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Where to look for jobs

If you’re just starting out on your job search, it’s worth:

• checking the vacancies advertised through the Jobcentre Plus
• checking out if there is an Apprenticeship scheme available so you can learn on the job. Our article on Apprenticeships provides further details
• checking local noticeboards (particularly for part-time work)
• checking local and national newspapers. You can visit This is Essex for jobs advertised in local papers
• checking specialist magazines, for example Caterer and Hotelkeeper for jobs in the hospitality industry  
• visiting an employment agency (although they are often for young people 18 and above)
• visiting the websites of companies you would like to work for to see if they have any vacancies
• writing a speculative covering letter (a general letter asking if an employer has any vacancies within a particular area of work) and sending this, along with your CV, to companies within your chosen industry or sector
• speaking to family and friends about potential vacancies. This is called networking and is the most effective way of finding work
• keeping a log of who you have applied to and when so that you can follow your application up with a polite telephone call or email to ensure they received your application
• reading the details in a job advert carefully, to see if you meet the main requirements of the job. This part may be called the ‘person specification’.

Are you employable?

Research predicts that in future there will be fewer jobs for people who lack skills and very few ‘jobs for life’ - meaning that skills and work experience are likely to become more and more important as time goes on. To help you get started on your career path it can help if you get some hands-on experience in your chosen industry. This will add value to any qualifications you have achieved or are working towards and enhance your CV; making you more appealing to employers.  Volunteering or work experience are ways to gain practical experience and work-shadowing can give you an insight into the day-to-day duties within a particular role. Long-term trends show that jobs in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and foreign languages are increasing. For additional information about careers in these sectors visit www.futuremorph.org or www.languageswork.org.uk.

Unemployed

Being unemployed is something that many people will go through during some stage of their working life.  Whether you've lost your job or haven't been able to find anything yet, the important thing is to get out there and start looking as soon as possible.

September Guarantee

If you are 16 or 17, have left school and can't find a job, the September Guarantee is an offer of post 16 learning that is relevant to your needs. This means it will take into account your qualifications, be somewhere that you can travel to and be the sort of learning you want to do. Speak to a Connexions Personal Adviser for further information and support. 

Useful websites

Careersbox
Careersbox offers advice and information on career opportunities.

icould
icould gives you the inside story of how careers work. The icould storytellers relate, in their own words, their real life career journeys.

Careers Gateway
Careers Gateway has a lot of information articles and job hunting advice, along with quizzes and games.

BrightsideUNIAID: knowledge bank
Provides articles and topical news around careers, study, finance and independent living to help young people explore their future options.

This is Essex
Search for jobs advertised in local newspapers.

Careers Fair
Information on applying for jobs.

National Guidance Research Forum
Provides information on the job market.

Alec
Help with job applications, CVs and interviews.

Jobcentre Plus
Search for jobs, careers, childcare or voluntary work.

Alliance
Find the Sector Skills Council’s website for the job that interests you.

BT: moving on
BT provides information on job application and interview skills for young people. Moving On helps young adults aged 14-19 and beyond to learn more about themselves, the skills they need in life and work, and how best to develop and demonstrate these as they identify and apply for jobs that are a good fit for their personality, interests and skills.

Online tools

Fast Tomato
Fast Tomato is a careers education and guidance system, designed for all individuals aged 12 upwards who are considering their future career options.

Last updated: 21/06/11

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