What do I have to do..?

[gee4]

Ok fellow DD'ers, answer me this..............

What do I have to do to be shortlsted for interviews?  I am told my CV is impressive, outstanding, first class, etc etc yet I have just been informed (by email) that I have not been shortlisted for a role where my qualifications and experience match the job spec.

Is this against the law?  How do I get round this?  Why am I being told one thing yet not making progress?

[JessW]

Gee

Are you doing the basics (like sending a letter/email after the interview to the interviewer saying thank you for the chance to meet and looking forward etc)?

Secondly, don't forget you can always ask for clarification and/or further feedback (rather than relying on the standard you have not been selected...).

Thirdly, as I myself have pointed out in a previous post, there are a lot of firms/bosses who just do not know what they want and so it might not be you.  It could be that they have redesigned the job to include or exclude stuff previously included in the job you applied for - this would include putting the job at either a higher or lower level than they wanted and now thinking they can get the reverse type of person for less money.

I know, it is not fair but since when has life been fair?  

You are a good person, good worker, talented individual and should remember that they will be the biggest losers.  

Remember that, and keep you chin up ... would you really want to accept a job where you did something to get it that was against your conscience?

Jess!

PS it could be that your agency(ies) do not have the calibre of employer on their books and so are disguising the fact from the outside world.  If you suspect this is the case, I would recommend a well-worded letter to their managing director asking for his specific feedback on how best for you to get a job - just an idea!

[gee4]

Jess the point is I have only had 2 interviews and getting feedback is just a nightmare.  If only recruiters would take more than 5 mins to sit down and talk to me, go through my CV and ask me what it is I am looking for then they might be able to help me.

Both interviews were through agencies, one of whom took over a week to let me know I was unsuccessful.  That in my book is just plain rude.

The difficult bit is being shortlisted and I think recruiters are putting my CV forward for the wrong jobs.  Every job spec I see asks for something I don't have and when I query it with the recruiter they say, oh it's not essential.

It has never been so bad.  Five weeks and I cannot even get temp work.

[JessW]

Gee

I hear you loud and clear.  The agency people want to look like they are doing their job - they don't give a damn.  

Also, as for the skills/spec bits, never believe them when they say something is not really needed - they lie too!  I was even put in for an office manager's job (which I can do standing on my head) but they forgot to mention that advanced level spanish was an essential part of the job!  Doesn't take brain surgeon skills to realise that could be a problem!

This is why I mentioned writing to the MD of the agency.  They do not always know what is going on under their nose and so bringing them into the equation could prove very useful for you personally and give you some satisfaction that their work is being scrutiised by the guy who decides if they get a bonus, how much pay they get and if they are going to get fired!  It really did work for me, when I (unwittingly) ranted at the MD of a construction admin recruitment firm who then proceeded to register me, get me an interview and for me to accept the job, all in it took them from Tuesday about 4pm to Thursday about 2pm of the same week!  I started that job the following Monday and it was not really their fault I was made redundant after 9 years.

See.  Good things can come of complaining to the top!

I will keep my ears flapping on a just in case.  Don't let the you-know-whats grind you down!

Big Hug!

Jess

[gee4]

Thanks Jess.  I will consider what you suggest but not sure it's worth it.

Fortunately I relaxed today, had lunch with mum and picked out some jewellery for my birthday.....yes another year on!!

[adminforyou]

Sometimes agencies get jobs for companies that never intend to hire any outsiders.  Because of EEOC laws (in the U.S.) if a job becomes open they have to post it for a minimum amount of time.  They go through the motions of interviewing candidates, whom they do not intend to hire, and then they hire from within.  It becomes a game.  I have been to too many interview where they hired from within and most of them were through agencies.  The only bright spot is that you get to know some of the questions asked and are able to go home and write down a better answer for the next time I am asked the same question.

Keep your chin up and keep going!

[hermes]

Also, don't forget that sometimes agencies don't want to lose you as a good temp.  If your CV is that impressive and you are good at your job why would they want you to work for someone else.?  I have first hand experience of this practice.  I once interviewed for a role but was told by the agency that I didn't get the job.  I had the feedback from the agency etc., and was told that someone else had been employed.  However, the personnel officer who had interviewed me was a friend of a friend and upon meeting her one day she complimented me on getting my new permanent position.  I didn't know what she was talking about and she proceeded to tell me that the agency had told her that I had accepted another role and was therefore not able to take up the position she was offering me.  I moved agencies pretty smartish!