamers I've interviewed . Do have a shower . If a guy do shave or make sure beards are well trimmed . Get a hair cut or make sure hair is properly manicured . Same goes for women . No outlandish hair-do's Keep hair clear of the face particularly eyes! No low cut dresses . Guys may want to interview the boobs but not normally for a job . Well at least not one you may possibly want, . It simply distracts from the professional look you are trying to portray . Do go smartly dressed, Do-not look like you've rushed there in the middle of gardening . Do not be late or if it's unavoidable ring and explain . Do NOT take your kids . ( No really, this happened!) If friends are giving you a lift to the interview, don't let them loiter in the public area of the business, gives the wrong signals . DO-NOT have alcohol to boost your courage before an interview .	Robinz (9362)
657081	2008-04-12 13:02:00	Don't forget. Arrive to an interview either on the dot, or no more than five minutes before. If you arrive early, they get the feeling of you being either bored/desperate or REALLY eager.	bob_doe_nz (92)
657082	2008-04-12 13:18:00	DO-NOT have alcohol to boost your courage before an interview. Disagree.	roddy_boy (4115)
657083	2008-04-13 03:32:00	I'm currently unemployed, and on the WINZ unemployment benefit, again looking for work I want and which I'm skilled and qualified and find a challenge. So perhaps seek work for what you know best and enjoy, if you cannot or do not want to relearn, or train/study externally at a recognized institute. After many years of work as in myself, sometimes some people re-entering the workforce are quite selective in what they want, and to what extent (e.g. based on contract only, easy or full on activity, part time, home based, only on call, etc). I have generally found this with mature experienced professional, and tertiary qualified workers, at WINZ “in for work” courses I have attended Employment agencies are known to build a database of candidates to show case to employers, for a vacancy that may not currently exist when they advertise. I found this by direct phone calls to the agency and to the company they advertised for, which I found out through an ex employee who I know. Also my employment course-marketing tutor that worked for an agency for nearly 10 years said they employ "tricks". Agencies tend to saturate NZ seek and Trade Me, and some do not remove their ads in a timely manner, once a supposed position is closed at their due date. Therefore always follow up with phone calls, and direct emails, and at least ask for a full job description for an advertised job. Perhaps attend an employment program to learn to write CV's/Cover Letters, interview skills, personal marketing, goal achievements, etc. One such CV technique I learnt is the hybrid resume technique, which worked for me, i.e. resulting in increased interviews…	kahawai chaser (3545)
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