Looking for a job sucks.

Only scanned your CV but I think it's quite poor. Essentially you are in the same boat as hundreds of other graduates, a string of qualifications and little commercial experience. Your CV needs to stand out from the hundreds of other applicants, and at the moment it doesn't.

My first step would be to re-write the CV, even use a professional CV writing service if needs be. Get on the books with a couple of decent agencies and arrange one to ones with them and build up a relationship. If after this they haven't got you a number of interviews I'd be looking for a different agency.
 
i'm currently studying computer networks and security... in my second year and passed my first year with great results... there are jobs out there mate... just keep applying... i will be in your position in three years time... also mate... your CV looks like its slacking... add some more detail about your work experience and also more about your education... this could be why you havent got a job yet.
 
Drop your expectations and get a slightly lower job. It's always easier (IMO) to get a job when your in another one, meantime you'll be making money and learning new skills. It says a lot more about your character that you'll work instead of sitting on your bum waiting for a job to fall into your lap.

Don't stick with only 1 agency. Agencies have hundreds of people on there books and mass send CVs to possible Employers who then cherry pick the ones they want to take to Interview stage. The stronger your CV and the more agencies your registered with the better chance you have of getting to an interview.
 
I graduated in June, I started looking for a job in June and stil lhave nothing. I have had quite a few interviews though- so my CV at least is getting call backs.

Unfornatly all the grad schemes are now gona start in sept 2008 rather than straight away. I don't mind though, i'd get a temp job should I secure one!

we just have to keep trying, and hope for the best
 
Gigi said:
Keith McCulloch

 Home:
Mobile:
[email protected]
Put your address in here, above your email and phone number.

NationalityBritish Presumable?

EducationChange this to Qualifications. Don't list all your Standard grades/Highers. They really don't care. Something like "A range of Highers and Standard Grades were gained. Details upon request"

 Napier University 2006 – 2007

BSc Network Computing
Subjects Studied: Computer Networks, Networked Systems, Network Infrastructure, Database Systems & Computer Networks for Windows.

 Stevenson College Edinburgh; 2004 – 2006

 HND Computing Technical Support
Subjects Studied: Cisco CCNA [4 Semesters], Windows Networking, Computer Architecture, Computer System Support, Network Technology, & Computer Support

 Craigmount High School; 1998 – 2004

4 Highers ; Computing History [C], Geography [C], Information Systems [D]
[]8 Standard Grades; Computing [2], Geography [2], History [2], Biology [3], Drama [3], English [3], German [4], Maths [4]



Personal Statement This isn't a uni application, take the personal statement out. In fact i'd delete this entire section
 I consider myself to be a loyal, hardworking and very enthusiastic individual. I am excited by the prospect of being challenged daily and relish such opportunities to expand on my knowledge of IT.

 I work well as team member or independently, if the situation dictates. I am proactive and work well under pressure.

Work Experience This is the section that counts. This is what the employer will be looking at. You need to explain how your experience in these places would be valuable to their company. Take out the "PC Skills" section and put it with the Craigmount High School after rewriting the blurb you have there. Most recent job should be at the top btw.
 Craigmount High School

 September 2006 – June 2007
I helped out, once a week at Craigmount High School by doing voluntary work. I help out with any technical problems with any hardware or network issues, I also help with installation of educational software on many of the computers and help with any network issues which arise.



Thorntons

 June 2005 – Present
I currently work in Thorntons as a Senior Sales Assistant. This job involves cashing up, dealing with customers, stocking up, working under pressure during busy periods, doing many tasks quickly and to a high standard.

Computer Skills


  • PC Builds – Repair & Diagnosis of Windows XP/Vista and Server 2003 Machines
  • Microsoft Office 2003 & 2007
  • LAN/WAN, TCP/IP and Networking Technologies.
  • Active Directory
  • DNS
  • SQL
  • VMware & Virtual PC 2007
  • ISA server 2007
Activities/Interests


Shorten this. It's not really important. I would shorten it to bullet points.
- Computer Building and Maintenance
- Reading and Socialising
- Playing Football and Snooker I enjoy building computers and keeping up to date with computer related issues.
I enjoy reading books, watching DVD’s, meeting new people, football, snooker, going to
 the gym and music.



References





The layout has been borked in here, so ive done my best to sort it out.

CV is currently 1 1/2 pages long, so not too long and not short either [font=&quot]Again, thanks to everyone for your help :) xx [/font]
Click to expand...



As it stands your work experience is weak, your CV poorly structured. If i was the employer your CV was going to from the agency it'd get a cursory glance and then binned. As i mentioned above, the agency will be sending a batch of CVs to the employer. Yours HAS to stand out over theres.
 
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Gigi said:
As title says, its sucks, truly does. Been job hunting since March/April with no luck! Graduated in July with a degree in Network Computing and stupidly thought i would get a job soon afterwards, unfortunately doesnt work like that.

I knew it would take a long time i have grown sick of agencies arsing me around! :( ive been a "possible candidate" for a job for nearly a month while they sort out a "shortlist of candidates" ..... closing date for application was 3 weeks ago.

Heard nothing back from the agency in over a week and i know i should email but i know the response already.

I thought doing a year of voluntary work during my degree would make things slightly easier (i volunteered at a local high school with the IT team) but nope :(

Anyone got any good job sites that are update frequently? the ones i go to;
s1jobs, jobserve, planetrecruit seem to be ok, monster is utter tosh it seems.

My cv isnt too bad i think.

Just seem to be really struggling and getting really down about it :(

Just wrote this to see if anyone else who had graduated recently was in the same boat, would make me feel better as i wasn't alone.

Cheers.(sorry for long rant :p)
Click to expand...

Good post, sorry to hear you are having problems.

What university did you attend?

The first point I'll make is in the importance of knowing about both the sector you apply to and the company itself.

Make sure you understand the nature of the business you are applying too.

You have to understand that to a business you are a person coming in with little knowledge, it will take time for you to adapt. So they need to know how you will add value to their organisation. This might sound "corporate" but its ture.

When you go into an interview make sure they know what you will add. Do you have technical skills they are lacking?

Target your application, make sure that when you apply you have something that no-one else can bring to that compay.

If you do that you will be employed. They need you!

Davem
 
DAVEM said:
Good post, sorry to hear you are having problems.

What university did you attend?

The first point I'll make is in the importance of knowing about both the sector you apply to and the company itself.

Make sure you understand the nature of the business you are applying too.

You have to understand that to a business you are a person coming in with little knowledge, it will take time for you to adapt. So they need to know how you will add value to their organisation. This might sound "corporate" but its ture.

When you go into an interview make sure they know what you will add. Do you have technical skills they are lacking?

Target your application, make sure that when you apply you have something that no-one else can bring to that compay.

If you do that you will be employed. They need you!

Davem
Click to expand...

Totally forgot about this thread :p

I went to Napier University in edinburgh, not exactly well known, but it allowed me to enter into a degree in 3rd year since i had done an HND.

Thanks for the advice, i had a job interview last week, which i think went well so fingers crossed ill get something from that.

Ill keep what you said in mind when job hunting :)

*P.S - My CV has been updated due to constructive criticism (sp?) so many thanks
 
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