Ask the experts...

Q1: I haven't had an interview for a long time.. Do you have any advice that could help?

Know what you want from a new position.

Do your research on the Company. Make sure you are attending an interview for a company you really want to work with. Check out their website and ensure you really know what they do.

Understand the job. Make sure you understand the position you are interviewing for, do they have a job spec for the role they can send you before the interview, if not research the role and background of the company prior to attending. Fully prep for the interview.

Get there on time (if not 30 mins early to give you time to prep)

Most importantly... Be yourself. The company are interviewing you for a particular role. But remember you are also interviewing the company for their suitability. Are they the type of comapny the you want to work for? Can they offer you the career path you are looking for? Are they worthy of your skills and experience?

Q2: Where do I go to look for a new job?

Initially I'd use the contacts you already have; your colleagues and friends, old managers and contacts to see if they have any opportunities or know of any positions going. Then you can get in contact with professional recruiters in your industry who will be able to advise you on which companies they represent and how they can assist in marketing your details to suitable employers. You can also surf the Net to look on jobboards for suitable opportunities and Agencies to register with. Remember to keep track of companies you have contacted directly and agencies you have registered with otherwise your applications may become duplicated and you run the risk of not being considered.

Q3: How many agencies should I register with?

Rather than 'how many' you should look at those that cover your industry. You'll find many agencies have sole supplier agreements with clients, meaning they are the only agencies they work with if you want to work with particular companies you will have to register with these agencies to get your CV in the door. You'll also find that some companies work with multiple agencies, so you'll need to find agencies and more importantly Recruiters that you gel with, if they take the time to really get to know you and what you are looking for form your next role then they are worth working with. Take time to select the agencies you work with, after all these are the Recruiters that will be representing you.

Q4: What happens if my CV if duplicated for a particular job?

Unfortunately this does happen sometimes. If your details are duplicated by multiple agencies or by you sending directly and an agency also sending then it becomes a common sense issue. The company will contact you directly to arrange an interview or via their sole agency. If you have two agencies contacting you to confirm who you would like to work with, you'll find that most companies take CVs on a first come, first served basis. Unless you are against a particular Recruiter representing you then let the process roll. If you have a preference to work with a particular recruiter then let them know and they can forward the information to the client.

Q5: How long will it take?

How long is a piece of string!! Some companies will move quickly to arrange interviews and process through to an offer others will take their time and have internal processes that have to take place before any offers can be issued. Don't let this put you off. Make sure you have all the facts about the roles you are applying for and stick with your 'ideal' roles/employers. If you are applying directly there is no harm in chasing up outstanding applications over the phone or by email. If you are applying via an agencies again chase up applications. Make sure you keep everyone in the loop when it comes to other offers or interviews (not necessarily who they are with, but timeframes). This way you will hopefully have offers at the same time which will then help you to weigh up the pros and cons before accepting a position.