2. What can you do for me?

3. Who pays for your services?

4. Can I trust you to keep my job search confidential?

5. What should I put in my CV/resumé?

6. How should I send my CV/resumé?

7. What can I expect from you once I've sent my CV?

8. Can you find me a job if I've no prior media experience?

9. I'm from outside Europe, can you find me a job in the UK or Europe?

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1. Why register with Searchlight?
Quite simply, because we understand the entertainment sector.
We've been in the business ourselves, at the sharp end. So you won't have to explain to us - for example - how distribution works, what a producer does, what royalties are, or how publicity is generated.

While we can never guarantee we'll find your next career move, more and more companies are turning to Searchlight for expert help with recruitment - which means we're more likely to have an opportunity that's right for you.

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2. What can you do for me?
If you have some prior experience in the media sector, we will do our best to find a new role that's right for you. We can’t guarantee to help, but whenever we get a new assignment, the first place we look for potential candidates is our database. So if you've sent us your CV, we won't hesitate to get in touch if a promising opportunity arises.

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3. Who pays for your services?
We charge clients a fee for our services. Candidates pay nothing.

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4. Can I trust you to keep my job search confidential?
Yes. This is a small world and if we weren't completely discreet, word would soon get out. We won't send your CV in any form to a client without your prior approval. We won't take up references without your prior approval. We won't mention your call to any of your friends, your subordinates, your boss or your colleagues (whose CV's we may already have!), or anyone outside our office. We won't leave obvious messages with your assistant or on your voice mail. We prefer not to use your office email address, unless you tell us it's OK. In general, we try to exceed the professional standards demanded by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC).

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5. What should I put in my CV/resumé?
As much as you can about yourself that will fit on two pages. Focus on solid achievement, and avoid vague generalisations. A cover letter, briefly stating your general objectives would be helpful - even if you've already told us on the phone. In line with current legislation, please be assured we will not be submitting details of your age, ethnicity or other personal details to our clients.

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6. How should I send my CV/resumé?
By email please, with a Word (or WordPerfect) attachment. We're PC based, so we have problems with Mac files and some other less common programmes.
[submit your CV by email]

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7. What can I expect from you once I've sent my CV?
First you'll get an acknowledgement from us. Then, when a potentially interesting opportunity comes along, we'll get in touch to discuss it with you. If you express a preliminary interest then we'll arrange a meeting with you to discuss at length whether the role is right for you and vice-versa.

Unfortunately, we can't predict when a suitable opportunity is going to arise, since we're in the hands of our clients. But rest assured, silence on our part doesn't mean we have lost you. If your circumstances change in the meantime, please let us know so we can update our records.

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8. Can you find me a job if I've no prior media experience?
Sadly, it's unlikely we will be able to help you. Clients generally don't ask us to find people just starting out in their careers or hoping to move into the business. When clients come to us, it's usually to find people with very specific skills and experience in the business.

The only way to get started (apart from being related to a well-known industry figure) is to make contact with employers directly. This can take a lot of time and perseverance - not to mention lots of luck. But it worked for other people (including us), and there's no reason why it shouldn't for you too, sooner or later. It's often simply a matter of being at the right place at the right time.

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9. I'm from outside Europe, can you find me a job in the UK or Europe?
If you don't already have a work permit or other entitlement to work in Europe, it's unlikely we will be able to help you. However, if your skills are rare or unique and an employer simply can't find a suitably qualified European, then it may be possible.