State of the Market

[Yuri F]

I wouldn't go that far. But the dynamic continues to shift.
Probably like most people here, I relied solely on Jobserve for many years.
All the agencies just dumped their books of business there, and waited for the contractors to apply.

Over the last few years I'm getting an increasing number of approaches from agents on Linkedin.
Also, agents I've worked with in the past are more actively using their address books to call known quantities for roles.
Very rarely, a previous client will get in touch.

But I still use Jobserve, in spite of the fake roles and 1000+ applicants/role.

For me it's about getting my CV in as many hands as possible.

Agents calling in is one thing, significant chunk of those calls are direct consequence of maintaining market presence on a first place (either keeping CVs with burnerphone live on various resources or by applying which normally "adds" applicant to their CRM anyways), aka "the squeaky wheel gets the grease" style.

[Dorkeaux]

Agents calling in is one thing, significant chunk of those calls are direct consequence of maintaining market presence on a first place (either keeping CVs with burnerphone live on various resources or by applying which normally "adds" applicant to their CRM anyways), aka "the squeaky wheel gets the grease" style.

True.
I guess my point is that the last few roles I've landed have been from agents calling me up.
Suppose I should ask them how they got my number..
I imagine it's from retaining my details after failed applications for other roles, or more likely them finding my shonky Linkedin profile.

All this to say, it's worthwhile getting your CV out there by responding to Linkedin or Jobserve ads.

[avonleigh]

True.
I guess my point is that the last few roles I've landed have been from agents calling me up.
Suppose I should ask them how they got my number..
I imagine it's from retaining my details after failed applications for other roles, or more likely them finding my shonky Linkedin profile.

All this to say, it's worthwhile getting your CV out there by responding to Linkedin or Jobserve ads.

I have done this for years. Applied for roles where I don't have some of the skills, if it's an agency I don't know, Just to get my CV out there.

[SchumiStars]

I have done this for years. Applied for roles where I don't have some of the skills, if it's an agency I don't know, Just to get my CV out there.

I always apply for project management roles believing that there is a project that will technical skills. Works 100%, 1% of the time

[Yuri F]

...I have done this for years. Applied for roles where I don't have some of the skills...

...I always apply for project management roles believing that there is a project that will technical skills. Works 100%, 1% of the time...

...and received in excess of 1,100 applications, 99% of which weren't remotely qualified for the role!...

And then this happens, I wonder why would someone complain they don't get pool of candidates with only 100% match?
In such environment (market depth) there are more prospects for candidates relying on strength in numbers (otherwise you can't compete with robo-applications, especially considering the fact what in 99% of cases middleman/agent has no much of an understanding about job requirements anyways), not a quality anymore

[Dorkeaux]

And then this happens, I wonder why would someone complain they don't get pool of candidates with only 100% match?

Yeah, I don't think even the thickest clients expect that.

I think of applications for advertised roles tangentially.
If the role is real and I get called about it, great.
But more often the real value seems to be getting my CV embedded in an agency or on a platform and called later about something else.

[SussexSeagull]

I used to apply for a role if I matched 80% of the criteria but with so many candidates I need to be a perfect match now.

[avonleigh]

Not one testing role posted to jobserve today. This has to be a first. Also spoke to somebody from Hays, they said they have absolutely no roles at all and the market is completely dead. Very worrying times especially as this is usually the busiest time of the year.

[dsc]

Not one testing role posted to jobserve today. This has to be a first. Also spoke to somebody from Hays, they said they have absolutely no roles at all and the market is completely dead. Very worrying times especially as this is usually the busiest time of the year.

I was with Hays last year and got told by an insider that they are seeing very little activity, I'd be surprised if they manage to recover without some downsizing.

[dsc]

I used to apply for a role if I matched 80% of the criteria but with so many candidates I need to be a perfect match now.

Do you think it matters considering job ads get absolutely swarmed with applications? unless you are one of the first ones to apply, even with 80% you still get a chance imho. If you are a 100% match, but come as number 100+, I'd say you've missed your chance.