7 January 2010 | Ben Sunderland

In the downturn it’s an unpleasant reality that more buyers are finding themselves out of a job. Ben Sunderland outlines the methods he used to get himself back to work

Losing your job hits like a bombshell. I had worked for the same company for almost 25 years, before moving to another local firm. But 18 months later we mutually agreed it would be better for me to move on.

I was lucky I had funds to remain out of work for a few months if I was careful. I have since read you should do nothing for the first two weeks except take stock and unwind before starting the job-hunting process. I updated my CV, contacted some recruitment agencies and sent them my résumé. Free jobseeking websites were useful, matching my job requirements and experience.

I set up a spreadsheet for all the jobs I applied for and another section for agency details. I later added a section of companies and responses to speculative letters.

This information was useful when dealing with jobcentre interviews. Eventually my sheet comprised 71 applications, 39 recruitment agencies and 12 jobsites, plus a list of 31 companies to whom I had written.

I approached Jobcentre Plus after a month, but I recommend going at the earliest opportunity. You will receive Jobseeker’s Allowance straight away and avail yourself of any information and advice the staff can give.

However, although courteous and helpful, staff told me they could give me no help finding a job as they were overwhelmed with candidates and I could do better myself, particularly as I was looking for a specific type of role.

What surprised me was the amount of Jobseeker’s Allowance – £64.30 per week for six months and then nothing. I naively thought the government would continue to assist me financially while I was actively seeking employment. This only happens if the combined income of you and your partner falls below a certain level.

I was applying for about 10 jobs a month, having some interviews, but results were often frustrating. I was told three times my application was not successful because I was too experienced. It’s vital to be flexible, amending your CV to suit particular jobs.

The experience with recruitment agencies was mixed. A few were excellent, keeping my details available and advising me every time a relevant post became available. Others were full of optimism when I first called, never to be heard from again. Most do not want to pass on bad news, I had to call to check on the status of applications. Only about one in four agencies that promised to call back did.

Job hunting is time-consuming but does not take eight hours a day. Initially I felt guilty if I went shopping or read a book but this is necessary to keep positive during a difficult period. The average time it takes to find employment is estimated to be six to nine months, and you don’t have to be stuck indoors watching daytime television.

It is important not to become too downhearted at setbacks and vital to keep up with developments and trends in the profession by reading Supply Management. Membership of CIPS also helped me. When I finally got – and accepted – a job offer, the employer told me that being a CIPS member had got me the interview.

Key points
• Register with agencies and keep records of applications
• Go to the Job Centre at the earliest opportunity
• Keep up with developments by reading Supply Management and show your CIPS qualifications

Ben Sunderland
Buying manager, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital