CNS offers help to job seekers

| 26/09/2018

Ask Auntie, CNS Local Life, Caymanian statusHere is my dilemma: I am Caymanian. I have a good application packet that includes my resume, my immigration status, my police clearance, cover letter…everything the different ads seem to require. 

I have applied for at least 100 jobs in the last four months, and despite having everything that is required and being well qualified for the particular job I am applying for, nothing has turned up. Nothing. Two “interviews” to come in and take an IQ test, which I know that I passed…yet still, NOTHING. 

How is this possible? Who filled the jobs I applied for? And the times I have called back to check in about my application, I am told that I didn’t make the short list. I understand that they have applications before mine, that some places hire internally, that some places hire only people or relatives that they know, but I don’t know how this is even possible, when I am applying for jobs I am qualified for, that I have not gotten the chance for even an interview. 

It is not as if I am applying for things out of my scope of experience or qualifications. I am even applying for things I am over-qualified for. Also, I am registered with the NWDA (National Workforce Development Agency) and have been for a long while. I am registered with all of the recruitment agencies on island. 

I am getting desperate. Cayman is my home and I have nowhere else to go. Is there any advice out there as to where to turn next, or who I can speak to now to help me?


Auntie’s answer: I do have a concrete suggestion of what you can do that is a bit different and may really help you find a job. But that’s further down; I’m going to discuss the situation before I get to what we at Cayman News Service think we can do to try to help.

There seems to be two running and seemingly contradictory themes about unemployed Caymanians. One, which pops up very often in the CNS comments, is that Caymanians, particularly young Caymanians, are unreliable; they turn up late, leave early, take long lunches and call in sick every Monday.

The other, which is outlined in your question, is that Caymanians are blocked from jobs, that bosses prefer to hire their friends or compatriots and that they are generally not given a chance.

Having listened to tales from both camps for many years, I have come to the conclusion that both are true to some extent. The first group certainly does exist, and although they may be a minority, they give a bad name to all other Caymanians looking for work (so it might be worth emphasising that you don’t have any of these failings in your CV/resume).

It is also undoubtedly true that some bosses like to hire their buddies; I have no idea how prevalent it is but it does happen. It’s the sort of thing that is supposed to be being sorted out with the re-jigging of government agencies to create the new Workforce Opportunities and Residency Cayman (WORC). We’ll have to see how that works and let’s remain optimistic that they will find ways to make sure that Caymanians get a fair chance to find work.

There are also other factors at work here: Business owner takes on a young Caymanian and trains him/her, then the young Caymanian quits, takes their training to another business or starts their own and becomes a rival. This also happens, and you can see how frustrating that might be. It is also true that for more unscrupulous employers, a foreign workforce is easier to control, easier to dismiss, and will put up with abuse where the alternative is to be sent home.

Most of the problems are intrinsic to the whole situation of a large expat workforce and the work permit system, and the solution for all this is way beyond my powers to solve. All I can say is, good luck to the WORC crew! They have a mammoth job ahead of them.

One thing that clearly isn’t working is the requirement for employers to advertise in the classified pages of the local press if they want to get a work permit. It’s generally known that most of these ads aren’t “real” vacancies, and that they are tailored for the person already identified for the job. Hence ridiculous requirements and ridiculous supposed wages, which can be very frustrating for genuine job seekers like yourself.

I don’t know why this farce continues. Basically, it’s a tax on business owners, where the money goes to private business rather than the government. It would seem to be a much more sensible idea to require such ads to be posted through the NWDA or WORC website, where absurdities could be questioned.

A printout of the latest job openings that have been vetted by relevant staff could also be posted on the notice boards at all district post offices. Just an idea.

Back to your case: it may be a good idea to ask all the businesses where you have been unsuccessful to give you feedback on why they didn’t hire you. You never know, some of them might reply and there might be something that you’re doing wrong that you could rectify.

OK, now to my big idea. It’s something that we at CNS have been discussing for some time and this seems to be a good time to see if we can put it into operation.

We would like to offer you and other job seekers (Caymanians and those legally resident on the Cayman Islands) space on CNS Local Life to present a video resume.

Here’s a random example of a video resume I found on YouTube. There are many, as well as numerous ‘how to’ videos to help you. Some are quite creative, but some, like this one, involve just the job seeker and a video camera/smartphone.

So, we think that this is a great idea and could really help people literally get their face out there. But it needs some brave soul to get the ball rolling. To reiterate, this is only open to Caymanians and people legally resident here.

Step 1: Make the video. Preferably keep it under a minute and a half, though this is not a strict rule, and it can be as simple or as fancy as you like.

Step 2: Register and add your resume to FreeCayAds.com so we can link the video to it and potential employers can contact you.

Step 3: Send either the video or, better, the code or url of the video to info@caymannewsservice.com

Then we will feature it prominently on CNS Local Life and possibly our websites as well, and link it to our social media pages. This is the most practical thing that CNS can offer as a business with a strong online presence. I hope it takes off and I really hope it can help you and others in your predicament to find a job.

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Category: Ask Auntie, Misc Questions

Comments (63)

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  1. Anonymous says:

    Ok. I am an employer looking for a solid Caymanians employee. Middle management position but must be willing to get down in the trenches and get dirty with the guys when the job calls for it. No primadonas. Will pay well and have ancillary benefits above government minimums. But no dead weight or attitude. Think you got what it takes, post your email and I will reach out to you. It is hot your normal working environment but for the right person, it is the perfect job. Work hard, play hard. And work as a team. Look forward to finding the right person. Heck, I would take 2 if
    I could get them…

    CNS: If you post your job on out classifieds site FreeCayAds, I’ll promote it on this site and CNS Headline News.

  2. Anonymous says:

    Was at the government administration building today. There are at least 6 security officers in the office at any point leading visitors to various points in the building. ALL of them appear (accent, etc) to be work permit holders. Why is this?

  3. Anonymous says:

    And what happens when you’re a small business owner and can’t afford the work permit fees for the position you are hiring for, and the job available is unskilled/doesnt require a degree and doesn’t make sense to hire an expat for, and you’re willing to train…..and you have setup interviews with about 20 Caymanians in which 9 don’t show up for; and 2 that are hired but don’t bother showing up for work the first day/at all?

    Is there advice on hiring Caymanians?

  4. Anonymous says:

    Interviews are more important than resumes. An astute employer would recognize a jewel in the rough who just needs little help. The dumb one would sink you on technicalities.

  5. Anonymous says:

    Here is one suggestion for anyone seeking a job. Look at ALL of your social media posts going back several years.

    If your resume says one thing, and your social media posting says something else, any potential employer is more likely to believe what you have posted on social media.

  6. Anonymous says:

    Why are you not getting the job? Possibly because you are in denial about whatever is the main impediment to you getting hired. Reading your view of yourself you are Mr Perfect (I assume Mr as men tend to over-flatter themselves). That sort of attitude stinks in interviews. Tell us the biggest problem on your resume or work history or personal history. Then we can see what you can do.

    • Anonymous says:

      There were big problems with the gentleman’s resume which meant he got no interviews. He acknowledged this in a comment below. Once he saw a professional and had his resume well written he had a job within 2 weeks. You can read more in his comment below.

  7. Ron Ebanks says:

    Caymanians needs to understand that the unemployment of Caymanians aren’t going to get better , untill they force government’s hand to correcting it . Because I think that government makes too much money from selling the work permits , which is causing the unemployment and hard finding/getting a job .

    • Anonymous says:

      how does one pass an IQ test? i mean, my IQ has been tested twice by mensa at 132 and 136. But i have never heard of passing an IQ test.
      and why would any work place have an IQ test anyways.

    • Anonymous says:

      Selling work permits are you serious?

      The government is not selling work permits. Employers mostly Caymanians apply for work permits. Tell employers to stop applying for work permits and non will be approved.

      • Ron Ebanks says:

        12:19 , do government charge money for a work permit ? Is the revenue for work permits up in the millions of dollars per year ? That’s a big business if you asked me .

    • Anonymous says:

      There were big problems with the gentleman’s resume which meant he got no interviews. He acknowledged this in a comment below. Once he saw a professional and had his resume well written he had a job within 2 weeks. You can read more in his comment below. So it was nothing to do with the fact he was being discriminated against because he was a Caymanian. He was just not presenting as a good candidate.

  8. Anonymous says:

    Tell the work permit board you have the right to hear the application for the job which you applied for. They cannot operate a government board in secret think planning board. Hecl demand to enter the board meeting and let them arrest you for doing so. You got a nice job then, it’s called a lawsuit do some reading and get cracking!

  9. Anonymous says:

    As a business owner that only hires Caymanians, I would strongly advise networking. In the last ten years I have not hired one employee who was not recommended by either a current employee, family member, or colleague.

    It is too risky to do otherwise. If you get a bad fit Caymanian, you are stuck with a tonne of bureaucracy to get rid of them, which is why many businesses prefer to hire expats. The last thing a business needs is Govt. bureaucracy.

    If you do not have friends or family with connections, then seek out a group that will provide said. Immerse your self in a charity, expand your social circle. I am not from a wealthy family, but I have associated myself with those who are.

    And never, ever give up. Tenacity is the number one trait of successful people.

    Good luck to you.

    • Anonymous says:

      What a positive response to this situation. I am so pleased that you offered encouragement to a frustrated job seeker. However I am curious about the difficulty of getting rid of a “bad fit” employee. Don’t you have a probation period? Do you have monthly/quarterly/semi-annual assessments of the employee to both ensure they are on track on terms of the organizational goals for their role while allowing them the opportunity to correct any behavior that does not meet your expectations?

      • Anonymous says:

        Yes we have a 3 month probationary clause in our contracts, But I would so rather hire someone known to me. We provide full benefits and only hire Caymanians..How can you be annoyed that I am hiring only Caymanians?. I am actually helping, What have you done?

        Y

        • Anonymous says:

          You are actually part of the problem. By being so non inclusive you’re denying a job to someone who may fit better than someone who is introduced to you. I just see it as the same issue Caymanians have with expats: thinking they are not being considered.

          • Anonymous says:

            That may be true, but the more information I have from trusted sources the less unknown I face. So, if you have an introduction the better your chance of landing a position. If you show initiative to network, you are better off. Am I wrong? Worst case scenario, you do something positive for you community. I do not see anyway that this is poor advise to a job seeker.

    • Anonymous says:

      We need people for high season.

      The problem is you would never see any openings for our store in the places you are looking. We do not do permits, so we do not have anything on those sites . There are no sites for legitimate openings.

      • Anonymous says:

        You are so right. When I had an employee that was off due to a medical emergency and was desperate for a replacement there was no agency in govt to help. I went to the Labour Board, or whatever their acronym de jour is, and they were totally useless. They did not help at all. I would have taken anyone with a pulse, they are useless.

    • Ron Ebanks says:

      Business owner , do you see the real problems with the bureaucracy in the Government that makes it harder to get rid of Caymanians vs a foreigner ? Couldn’t that be one of the problems Mr Choudhury seen that he wanted to correct ? Then who has caused the stumbling blocks for Caymanians and business owners . Government .

  10. Anonymous says:

    Hi Auntie,

    Let’s talk about GOV scholarship holders, returning graduates and job crisis.

    I myself, am a returning graduate from a prestigious university in the UK. Other recent graduates, and I are finding it hard to apply for jobs in the Cayman Islands that pertains to our degrees. I’m aware this has been a problem for years, but many people are not speaking about it.

    Often times, most graduates come back to the island and are FORCED to settle in a job that has nothing to do with their degree, and I assume its due to the scholarship bond restrictions, availability and lack of experience. Nevertheless, a lot of young Caymanian graduates, that have the right to work on island, are frustrated with the job market here. It seems like the Government are giving a lot of scholarships to Caymanians and not offering the career opportunities for which they studied. In addition, it is OBVIOUS that we need to find the job to obtain experience within the field.

    Unfortunately, I am aware that many young Caymanians either settle or leave the island to pursue their career path abroad. Having said that, it seems the government loses at the end of day, as they give students $20,000 each year and they return qualified but don’t have the jobs to offer them, so they take their qualification somewhere else that would appreciate them (i.e. the US or UK).

    I am only speaking for those scholarship holders that are not on private scholarships and are not finance/law degree based. As Cayman has a big finical and lawcsector and it appears most graduates are able to find jobs within this sector are somewhat successful. However, there are many Caymanians with degrees such as psychology, medical sciences, health, engineering, arts, humanities, social work, etc..and are only able to apply within the public sector, but there seems to be absolutely no openings.

    The whole ‘not wanting Caymanians’ is another issue of debate, but myself and many other Caymanian graduates want to contribute to the island and make it a better place. However, if the island can’t provide us with the opportunities, then I speak for many graduates, we would rather go somewhere else and build a career and life where the opportunities are available. What is Government doing?

    Thoughts?


    Graduated and unemployed

    • Anonymous says:

      Couple of things: 1. this is an issue in most of the world. If you don’t get a degree in a field where there is a booming economy in your country, you will either have to move, make your own job or settle in a field in which you didn’t study. There is nothing wrong with either of those options. I would have loved to be able to get a high paying job right after college from my super expensive American degree in linguistics. Alas this is not a reasonable expectation, anywhere on this planet. 2. it’s not up to government to create jobs in every field where people study. See issue #1.

      • Anonymous says:

        Interesting point.

        But I am not sure if you are aware that the GOV has a bond on CIG scholarship recipients in which they have to stay and provide service on island for the number of years they have been away.

        THEY are the ones accepting the diverse degree types young Caymanians are pursuing. Then when they return after their studies, they are unable to fit them anywhere in public or private.

        No one is saying that young Caymanians with degrees are entitled to have a ‘high paying job right after college from a super expensive university’. I think the concern is that they need some form of experience and as CIG scholarship holders, the government should help provide them with experience as close to their respective fields. After all, they are providing the student $60,000 KYD (UK universities) or $80,000 KYD (US universities) for their studies. Times that by the thousands of young Caymanians with CIG scholarship.

        It’s rather concerning.

    • Anonymous says:

      Idk maybe I’m very lucky. Two years ago, I returned home with a Bachelor’s degree, paid for through a CIG scholarship. I applied for TWO jobs, and got TWO interviews, and got TWO job offers. I went with the more relevant offer, and I’m happy to be employed in a job where I can be paid to serve my people on a daily basis.

      First impressions and interviewing skills are very important. Networking can be important too, in some cases, but I literally only “networked” with just one or two people to find out about the job openings relevant to my interests. They were advertised on government websites and newspapers, anyway, but I didn’t find them there first.

      Again, I do believe I was very lucky but I do have very good interviewing skills to show that I’m not just a generic applicant and when I say I’m a hard and dedicated worker, it isn’t a copy and paste resume but I can actually say HOW I am.

      Don’t go into the application and job interview with generic claims like ” I am a hard worker who is open to learning new things.” No, show and explain with examples of HOW you are a hard worker and HOW you learned to adapt to new environments. That goes a lot further.

    • Anonymous says:

      I have a few suggestions that worked for my sons: They got part time jobs while in high school 2. They did internships. These two things got them highly recommended for their final jobs that they have now.

      • Anonymous says:

        Extremely good advice. I worked at a fast food join tin HS (as well as a few other pals) and that’s where I learned my work ethic. Be on time or you get written up, was one of the important things…
        And I had fun on the job! We were a fun team.

  11. say it like it is says:

    The situation of bosses hiring friends and cronies is also rife in the Civil Service where new hires are almost all Caymanian and nepotism rampant.

    • Anonymous says:

      Why would the CAYMAN ISLANDS Civil Service be trying to hire more expatriates? Think next time before engaging mouth.

      • say it like it is says:

        2.09pm I am engaging my pen not my mouth. You should try engaging your brain as you completely miss the point. Caymanians are just as guilty of using influence in employing people, even if not properly qualified especially when family are involved.

      • Anonymous says:

        2:09pm You pretty much missed the point on 12:32p… Completely.

  12. Anonymous says:

    I went to one of the recruitment firms for help with my job search and help with my CV. That was 3 years ago and I am still waiting for a call back. And that’s after I sent 2 further chaser emails…
    I found my own job.
    Thanks for nothing

  13. Anonymous says:

    It may be worth noting that a lot of the writing on job hunting that I’ve read indicates that job searches generally last about six months.

  14. Ron Ebanks says:

    First of all, I would like to applaud CNS and Auntie for their imput and solutions to the problems that Caymanians are faced with of finding/getting a job in their own birth Country .

    I think that Caymanians are stuck between a rock and a hard place . The problem with the reputation of not showing up , taking long lunch break , not wanting to work , and whatever else is against them . I am not saying that all Caymanians are in this category , but all Caymanians have to come together and overcome this issue . Meaning that there have to be a group efforts in every job application and search .
    Like someone forming one group of Caymanians , then dividing the group into two categories of skilled and unskilled , and when a skilled job is advertised every skilled person aply for that job , then if no one gets a interview or a call from the Company that advertised job , then all of the skilled Caymanians can confront the Company publicly with questions about why they didn’t get no interview or no response from their applications . Then the group can also go to the Government publicly for answers from then on the problem . And don’t take the answer , we’re going to look into it , and be satisfied , follow up for reasons why you weren’t hired for the job , but permit holder got the job .

  15. Anonymous says:

    I would like to say something that I have never seen mentioned with all the employment issues. I lived in the Cayman Islands in the late 90’s when everything was booming. I was on my dads work permit and I finished High School and College there and worked through the college program. One thing I used to her a lot when someone was upset was my Auntie, Uncle etc; works at immigration and I can have you kicked off the island. I’m Caymanian!! As a business owner either Caymanian or expat owned would you want to have to deal with those kinds of threats whether they actually hold weight or not? I heard it quiet often not just to me but just hall room talk amongst people. That is shooting yourself in the foot. As an outsider and expat what I saw in the 90’s was two types of Caymanians. The ones who work their buts off and made the island and their kids who were spoiled and had a sense of entitlement. It’s not just in Cayman it is everywhere but it is not so easily to move past your mistakes on an island.

    • Anonymous says:

      Don’t know when the last time I’ve heard that term or seen it successfully employed. 2018 Cayman is a whole different world.

      • Anonymous says:

        That threat still exists I heard it a few weeks ago and not for the first time resent ly. It was a Caymanian saying it to another Caymanian. They quickly stopped when they were told who they were talking to. They may not take action but it is still a threat.

        • Anonymous says:

          Me too! I am Caymanian and was told by another Caymanian that they could have me fired. (Worked at X&X law firm) When I told her that she couldn’t have me fired, the reply was ‘I can make a strong recommendation’. Keep in mind that I was NO threat to her job or position! She was just showing me how influential she was/is.
          She got her wish a couple of years later (my position was made redundant). To this day she says she had nothing to do with it but she is super buddies with the one that did it…
          Small sad fish in this wee pond here.
          I remain friendly to her so that she doesn’t cause me to be made redundant at my new job. (and I try not to hold a grudge)

    • Anonymous says:

      Still hear that threat.

    • Anonymous says:

      That threat is still very much alive and active.

  16. Anonymous says:

    I wrote this letter some time back. In the meantime, the perseverance paid off and I got a great job, better even than I had hoped. It was a resume issue, indeed – the way my CV was laid out was confusing and the style was dated and the whole thing was too long. Neither my ability to produce quality work, my work ethic, my track record or my IQ were the problems, it was literally the resume, so that is definitely something to pay attention to. I sat down with a professional that sorted out and re-worked the resume, and within two weeks I had an interview, then 3 more calls in quick succession, then a second interview call. Thanks, Auntie, for all your suggestions and I hope this letter and your answer can help someone else in the same position. Just don’t give up, apply enough and something eventually has to break through.

    • Anonymous says:

      Makes one wonder how many persons in similar positions attribute their struggles to external bias and not their own shortcomings. One is a lot easier for most people to accept, the other requires a not insignificant amount of self-honesty and reflection.

  17. Lisa says:

    Auntie I personally knows what that person is experiencing I have been back on island for a year now after travelling to the UK. since I have been back, I have been searching high and low for a job any job that I can do to feed my kids properly. I have been to interviews at a hotel on west bay road for a front desk position, only to be told that I don’t have any experience and I don’t have any family members who works at the resort. I said isn’t that what the probation period is suppose to be for, to see whether I can learn or accomplished the task ahead. they call me back for another interview for another position, went to that one, and did even get a reply from them. This is what we people are facing on a daily basis. I am a Caymanian, and I am not lazy and very reliable, who has been working from the age of 12 to buy my back to school things etc. The person who wrote the story, don’t give up, try to even work at as pizza delivery driver, do something to try to help yourself. No job is too low when you are desperate. Expats always say that Caymanian’s are too proud, Not sure whether the WORC will work, because I am also register with the NWDA, and they don’t have any control over the job postings on their sites, and they cant enforce the companies to hire those that job hunting, so its a total waste of time going their. Writer, if worst comes to worst, find your MLA and demand them to help find you a job. If they want to get another term in office and genuinely care about your vote, then they will help you. Best of Luck and don’t give up!

    • Anonymous says:

      Top Tip: Learn how to use the Spell Check and Grammar options on your computer. AND proofread before you hit ‘send’!! This will take you further than “I am Caymanian give me that job”

      • Anonymous says:

        Are you misreading or misinterpreting the situation or even projecting your negative experiences onto this situation? I see nothing wrong with a country’s citizen stating that they are fully qualified for a job position and would like to get that job placement? After all, with a citizen, there is no additional cost associated with a work permit fee.

        • Anonymous says:

          If I read your application and the first sentence says “I knows”, I’m throwing it in the garbage.

          Sorry, but not sorry.

  18. Anonymous says:

    You know why you’re not hearing anything back? You’re a Caymanian.. you are the wrong flavor of ice cream. It is a sad but true fact. I just recently got hired after almost a year of job searching with all the qualifications and experience only to see funny accented people in the jobs I applied for.

    We need to freeze ALL, and I mean ALL work permits as of right now. Put a freeze for say 6 months to a year before a work permit can be applied for in regards to a specific job. Force the company to wait or hire local.

    And even then it should also be on the company to prove to the NWDA & WORC that the Caymanian applicants do not hold what they are looking for and also to prove that a job that is proven can be done by someone with a Bachelor degree and a year of experience is now requiring a doctorate and 20 years experience.

    Le them know that to apply for a work permit, ALL applications must be submitted for evaluation and to stop the line that “no applicants” applied? Maybe all job ads should go through a central hiring authority that works with the company HR. Instead of Joe Smith writing or calling the company, have the contact information to the NWDA or WORC so that they know people have or have not applied for the job and have it so the NWDA and WORC needs to sign off before a work permit can be obtained.

    That is how this *****ery will end and Caymanians will have a fair chance of getting the jobs we look for.

    • Anonymous says:

      THIS IS FAKE NEWS!!! I am a paper Caymanian and even I had a difficult time finding my niche. And that’s with a healthy CV.
      The vacancies in the paper are already filled. CNS is right, adverts for work permits should be separated form REAL vacancies.
      One tip for Caymanians, learn how to use the Spell Check and Grammar options on your computer!!

      • Anonymous says:

        Same here, I applied for a job that could have been a copy of my CV, I had to make the application to an overseas office with only ‘successful’ applications being responded too. After no response I assumed that the ‘overseas office’ was just a dead drop to get rid of the paperwork and the company never had any intention of trying to recruit. I know it sounds a little conceited.

        Some tips other than having your CV reviewed, try approaching HR departments directly, even if there isn’t an opening, ask for an informal chat about potential opportunities, if you are personable, presentable and keen you might have some luck. Be persistent. Follow every lead. Ask friends and family. Use linkedin. Apply for everything with either a tailored CV or cover letter. Be flexible. Good luck.

    • Anonymous says:

      There were big problems with the gentleman’s resume which meant he got no interviews. He acknowledged this in a comment below. Once he saw a professional and had his resume well written he had a job within 2 weeks. You can read more in his comment below. So it was nothing to do with the fact he was being discriminated against because he was a Caymanian. He was just not presenting as a good candidate.

  19. Anonymous says:

    An example. The USA.
    A friend of mine moved to a different state. She is a CPA, with an extensive experience in one of the Big 4 firms. She also worked as a controller in a large corporation. She was 30 at the time. She didn’t secure new job before moving because she wasn’t sure where exactly she wanted to settle and her father was dying, so she wanted to spend time with him.
    Her new job search was brutal and long. She was ready to take an entry level accounting job. She also applied for a job in Cayman (one of the Big 4) but was found not qualified. LOL
    Meantime a couple of people,expats, in our office got professional jobs with NO accounting experience and education. There is always a way!
    Back to my friend. She persevered. She is a financial director in a large international corporation now. Her job search experience was as exhausting and humiliating as yours.
    If you ask me who do I hate? Employment agencies! In my opinion employment agencies’ staff are people with the lowest qualifications in any field they represent. They are literally “drop outs”. They “love” to humiliate job seekers.
    I got all my progressively responsible jobs on my own. I succeeded in all.

    In Cayman, to get a job, you need to know someone, who would be willing to “pull a few strings”. This is the way things are.

    • Anonymous says:

      Not too long ago I would have agreed with you 100% on every point, but I honestly cannot let pass the opportunity to say what a great company NOVA recruitment was to me. They tried and tried and did not stop until I had several interviews, and ultimately a job. I would recommend them to anyone. Their parent company CML is more for corporate level positions, but NOVA deals with more entry to mid level. They were certainly different than the rest.

    • Anonymous says:

      Quote” In Cayman, to get a job, you need to know someone, who would be willing to “pull a few strings”. This is the way things are.”

      But it should not have to be this way. Who knows who

  20. Anonymous says:

    Perhaps the local association of HR managers might be able to offer some mentoring in relation to job applications.

  21. Anonymous says:

    Have you asked anyone objective (not your friend or relative) to have a critical look at your cv? I see many resumes in my line of work and anything that has spelling mistakes, typos or is too generic gets thrown out right away. Also, are you tailoring your cv to the post being advertised? Finally, the ads in the paper might not be the best place to look for jobs. Have you tried other sources, like linkedin jobs?

  22. Anonymous says:

    I think that your idea is amazing! There is a definite generalization in regards to young Workers in general not just Caymanian. It is a generalization of a whole generation be honest that is not effecting Cayman alone. That being said, the young generation do seem to want everything now without paying dues. I have jobs posted presently where I specifically say I want Caymanians, but I have received 3 resumes in 3 weeks. On the other hand I have 25 resumes of permit holders. It is Alan entry paying job that requires hard work. Is there a correlation? Perhaps

  23. Anonymous says:

    The mere fact that you think you can “pass” an IQ test tells us all we need to know. So you have an IQ, congratulations.

  24. Anonymous says:

    Thank you Auntie! A terrific response and a magnificent step in being part of the solution. We should also look forward to WORC helping to fix aspects of the problem. It is a shame that the Department of Immigration has not achieved the right balance for decades.