Where to look for jobs
As well as using the popular job vacancy websites you could try some of the following places to help you find a job.
Employment Agencies
They deal with vacancies covering a variety of different occupations from unskilled to managerial.
Both permanent and temporary vacancies will be advertised.
They will want details about your previous experience etc. – a CV will come in handy.
TV Radio/Internet
Some large employers advertise jobs on local radio and TV ‘Job Spots’ throughout the day.
The internet displays vacancies and information about companies.
Many computer companies advertise on the Internet.
All Jobcentre Plus jobs are advertised on the Internet. Click Jobcentre Plus to find out more.
Newspapers
Check the Situations Vacant section of your local paper every day if possible. Get hold of back issues – your local library usually has a good selection of newspapers. Not all jobs go on the first advert. A lot of employers wait a few days for the right person to come along!! Also, don’t just read the Situations Vacant section - read all the news articles. They may: - tell you about new firms moving into the area, firms that have won contracts, companies expanding or opening new premises. Any of these firms might be worth approaching for vacancies.
Look at other adverts, they may give you other contacts or background information about a company – useful when making a call to see if they have any jobs.
Remember – competition may be greater when you apply for a job advertised in the press. Don’t get disheartened if you get no response. The more jobs you apply for the greater your chances of getting an interview.
Professional and Trade Journals
They advertise specialist jobs or particular types of work. For example – ‘Construction News’ for jobs in the construction trade, ‘The Lady’ for nannies, mother's helpers and au pairs.
Try the local reference library if you don’t want to purchase them from the newsagents.
Business Directories
These give details of businesses in the UK and elsewhere.
Try main business libraries or University reference libraries.
Yellow Pages
There is a huge amount of information in this book. Don’t just look at the one section where you think employers with your type of work may be advertised.
Look at the classification index at the back, this contains many pages of business categories – they might help you to look for alternative job choices.
Check small adverts as well as larger ones – small firms need staff too!!
Try visiting www.yell.com
Thomson Local Directory
A smaller version of the Yellow Pages, it details companies in a particular area.
Check the Community Pages for ideas and contacts.
Look at Voluntary Organisations – volunteering can be a chance to use your existing skills, gain experience, develop new interests and get training in new areas of work. It could sometimes lead to paid work. It looks good on your CV too!! Look for more information at www.thomweb.co.uk
Shop Window/newsagents
If you are willing to consider casual or part-time work you could find what you are looking for in shop windows or newsagents.
Vacancies for child minding, gardening or shop work are often advertised this way.
Libraries
Libraries are a valuable source of information to find out what is going on in your local area.
Copies of local and national newspapers as well as Yellow Pages and business directories are all available.
You can order books for job search which are not stocked.
You can also access the internet free of charge, you just need to book a computer in advance.
Libraries have reference material on local companies – ask if it is not displayed.
Word of Mouth (Networking)
Many vacancies are never advertised.
Sometimes the best way of finding out about jobs is through people YOU KNOW. Friends and relatives might know about vacant jobs not advertised.
