Job hunt questions. Lots of questions...

cantdecide

I've always worked in stores/ warehousing and my last job was as a purchaser but I more fell into that and taught myself. As I've decided to study Supply Chain Management in the Autumn I want to find a job in stores/ warehousing again to bolster my CV.

I haven't often had to do a down and dirty job hunt like I have before me and I have to admit I'm having trouble getting going. A lot of it is fear of the unknown because I can apply to a lot of different industries. I always worked in construction businesses and the thought of applying to unfamiliar industries with unfamiliar etiquettes makes me feel uneasy

I've compiled my first list of places I want to apply for work. They're in all kinds of industries from medical to engineering to technology. I have composed six versions of my CV for the initial forty or so companies I wish to apply to which vary from small local manufacturing outfits to huge international organisations. I haven't printed a single CV yet out of sheer ditheriness:o

TL;DR The first question is whether emailing a CV is sufficient? Is it more appropriate to email multinationals rather than dropping CVs to reception? If email is sometimes appropriate, is it good practise to phone and inquire about a HR contact??? What about following up? Is calling/ emailing sufficient or should I expect to have to pound the pavement? I'm inclined to think that it's easy to make a nuisance of yourself by showing up demanding attention. How do I address the issue of my plan to study in my CV/ cover letter?

Mrs OBumble

First question - do you know anyone who knows anyone who works in these companies?

No matter how distant the contact is, any kind of personal introduction will always be bettter than an emailed or dropped in CV.

Also, go to any open days, jobs fairs, charity events where they say they will have people helping ... anything where you might meet someone who knows someone.

cantdecide

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

First question - do you know anyone who knows anyone who works in these companies?

No matter how distant the contact is, any kind of personal introduction will always be bettter than an emailed or dropped in CV.

Also, go to any open days, jobs fairs, charity events where they say they will have people helping ... anything where you might meet someone who knows someone.

Thanks for the reply. I do have some people here and there that might be able to help here and there but I don't think I can rely on networking within my current circles. Professionally, I have always worked in construction related companies as has a lot of my extended family (socio-economics at work) and a shocking quantity of contacts are abroad/ on the dole/ college/ part timers.

Zeek12

cantdecide wrote: »

B]TL;DR[/B] The first question is whether emailing a CV is sufficient? Is it more appropriate to email multinationals rather than dropping CVs to reception? If email is sometimes appropriate, is it good practise to phone and inquire about a HR contact??? What about following up? Is calling/ emailing sufficient or should I expect to have to pound the pavement? I'm inclined to think that it's easy to make a nuisance of yourself by showing up demanding attention. How do I address the issue of my plan to study in my CV/ cover letter?

If you're going down the direct approach route, handing a CV to reception is pretty much a waste of time in my experience. Same goes for just emailing it to some generic company address. You need to get the CV to the Hiring manager or a HR manager any way you can. Even if its a friend of a friend.....of a friend!! Don't be afraid to ask for that favour.
Most large multinationals are drowning in CVs right now so you need to stand out and get yours fast-tracked to the right people.
As for the study you have planned get yourself registered with whatever course or organization you have in mind Asap. Then you could at least list it under Current Training on your CV. Best of luck with it.