Warning: Undefined variable $listtag in /home/storage/752/3595752/user/htdocs/wp-content/plugins/image-gallery-reloaded/image-gallery-reloaded.php on line 202
Deprecated: preg_replace(): Passing null to parameter #3 ($subject) of type array|string is deprecated in /home/storage/752/3595752/user/htdocs/wp-includes/formatting.php on line 4810
In theory, it’s simple: you write a cv, search for roles, send it and wait to be called for an interview, but in real life searching for a job is really stressful. First, because of the anxiety generated by the search itself and secondly by the time it demands, which makes job hunting a full time job.
Last year, when we moved to London, I saw my husband went through it and now it’s my turn. His experience has helped me to make a more focused search. So, here are the main tips and channels. Hope they’re useful!
CV
– A simple and straightforward CV, highlighting your experiences and skills, with no spelling mistakes and 2 pages only, is what you need to start
– Begin with personal information (name, address, email, phone number) and perhaps your LinkedIn profile link
– Sending a CV with your photo is not common in the UK, but don’t forget to carefully choose a picture to be used on LinkedIn
– Before listing your professional experience, you may write a brief paragraph about your objectives and why you are seeking that role
– When in doubt, use models. Check some here, here, here and here
Cover letter
Cover (or covering) letter is a paragraph introducing your experience and skills and is usually sent in the email body or attached to it. It is addressed to the hiring manager or the person who advertised the role (if not explicit, just write “dear hiring manager”). The letter is brief and objective, and works as an invitation to your cv, not a “copy and paste” of it. Models here, here and here.
Job search sites
The fastest way to search is accessing them. Many let you upload a cv, which is useful to companies looking for specific profiles (and sometimes they really get in contact). On the other hand, you may get lost among so many roles and information, which can be viewed by millions of people so competition is huge. Access them but lower your expectations.
Focused on fashion and creative industries only:
If yours is not updated, stop everything and do it now. Here in the UK, everybody uses it and there’s a strong possibility to apply for many roles through it. You can copy and paste your cv, but it’s good to include a summary about your career highlights and skills. Having testimonials counts as well as links to portfolio sites or presentations of your work.
After filling this up, it’s time to join groups and follow companies in your interest areas since in these pages there are many roles advertised. Also, follow recruitment agencies, connect with the recruiters in charge of positions in your area and send an Inmail introducing yourself. Most of them will reply and you can start a relationship.
Recruitment agencies
They really work! If an agent likes you, believe it, your search can be shorter because besides making the connection with companies, they prepare you for interviews and may help with that final “push” to get a job offer. The only thing is that in order to find a “charming agent” you may have to kiss some frogs, so be prepared to contact a bunch of them and only have few feedbacks, getting calls to be followed up that never do…. Nevertheless, once they see the potential, they will make an extra effort to get you a job.
Some agencies specialized in fashion roles:
Last but not least: keep calm! Of course, there are times of desperation, that you feel invisible after applying for tons of roles and only get few feedbacks. It’s important to have in mind that you need to find who is looking for you and it may not happen overnight. There are a lot of opportunities here in London, but there is a lot of competition. Focus on searching for a role that you feel right and don’t send cvs randomly. If money is tight, getting a temporary or part-time job in retail, a café or catering services can relieve the financial issue and you can search in a better mood. Also, the less UK experience you have, the more you may step back into positions, at least in the beginning. Don’t worry, it will pay off in the future. For what I’ve been through so far, the most difficult task is finding the first job. Once you are in, doors will open!
Good luck!
5 thoughts on “Mission Job Hunting”