Job advice? (and my frustration)

I'm now in London with my husband and I am job searching. He is working and we have savings, but we can't live off of him forever. And I don't like not having any purpose while he works. So I am hoping one of you can help me.

I have a degree and a little over a years experience. Ideally, I would like a permanent position in my field (New Media/multimedia). However, in the meantime I will settle for pretty much anything. Like maybe a temp job doing office work? I am married, so I don't need a work permit.
Before I moved I applied to some jobs directly, haven't heard from any of them. I have emailed my CV to a ton of agencies. Two, one in my field, have met with me and told me they can help me. That was a week ago, no word since. As for the temp agencies; when I call them, they tell me to send my CV in first. Which I have done and none have gotten back to me. And I mention to everyone that I am job searching (you never know).

Everyone I speak to that hears I am in new media and knows me, keep telling me I'll have no problem...but still no job.

So, can anyone tell me if there is something else I can be doing? Should I start calling the agencies everyday? Or is patience better? Do I need to hit the streets or use the internet to cover more area? Should I try another approach? What worked for you in the end?  

Thank you! Thank you!
Liz

Recruitment agencies in London are a pain in the behind.  You have to keep on to them or they forget about you.

If you have sent your CV, call them to check they have received it.  

If they say they can help you and don't call you back, call them again after 2-3 days.  

Call them again every 2-3 days or they will forget about you.

If they are specialists in your field then stick with them a while, but if a temp agency hasn't found you anything within 2-3 weeks, then move on and try a different one.

Although the agencies will try to persuade you that you should only be registered with the one agency, I think that you should aim to keep 3 or 4 on-the-go at any one time.

Good luck!

I get a couple of weekly magazines. In the back they have a ton of adverts for immediate openings; places that want to hire right now. I would suggest you go the local library and make notes from these. The two I get are "Computer Weekly" and "Design Weekly". The latter magazine will have New Media positions; the other more general that may include New Media. If anything, you'll locate companies which use the same technology you have training in and put your CV on file. (You may find in this country CVs are not always kept on file, so it wouldn't hurt to keep sending it if it's a company you think you'll really want to work for.)

Luna, frankly, if you applied to companies before you moved, they probably binned your CV without giving it consideration. Try sending it again.

The other note is one that comes up from time-to-time on this board about the difference in CVs (US vs. UK). For instance, "high school" doesn't mean the same thing, and "college" is not seen as being anything more than what-we-know-as high school combined with some what-we-know-as junior college. You may have wonderful credentials, in other words, but they may read like you've not had that much schooling.

There have been a number of people on this board who have used temp agencies. Some have gone on to permanent positions. I'd say if you can't find anything specific in your field right now, it's a good place to earn some extra money until you do. It's the old Catch-22. You need to work to get experience; you need experience to get work.

Good luck!

Thank you! I will get on the backs of the agencies then. I was afraid of being impolite, but I don't want to be forgotten either. I am guessing I can just get a copy of Design Weekly at WHS? Is there a particular day it comes out.

I have also decided to make my portfolio even better. I am going to design a nice interactive one, case it nice and post it to some design companies I like. I am hoping that helps too.

Thank you so much! I really hope I get lucky soon.
Liz

Hey Liz,
 I am moving soon so I looked at your post.I have found in job hunting here(the states) that a personal appearance usually improves your chances at being selected.Dress smart and walk in confidently and make an impression on them,looking at your CV only tells them about your qualifications and experience but as we all know that is not the only thing people look for.We all know people who are qualified and experienced and still cannot get the job done.Though it isn't neccessarily fair making a good personal impression will help you get an offer quicker than simply being able to do the job.The other advice on here is good too-follow up!You have to show that you really want a job by checking back with those you have already contacted.Let us know how things go as I will be looking for a job in England soon and could use anything that you have learned.

Just wanted to wish you luck.    I know job hunting can be erm,   some what *random* over here.  
<hugs>
wench

I too have been job hunting sinc ;De I've gotte here and have been going completely BANANAS!!!  My hubby (dear man that he is) keeps telling me that it's ok..but I've been working non-stop for the past 12 years so it is soooo NOT ok.  I've run into all sorts of obstacles.  The number one being that I've 'not worked in the UK before.'  HELLO!!!! Gimme a dang burn job and THEN I can say that I've worked here!!!  I've gotten as desperate as to register with four employment agencies and still nothing :'(

Hiya,
I am also searching for a job.  I have registered w/ one recruitment agency.  I, too, was afraid of being impolite but now am speaking to them weekly.  
Everyone I know here (all 3 of them ) know I wish to work and alert me to any opportunities.  Getting out every day and filling in job apps helps if for no other reason than the law of averages dictate that there is a job out there somewhere...
Have you considered a temp agency?  Permanent jobs often come from a temp position.
Good luck~
Bogey