Jobserve Etiquette

[Rooqie]

New to the UK and starting the Contract search for the first time. I get the impression from reading other posts that it is important to act quickly on a Jobserve post that matches your criteria, etc.

Just wondering what the norm is -- do you use the "apply online" -- with just your CV uploaded or do you email the agent with the CV and/or a cover letter type email...(really don't want to bother with cover letters yet though)!

Any advice out there

[The Lone Gunman]

I generaly email them a precis of my suitable skills and ask for a job spec rate and location.
If I get a suitable answer then I send them a CV.

Some of them are just fishing for CVs.

[Paddy]

New to the UK and starting the Contract search for the first time. I get the impression from reading other posts that it is important to act quickly on a Jobserve post that matches your criteria, etc.

Just wondering what the norm is -- do you use the "apply online" -- with just your CV uploaded or do you email the agent with the CV and/or a cover letter type email...(really don't want to bother with cover letters yet though)!

Any advice out there

I find that a hand written letter works best. It’s also best to ask about any fringe benefits at the time or writing.

[lukemg]

Send to email if possible (will tend to be email set up just for that job), attach tailored CV (to emphasise compatibility with job requirements) and brief note - I believe I have the skills and experience you require and attach CV in ref to job advert blah blah.
I try to target jobs I am a close match for. You need to be checking the boards regularly(daily at most) to make sure you are among the first to get in touch. My policy is fire and forget, if they call me back I get interested, if not I try not to think about it.

[Asterix]

Goodness gracious me

Don't forget to use a cover note with words to the effect...'I offer my humble services to your esteemed company etc..'. Where have you come from ?

[oraclesmith]

You need better quality goat.

For top quality goats see :http://www.allgoats.org.uk/for_sale.htm

[Kess]

I have a question in a similar vein.

A couple of weeks ago I applied for a contract job through Jobserve (using the "Apply Now" option on the Jobserve site, assuming this was the right way to go about it). Since then I've heard absolutely nothing, so I assume I'm not shortlisted for the position - but I am surprised not to have the courtesy of any kind of response whatsoever from the agency who placed the ad (even just an automated acknowledgement that they'd received my application/CV would be nice).

Is this normal practise when applying for ads on Jobserve? And is it better to ignore the Jobserve "Apply Now" button and contact the agency direct?

[Cowboy Bob]

Is this normal practise when applying for ads on Jobserve?

Yes, but it's not Jobserve's fault. It's standard agency practice to not notify you if they are not putting you forward for a position. It's also useful to realise that an agent will positively ignore you if you try and contact them - they're always out of the office and never call you back if you leave a message.

That's just the way it is I'm afraid. Don't take it personally.

[oraclesmith]

I usually call them first to get a few more details on the role. I have always got through to the person I need to speak to (although it may mean a repeat call if they are out to lunch, on the phone, busy picking their nose etc) so persistence pays off. I usually get a mini telephone interview about skills, experience, rate, situation etc and they usually ask me to send my CV to their direct e-mail address - it saves them money. I expect many of them just file it, but about half of them end up phoning me or e-mailing me with feedback, positive or negative.

I use the "rifle" approach as opposed to the "blunderbus".

[AtW]

I normally send a small gold bar and my business card for them to call me back - never failed so far.

threaded.