Jobseeking in the snow.

How can you make sure your job search keeps going no matter what the weather this winter so you can start the new year with a new job?

Thanks to the wonders of technology many companies (including Escape!) have got plans in place to make sure they can keep recruiting come snow or shine but what can you do?

1. Finding Jobs

As long as you have an internet connection it should continue to be fairly straight forward for you to find jobs but you may want to be sure the recruiter will be able to access your application. So in addition to applying you may wish to contact the agency by phone to find out if the agency is operating as normal and if not are their recruiters receiving applications?

Most recruitment agencies will also give you the ability to register your CV on their website if there are no current job adverts of interest to you. Remember if they can’t access sites to advertise new jobs, it doesn’t necessarily mean there isn’t a job there for you!

2. Getting Found

If recruiters or hirers aren’t able to access their systems from offsite make sure they can still find you and your CV easily. Connecting with your recruiters on professional networking sites such as LinkedIn could be a great way to ensure they can find you. Also ensure your CV is on relevant online CV databases allowing those recruiters snowed in at home to still find your latest CV. We’d recommend S1jobs, Totaljobs, CV-library and Oilcareers in particular.

3. Interviews

Finding time to get to interview can be difficult enough in good weather but what if you’re snowed in at home?
We suggest speaking to your consultant about alternatives to the traditional face-to-face interviews. Telephone interviews are an easy alternative but if both parties have a webcam why not opt for a video interview? Skype is a free video calling service and you can connect with Escape on our skype account: escape_recruitment.

4. Keeping in Contact

Both you and your recruitment consultant will want to keep in contact with each other so ensure you have the right contact details in case either of you can’t make it into the office. For example, do they only have your work email address?

You may also be able to check with your recruitment agency switchboard if they are open and if so the best way to contact your consultant. Many agencies and consultants will also update their LinkedIn, Twitter, company Facebook page or website with details on how to get in touch.

5. References

What if your referees are also snowed in at home? Rather than wait for the thaw why not get the references you can in advance and send them to your recruiter to keep on file.

6. Be proactive…and patient

Bear in mind that if you’re stuck at home so might your recruitment consultant, their client or your referee. With bad weather, people may be experiencing internet issues as well as difficulty travelling in to the office. Let people know how to contact you, what your situation is and how you can help keep the recruitment process moving even if everything else is stuck in snow!

Good luck to all our job seekers and if you have any tips from your experience last year let us know in the comments below or email us at blog@go-escape.com!

Escape are aiming to keep working throughout the winter season and will keep you posted on our LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and website news  pages if there are any changes to our regular operations