ARmy Rumour SErvice

**cloudbuster** · 04-07-2012, 19:57

If you want a job in the offshore sector, you will almost certainly be required to do a number of trips via an agency before being considered for a permanent slot. See the relevant thread for contacts and advice.

BTW Capt. Plume; I'm nicking your (corrected) inject and it will appear on my CV and LinkedIn profile this very evening. TVM.

**Jimmy_Green** · 04-07-2012, 20:04

Recruitment agencies can be a pain in the aris. The client they are working for is not you. If you don't have the qualifications or experience the client specifies you will be binned. If the client is not going to be interested then the agency won't waste their time and effort in passing your details on as you are unlikely to get the job and they won't get their fee. In fact, it's quite difficult to be passed through to the client, so as mentioned above, use the key phrases that appear in the advertisement. Get used to not receiving an answer to your application.

One of the big problems when job hunting is that most companies don't have the time to sift through applications so will farm out that job to the agencies. Just take a look at the number of advertised vacancies that direct you to an agency and you'll see what I mean.

However, most vacancies are not advertised (apparently) so it's always worth identifying a company that interests you and cold calling them, either by phone or e-mailing a CV and cover letter. It does work.

Don't get hung up on the idea that because you've served in the military the first employer you come across is going to swoon at your feet and offer you a job on loads of money. Unless you've held a reasonably senior position in the mob you are going to be up against plenty of equally (or more) qualified people who also have plenty of experience. Being a steely-eyed dealer of death means fuck all to Joe public. And you'll probably struggle to match the salary you're already on in the mob.

Depending on your skill set, Matchtech is a good agency to register with as they deal with the miltary all the time.

Another good resource is your local "This is..." job page.

BTW if there's any experienced CCTV/access control/intruder alarm/fire detection installers based in the East Midlands looking for a new opportunity, PM me.

**Ratty22** · 04-07-2012, 21:25

What Thai Exile said. In spades. Civvies don't need to understand " army-speak". YOU have to translate your background and experience into " civvy-speak" to them so that they can completely understand what you've got on offer. Only then can they, possibly, sell it to an employer.

Best of.

Old Rat
Out

**syledis** · 04-07-2012, 21:46

Any company thats asks you for money is a rip off merchant

**Arte_et_Marte** · 04-07-2012, 23:11

Originally Posted by syledis

Any company thats asks you for money is a rip off merchant

You mean like Tesco? After I have filled a trolley and passed through the checkout?

Great crapping bollox on a Christmas tree, I wish I'd known that last week...

**cloudbuster** · 04-07-2012, 23:30

Originally Posted by Arte_et_Marte

You mean like Tesco? After I have filled a trolley and passed through the checkout?

Great crapping bollox on a Christmas tree, I wish I'd known that last week...

There's something I didn't expect to see; both you and tropper trying to rob Tesco.

**Arte_et_Marte** · 05-07-2012, 00:32

Originally Posted by cloudbuster

There's something I didn't expect to see; both you and tropper trying to rob Tesco.

The tussle with the store security is another issue.

**CaptainPlume** · 05-07-2012, 09:07

Originally Posted by cloudbuster

BTW Capt. Plume; I'm nicking your (corrected) inject and it will appear on my CV and LinkedIn profile this very evening. TVM.

Do you mean the quote from the agency? You may need to be a bit careful as it could be subject to copyright.

**Tremaine** · 09-07-2012, 13:55

Sorry just got back to this after seeing it here last week. FWIW... from personal experience over some fifteen years, Employment Agencies haven't been that great so far, but that may have been more to do with bad luck and choices. To be honest agency work can be great, good money. But it's tough and you'll need to deliver what your CV promises although this depends on what you're doing. Things that ex Forces have in spades are flexibility, and abilities to adapt. If you're not sure you can deliver, take easy work at the start. Nothing wrong with cleaning or production work if you need cash flow and you aren't proud. It pays the bills.

There other agencies that'll help with CV and work preparation, if you're on JSA you might get those courses for free, and they're worth doing. Civvystreet.org is a great resource and very helpful. Just one example. It's rare that employment agencies will spend much time teaching you CV writing and job preparation. They're businesses. Prep up for the civvy job market and give yourself a chance.

In the main, we have to dig around for ethical agencies (and consultants) that will work hard to find us a suitable position, negotiating with recruiters. And for those recruiters it's often an expensive game, some agencies will charge them around £10 to £12 per hour, just for example. Good agency consultants are out there, but just check up that you're getting the treatment and information you're entitled to. The work you'll have to do, the pay, the length of engagement, and your employment rights, should be your priorities. Find out their pay frequencies and what days your wages are paid, and make sure you get your pay statements so you can check them. Some agencies conduct this stuff by email and online and you can sign up for them. Also, find agencies that suit your skills and experience, there are specialist agencies and recruiters for most professions.

Some agencies offer bonus terms: like travel costs, enhanced pay and benefits, insurances and PPE (work clothes). If you're looking for good recruitment agencies... have a look at their client list, and look for those extra benefits. It's not much good to you, driving for hours on end, using up money, if you're only on minimum wage, bust. The odd day's work at the start is alright, but if you can get more on JSA without signing off, why bother? Signing off and on isn't recommended if you've a family and bills. You're looking for perhaps permanent or longer term temporary work, maybe sixteen hours at least, on £6.50 to £7.00 ph.

In a nutshell, you can be hired out /sold to a recruiter's permanent position for a fee, or be hired out on temporary contracts if and when the agency gets them. If you are deemed suitable. From experience, employers post vacancies with agencies they use, which saves time spent searching and interviewing. In catering and non skilled work for instance, you'll get a phone call on a fast ball, turn up that day or the next day, and you're expected to get on with the job because "you are suitably experienced, and you should know what you're doing". In the past I've driven for hours to a placement, and then jumped straight in to work. In some Hotels and restaurants I've been left completely alone , expected to deliver and without much time to settle in. This is the reality and that ability to turn up and deliver has to be learned.

There's often little leeway in those jobs and it's up to your performance whether you stay for a couple of days or a few weeks. It's been said to me "you get paid that much so you can get on with it". Their permanent staff have sometimes been hostile. Sometimes helpful. But they've almost always believed the agency worker is better paid.

Recent employment agency regulations have caused more work and costs, both for agencies and employers.

Agency workers: what information should you get and when: Agency workers: what information should you get and when : Directgov - Employment

Recruiter.com has this article : The Truth About UK Recruitment Agencies

It's also worth reading Finding work through an employment agency : Directgov - Employment