Applying for IT jobs through agencies

[Cliotoby]

Well, seeing as 99% of jobs (online listings on Jobsite, the IT job board etc) seem to be through agencies, Im interested to know how you set about applying. (You personally)

Do you just click apply, up-load your cover letter and CV and just let it fester, or do you go further than this.

Be interested to know. Thanks.

 

[Chapster5]

I applied as a warehouse worker (labourer) through a job site ... turned out to be an agency.

Sent my Cv and they rang me an hour later asking me to come in on a set day with certain documentation like drivers license... NI and all that then a day later they rang me giving me work.

Nick

 

[dudes45]

Well I went through the Zenos Apprenticeship and although I applied for plenty of jobs they managed to find me one which I love!

 

[Cliotoby]

Cheers. None of these IT jobs are local. Also i think im applying too early. I dont finish uni till may and these jobs are ASAP start dates.

 

[Cookie]

Of all the places I've worked, and interviews I've gone for, only 2 have been direct with a company.

I use a shotgun approach to applying for jobs. Upload a CV, apply for a shitload of jobs, no cover letter. Seems to have worked for me.

 

[recaro182]

From me personally (IT Contractor) if I see a job advertised, I will contact my prefered agencies of choice and see if they also have that job listed. I personally think its worth sticking to 3 or 4 of the bigger, more recognised agencies and always applying via them. Some of the bigger companies only really like dealing with certain agencies anyway, makes all their admin easier I think.

 

[Cookie]

From me personally (IT Contractor) if I see a job advertised, I will contact my prefered agencies of choice and see if they also have that job listed. I personally think its worth sticking to 3 or 4 of the bigger, more recognised agencies and always applying via them. Some of the bigger companies only really like dealing with certain agencies anyway, makes all their admin easier I think.

They sort out all the s**t CV's (if it's a good agency anyway)

 

[Cliotoby]

Cheers everyone

 

[Adam.]

I find applying directly always gets me an interview.

Job agencies must think my CV is all made up due to my age.

 

[The Fatty]

why whats it say on your cv?

 

[dk]

i don't even have a cv, been over 10 years since i applied for a job.

 

[Gray]

From me personally (IT Contractor) if I see a job advertised, I will contact my prefered agencies of choice and see if they also have that job listed. I personally think its worth sticking to 3 or 4 of the bigger, more recognised agencies and always applying via them. Some of the bigger companies only really like dealing with certain agencies anyway, makes all their admin easier I think.

Pretty much the same method I use

 

[Cliotoby]

Already had a call from one with my new cv. What do these people ask you after submitting a CV?

 

[Adam.]

Just tell them you know dk.

 

[Cliotoby]

Flol.

 

[Cookie]

Already had a call from one with my new cv. What do these people ask you after submitting a CV?

The usual s**t...

Why do you want to leave where you are, how long have you been there, what sort of money are you after, are you interviewing anywhere else (always say yes to this, never tell them where) etc

 

[NFox]

I always make a point of trying to apply direct to the company itself. In the past when I used to go through agencies I was never happy with the job itself as they are in fact selling the job to you as such. My most recent position in IT was advertised at an agency, I then applied to the company directly and I've never been happier!

 

[Revels]

The usual s**t...

Why do you want to leave where you are, how long have you been there, what sort of money are you after, are you interviewing anywhere else (always say yes to this, never tell them where) etc

I've been asked this before and I've always said no. Well, in an interview anyway.

I thought it would make you look desperate to leave and don't really care about that role.

 

[Cookie]

I've been asked this before and I've always said no. Well, in an interview anyway.

I thought it would make you look desperate to leave and don't really care about that role.

I always saw it the other round, keeping your options open, let them know that their interview isn't your last resort and that you can say no to them if you want to.

 

[Adam.]

I've always said no as I only apply to jobs I really want to do and that fit my skill set.

 

[Adam.]

Do you guys doing contract work find it easy to get work? or do you go for long spells without anything?

 

[ChrisR]

I've always told the truth about if I'm interviewing elsewhere.

I've had times where I've not, and times where I have.

3 or 4 months ago I had 2 companies who both wanted me and I made sure each of them knew about the other! Helped no end in getting the offers and am sure it helped with the salary negotiations as well

Both were jobs I wanted, both in the 'specialist' area I seem to work in.

Still get called up by the other company now and again asking what I'm up to