5 months. 85 applications. 1 interview. 1 offer. Phew.

Congratulations!This is the worst year in a long time for job hunting, hope you get a chance for a short holiday before you start work!

Wow !!!Could you please share more tips from your job hunt?

well done!

What level are you going in at?out of interest, could you share some of the firms that rejected you?

more to the point is what is your expertise?good news, BTW

Congratulations... provided you didn't join PA of course

anon - absolutely brilliantly amusing post there. If you ever do stand up let me know because I just know you are bound to be really funny in real life. It takes great skill to bring PA into a totally unconnected thread in this way.

In general you don't want to take tips from me. I only managed to secure 1 interview. However one message is don't give up - an interview can come at any time and from an unexpected source.Oddly having had zero callbacks from agencies in weeks I have just been offered 2 further interviews. WTF is that all about? Economy back to normal?

We ARE seeing signs of increased confidence in services - I'm seeing this on the ground, and have noticed that some subtle shifts are starting to occur in the client/candidate relationship again (shifting to a more even keel, whereas a month ago it was weighted towards the client). Also bear in mind that it can take a little while to build momentum in a job search - all the more reason to be disciplined in the early stages.So you got 1 interview - and converted it into 1 job offer: just goes to show what those other 85 were missing out on!

84....

Could you say which are the best agencies to register your CV with?

I had a similar experience to the OP.5 months, about 80-90 applications, 5 interviews, 1 offer.The good news is that the offer is 10% more salary than my prev job, much better job duties, better project, more suitable culture and people in team, and hotter chicks at the workplace....yep...i do believe i have turned things around.

Did you apply direct or through agencies or both? What's the best way?

I applied thru recruiters and thats why it took me so long..so i do not recommend that approach. If i could do it again ( and i dont wish to), i would gety more engaged in networking and approach companies directly with a 'sales pitch' as to why they should hire me ( or take a look at my application with a view to either creating a new position or near future opps).