Reply to: Covering letters ?

[radish2008]

Sorry to hear this, may be you are not a good match for the role you applying for . Whats your skill set if i may ask.

I only apply for roles I can do so main skill set is always a match. SQL Server, C# albeit without the 20 years SSIS, SSAS, SSRS, MDX that seems to be tagged on to every ad at the minute ...

[SueEllen]

So I tried a few applications with no covering letters. No change. No replies.

Most of the jobs don't exist or are gone.

The aim is to get your CV in front of the agents so if another role comes up they will phone you up.

[rurffy]

So I tried a few applications with no covering letters. No change. No replies.

Sorry to hear this, may be you are not a good match for the role you applying for . Whats your skill set if i may ask.

[radish2008]

So I tried a few applications with no covering letters. No change. No replies.

[Boo]

The others have explained to you what my point was.

To clarify that remark : others have explained what the point of SueEllen's post was

Boo

[quackhandle]

Never bothered much with a covering letter much, a few sentences with availability and rate and that usually does it.

Not surprised that pimps don't really read them.

qh

[hgllgh]

Thanks - have created another CV that is easier to target and have started using the text box instead. I'm still getting calls and lots of fingers in pies, just got to keep chipping away. This is the longest I've ever been on the bench so better appreciate now just how soul destroying it is. Must not give in though.

Yeh, my bench seems to be stretching out a bit this time. Maybe budgets are still being decided ... wrong time of year to be on the bench... something always turns up though. I am not just going through jobserve, there 4 other main sites that I use...

Job Search | one search. all jobs. Indeed , simplyhired.co.uk , theitjobboard.co.uk, jobsite.co.uk

There will be some duplication of jobserve posts but there are also posts that aren't on JS.

Also probably worth uploading your CV on to individual agency sites as this then gives them a CV to work with that they might not otherwise see on a job board search.

Send CV's to compaines by letter (old school but who knows, if its different from what everyone else is doing its probably a good thing to do). Also send your CV in via their website.

Use Social Media ...
* Approach people working for companies you like on LinkedIn. You'll be surprised at the level of positive responses you get.
* Connect with companies you like on Facebook and Twitter and post a link to your LinkedIn profile

[radish2008]

I've applied for most of my contracts via Jobserve. I usually get a callback within a day.

For the covering letter, I just edit the textbox on the form with a quick sentence, something like, "I'm interested in the contract, see my CV, if you think the client may be interested please get in-touch". Nothing more.

I *always* call them. Submit job via jobserve, then call 15 minutes later to check they've received my CV as I *cough* "didn't get any confirmation from JobServe that it was sent" They usually dig it out and go through the role with you there and then.

Thanks - have created another CV that is easier to target and have started using the text box instead. I'm still getting calls and lots of fingers in pies, just got to keep chipping away. This is the longest I've ever been on the bench so better appreciate now just how soul destroying it is. Must not give in though.

[SueEllen]

I fully understand - I am not having a go aswell . (Just normal Convo) ...

The others have explained to you what my point was.

[rurffy]

Ruffy - Dont think SE was having a go like. Just saying that some of us do have success with jobserve.

I fully understand - I am not having a go aswell . (Just normal Convo) ...

[hgllgh]

I *always* call them. Submit job via jobserve, then call 15 minutes later to check they've received my CV as I *cough* "didn't get any confirmation from JobServe that it was sent" They usually dig it out and go through the role with you there and then.

Does anyone else do this?

I spoke to an agent recently who said phoning up was a good thing to do as they get so many CV's for each role. Thats not to say that all agents want to work that way though. If I do this it will only be for the good opps that either interesting or a really good skills fit ... or both.

[MyUserName]

I dont think so mate!! since 6 years of contracting (if im right) - I have neva been home for more than 2 weeks with out work . And i have neva gone below my previous rates.

She meant unlucky with Jobserve, not unlucky with getting contracts generally.

[psychocandy]

I dont think so mate!! since 6 years of contracting (if im right) - I have neva been home for more than 2 weeks with out work . And i have neva gone below my previous rates.

Ruffy - Dont think SE was having a go like. Just saying that some of us do have success with jobserve.

[rurffy]

You are just unlucky.

One in three of my contracts are from jobserve, one in three by networking and the other third by other methods.

I dont think so mate!! since 6 years of contracting (if im right) - I have neva been home for more than 2 weeks with out work . And i have neva gone below my previous rates.

[darmstadt]

MBA want one though:

If you are interested in this position, please respond within 24 hours with a short motivation letter and your CV in Word format so MBA can contact you.