How did you get back to work?

Danye

I have recently been let go from work and I understand how hard it will be to find another job. But nonetheless I'm determined that I will eventually get work soon.

If you have found work recently during this tough economic time how did you find it?

Was it just a matter of applying for an advertised position? Making phone calls to perspective employers? Sending speculative applications or through a contact that maybe worked in a company that had openings and put a good word in for you? Have I missed anything else?

I'm just wondering on which has been proven to have the best record and which way would help me get back to work as soon as possible.

Thanks

Stheno

Hi,

I took the following approach, now I'll quantify it by saying that I work in IT and have more than 12 years experience and there is a shortage of people who work in my area.

Anyway, firstly I updated my c.v. and put it on all the major sites, recruitireland, monster, irishjobs and jobsearchuk.

Then I updated my linkedin profile, and added every contact I had to my profile. I did a bit of networking with people whom I knew, and had notifications set up for any job relevant to my background. As I got notified I applied for those jobs, and followed every one up with calls to agencies. I also did a course to get a new qualification. Within four weeks, I had five interviews, then Christmas arrived. One of the interviews I had called me for a second interview in Jan, and I started in the job in Feb. In total I was out of work for 2.5 months, but was on leave for 1.5 of that.

HTH

Chessala

Heya,

I recently found job without much experience except 2 years of part-time working in a supermarket. Well, it's a German customer support role and I am German so I guess that was an advantage.

My approach was similar to the previous poster. I added my profile+ CV to all major job sites (seems monster.ie had the best feedback though, especially from agencies) and created my LinkedIn profile as I didn't have one up to that point. When I applied to all jobs that seemed possible and were in the area and industry I wanted to work.
When I had contact to a reliable agency I kept in close contact with them as a company that i really wanted to work for would be hiring soon (missed the first hire). While waiting for that company I applied to others with no success. My recruitment agent contacted me before the job was even advertised and helped me prepare. After an online test and 3 interviews I got the job. Took around 3 weeks in the end

mrbig73

Hey!

I've started a great new job in London, and am thrilled with it. Yes, its tough being over here and its very different to Dublin, but even for 2 yrs or so, it will be a great thing to ad to my CV!

Anyway, here's what I did:
1. Make sure you know what jobs you want, and be realistic as to what you can actually get.
2. Redo your CV to ensure that it is matching those jobs. you may need 3/4 different CVs depending on what you are looking for.
3. Spend time on your Linkedin page. It can mirror your CV, but its a very important tool.
4. Target people in your chosen industry or companies. add them on Linkedin, then email them.
5. Apply for jobs, ALWAYS follow up with a call or email
6. Do some interview prep. Its money thats very well spent.

You'll have bad days and good, so just try not to get ahead of yourself. If u get a 2nd interview, dont plan your first weeks work! And likewise, if you dont get a job, you will have learnt something from the process, so you will be in a better position that before.

Feel free to email if you have any questions.

Richie

gandalf

It depends on what kind of work you are looking for. Some sectors are in better condition than others.

I work in IT Sales and was out of work for 6 months. There were and are jobs out there but they were mainly in MNC's and the competition is quite fierce. The main issue I had was trying to get an interview.

I would re-iterate what the others have said.

Have multiple versions of your CV done. A short version and a long version and make sure you customise it for each job you are applying for.

Update Linkedin so it mirrors your CV, include achievements in each job you have had and get recommendations from co-workers and clients you have dealt with. Network with anyone you have worked with or have done business with. Link with recruitment agents as they tend to have large numbers of connections therefore you will get exposed to more people.

I got a job from a recruiter seeing my CV on Monster.ie. They sent me for a job with a MNC which I didn't get but after the MNC saw my linkedin they realised I was the ideal replacement for one of their employees who had just handed in their notice from another position and I had an employment contract in my hands a week later.

Try and keep yourself occupied, do a course that will enhance your CV. I did a project management one with FAS that did help to fill time and also to show a me a new way to do things.

Good luck and keep your chin up.