What do I have to do to get a job?

Question

Having arrived from Cape Town, South Africa, 18 months ago, I have searched daily in newspapers, trade magazines, job centres, on the internet and with employment agencies for a senior-level position, such as general manager or area manager. In total I have so far made 234 applications, all properly completed with my CV and covering letter, but have only had 11 replies and not a single interview.

I have 30 years' experience in the hospitality industry and have worked in senior positions, including general manager ones, in top hotels of the world. I have marketing and advertising experience, have managed and owned a leading hotel, speak several languages and am computer literate with various certificates. I also have local and overseas experience, superb references and have a well-constructed CV.

What more do I have to do to get a job?

What the expert says

Hannah Bailey, chief operating officer, Chess Partnership

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Your CV is very nicely put together and you certainly do appear to have a lot of good solid management experience within the hospitality industry and experience and skills which would no doubt transfer. It is a shame you have only had 11 responses from 234 applications. However, this may be a result of the industry at present. Due to the economy over the last few months there have been quite a number of redundancies, therefore offering a greater availability of candidates with UK experience. Your lack of UK experience will be a slight stumbling block at first. My advice would be to register with a number of recruitment agencies. A recruitment agency will be in a stronger position to represent you and what you have to offer, as well as answering any questions a potential employer may have on your limited UK knowledge. They will be able to focus on things such as cultural awareness and other aspects of your overseas experience that could add value. It is a tough market at the moment so competing with UK candidates will always be tough, but maybe the above is something you could look at to further enhance who you are and what you have to offer.