Job Hunting

Searching for a job can be tiresome, however job websites can take some of the leg work out of the search for you.

First thing is first - grab a pen and paper! You can then write down which sites you have looked at and registered with and a note of any jobs you are interested in/have applied for.

Job Websites

Any good recruitment website will have a range of jobs for you to choose from. You should be able to search by location and by job sector. Most will also also you to search using other criteria such as full or part time and salary level.

Search for a job in your area

Job Websites

Employer Websites

You should also check Employer websites. Some companies, especially larger firms have a jobs page on their own website where they list their vacancies - it is worth looking for these and adding them to your favourites so you can check them regularly.

Recruitment Agencies

You could also sign up with a recruitment agency, most agencies will have vacancies for both permanent and temporary positions. The agency will ask you questions about the kind of job you are looking for, your skills and job history etc. They will then try and match you up with any current vacancies they have and try and get you an interview. They also keep your details on file as they are getting new positions which need filling frequently and they will send off your CV for relevant positions on your behalf. It is worthwhile keeping in touch with the agency, especially if you haven't heard from them for a while, it will remind them that you are keen to find a job. There is nothing to stop you from registering with more than one agency if you want to keep your options open or if you are not getting job offers from the first agency you signed up with.

Recruitment Agencies

Email Alerts

Email alerts are a great way to keep a track of when new jobs are added to recruitment sites, however you need to be as specific as possible about the notifications you want to receive so you don't get bombarded with emails. Most sites allow you to specify job title, location and salary range - the more specific you are the less clogged your inbox will be. If you are not getting the alerts you want then unsubscribe, there is no sense in getting alerts you don't want.

Offline Job hunting

Don't forget to look in the paper, employers still use the paper to advertise their jobs. Jobcentres are also a great way to find a job as there are staff available to help you. Check their website www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk for the latest jobs and details of your local job centre so you can pop in for some advice - you may even get some free training! Careers offices advertise vacancies with local employers. These may be immediate vacancies or training vacancies, such as apprenticeships. Connexions is the service for under 19s; nextstep is the careers service for adults. Even if they don't hold any actual vacancies, it's likely they'll be in touch with local businesses so they might have the inside track on who's expanding or recruiting.

Top Job hunting tips

Check the deadline
Most sites are good at removing vacancies that have passed. But it's always a good idea to double check the deadline as an employer will not accept a late application.
Read the terms and conditions
Many good recruitment sites keep your CV on a database, employers can then search through these when they have a vacancy, which can be great as employers can then find you. But, as with everything you do online, be sure that a site is secure and reputable before posting your personal details. Make sure to read the terms and conditions before parting with your details.
Quality not Quantity
Online applications are quick and easy and you could just fire your CV off to every company on the recruitment site. Employers look for applications that link your skills and abilities to the requirements of the job so try and tailor each application before you send it as you are more likely to get an interview.
Be open
Try browsing different job categories or widen the geographical area of your search, if you are struggling to find vacancies, there may be something you haven't considered!
Don't get sucked in
If a job sounds too good to be true, it usually is! Sometimes some vacancies are oversold just to try and get people to sign up/apply. Look behind the pound signs before handing over your info or cash!

Job Jargon

What does that mean? If you are asking yourself that question when you look at a job ad you are not alone. Below is a handy Jargon buster so you can find out what they are looking for.

PA
means 'per annum', so how much the annual salary is £14,000PA means you would get paid £14,000 per year
PW
Means 'per week', so how much the weekly salary is £200PW means you would get paid £200 per week
OTE
short for "on target earnings", this means that your pay will have a performance-related element. For example if you are applying for a sales role, you may get a basic salary of £8,000 per annum and the rest is commission based, depending on how much you sell. So if the ad stats £18,000 OTE in this scenario it means that you would be expected to earn a further £10,000 in commission - be sure to ask about the targets at the interview and then decide if you would be able to achieve these or not.
Pro Rata
usually when the job is part-time. It means 'proportionately'. For example, if the wage is £12,000 for full-time (say 40 hours per week) and you are working 20 hours, then you will earn £6,000 in a year

How do I write my CV?

Job adverts can be challenging to interpret but it's essential so you can tailor your covering letter and CV to what the employer wants. You could break down the job advert by asking these questions:

what's the main purpose of the job? What are the main tasks?
how is this role important to the company? What will its impact be?
what skills do they want applicants to have?
what knowledge or experience do they want applicants to have?

Breaking down the job advert enables you to put your finger on what the employer is after. You can then push your relevant skills and experience in your CV and covering letter.

Can I get any help?

Direct.gov have careers coaches can help you work out what an employer is asking for in their job advert, job description or person spec. They can also help you sell your skills and experience in your application. You can speak to a careers coach on 08080 100 333 - lines are open 8am to 10pm seven days a week, more information can be found on the direct.gov website

House Exchange - find home swaps, council exchanges, housing association exchange, and mutual exchange.