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Qualified, Competent, Capable and Able but...

Cass Clothier

For a while now I have been searching for a job.  In my search I have encountered the good, the bad and the downright awful with regards to both internal recruitment and agencies.  I have jumped through hoops, (even agreeing to be interviewed via Skype whilst on holiday) for a role where the company were insistent that they wanted candidates interviewed by a certain time.   I have participated in doing numerous aptitude tests for a role that turned out to be a different/ more senior role than I was briefed on (this has happened more times than should be), to being asked, several times whether I want to be put forward for a job with no job description and then being advised that I don't have the right experience etc etc. And what could probably loosely be described as 'ghosting' having a conversation about a role at length and being promised an interview/being told that I have been put forward to the next stage and then never hearing from the recruiter again...

A consultant from an agency I spoke to recently said that over the last couple of years, employers are being 'extra choosy' in a way that he himself hadnt experienced in his 20 odd year career.

At the moment, my CV shows a lot of contract work - at one time this wasnt considered a bad thing.  Now, I have been advised that some employers are less likely to look at prospective candidates because of this...

In all my years of job searching I have never ever known it be this bad.....  I certainly thought that investing in myself and self funding for HRM qualification would be more appealing to employers also but I wonder whether this actually makes me in their eyes ineligible for roles that would/should otherwise be at my level

Has or is anyone else experiencing this?  Some agencies maintain it is Brexit related, others say this is a myth - any thoughts on this?

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  • I also have a slightly odd CV as I career changed into HR and my job title was HR Administrator even though I was doing an Advisor role. I struggled to move on to an official Advisor job, even though I was getting interviews, and realised I was never the 'safe' choice candidate for employers, although a lot of them found my background intriguing.

    After a few months without success, I focused on building a good relationship with agents at two HR specialist agencies, being honest about what I could offer and what I was looking for. They were great - no more applying for everything with the right title, but they really helped to identify the quirkier roles that suited my background. And here I am now as an HRBP in yes, a bit of an odd situation and company (and an element of risk) that probably would have put a lot of candidates off, but with lots of scope and I really enjoy it.

    So my advice is to find a smaller specialist agency who will work with you to find the right role, really get to know them, and don't waste time applying for roles that are vague or not quite right - or roles that 100 other HR people could do just as well. Go and hunt for your niche.
  • in reply to Fiona
    Thank you for your response. My experience with agencies has not been great at all however, there are the odd one or two consultants that definitely stood out from the rest, and when they have 'that' opportunity I am confident that they will contact me.
    In the meantime well done on securing your role as HRBP - I must admit I am intrigued by what you call an 'odd situation' and element of risk, but glad you are getting enjoyment from it nevertheless
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  • in reply to Fiona
    Thank you for your response. My experience with agencies has not been great at all however, there are the odd one or two consultants that definitely stood out from the rest, and when they have 'that' opportunity I am confident that they will contact me.
    In the meantime well done on securing your role as HRBP - I must admit I am intrigued by what you call an 'odd situation' and element of risk, but glad you are getting enjoyment from it nevertheless
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