Applying for contracts and ringing agents

[stacks]

In the past whenever a contract of mine has been close to an end I activate my CV out on the job boards and are normally fortunate to get agents calls, get the interview and then land the contract......until now!

The phones stopped ringing and I'm finding myself trawling the job boards and sending my CV off. I get the standard email back "dont' call us we will call you" but do people here find it more beneficial to try and contact the agent on the phone after sending off the application to get noticed or do you just wait for a response?

Is there a best approach to take for success when applying?

[pmeswani]

In the past whenever a contract of mine has been close to an end I activate my CV out on the job boards and are normally fortunate to get agents calls, get the interview and then land the contract......until now!

The phones stopped ringing and I'm finding myself trawling the job boards and sending my CV off. I get the standard email back "dont' call us we will call you" but do people here find it more beneficial to try and contact the agent on the phone after sending off the application to get noticed or do you just wait for a response?

Is there a best approach to take for success when applying?

You will have to keep on applying for roles and hope for the best. If you know you are the best fit, then you may need to look at your CV and, if necessary, jazz it up a bit. This doesn't mean lie on you CV, but re-organise it and remove anything that isn't relevant and add things that would add weight to your role.

Don't be complacent, we are going through a difficult period at the moment (with VAT going up, Fuel duty going up, with it being the New Year, etc). Don't expect things to fall on your lap too soon. It will happen, just have some faith.

[stacks]

Thanks for the advice, I've realised that not one CV fits all so I'm changing it for each position but I suppose what I really want to establish is do people generally find it beneficial to follow up applications with phone calls to the agents? It it worth it, does it get you in their face and to the top of the pile when they have loads of applicants?

You will have to keep on applying for roles and hope for the best. If you know you are the best fit, then you may need to look at your CV and, if necessary, jazz it up a bit. This doesn't mean lie on you CV, but re-organise it and remove anything that isn't relevant and add things that would add weight to your role.

Don't be complacent, we are going through a difficult period at the moment (with VAT going up, Fuel duty going up, with it being the New Year, etc). Don't expect things to fall on your lap too soon. It will happen, just have some faith.

[Sausage Surprise]

If the agent wants you they'll phone you. Always found it pretty pointless phoning them over the last 18 months of scarce roles and sh it rates.

[Another Agents View]

If the agent wants you they'll phone you. Always found it pretty pointless phoning them over the last 18 months of scarce roles and sh it rates.

I'd always suggest trying to phone. Don't expect too much and don't over sell yourself.
I've often found someone who's phoned is genuinely interested in th opportunity. Open to the the sh it rate on offer and available.
You'd be amazed the number of cvs I recieve from people who don't read the advert (no blame appreicate it's one technique to get your Cv infront of the right people) - but someone calling me saves time on sifting through a inbox of contractors that may not be interested.

As I mentioned don't over sell yourself - nothing turns me off more than someone immediately telling me they are perfect for a role when they haven't even asked for more info / so don't understand exactly what's needed.

Best with the hunt, hope this helps

[nomadd]

If the agent wants you they'll phone you. Always found it pretty pointless phoning them over the last 18 months of scarce roles and sh it rates.

This.^

Save the money on your phone bill for something more useful. Like beer.

[Spacecadet]

If the agent wants you they'll phone you. Always found it pretty pointless phoning them over the last 18 months of scarce roles and sh it rates.

WHS

Unless a job spec looks like it was written specifically with your CV in mind apply and forget

[Wanderer]

IYou'd be amazed the number of cvs I recieve from people who don't read the advert

You'd be amazed at how many agents contact me who don't read my CV...

[VirtualMonkey]

You'd be amazed at how many agents contact me who don't read my CV...

Too right. I got a mail yesterday about a contract position I'm not suited for at the client I'm currently at!

[nomadd]

Too right. I got a mail yesterday about a contract position I'm not suited for at the client I'm currently at!

...and it was your current role. How crazy is that!