Dealing with recruiters

Hey all,

So we have been here about 5 weeks and the job search has been up and down.  I have had an initial interview for a role I would really like (waiting for the second call which should be coming as indicated late last week by HR), but I am more concerned about my EU partner.  Admittedly I have been focusing energies on helping him find something because my status depends on his (more or less), and I want to get our residence card paperwork in soon, which is easier if he has payslips to put in.

A lot of the jobs he has been applying for appear to go through recruiters, with multiple recruiters posting for the same role.  It also isn't always possible to identify the 'root company' to apply directly.  A few recruiters have called him for opportunities to put his details through.  Great and all but- he hasn't heard back for interviews.  Should he call to check in where they are at with the position for the ones who called him? Is there a way to get around recruiters?

Also, how long is the hiring cycle?  I mean is waiting longer than 2 weeks to hear back typical?  He works in GIS/planning and is looking at more professional positions, but he has only a few years of experience. 

I've had really good luck with recruiters.  I think the important thing is for him to meet with the recruiters and "sell himeself" to them, so that they put him forward as a strong candidate with the hiring company.

And yes, he should definitely follow through when they say they are going to submit his CV to a particular company.  Showing drive, motivation, and persistence are seen as good things in the business world.

The hiring cycle will depend on the company and their timescale to get someone in.  I don't think it's unusual for it to be a couple of months (especially considering most people have a standard one-month notice period for leaving a previous job).

Good luck!  You'll get there in the end!

The hiring cycle will depend on the company and their timescale to get someone in.  I don't think it's unusual for it to be a couple of months (especially considering most people have a standard one-month notice period for leaving a previous job).

Yes, it can vary quite a lot.

When I worked in retail, I had an interview one day was offered the job the next day and started work a week later.

My current job was much longer (scientist for a government agency). It was about 2 months from application to interview, then another 1 or 1.5 months for the offer letter, and then another few months before actually starting the job (they had to get full government security clearance for us).... but I was applying for an on-the-job training course that only ran in April and October each year.

My experience was unusual though as I applied in February 2009, interviewed in April, got a rejection letter in May, then got an offer letter in July (to start April 2010), signed a contract in December, had the contract withdrawn in January 2010 (due to the recession), then finally got offered the job again in September, and started the job in October 2010!

Yes, it can vary quite a lot.

When I worked in retail, I had an interview one day was offered the job the next day and started work a week later.

My current job was much longer (scientist for a government agency). It was about 2 months from application to interview, then another 1 or 1.5 months for the offer letter, and then another few months before actually starting the job (they had to get full government security clearance for us).... but I was applying for an on-the-job training course that only ran in April and October each year.

My experience was unusual though as I applied in February 2009, interviewed in April, got a rejection letter in May, then got an offer letter in July (to start April 2010), signed a contract in December, had the contract withdrawn in January 2010 (due to the recession), then finally got offered the job again in September, and started the job in October 2010!

WOW! That sounds like it sure would have your head spinning!

I had an interview last week for a job at the House of Lords and they said they were hoping to have a decision by March 25 and I though they had misspoke but now I'm guessing that was completely accurate!

WHen I first started applying I found the same thing, that so many roles are offered through recruiters. Finally one agency called me and wanted to meet with me and get me registered. I was skeptical at first (and was afraid they'd want some sort of joining fee) but went to meet them anyway. I actually really liked the people I've met and they call fairly regularly to put me forward for various positions.

I haven't been offered a full time position as of yet, but so far I've had a mix of interviews through an agency and through direct applications. The interviews through the agency I usually got a call later that day or the next if they wanted to see me again (got second round on all but one and still now job haha) and the second round of interview has usually been in the next week or so and then I knew (that I didn't in my case so far) within a few days. The interviews I've gotten on my own so far have been mostly the same except for longer from application to interview (as obviously by the time the agency puts me forward they are close to interviewing) and then of course the HOL exception above.

I will say I'm low on experience for the roles I'm applying for (I've got the right education, but my experience is just a couple years and in a different but not totally unrelatable industry) and I've been looking since October. Met with the agency early December I think. Now it has really picked up since mid-January and I've been averaging an interview every week or two!

Good luck with the job hunt for you and your partner!

Thanks for the perspective guys - really helpful!

Actually, after I posted this I got a text from the boy that the recruiters he had followed up earlier in the morning with got back to him and he has a phone interview with one company on Friday and via the other recruiter he is not on the list of rejectees for several jobs they put him up for (those positions have not yet set interview times), so we will see what shakes out (or maybe this is the line they tell everyone?  I tend to err on the side of sceptical in most situations).  These are all jobs right in his 'wheelhouse' and he interviews very well, so hopefully we will be getting some traction here in the UK soon.

Glad to have a better grip on what the system is here, especially as I start to focus on my own search here shortly.

Agree completely with the length of time.  It can take AGES to hear back.  As for recruiters, have him go in or at least call once a week.  They get to know you and are more likely to remember you when a job comes up.  Instead of joining the agency online, I went to the office.  I did the basic getting to know you stuff and some online assessments.  I called to check in last week and was called back the next day with a temp position......anything to help while I am waiting for full time.  It really does help to be proactive in your job search. 

Wish you both the best of luck!!

Just wanted to point out that some companies post jobs only through recruitment agencies.  For one job that was being advertised through a recruiter, I figured out the actual company that was hiring, but when looking at their own website there was no information about the position whatsoever.   My current role was also advertised through two recruitment agencies, but not by the company.

This seemed a bit odd to me at first, but it seems they were looking for a particular type of candidate. By working only with recruiters, this company was easily able to screen applicants before they even considered their CVs. 

For one particular role I'm thinking of,  I applied and so did a colleague of mine-- but he was considered and I wasn't, simply because (on paper), he was more focused on chemistry, where I was a bit more diverse and had also worked in biochemistry.  Apparently I wasn't the type of candidate the company was looking for, so was screened out at an earlier stage. 

I do think the use of/dependence on recruitment agencies varies from industry to industry though, as my partner has never used one.

Bit of a vent on being on the "other" side.

I'm currently pregnant.  I told my work in October.  My job is specialized and I knew it would not be easy to find a replacement to cover my leave.  We got on it quick and after a lot of interviews, found someone in early January.  The guy is a bit junior, but has a great CV/education and we knew we could train him up.  HR took OVER A MONTH to get him a contract.  He finally got the contract this past Friday and has put in notice at his current job.... and has given us a start date of March 31st....  my due date is April 9th and I'm not allowed to work past April 4th....  <sigh>  If this baby comes early, they are screwed.

Hiring is not done quickly around here.

Yeah, the friend we are staying with is actually in HR and watching her panic about sorting out recruitment for her company over the last month was well, maybe not amusing per se, but insightful   Lets just say I am not surprised by much of what you said KF!

While we wait for the gears of industry to slowly grind away, does anyone have any thoughts on temp agencies?  Best ways to approach?  Other half is IT minded and would be fine on a temporary help desk or database situation.

Its ok if this takes some time as we are in a good situation and are ok for money for a long time, but I am big on 'being productive' and some days it would be nice just to feel part of society in a more formal way.

My advice would be to be polite, but persistent.

It took me a while to get past the gatekeepers to land my current temp role. The recruiters kept giving me the brush off and couldn't even get my name right. I knew someone at the company I now temp for, so they kept me updated on how the recruitment was going. Because I knew it wasn't going well, I kept pushing to be put forward to remind them I existed. Eventually, my persistence paid off and I was granted an interview and was offered the position 45 minutes later. Had I just sent my CV into the void and followed it up once, I would never have been considered.