For the past few weeks, I have been trying to find a (descent) job in London. This has been a tough task, as looking for work usually is. Moments of hopeful joy are usually followed by depressing rejections that make you feel like an undesirable basket case with nothing to give. And yet you have to keep trying, as painful as those rejections are. For how can you win if you do not gamble?
When I started job hunting, I hadn't decided what I was looking for exactly. I spent my first week applying to miscellaneous jobs (found from Gumtree) from waitressing to sales assistant jobs and modelling, which was a big mistake. The modelling agency that replied to me was just looking to exploit me by charging a ridiculous amount for test shots, and the restaurant jobs I didn't get. I went on a two-hour trial shift to the other restaurant only to be rejected by them in a very rude manner. After the trial, they said they'd contact me if they were interested, but nothing happened. Not even a "thank you for your efforts but we have chosen another candidate" note. Just silence - how infuriating!
Generally, I would advice you to beware of some of the ads on Gumtree. There are some valid ones, but after experiencing two scam attempts (one involving a house to rent a few months back and now this modelling agency), I would take extra care when checking their offers. If it sounds too good, it probably is.
Another website I have found useful is Reed.co.uk. They allow different recruiters post job vacancies and, when you apply, you just click a button and your CV is sent through automatically. Additionally, you can send them a cover letter, which you can edit for each vacancy.
A lot of recruitment agencies advertise their vacancies on Reed. Even if you don't get the job you applied for, the agencies usually keep a copy of your CV in their records and might contact you regarding other roles they think you might be suitable for. Also, some agencies jump at a chance to meet you. They might ask you to pop around to their office to get to know you. I went to one of these agencies and the guy I was talking to was very friendly and sounded genuinely willing to help. He gave me general advice with my job search saying that he could get me marketing jobs based on my skills but, for the more literal, editorial jobs that I have done in the past, I should just contact the companies directly. Thus, I have also checked websites for different publishing houses and have applied for jobs there too.
So, in conclusion, I have three interviews booked. Now I don't want to go into too much details about them, for I am afraid that doing so would jinx it, but I can say that one of these is a jobs I applied for through Reed, the second one the recruiting agency contacted me about and the third one I found advertised in the web.
I will keep you posted about things go. Hopefully, I have a job soon! :-)
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