Having just had the bad news about redundancy delivered to me today, I was wondering how other Specials who are\have been in the same position had coped? i.e. looking for jobs \ fulfilling your commitment.
On the plus side I see it as a positive time to change my direction. If there is anyone who knows of any Microsoft.net \ SQL development roles \ with management, let me know!
Redundancy and Specials
Started by
AK47
, Jul 10 2012 03:28 PM
25 replies to this topic
#2
Posted 10 July 2012 - 03:40 PM
Sorry to hear AK47'
I was made redundant earlier this year and was lucky that I found a new job which presented something of a silver lining. The job I was in was in was Recruitment and if you are a Good C# / SQL Developer then you will be in demand in this climate.
Good people aren't that easy to find! Get yourself out there. Put your CV up on as many job boards you can, recruitment consultants will find your CV and contact you.
Get yourself LinkedIn if you haven't already and make sure its 100% up to date. Get recommendations from colleagues etc. Again consultants will find you on there.
Not sure where you are but one company I worked with have offices in and around London http://www.theaccessgroup.com/
Really good company offering good wages etc might be worth sending them your CV speculatively. Good Luck!
I was made redundant earlier this year and was lucky that I found a new job which presented something of a silver lining. The job I was in was in was Recruitment and if you are a Good C# / SQL Developer then you will be in demand in this climate.
Good people aren't that easy to find! Get yourself out there. Put your CV up on as many job boards you can, recruitment consultants will find your CV and contact you.
Get yourself LinkedIn if you haven't already and make sure its 100% up to date. Get recommendations from colleagues etc. Again consultants will find you on there.
Not sure where you are but one company I worked with have offices in and around London http://www.theaccessgroup.com/
Really good company offering good wages etc might be worth sending them your CV speculatively. Good Luck!
Edited by alexINcant, 10 July 2012 - 03:41 PM.
#3
Posted 10 July 2012 - 03:53 PM
I got binned from my last job after mu contract was not renewed, I ended up looking for work for 7 months and eventually got in full time (luckily)! I worked as an SC full time for the 7 months, I was so very poor.
#4
Posted 10 July 2012 - 05:03 PM
I am really sorry to hear that. Contact your SC line manager and just let them know policing will have to take a backseat for a while and I can virtually guarantee in the MPS you would get a very sympathetic hearing and an approved leave of absence almost immediately thereafter.
You can still claim unemployment in addition to performing SC duties - but I know where I would focus...
You can still claim unemployment in addition to performing SC duties - but I know where I would focus...
#5
Posted 10 July 2012 - 05:06 PM
AK47 - i had six months off work following redundancy - I just ended up doing more SC work
also talk to MLA he works in that area i think
also talk to MLA he works in that area i think
#6
Posted 10 July 2012 - 08:39 PM
Also job boards I would recommend:
Monster (really good for people contacting you about decant roles) This is where somone found me and got me a new role.
Total Jobs
CV Library
There are also quite allot others like:
Reed
Jobsite
If you want any help please just ask me
Monster (really good for people contacting you about decant roles) This is where somone found me and got me a new role.
Total Jobs
CV Library
There are also quite allot others like:
Reed
Jobsite
If you want any help please just ask me
#7
Posted 10 July 2012 - 09:57 PM
start up self employed mate, its the future as most workplaces bring in outside help when its busy.
#8
AK47
- Topic Starter
-
- Members
-
- 98 posts
Starting Out
Posted 10 July 2012 - 11:29 PM
start up self employed mate, its the future as most workplaces bring in outside help when its busy.
That seems to be what a lot of people are saying to me. I've always liked the job security, but willing to look at the contracting route..... Going to seek advice tomorrow...
The really annoying thing, is this is all happening just before the Olympics which is probably going to affect my policing. If only I could combine my 2 skills....
#9
Posted 11 July 2012 - 12:02 AM
. Hello AK, get on to Jobserve.com you won't look back. I've been contracting on and off since 94 so if you want advice happy to help. Have to agree self employed is the way forward.That seems to be what a lot of people are saying to me. I've always liked the job security, but willing to look at the contracting route..... Going to seek advice tomorrow...
The really annoying thing, is this is all happening just before the Olympics which is probably going to affect my policing. If only I could combine my 2 skills....
#10
Posted 11 July 2012 - 07:59 AM
I'm sorry to hear about your redundancy news. I was in the same position last October, so I took a temporary job over the Christmas period. They kept me on until 31 January and I started my current job on 1 February, so I haven't had a day out of work. I think if you are positive, have a good work ethic and are prepared to battle on looking and applying for lots of jobs, you will get there in the end.
Redundancy payment = more holiday funding (as I see it!).
Good luck and keep smiling.
Redundancy payment = more holiday funding (as I see it!).
Good luck and keep smiling.
Edited by Dave SYP, 11 July 2012 - 08:01 AM.
#11
Posted 11 July 2012 - 08:04 AM
I have just taken voluntary redunancy and luckily have another job lined up. It's half the salary though and a 1.5 hour drive to work.
Interestingly, when looking for jobs I found that being an SC is not necessarily a positive for the employers. You'd think it would be. I looked for roles in IT Security and network design both of which I have significant previous experience in both as a contractor and as an fulltime employee. The employers (international reputable companies) seemed to be nervous about accepting an SC for IT Security roles oddly. Luckily I managed to find a network design role with a company that supports ESP and should also get some time released for policing work so it did have a silver lining.
My brother who works in IT network engineering found himself out of work after his contract was not renewed due to the defence review cuts. He found himself out of work for over a year and had only just found a contract but it requires him to be away from home 2 weeks at a time which is difficult with a young baby in the family.
Times are hard at the moment for sure.
Interestingly, when looking for jobs I found that being an SC is not necessarily a positive for the employers. You'd think it would be. I looked for roles in IT Security and network design both of which I have significant previous experience in both as a contractor and as an fulltime employee. The employers (international reputable companies) seemed to be nervous about accepting an SC for IT Security roles oddly. Luckily I managed to find a network design role with a company that supports ESP and should also get some time released for policing work so it did have a silver lining.
My brother who works in IT network engineering found himself out of work after his contract was not renewed due to the defence review cuts. He found himself out of work for over a year and had only just found a contract but it requires him to be away from home 2 weeks at a time which is difficult with a young baby in the family.
Times are hard at the moment for sure.
#12
Posted 11 July 2012 - 10:38 AM
I have just taken voluntary redunancy and luckily have another job lined up. It's half the salary though and a 1.5 hour drive to work.
Interestingly, when looking for jobs I found that being an SC is not necessarily a positive for the employers. You'd think it would be. I looked for roles in IT Security and network design both of which I have significant previous experience in both as a contractor and as an fulltime employee. The employers (international reputable companies) seemed to be nervous about accepting an SC for IT Security roles oddly. Luckily I managed to find a network design role with a company that supports ESP and should also get some time released for policing work so it did have a silver lining.
My brother who works in IT network engineering found himself out of work after his contract was not renewed due to the defence review cuts. He found himself out of work for over a year and had only just found a contract but it requires him to be away from home 2 weeks at a time which is difficult with a young baby in the family.
Times are hard at the moment for sure.
Really that's wierd? The role I found myself after my last one was coincidentally IT Security and they welcomed it. As an organisation they already have a number of SC cleared consultants so being a special just made them feel that much more at ease as a company that takes security seriously.
I would suggest any company that puts a dim light on being a special and giving back to the community and a company you don't want to touch with a barge pole I made that mistake a few years ago and left the office after putting up with daily bullying for a year. (Because I was a special)
#13
Posted 11 July 2012 - 11:19 AM
Sorry to hear about that, AK47.
I second this advice. All of my jobs since finishing postgrad study a few years ago have come from contacts and recommendations rather than responding to advertised vacancies (which I have tried from time to time, but with mixed success...). Last year when I fell off the end of one job, it was thanks to one of my contacts that I had another one to land on, so I'd definitely recommend networking. Good luck!
Good people aren't that easy to find! Get yourself out there. Put your CV up on as many job boards you can, recruitment consultants will find your CV and contact you.
Get yourself LinkedIn if you haven't already and make sure its 100% up to date. Get recommendations from colleagues etc. Again consultants will find you on there.
I second this advice. All of my jobs since finishing postgrad study a few years ago have come from contacts and recommendations rather than responding to advertised vacancies (which I have tried from time to time, but with mixed success...). Last year when I fell off the end of one job, it was thanks to one of my contacts that I had another one to land on, so I'd definitely recommend networking. Good luck!
#14
AK47
- Topic Starter
-
- Members
-
- 98 posts
Starting Out
Posted 12 July 2012 - 12:22 PM
Well day 1 of job seeking... Recruitment agencies contacted for 3 roles so far. Two sound promising. Interview this afternoon...
#16
Posted 12 July 2012 - 12:46 PM
Well day 1 of job seeking... Recruitment agencies contacted for 3 roles so far. Two sound promising. Interview this afternoon...
Brilliant mate, Good luck!
Don't turn up in shorts
#17
Posted 12 July 2012 - 12:50 PM
Probably going to be an unpopular post here, but how would Special Constables feel if the ability came in to make regular PCs redundant and they began being laid off? Would you be empathetic if there were a negative attitude change towards you?
#18
Posted 12 July 2012 - 12:57 PM
That's a whole other discussion that needs it's own post really, not fair to hijack this one...
Also I've sent AK47 a PM but if anyone else if interested in .Net roles up my end then pop me a PM and we can have a chat... I work for a very large IT company who are recruiting various roles in the coming weeks/months, so can put the right people in touch if appropriate...
Also I've sent AK47 a PM but if anyone else if interested in .Net roles up my end then pop me a PM and we can have a chat... I work for a very large IT company who are recruiting various roles in the coming weeks/months, so can put the right people in touch if appropriate...
#19
AK47
- Topic Starter
-
- Members
-
- 98 posts
Starting Out
Posted 12 July 2012 - 06:50 PM
Probably going to be an unpopular post here, but how would Special Constables feel if the ability came in to make regular PCs redundant and they began being laid off? Would you be empathetic if there were a negative attitude change towards you?
I've seen so many 'officers' getting used to hiding in an office, perhaps its a good thing to keep quality up and the force focused in the right direction... and that's coming from me! (who never hid)
Edited by AK47, 12 July 2012 - 07:28 PM.
#20
AK47
- Topic Starter
-
- Members
-
- 98 posts
Starting Out
Posted 19 July 2012 - 12:37 AM
**Redundancy Update** 
Next Wednesday is my "R-day". I have been chatting to over 28 recruitment consultants during the last week and have secured a few interviews. Fingers crossed I will get some work next week.
The start date conversation could be interesting given the fact I have already committed to 10 Olympic aid shifts during the week....play it as it comes. Grip & PACE number on standby. Might not have a holiday this year though! grrrr.
Next Wednesday is my "R-day". I have been chatting to over 28 recruitment consultants during the last week and have secured a few interviews. Fingers crossed I will get some work next week.
The start date conversation could be interesting given the fact I have already committed to 10 Olympic aid shifts during the week....play it as it comes. Grip & PACE number on standby. Might not have a holiday this year though! grrrr.
#22
AK47
- Topic Starter
-
- Members
-
- 98 posts
Starting Out
Posted 21 August 2012 - 03:48 PM
**Redundancy Update** 
So.. Just under a month since I accepted redundancy and received my pay off, I've been searching every day for roles. My spreadsheet has clocked up 50 recruitment consultants, I've been to 4 interviews and now have two offers for contracting work! So, not only will I be earning more money, I will be working for great organisation and be able to enjoy my job again. This will hopefully reflect positively in my MSC work too!! Happiness is infectious! Standby!
Holiday here I come!!
Thanks for all the support!
So.. Just under a month since I accepted redundancy and received my pay off, I've been searching every day for roles. My spreadsheet has clocked up 50 recruitment consultants, I've been to 4 interviews and now have two offers for contracting work! So, not only will I be earning more money, I will be working for great organisation and be able to enjoy my job again. This will hopefully reflect positively in my MSC work too!! Happiness is infectious! Standby!
Holiday here I come!!
Thanks for all the support!
#23
Posted 21 August 2012 - 06:03 PM
I was wondering, after all that you have experianced, could you give me some tips on looking for a job please? im sure that your wisdom will be helpful
Thanks in advance
Thanks in advance
#24
AK47
- Topic Starter
-
- Members
-
- 98 posts
Starting Out
Posted 21 August 2012 - 06:56 PM
Sure.
1) Make sure your CV is good. Restrict it to 2-3 pages to avoid boring agencies or employers. Start by writing as much as you can about everything and then whittle it down to the most important points. Clearly include all the buzz words and acronyms. Tailor your CV to whoever is going to receive it e.g. move your educational info to the front if the job advert stresses importance, or even to the back if it's not mentioned! Ensure that you CV is clear and well formatted. If you make it size 8 with Wingdings font then you might be waiting a while. Put contact details on your C.V. that you are comfortable making public (e.g. perhaps include a mobile but not a home phone or address), so the recruiters don't have to dig to find your contact info. Show a clear history and progression on your CV highlighting achievements such as promotion or training courses to showcase YOU.
2) Register on every on-line job board you can and upload your CV making it publicly searchable.
3) Create a Linked-In Profile copying your CV info in.
4) Go through each on-line job board daily and apply for as many jobs as you can in the ranges you are looking for. The more the better. It's a game of numbers.
www.jobserve.com
monster.co.uk
jobsite.co.uk
Reed\Aston carter and many more.
5) When you start getting agents calling you up, keep a log of who phoned, when, their contact details, the job details etc. You can use it to warn yourself if you run into a bad agent. Watch out for agents that phone you up and just want to harvest your details without offering you any jobs. They will ask you about the company you came from i.e. who your boss was, which department, if they are still hiring, ask for names of employees there, ask for your references before you have got an interview etc. If you start getting all those questions before you have an interview, get suspicious and perhaps end the call.... You will find agents that you haven't contacted before have found your CV on a job board and contact you to ask you for details and propose roles to you. If you don't make your CV public this won't happen.
6) In the early days of searching don't turn anything down. Go to as many interviews as possible. Be prepared for failure and use it as a spring board to improve your interview style. After a few you will be a new person, confident in yourself and quite saleable. Don't get cocky though. If you seem arrogant in interview they will just laugh you out the door. It is a game of numbers. Make sure you turn up for interview looking smart (unless its one of these new-age start-ups where they all look like Steve Jobs in which case go shopping for a turtle neck..). If your job entails technical tests good luck... Pray you can do them remotely at home. I hate them because some of them are so hard and unrepresentative of the actual work you will be doing.
7) At the point you have an offer you are to some extent safe. You can then negotiate. If you have two offers you can then negotiate with a safety net to try to get even higher salary potentially playing one off against another. This is risky as you may loose both but it's down to you and your negotiating skills to decide how far to go. If you don't ask you don't get.
8) Don't get disheartened when you haven't found a job after a while. Take a days break and then get back on it. If you stay disciplined i.e. get up at 08:00 and get on the job boards by 08:30 you will have a whole day to focus on finding a job. IF you have expended all the new jobs for the day, start teaching yourself new skills! You can then add them to your CV and know enough to talk about them in interview! Chase the agents for info and jobs! Let agents add you on Linked-in. Be their friend and they will be yours. It will come eventually. Persistence is the key.
Good luck!
1) Make sure your CV is good. Restrict it to 2-3 pages to avoid boring agencies or employers. Start by writing as much as you can about everything and then whittle it down to the most important points. Clearly include all the buzz words and acronyms. Tailor your CV to whoever is going to receive it e.g. move your educational info to the front if the job advert stresses importance, or even to the back if it's not mentioned! Ensure that you CV is clear and well formatted. If you make it size 8 with Wingdings font then you might be waiting a while. Put contact details on your C.V. that you are comfortable making public (e.g. perhaps include a mobile but not a home phone or address), so the recruiters don't have to dig to find your contact info. Show a clear history and progression on your CV highlighting achievements such as promotion or training courses to showcase YOU.
2) Register on every on-line job board you can and upload your CV making it publicly searchable.
3) Create a Linked-In Profile copying your CV info in.
4) Go through each on-line job board daily and apply for as many jobs as you can in the ranges you are looking for. The more the better. It's a game of numbers.
www.jobserve.com
monster.co.uk
jobsite.co.uk
Reed\Aston carter and many more.
5) When you start getting agents calling you up, keep a log of who phoned, when, their contact details, the job details etc. You can use it to warn yourself if you run into a bad agent. Watch out for agents that phone you up and just want to harvest your details without offering you any jobs. They will ask you about the company you came from i.e. who your boss was, which department, if they are still hiring, ask for names of employees there, ask for your references before you have got an interview etc. If you start getting all those questions before you have an interview, get suspicious and perhaps end the call.... You will find agents that you haven't contacted before have found your CV on a job board and contact you to ask you for details and propose roles to you. If you don't make your CV public this won't happen.
6) In the early days of searching don't turn anything down. Go to as many interviews as possible. Be prepared for failure and use it as a spring board to improve your interview style. After a few you will be a new person, confident in yourself and quite saleable. Don't get cocky though. If you seem arrogant in interview they will just laugh you out the door. It is a game of numbers. Make sure you turn up for interview looking smart (unless its one of these new-age start-ups where they all look like Steve Jobs in which case go shopping for a turtle neck..). If your job entails technical tests good luck... Pray you can do them remotely at home. I hate them because some of them are so hard and unrepresentative of the actual work you will be doing.
7) At the point you have an offer you are to some extent safe. You can then negotiate. If you have two offers you can then negotiate with a safety net to try to get even higher salary potentially playing one off against another. This is risky as you may loose both but it's down to you and your negotiating skills to decide how far to go. If you don't ask you don't get.
8) Don't get disheartened when you haven't found a job after a while. Take a days break and then get back on it. If you stay disciplined i.e. get up at 08:00 and get on the job boards by 08:30 you will have a whole day to focus on finding a job. IF you have expended all the new jobs for the day, start teaching yourself new skills! You can then add them to your CV and know enough to talk about them in interview! Chase the agents for info and jobs! Let agents add you on Linked-in. Be their friend and they will be yours. It will come eventually. Persistence is the key.
Good luck!
Edited by AK47, 21 August 2012 - 07:00 PM.
#25
Posted 22 August 2012 - 08:22 AM
Thanks for the update AK47 glad to hear you have got yourself something. Nice work & well deserved!
Some excellent points above
I also hate it when recruitment agents wont tell you who the company is they are putting you forward for.... Personally I would avoid these companies if they refuse to give you the name when challenged.
Some excellent points above
I also hate it when recruitment agents wont tell you who the company is they are putting you forward for.... Personally I would avoid these companies if they refuse to give you the name when challenged.
0 user(s) are browsing this forum
0 members, 0 guests, 0 anonymous users
