I’m an Internal Audit manager. I had been making enquiries about alternative employment only to be served with a letter giving me 3 weeks notice (I am entitled to 3 months). I have been employed with the organisation for 9 years, never had any warnings either verbal or written so I was quite shocked to be treated in this way. The problem is that I am finding it very difficult to find alternative employment.
When I contact some agencies – I normally either never hear or I get told that the candidate field was very strong and that’s why I have been rejected. Later I see the advert on a website seeking candidates from perhaps another agency. What advice can you offer?
If you haven’t already done so, I would strongly suggest that you request written explanation for the non-statutory notice period. Armed with this information you can then seek the advice of an employment lawyer. It may not be appropriate to take the matter further legally but you can at least understand the situation from a legal perspective and get some closure in your own mind.
With regard to your challenges in the employment market, you need to focus your attention on the matters that you can change. There are many reasons why an advert might be re-run but as you can’t do anything about it – don’t let it zap your energy.
What you can do for starters is get some feedback from the agencies. Here are a few topics you can cover:
- What experience/attributes are successful candidates demonstrating?
- Where are my skills gaps?
- Based on CV
- Based on interview feedback
- What do I need to do to become more competitive?
- Am I seeking the most appropriate positions?
- If not, what would be a better fit for my skills and experience?
- How are the agencies communicating my USP to their clients? (Your USP is your Unique Selling Point. What makes you special? What is your differentiator?)
(Bear in mind that agencies may not be able to help you with all of these. You may need to seek the services of a careers coach, like www.theaccountantscoach.com)
Once you’ve got the feedback you can then put together a plan to address any skills or perception gaps. And don’t forget that USP. You may well not have been fully capitalizing on this.
And finally. regarding communication with the agencies, it’s not unreasonable to request and expect this. Set up a verbal agreement with each agency.
Agree that they will get back to you within, say 48 hours, regardless of whether there’s anything to report or not. Similarly request a monthly catch up call so you can keep on top of what the agencies have been doing for you, how the market is and the implications for you. Make it easy for the agency by setting up an effective contact arrangement. For example, evenings between 8 - 9pm on a specific telephone number.
Of course this will all be much more achievable if you can work with one nominated contact at each agency. You will then build a relationship, get to know one another and ultimately the agency will be better placed to serve you.
Good luck!
Q&A: from audit to management consultancy
Q&A: change of clients
Q&A: peer group differentiation
Q&A: work life balance
Comments