Advice about job search websites

[NotMostPeople]

I'm a SAHM and every now and again I have a look online for part time jobs. Recently I came across the perfect job for me that I believe I'm a good fit for, so I brushed up my CV and applied via the job search website I'd found it on. I got a confirmation email saying they would pass it on to the recruiter, this was about ten days ago and I haven't heard anything.

When I had a further google I found the job on various job search sites and one or two recruitment agencies site too. Am I right in saying that I shouldn't apply again via another source? Do employers or recruitment agencies regard applications differently if they've come in via a general site rather than a specific recruiter?

It's the first job I've applied for in years, pre-internet even so I'm very out of touch with the process.

The agencies screen applications for companies and only put forward CVs they think are likely to be offered interviews, so there is no guarantee your CV will have been passed on. I would contact the agency and see if they have submitted your CV. If they haven't theres nothing to stop you trying through a different agent as the person reading it might see something in your application that the first person didn't. What was the site you used?

Unfortunately the online job sites/ agencies tend to stretch the truth when claiming to be sole agency recruiting for the role. Lots of the online sites 'poach' jobs off each other and many of the jobs they claim to be recruiting for are already closed or even pure fantasy to cream off the best CVs to put forwad for other jobs. So, it's always better to apply directly to the company if you can work out who it is.

Having said that, you will not increase your chances by applying to the same job with lots of different agencies. Etiqette says you only go with one (and if you try to apply with more than one you run the risk of pissing off the employer too.)

Good luck with the roller coaster ride job hunt you are embarking on!

Yes, agree English. Agencies will tell you if they're putting you forward so if they don't then nothing to lose trying with another.

I used job sites recently when trying to get a new (legal) job. I would always try and speak to the recruitment consultant directly (by googling their name, or ringing up the company). Establishing a relationship with them is important. They may also consider you for other appropriate jobs. I also posted my CV on one website (thought it was only for a specific job) which lead to 2 interviews...no offer sadly. All worth doing, even though I got my new job though networking at the end of the day! (ie whinging about my boss to a friend/ partner at a law firm who put me in touch with one of his clients.)

I applied via Hays. I suspected everything you have said and am kicking myself that I didn't search around first to see if it was advertised anywhere else. There is another agency that is very specific to this role I think I would have been much better off applying to them.

Any chance you can work out the company? You could make your application even better then. Some agencies are great and really get to know you and match jobs, others seem to play a numbers game. I haven't used Hays either as an applicant or recruiter so I'm not sure which type they are.

Job search websites are another type of advertising. So the recruitment agency or the company directly will advertise with them.

They should display contact info so you can follow up your application and work out what the next steps are.

Companies will advertise through many different methods so don't worry too much! But do get on to the agency and make sure they know who you are and why you've applied!

Good luck!