Recruitment agencies help

AlexBM

I'm looking for a job at the moment. I'm with a few recruitment agencies, but have left two because I was unimpressed with them, to cut a long story short. The thing is, I'm applying for plenty of other jobs but am not getting anywhere. Many of them are with other agencies, but I'm not hearing back. I have retail experience (which is what I want to get into), a BA and part of an MSc. I was told in some interviews with employers that they're worried I'll bugger off once I get my Masters (I've no intention of doing so, but that's besides the point). I'm always very negotiable about wages, too.

I've now taken my Msc (in progress) off my CV, in the hope of getting somewhere. The jobs I'm applying for are usually sales assistants, and fairly low-level, although I've tried to get into one or two trainee management schemes/supervisor positions too.

My question is, is it possible that some of these agencies have been in touch with the ones I've left and are 'warning' them off me? I've submitted my CV to at least 12 that I haven't heard anything from. I haven't done anything wrong as such, I should mention - with one, I had gotten another job (it fell through - long story) and when they offered me a 'better' one, I didn't take it. The other I did do a small amount of promotional work for, but didn't like it and didn't want to do it again. And these agencies don't have sister companies or partner companies that I'm aware of.

So, apologies for length, but can anyone answer this, or offer advice in some way? Thanks.

Tom Dunne

Think about it - applying for, as you call it, low-level positions with a BSc and (almost) an MSc, sounds like you are selling yourself too low (no pun intended).

What areas are the BSc/MSc in? Are they in any way related to retail?

I doubt it highly that agencies are talking behind your back - they are competitors in a cut-throat market, it doesn't sound plausible that they are helping each other.

kerry4sam

i've had similar experiences with recruitment agencies like today, i got a text, yes a text from one recruitment agency asking me to phone them back...I did and the phone rang out...left a voicemail but had no contact since!

I have found once you've a good raport with at least one person in an agency they do work for you...

With regards to experience it's very hard to know what to omit or leave in but i'd say adjust according the job you intend applying for...Their are some reputable agencies out there (their was a thread done some time back on recruitment agencies AFAIK). I have fallen victim of taking the wrong job when their were options but ce la vie! is what i've learned there...you live and learn there

The agencies in the county where i'm based do tend to work close together and even some previous employers have been known to help supposed rival companies when they were fully staffed but i don't think that should go against you though.

Have you sought professional assistance with your CV and info for Cover Letter? Their are jobs out there to be got... I went on-line recently are searched 3different sites and applied for over 7jobs in various sectors and have interviews for 4 of them coming up so i wouldn't give up or give in yet, just search some sites and have a professional look over your cv

AARRRGH

Assuming you're in Dublin, why don't you wander around the likes of Jervis St. Shopping Centre and Dundrum Centre and see if any of the shops have staff wanted signs?

AlexBM

Apologies - I'm a Luddite and am incapable of multi-quoting.

Thanks all. My undergrad was Arts, and my postgrad is sustainable development, so not related to retail in any way. I've decided I don't want to go down that road at all. It has no interest for me. It did, but I knew soon into the course it wasn't what I wanted.

I thought I might have been selling myself too low too, but I have tried for different levels, so I think I should be covering myself with that. Sadly, the auld arts degree doesn't qualify me for anything. If I could go back, I wouldn't do it.

I have gotten professional advice too - she helped me dicky it up there and then. I have an interview on Thurs, and one coming up for the civil service, and another with a council, so they might come through. The only thing is, the civil service/council things can take ages to come through.

And yeah, I've pounded the pavements. Plenty of places didn't have signs, but I've gone in anyway and asked. One place in Dundrum has an ad on a website, but the staff told me they didn't need anyone. I don't know if it's the look of me or what, but it's frustrating!

Thanks all for the suggestions and help so far. Much appreciated.

Miss Fluff

Why specifically do you want a role in retail?

AlexBM

Miss Fluff wrote: »

Why specifically do you want a role in retail?

I've always enjoyed the interaction with people, and loved the variety. I like the no-two-days-are-the-same factor of it, and I'm good at it. I've done the target sales thing and had no problems. I'd much prefer to be up and about rather than sitting at a desk. I've tried a few different things, including banking, but didn't enjoy them as much. Of course, at this stage, beggars can't be choosers.

Miss Fluff

You should also maybe think about a field sales role as well, may have a wider choice of career progression then. Not dissing retail, I just think a sales role may offer you better career prospects in the longterm.

AlexBM

Miss Fluff wrote: »

You should also maybe think about a field sales role as well, may have a wider choice of career progression then. Not dissing retail, I just think a sales role may offer you better career prospects in the longterm.

Thanks Miss Fluff. I'll look into it.:)

board om

hey OP,

a friend of mine is a sales Manager for a Telesales team is Dublin's Southside if your interested. you dont need a load of experience. in fact he hadnt done sales in years and he started as a telesales rep and is now the manager of his area which is pretty good for him. he has a team of 3 but he is supposed to have 5, so he is looking for another 2 sales reps. its good money and they would hire someone with a good perosnality and work atitude if they didnt have the relevant experience. PM me if you want and i will send you his details.

AlexBM

board om wrote: »

hey OP,

a friend of mine is a sales Manager for a Telesales team is Dublin's Southside if your interested. you dont need a load of experience. in fact he hadnt done sales in years and he started as a telesales rep and is now the manager of his area which is pretty good for him. he has a team of 3 but he is supposed to have 5, so he is looking for another 2 sales reps. its good money and they would hire someone with a good perosnality and work atitude if they didnt have the relevant experience. PM me if you want and i will send you his details.

Thanks board, but I don't think I'm quite ready for the telesales thing as such. I have 2 interviews lined up this week, so fingers crossed!