Life on the bench: in my dressing gown

[RichardCranium]

Gig advertised on Jobserve 12:11

I get off a tailored CV & covering letter by 12:37.

Wait 5 minutes and phone Modis (for it was they)

I ask to speak to the agent: "He's not in today."

They can't even be bothered to come up with plausible lies.

Can I borrow your shooter, suityou01?

[Green Mango]

That depends on where it is and what it is.

I'm also loathe to publish it on CUK as nobody else tends to.

But I will say I will take a role at about half of what I have been on which is about 3/4ths of the average advertised rate.

Rang up by an agent this morning. No mention of contract rates, but she asked what will you work for ?

Said same rate as last job in which I've had no rise for two years.

I guess the client is playing a game of how low will you go.

[Zippy]

After you with that gun RC.

[suityou01]

Gig advertised on Jobserve 12:11

I get off a tailored CV & covering letter by 12:37.

Wait 5 minutes and phone Modis (for it was they)

I ask to speak to the agent: "He's not in today."

They can't even be bothered to come up with plausible lies.

Can I borrow your shooter, suityou01?

I'm economising. Set next to me and one bullet should do both.

[suityou01]

Felling already? You've only been at it a few days. You need weeks to build up those networks. Keep persevering.

[OwlHoot]

Gig advertised on Jobserve 12:11

I get off a tailored CV & covering letter by 12:37.

Wait 5 minutes and phone Modis (for it was they)

I ask to speak to the agent: "He's not in today." ..

When you phone in those circs, always add in the same breath that you're phoning to confirm they've received your CV.

In my experience, they're much more helpful then, and usually even if the person on the ad isn't available someone else will check.

In fact as soon as someone picks up the phone I start by saying "Hello, I'm just ringing to confirm you received my CV for the jobserve ad. The name on the ad was Mr[s] Pimp."

[RichardCranium]

When you phone in those circs, always add in the same breath that you're phoning to confirm they've received your CV.

In fact as soon as someone picks up the phone I start by saying "Hello, I'm just ringing to confirm you received my CV for the jobserve ad. The name on the ad was Mr[s] Pimp."

That is exactly what I do: "I had some Jobserve applications never arrive last week so I am phoning to check you have my CV."

If I get the agent: "I wouldn't normally be paranoid but I really don't want to miss this role because it is / I am / selling pitch."

[zeitghost]

Felling already? You've only been at it a few days. You need weeks to build up those networks. Keep persevering.

October 2002 to January 2004 in my case...

[RichardCranium]

Right, I'm off to a professional meeting in London, armed with a pocket full of business cards. Network, network, network.

[CaterpillarCoaching.co.uk]

Life on the bench...use the bench effectively!

How could use the bench to your advantage?

Is there a way of (metaphorically) standing on the bench and getting yourself up on the ladder?

I meet and work with people with lots of time on their hands and I so I know that it can be a real challenge to get motivated and use the time constructively.

I also hear what you are saying about CV's and recruiters. One of my recent clients sent on over 100 applications before he got an interview. Then the phone rang and he said 'I sent on over 100 applications before I got an interview' - it wasn't a very long call.

How's your CV looking? How many versions have you got on the go - angled for each type of role.

How else could you be using your time to get you up the ladder and hone those skills?

I'd recommend setting aside some focused time each day and building some relationships with recruiters who you can trust. Let them do the work for you! That's what they get paid for after all. Take control of the situation by asking them all the questions and ask them how they are going to place and get the best possible rate.

Above all, get motivated and feel confident about your skills and capabilities.

Survival of the fittest!

Have a great day

Lloyd
Performance Coach