 BUSINESS 4NETWORKING [Sending your CV to a cold contact?] |
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Posted on 21st Nov 2008 at 13:42
Anyone ever done this? Hints? Tips? Do's? Don'ts?
I know what path I want my future to go down so I'm thinking of sending my CV on to various companies who I know may not necessarily be looking for anyone at this particular moment. I'm also not quite sure what outcome I can expect to get either...I suppose just a case of "fingers crossed"...
xxx
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Posted on 21st Nov 2008 at 13:43
Yep, fingers crossed job.
I've found attaching a little letter on the back of your CV explaining yourself in a more informal way is good. You could explain "i know your not searching but i'm passionate bladebladebla...."
Other than that, send em in, and hope for the best, dont know till u try i guess!!! :)
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Posted on 21st Nov 2008 at 13:47
Oh yes, I was planning on doing an intro letter etc to go in to what I'm looking for. Can imagine how frustrating it would be for someone to just receive a random Cv on it's lonesome!
Thanks Otis xxx
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Posted on 21st Nov 2008 at 13:51
When I was working for a large company I used to retain CV's sent in like that, and pull them out when we had a vacancy. This sometimes meant that I had no need to advertise a vacancy, which was a big cost saving, so I used to appreciate speculative CV's.
Paul Norman 4N North Tyneside and Oxford
Gibside Associates - a different approach
www.gibside.co.uk
Training for business with, no jargon. Consultancy that makes you think. Helping you be deliberately excellent.
Check here for training courses that might just suit you!
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Posted on 21st Nov 2008 at 13:52
Create an online portfolio ;) you never know who may happen to stumble upon it.
Another great tip is to create a cv and post it onto all the job sites, point them to your portfolio for added info. I was contacted directly by a top marketing company in the south ref an SEO job, but they were unable to meet my salary requirements.
Hope this helps.
/slight downside is you will get recruitment companies hounding you.
" Passionate about helping websites make more profit "
Ecommerce Consultant - www.thewebinspector.co.uk
Ecommerce Consultant, Google Analytics Training, Web Analytics Training
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Posted on 21st Nov 2008 at 13:54
Yes Liz - i bet it's mega frustrating, just a CV haha!
Happens though
And yeah getting on to the jobsites is a great idea, i know lot's whom have got jobs out of that, in the industries they want as well!
-Otis
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Posted on 21st Nov 2008 at 13:56
That's the only problem Liam but it's true - I'll take advantage of Monster and other places. Have added myself on to Linked In and currently also thinking of turning my www.eliza-fox.co.uk in to an online profile perhaps?? We'll see..
xxx
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Posted on 21st Nov 2008 at 14:32
Go Gor it! If you send a well written CV and covering letter explaining why you are interested in that potential company they will be impressed by your initiative. I have had several job offers in the past by applying on spec, so fingers crossed for you. Dont expect all employers to reply though some will some wont I'm afraid.If you are feeling brave you could call the HR dept afterwards to ensure they got your CV and to ask them for some initial feedback, as this shows your enthusiasm and makes your application more memorable. Agree with the above totally too- Posting your CV on jobsites is highly effective these days particuarly CV Librarary I have found. Good Luck
Karen Moore
Going For GROWTH,
Telemarketing Outsourcing, Telesales Training & Consultancy
www.thinksalesgrowth.co.uk
0792 7041651
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Posted on 21st Nov 2008 at 15:21
I'd suggest that you register your CV with CV-Library.co.uk, CVMatch, and sites like reed.co.uk, monster.co.uk and/or fish4jobs.
Make sure that it is up to date, and, I'm told, the latest thinking is that it should concentrate on 'what you can offer' rather than 'this is what I've done'.
Good luck!
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Posted on 21st Nov 2008 at 15:27
Thanks Nigel you're right. A lot of people don't realise this but you're absolutely right. It's all well and good telling someone what you'd done but they're more interested in what you can do that will benefit them. I'll keep that in mind. Again, thanks.
xxx
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Posted on 21st Nov 2008 at 16:14
If you don't ask, you don't get.
Why not post your CV on here - with 11000 members you should be able to sell through the room.
Go for it.
Chris Slay, Director | Specialist Provider of Polish Jobs | 07977 131 389 | enquiries@skillsprovision.co.uk
Skills Provision Ltd is registered under the Gangmaster Act 2004
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Posted on 21st Nov 2008 at 16:16
Oh gosh, I'm not sure I'm THAT brave to post it here!!!
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Posted on 21st Nov 2008 at 16:44
Also, try looking for a headhunter in your chosen arena.
Sometimes, the best jobs never reach the main recruiters etc. if you can get the right headhunter behind you its better than flooding the market with your CV.
Phil Warman
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Posted on 21st Nov 2008 at 17:48
Liz - I'd echo the advice above. Send it in, as Paul says a lot of businesses will keep it on file.
As a recipient of some dire CVs and covering letters when I was in corporate life, the obvious tip is to make the covering letter stand out. Keep it short and succinct and be careful not to go overboard with platitudes. I used to groan inwardly when I received covering letters using words like "enthusiastic", "hard-working", "committed", "great inter-personal skills". That's what everyone puts.
Try and think of something more original and which describes you. Make the opening paragraph of the letter want them to read on, and don't make it sound like your desperate.
I know you're not asking for CV advice, but you're probably well aware you need to keep that succinct as well, no more than 2 pages and don't enter your hobbies as "reading", going to the gym" "socialising" like everyone else does! Ensure you have a profile at the top of the CV. 2-3 sentences describing you and what you have to offer.
And finally, the thing that used to make me groan outwardly, was people listing on their CVs their job and what they were responsible for. Eg. "I was section manager for the store. My duties included serving customers and helping them with their enquries". Yawn.
For sure, put a short sentence describing the role, responsibilities and also scope and scale of the role but don't then go on to list all the responsibilities like a job description.
What used to make me sit up and take notice was the value someone had added to their previous employers. Ie. What they did and how they went about it.
I achieved a 20% increase in sales over 12 months by doing XYZ and ABC.
I also seized upon people with interesting life experiences, eg. Travel experiences, voluntary work etc.
Even if changing careers both the above can be relevant.
Finally, I agree with the others about online job boards. It's free so why not? Be aware of this recent article about how much information you divulge, including not to reveal your DoB >
Job seekers warned over CV theft
Sorry, long post. Seen too many crap CVs in my time, that makes me go off on one!
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Posted on 21st Nov 2008 at 17:57
Julian this is perfect advice thank you. I currently have my duties as bullet points so I think I'm safe on that side. Afraid I'm guilty of those hobbies though LOL xxx
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