Patience gets the job

The hard search for the right job

In my experience job hunting requires much patience and perseverance - starting from receiving rejection letters from employers, which I consider as a first positive sign in the process which shows that at least employers considered your application.

Eventually, I had around five job interviews (from psychometric tests to assessment days) and I got through the final stages of the interviews. Although, I was not accepted in some interviews eventually I had to make a choice between two posts.

My experience is that you should not lose heart and feel down when not accepted. I believe there is something out there for everyone and he/she has to work hard enough to get it.

Also, it is important to make a choice for the job that best suits each one as a person and not just a job! There is no point in being stuck in a job which does not suits one's qualifications or interest. Therefore, this requires patience and faith in one's abilities to reach the final outcome.

Now, the job I have had for 16 months combines both research at doctoral level (which I always wanted)as well as working for the Construction Industry Training Board. Basically, I got the best of both worlds - academia and work. I enjoy what I am doing though it is very challenging at some points. So, for me getting a job is just the beginning of further learning and career development. Mohamed S Abdel-Wahab

Bad experience

I am currently looking for a job in banking or insurance. I have been out of work for three months and feeling increasingly frustrated not working.

Searching for jobs is easy enough - I am lucky to have internet at home and can access recruitment agencies, company websites and apply for jobs online. However, receiving a positive response is the difficult part.

I graduated from university two years ago (I chose not to do a placement year) and have been working/travelling in South America for most of the time and have not been able to build up sufficient work experience to put on my CV.

It seems a lot of positions out there require half a year’s work experience in a specific field. Anyone not fitting the criteria need not apply.

I am sure I will find something soon. Nick I

Make agencies work for you

I was fortunate enough to start a good job last month (not through an agency) but up until then, I spent the previous six months temping and it was hit and miss. If you are lucky enough to 'get in' with an agency, then your life is made considerably easier, but it is really difficult getting your foot in the door if you are trying to temp for a living.

Not all agencies are a waste of space - I have excellent relations with Randstad and Office Angels but that's because I ensured I was a model employee whilst working for them! (When you are a temp, you feature low on the pecking order so don't give your boss anything to complain about!).

I made temping work for me and this is how:

My main advice is this: only use agencies as stopgaps as they are not suitable for finding permanent jobs. Agencies will only job match you according to your skills/experience and won’t put you in a role where you will be instantly challenged. They are not careers advisers and anyone who thinks otherwise is foolish.

Also, if you can, try and build a good relationship with a couple of agencies, rather than fliting around working for lots of them. Once you get given your first assignment, unless it is appalling, try and stick it out - it normally picks up after a few weeks.

Finally, ensure you are whiter than white throughout - arrive on time, be flexible and willing to learn, show enthusiasm and be polite. You will soon learn who the timewasters are so you'll learn to stay away from them. CC