A general query re. those of you in the creative industries looking for temporary work

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Permalink Reply by Hanna on September 28, 2012 at 11:10

Hi Cath, 

I work in a creative agency and some time ago we were looking to fill an administrative position within company.

We've placed an add with various websites ourselves as initially didn't want to engage with an agency. 

I was expecting loads of responses and prepared myself for days going through CVs, but surprisingly there actually weren't that many.

The requirements were quite specific and it was really difficult to source suitable candidates. In the end we had to turn to agency that specialise in creative industries recruitment.

  

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Permalink Reply by Cath English on September 28, 2012 at 11:12

That's really interesting.  Thanks Hanna.  I'm looking at possibly going into that sort of business myself and am just testing the water at the moment.

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Permalink Reply by L F T Snowflake on September 28, 2012 at 13:00

You mention that the requirements were quite specific - yet administration is a general task. Answering the phone is the same in a bank as it is in an advertising agency as it is in the headquarters of the local roadsweeping service. As a freelancer, I worked in over 60 different organisations, so I can easily adapt, as indeed can most temp admins can. The very nature of their role makes them adaptable.

Sadly, one of the most interesting aspects of today's workplace is that most job adverts seem to me to be worded in such a way as to put as many people off from applying as possible. Perhaps some more general wording might have thrown up a candidate and also, an ad in a local paper is better as the web is really no longer the place to use for recruitment.

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Permalink Reply by Hugh on September 28, 2012 at 13:34

Hanna, do feel free to place an ad with us. Worth a try. Contact me if you'd like to discuss rates etc. 

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Permalink Reply by L F T Snowflake on September 28, 2012 at 12:55

The problem is agencies because they control all the temporary jobs these days. Their red tape and restrictive practices really put most jobs beyond most people, not just in creative industries, where they are especially obstructive (particularly if you are a man), but in the work place in general.

I work in an art college, where I create presentations, do DTP, Photoshop, shoot and edit films and do lots of other creative stuff in an administrative role. I would love to get some part time or evening work in the creative field.  For example, I have lots of experience in banks and could do evening shifts in their presentations departments.

However, I recently answered an ad for a one evening a week (3 hours) job to typeset a newsletter. It was controlled by an agency who demanded a full CV, examples of work, two interviews and a battery of pointless tests that included the demand that I create a 15 slide presentation in MICROSOFT WORD, would you believe (because our clients do their presentations in Word you know). Naturally, I decided it wasn't worth the effort.

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Permalink Reply by Hanna on September 28, 2012 at 13:32

I think it actually makes a difference if it is a bank or a creative agency, unless the position is indeed limited to answering the phone,

So I guess it really depends what the role involves.

Yes of course you can adapt but it easier for an employer if you have certain experience and know programs and systems that they use etc.

I agree with you that it seems sometimes the agencies are making it difficult for a job seeker and the whole recruitment process is complicated and lengthy (and I know it from my own experience) but then again they work to the clients requirements and so is their job to search and scan potential candidates and to choose those who closely much the criteria, they need to make sure that the person they are sending for an interview stands a real chance to actually get the job otherwise they are not making money. Unfortunately is more about that than really helping you out.

So I guess if you really want to get the job you go with the flow, you make your presentation, you go for 2 interviews, you do what you need to do

If you feel its not worth it then somebody else will make the effort and will get the job

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Permalink Reply by 2iqnqfihplb7h on September 28, 2012 at 17:58

The jobs market seems incredibly difficult for everyone in every sector at the moment.

Many people, myself included, are resorting to going freelance or building their own businesses as experience seems to count for nothing with today's recruitment agents who now stand at the gateway to many organisations and need to push as many applicants through as they can in order to get their commission.

I am beginning to believe that startups are the way forward to reduce unemployment; forever the optimist!

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Permalink Reply by Cath English on September 28, 2012 at 20:14

Thanks for your interesting responses everyone.  Good to have your thoughts x

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