Finding the right job

2. Finding the right job

Finding the job you want is all about knowing where to look and what approach to take. On any given day there will be many new vacancies available. If you are prepared and know how to respond, it can give you the opportunity to get the job you want, when you want it.

Some interesting facts about filling vacancies:

6 in 10 jobs are filled through word of mouth

2 in 10 jobs by speculative approach

1 in 10 jobs through Jobcentre Plus

1 in 10 jobs through newspapers

Where do you look for jobs?

There are a variety of sources of job opportunities, make sure that you consider them all. If you restrict yourself to using only one of these methods you are in effect restricting your job search and you will limit your possibilities and prospects.

Newspapers - Frequently when a company knows that they are looking for staff they will place an advert in a newspaper. The advert will usually give a brief outline of the duties and responsibilities that the role involves, then they may ask you to phone them about the vacancy, to write enclosing your CV, to write requesting an application form or even to attend an open day or to go to their website to make an online application.

Hidden Vacancies - When reading through the newspapers be aware of the hidden vacancies! These are articles written about companies that may be opening up in the local area or companies already there that are expanding. It is a good idea to contact them before they need to advertise for staff and make them aware of your presence. This way you can show the company you are using your initiative.

Jobcentre Plus - Many local employers rely on Jobcentre Plus to recruit suitable staff and a large number of vacancies will be available via JCP. Their website is updated daily and enables you to search using specific criteria that suit what you are looking for.

Internet Sites - In addition to the Jobcentre Plus website there are a host of other job opportunity websites and many larger companies also advertise their available opportunities on their own website. Have a look at the list of 'Useful Websites'.

Networking - Word of Mouth - Six out of every ten jobs are filled by word of mouth! Keep in touch with people that you have known in and out of the workplace to ensure that you have links with the type of work you wish to obtain. This can mean that when a job comes up, one of these people will put your name forward. This is also an invaluable way of keeping up to date with changes and developments within your chosen field.

Shop Windows - Many retail outlets will avoid the cost of advertising available positions by putting a notice in their shop window saying that they are looking for staff. Some larger retail outlets have notice boards within their premises that list available vacancies. Whilst this is usually in retail environments, other types of companies may also adopt a similar approach. So make sure you keep your eyes open wherever you are.

Directories - You can use directories to help you find the names and addresses of companies who specialise in the type of work that you are seeking. Having done this you can either telephone them or write a covering letter with your CV enquiring about any opening that the company may have now or in the future for somebody with your skills and experience.

Recruitment Agencies - Companies looking for new staff will sometimes approach recruitment agencies for assistance in finding suitable staff. Some agencies work within a specific sector, e.g. drivers, manual labour or secretarial whilst others cover a range of job types. Consider registering with recruitment agencies as they will be able to promote you to companies looking for staff.

Job Fairs - Job Fairs are opportunities for you to meet with an employer or a number of employers who are looking to recruit new staff. These are sometimes 'sector specific' e.g. for Care jobs, or may have a range of employers covering a range of sectors. Larger companies also sometimes run their own Job Fairs when they are looking to recruit a number of staff.

To get started in your job search, have a look at the Workways Jobkit: