Jobserve Candidate Tips

Why Jobserve?

I have been using

Jobserve for some time now. I joined way back when it was just an automated mailing list, and I have found every job I have had since through it. Over this time I have come to recognise the good and the bad ways to use the service, and I thought I would share some of them with a wider audience.

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Steps Towards a Job

Step one is 'become a member'. Most of the following suggestions require you to be a member.
Use the email service. The service started as an email only system, and the mail server is still at the core of its facilities and has very accurate filtering.
Upload a CV targeted at agents. You will have a chance to substitute a more client freindly CV later, the uploaded CV is for agents to find you.
Change your CV regularly. Agents search CVs ordered by last update, in my experience. So whenever the phone stops ringing, make a small change and upload another version.
Glance at the latest jobs list. Every time I go to the website I always look at the 'Latest Jobs' page, just in case the right job was posted in the last few minutes. Why? because the agent who posted it will not have moved on to the next job yet and will therefore me more likely to call you back on the spot.
Don't use the automated application. Most agents will look at these messages last of all, if at all.
Do a search for similar jobs before you apply. Jobs will often come up through 2 or more employment agencies at the same time. If you find similar jobs then firstly you can choose which agent you prefer to apply to, and secondly agents might advertise different information about the same position which can allow you to tailor your application to make you sound like a better candidate. You can also see how long a position has been advertised for.

Or try:

Writing Better Filters

Here is my quick guide to writing better filters:

Split your query into three sections: What, Where & Not. Which equates to '(what or what) and (where or where) and not (that or that)'.
Pick the whats that you want, not what you have got. Use as many as you need, but be careful to stick to the core of jobs you are looking for. Use the search builder to start you off and then edit by hand.
For where, I find that cities and town names work well. Counties don't filter very well.
In the not section, I suggest that you list roles you don't like e.g. "admin or tester" and skills at the wrong end of your spectrum e.g. "Cobol".
Don't be afraid of having a massive search string. Jobserve is a powerful tool.
Test each part your search string separately on the current listing, i.e. test your whats and nots against all locations, then test your wheres against all skills. Then put it all together. Add extra nots or whats as required to target the results you are looking for.

If this benefits you, or you have any improvements to suggest then please let me know by emailing 'mail' at this website domain name. All donations and expressions of gratitude gratefully accepted.

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