LOOKING FOR A JOB?
Having a plan will help you get the most from your efforts. You need to ask yourself some basic questions:
| u | What sort of jobs can I do? |
| u | Where are these jobs? |
| u | What skills are needed to get these jobs? |
| u | How do I get these skills if I don’t already have them? |
You may already have begun your job search, but, how good has your job seeking been? Ask yourself the following:
| u | Are you clear about the jobs you are looking for? |
| u | Do you know what skills/abilities/qualifications are needed? |
| u | Are you clear about your own skills and abilities? |
| u | Do you have a current Curriculum Vitae (CV)? |
| u | Do you read the job papers? |
| u | Have you visited, written to or telephoned any companies on the off chance they may have vacancies? |
| u | Can you prepare your own letters to potential employers? |
| u | Are you confident when using the telephone? |
| u | Do you keep a record of the jobs you’ve applied for and results of your applications? |
The more questions you answered yes to, the better the chances of you finding a new job. Don’t worry if you didn’t answer yes to many. Not all methods work for everyone. Job search is as individual as the person searching.
We are here to help you. Here are a few hints, tips and information to help you answer yes to more of the questions and find out which method works best for you.
WHAT HAVE I GOT TO OFFER?
You need to be able to ‘sell’ yourself, and because we’re not all born salespeople, you need to ask yourself honestly:
| u | What skills do I have? |
| u | Can I use any of these skills in other jobs? |
| u | Do I have any other skills connected with my hobbies or interests, which I could develop? |
Many people think they don’t have any skills because they don’t have much work experience or because they have only ever done one particular job.
What they don’t realise is that they could already have the most valuable skills they will ever need. Skills that will help them move from job to job. Think about all the activities you do in your daily life. For example, being a member of a sports team or a club could involve the following:
| u | Getting on with other people |
| u | Following or giving instructions |
| u | Being committed to something |
| u | Following a routine |
| u | Using you own time |
Below is a list of a few skills, think of which ones apply to you: (yours might not be here but it gives you the idea)
Communicating, team worker, leadership, learning, filing, drawing, handling, finance, good with computers, designing, helpful, good with people, demonstrating, administration, identifying, coaching, writing.
THE PLAN
Looking for a job can take longer than you think. It can be easier if you plan what you are going to do.
A possible plan could look something like this:MONDAY | Produce letters of application/visit websites |
| TUESDAY | Follow up any previous applications |
| WEDNESDAY | Visit Acumen/Jobcentre/agencies |
| THURSDAY | Read situations vacant/identify suitable jobs |
| FRIDAY | Reply to advertisments/arrange interviews |
| SATURDAY | Visit library/sources of further information |
| SUNDAY | Day off (because we all need one) |
This is just an example, you need to find out what is best for you.
Despite your efforts, many employers may not even reply to your applications or letters, but don’t let it get you down, keep trying.
WHERE TO SEARCH FOR WORK
Acumen Development Trust
Our Community Reach Out Team offers friendly advice to anyone living in the District of Easington or South Tyneside who is not working and would like help to get a job. Support includes: advice and guidance to help you choose a job which suits your skills, abilities and interests; help to apply for jobs; information and guidance about education and training opportunities; access to current job vacancies; help and support to overcome any obstacles preventing you from getting a job; self-employment advice.
Jobcentre Plus
A free service which is free and easy to use. If you find anything suitable, the Jobcentre staff will be able to tell you how to apply. The jobs displayed include full-time, permanent, part-time and temporary vacancies throughout the UK and abroad. The Jobcentre also has details of training courses and other help, which is available to unemployed people.
The Internet
There are a number of job search websites available
www.fish4.co.uk
www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk
www.monster.co.uk
www.totaljobs.co.uk
(These are a few, ask a member of Acumen for further help)
The Internet hosts a wide selection of possible jobs, agencies and there is advice on job searching available.
Newspapers
There are a number of papers available. On a Wednesday, the Sunderland Echo and Northern Echo, on a Thursday the Evening Chronicle, on a Friday Jobs North East and on a Sunday The Sunday Sun. All have job pages with hundreds of jobs that need to be filled. They also have names and addresses of various agencies.
Employment Agencies
Employment agencies deal with vacancies covering a wide variety of occupations, some specialise in one particular area of work, for example, secretarial, accountancy or driving. Most agencies charge the employer for filling their vacancies. So be cautious about any agency asking for money in advance.
Yellow Pages and Thomson Local
There is so much you can get from these types of directories: addresses to send prospective letters, addresses for agencies and community contacts.
Shop Windows
Many shops and business advertise their vacancies in shop windows. There is also nothing lost in leaving CVs with covering letters in shops you would like to work.
Career Office/Connexions
Career offices usually deal with vacancies for younger people. Some also provide advice and guidance to adults. They can be particularly helpful if you are considering a change of career or are interested in returning to further education.
TV/Radio
Teletext services on TV are available 24 hours a day. Many local stations have a ‘job spot’ throughout the day.
Networking/Word of mouth
Many vacancies are never advertised anywhere. One of the best ways of finding out about jobs is through people you know. Your friends, relatives, and other people you meet may hear about vacancies or jobs not yet advertised.
GETTING READY
| 1) | Decide who to contact and why |
| 2) | Decide what to say – make notes beforehand |
| 3) | Find out the name of the person you should speak to |
| 4) | If you are going to use a payphone or mobile make sure you have enough change or credit. Have a pen and paper ready to make notes |
| 5) | If you are going to visit, get your paper work together e.g. copies of your CV, references, examples of your work. Plan your journey - you could visit any employers on the one day. Pay attention to your appearance – first impressions count |
| 6) | If your going to use email, make sure you have the correct address for the person you need to contact. Have copies of your CV or any other information on the computer so that you can attach them to your email. |
THE TELEPHONE CALL/VISIT
| 1) | Give your name and explain why you are calling |
| 2) | Ask to see/speak to the person responsible for employment |
| 3) | If the person you wish to speak to is not there, find out the best time to call back. Don’t leave a message |
| 4) | Tell them about yourself and what you have to offer |
| 5) | Discuss possible vacancies |
If there are vacancies, agree what happens next e.g. application form/interview (date and time). End on a friendly and positive note. Always thank them for their time.
If there are no vacancies, ask if they have any other contacts you could try, ask if they will put you on a waiting list, ask if you should call again in a few weeks, ask if you could send a copy of your CV, end on a friendly and positive note.
Always thank them for their time. Follow up as agreed.
CONTACTING BY E-MAIL
| 1) | Check you have the correct e-mail address for the person responsible for recruitment |
| 2) | Explain why you are contacting them |
| 3) | Tell them about yourself and what you have to offer. Do not forget to attach your CV or any useful documents |
| 4) | Ask about possible vacancies |
| 5) | In case they do not have any vacancies, ask if: - they have any other contacts you could try - they could put you on a waiting list - you should contact them again in a few weeks |
| 6) | End on a friendly and positive note |
| 7) | Follow up as agreed |
KEEPING TRACK OF YOUR PROGRESS
It’s a good idea to keep all your paperwork together with copies of completed application forms, CVs, job advertisements, references etc. Then you can keep track of your progress.
You may consider keeping a record of your job search activities. It will help you see at a glance what is happening with each application, and it acts as a useful reminder when you’re following up on recent job applications.
Here’s an example of what it could look like:
| Employer | Address and Telephone Number | Name of Contact | Position Applied For | Date and Method of Application | Result |
| BJK | North East Industrial Estate, Peterlee | Mr Smith | Production Operative | 03/03/08 | Name put on list for forthcoming vacancies |
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