[Gllug] Working with Linux in the UK.

[Richard Cottrill]

I make it a rule to treat agencies as just another database. I used to do
some IT support for a small temp/general personnel one and they have a short
list in mind. If a job comes up then they think through the short list and
call whoever they think isn't working. When that list's exhausted (fairly
often) they'll do what amounts to a keyword search through the database of
resumes they have and sift through the results. Much like searching the web
in that regard.

In any case I think that it's best to submit a resume; and try to line up a
talk to one of the people who handles jobs for an employer (this may not be
possible). Make a good impression - you may make it into that person's short
list. Repeat until you find a job or run out of agencies. Should you run out
of agencies (not likely in London) go back to the first one and try to talk
to somebody; resubmit a newer/better resume and generally find an excuse for
them to remember who you are. If you're on the short list (or a couple)
you're as good as employed within a fortnight.

Never expect an agency to find work for you; don't even hope for it. Treat
agencies the same way they treat you: dirt until you're useful dirt - then
you're gold. Always remember that they want to put you in a job so they get
a commission; if you can help them get their commission then they'll
remember you.

Richard

> -----Original Message-----
> From: gllug-admin at linux.co.uk [mailto:gllug-admin at linux.co.uk]On Behalf
> Of Iain Conochie
> Sent: Tuesday, January 08, 2002 10:28 AM
> To: gllug at linux.co.uk
> Subject: Re: [Gllug] Working with Linux in the UK.
>
>
>
>
> On Sun, 6 Jan 2002, William Palfreman wrote:
> >
> > They may well be evenly spread - I personally suspect there are
> more Linux
> > jobs per head in London (particularly Soho/West end, the City and the
> > Docklands) then anywhere else in the UK.  The point is there
> are typically
> > some very experienced people chasing those 85 jobs, whereas
> outside London
> > being able to read a zone file and install a kernel upgrade is
> respected,
> > say with 1 years comercial experience or "I used it a lot at college".
> > Totally different world.  When I was applying for jobs in London I found
> > it very hard even getting as far as a telephone interview.
>
> Just to be devils advocate, I was forced to move down to London from
> Glasgow as there were 3 Linux jobs going in the whole of Scotland, one of
> which I had just left!! I basically walked into a job down here.......
> (June last year)
>
> >
> > Don't care :-)  Not my problem at all.  What matters is the
> wide range of
> > "real" jobs (i.e. not there simply for CV-harvesting purposes) and the
> > close links with recruitment agenies who actually call you back and put
> > real effort into fixing you up.
>
> Agencies up north are an absolute nightmare. Unless you call them every
> day, then basically forget about them getting you a job. In London, they
> actually seem to make an effort for you.
>
> Just my tuppence worth..
>
> Monkey
>
>
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