Tips for job hunting in Scotland

Hi all!

I am going to be starting my job hunt in October throughout the Edinburgh area.  I studied in Scotland for a year of University, but do not have any "work" experience in the UK.

My field is PR/Marketing/Advertising with a minor in Historical Tourism, and I have a great portfolio to take for interviews--but how do I get an interview?

My initial reaction is to play the bold American--you know, cold calls to firms in the area, sending unsolicited CVs and cover letters followed by a phone call or office visit.

My guy in Edinburgh will be of some help, but as a native of the UK, I don't think that his understanding of my issue will be great enough--you know, how do I, a "loud and brazen yank coming to steal work from locals" get my foot in the door?  

Any tips, advice, warnings will be helpful.  Any job offers would be accepted too ;-)

Thanks!
Frances

In my experience cold calling is not a good thing. Most places of employment are going "by the book" on hiring employees. When the employers place jobs open there is a standard proceedure that they follow.
1. post job and put a closing date on the job. (Usually 3-4 weeks later.)   You wait!
2. After the closing date. It will then take another 1-3 weeks before you hear if you have been shortlisted for interview. You wait!
3. You get the letter saying you have been shortlisted, interview takes place at least 1-3 weeks later. You wait!
4. Interview day! Interviews here are not like they are in the states and after interview, You wait to hear if you have been selected. It could take up to 1-4 weeks to actually hear and start! Over all it could take you up to 2 months to actually start a job after applying for it!

They tend to move very slowly here in the UK. You might want to start with a temp service or job centre. But still expect the same as above. Here is a online service that might help you seek out employment. It's just for the Scotland Area. www.s1jobs.com

My experience in working in Scotland--drop down the loud, brazen American. It doesn't fit in there!

This is just my experience in Scotland, now lets talk trying to find employment in Northern lreland!! lol

Good Luck in your job search!
 

My advice is find a recruitment firm that specialises in PR. I agree with Trish that they don't like cold calling. It really gets no where. Keep your eye on the local papers. I find all the jobs come out on Thursdays (it might be different where you are.)

And the net is a wonderful resource for finding work. I put my cv on monster.co.uk and several recruitment agencies contacted me.

The agency will tell you what the company is looking for. They'll let you know if you should push the loud/brazen American type or if you should tone it down.

Good luck to ya.

My experience in working in Scotland--drop down the loud, brazen American. It doesn't fit in there!

This is just my experience in Scotland, now lets talk trying to find employment in Northern lreland!! lol

Good Luck in your job search!
 

Thankfully for me, the loud-brazen thing is an inaccurate sterotype.  I only revert to being loud when my Brit-guy feels it fit to harrass my culture/govenment/society.

I am very good with blending in, and accepting the Scotish culture.  I'm just a bit nervous about people in the work place accepting me, an outsider and all.  I'm sure all will be fine though.

Thanks for the tips--guess I'll spend a lot of time reading novels while I wait for the phone to ring!!

Frances