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The links given in this piece are for examples only, of course there are many more samples but we cannot fit them all here. The links we have here have no links or affiliation to our site nor us to them. We use them as examples only, to stress the advice – do search similar sites as they relate to you.
Where to begin,
Obviously, the first step is discovering what your ideal job would be – this is the hard part. The easiest place to start is simply considering what you enjoy doing – chances are there is an occupation to suit you. Above all, it is necessary to consider what job you would be doing if money was not a factor, which is often easier said than done.
Obviously, if you are simply aiming to earn a massive amount of money there are specific jobs to aim towards; city banker, hedge fund analyst, pop star or become a footballer. And if one of these occupations is your dream, then go for it. But many will be forced to consider whether to work for money or for love of the job. If your priority is the latter then, hopefully you will be lucky and end up with a job which not only makes you happy, but also pays the bills.
Consider your strengths and what job you would be doing if there were no obstacles. Once you have figured out what this is, then the best piece of advice is simply to go for it. However, it is important to acknowledge that it won’t be easy.
There is a lot of competition out there, so you will have to do everything you can to make yourself the perfect candidate.
It is also essential to realise that certain jobs will may require you to relocate, certain jobs cannot be done properly or at all outside of London, for example, those who hope to secure a highflying career in investment banking will find more opportunities in the capital.
More exotic positions will require applicants to be prepared for a lot of travelling, such as an air hostess, pilot or a member of the armed forces.
What next?
Get work experience. This is essential; work experience proves that you are serious about the job in question and it will provide you with the opportunity to learn vital skills. It may also grant you valuable contacts who will keep you updated with vacancies and links to other people who may be able to help you. In an ideal situation, you may make such a good impression that they will keep you in mind when a vacancy arrives; companies occasionally hire interns and those who have completed work experience placements as they have had the opportunity to observe how they fit in at the workplace.
Gain the relevant qualifications. Once you have decided on your dream job, there may be certain courses you need to complete before hoping to be considered for a permanent position. This may involve taking training in the evenings or alongside your other commitments. Short courses or even completing a degree. But, if you are determined to enter the profession of your dreams, you will be able to find ways to complete such programmes of study. Part time training and internet courses are now widely available and there is often assistance with fees.
Once you have the necessary skills and experience you just need to find that job. The following sources are pivotal points of exploration for those searching for a position:
Newspapers. Local papers are a good source of jobs, but this of course depends on where you want to work. If you are willing to work anywhere then your research will have to be much more extensive. However, if you are hoping to get a job in a specific location then there are only so many papers you will able to check. Those aiming to find employment in London should check the national newspapers; the Standard, Guardian and The Times are usually good sources.
The Internet. Nowadays it is much easier to research available positions in the hope of finding the perfect availability. Nationwide websites contain a wealth of current vacancies from around the country. All you have to do is search for the occupation you hope to secure and then enjoy applying for all the jobs that take your fancy. If you have a specific company in mind then it is worth keeping an eye on their website, as many organisations will advertise through this medium. Other sites worth trying are those specifically designed for the occupation you favour; these will often contain helpful hints as well as vacancies. Graduates should explore their university careers centre website as well as these are often extremely helpful.
Job centre. Such organisations boast a multitude of resources designed to assist those searching for jobs. Often visitors will be able to use the internet for free, as well as receive valuable advice relating to applications and interviews.
Speculative applications. If you are hoping to secure a specific post in a certain organisation then it is worth sending in your CV even if they are not presently advertising for staff. Although they may not be able to offer you something immediately, they may keep your CV in mind if a position arises in the future.
Keep your ear to the ground. Make it known that you are looking for a specific job, many will remember you and choose to inform you if they hear of a suitable position which becomes available.
All should be aware that the road to securing your perfect job is not simple. It will take time and most will discover that they are forced to start at the bottom of the ladder and then work their way up. The most important part is securing a position even if at the bottom of the ladder, once this has been achieved applicants can rest assured in the knowledge that they are on their way to achieving their goal.
It may sound simple but identifying your dream job frees you to then invest into making steps towards it.
Make the most of the internet
1. Make sure you have a professional-looking email address. Your e-mail needs to be something like ‘Joe.black@hotmail.com’, rather than something jokey like ‘studjoe@hotmail.com’. After all you need potential employers to take you seriously.
2. Get help with your CV. There are numerous websites that offer help with writing a good CV. The BBC website’s CV help is a good place to start, There are other sites that offer CV templates e.g.: totaljobs.com/careers-advice/cvs-and-applications/which-cv
Remember to check UK sites rather than American ones as there are differences in the approach, and British employers can find the US CV style a bit irritating. Also remember to refresh your online CV regularly to make sure you’re at the top of the list!
3. Put yourself on a good job site. There are a lot of sites to choose from including the jobcentre website, Direct.Gov.uk, Guardianjobs lists vacancies for jobseekers with an impressive CV.Reed.co.uk; .jobsite.co.uk/; www.fish4.co.uk/ , claims to be the main job site in the U.K. with thousands of jobs added every day.
4. Network. We can’t stress enough just how important it is to network. Far, far more jobs are picked up through personal contacts and recommendations than through job advertisements. Social and business networking sites are increasingly the way to get yourself out there now, so make sure you sign up to them. Sites like LinkedIn, enable you to link up with lots of people and check out the jobs section every day.
Remember though that prospective employers are increasingly checking profiles on social networking sites so make sure yours is clean and professional. Reams of drunken photos or inappropriate comments about a current or potential employer are the quickest way to ruin your chances. So join the social networks and indicate you are available for work but keep it professional.
Of course networking in person is still valuable – get out to business networking evenings (try your local business associations and chambers of commerce if you don’t know where to start) and look on all social occasions as possible networking opportunities.
5. Get extra skills for free. There are a lot of free courses you can take online, from learning languages to technical skills. The BBC website has plenty of free online language courses including French, Spanish, Greek, Italian and even Urdu.
A few organizations are now willing to share knowledge for free e.g. Vision2Learn for internet skills :Open University’s Site, University Lecture Podcasts
Apart from the new skill itself, learning extra little bits shows that you’re adaptable and up-to-date – just what your new employer is looking for.
6. Research pay rates for the job you want. Go to Payscale.com and you can find out what a job should pay. You should have an idea of what to expect, so you will know if an offer is a good one or not.
7. Set up your own blog and write about your area of work. It might seem like a big project, One it will occupy you and also give you exposure and if you are networking it is no harm to direct traffic to your blog, you never know who will read it. Blogs are free see: Blogger.com to set up your blog in minutes for nothing. It becomes part of getting yourself out there!
It can also be a great thing to show off to potential employers, as it demonstrates your enthusiasm for working in that particular industry, and show your creativity and ambition.
8. Remember to sell yourself. Modesty is an attractive trait, sure, but a job application is not the time for it. You’re selling yourself to someone else, so make sure they know about all the things you have done and achieved or they will never realise just how perfect you are for the job! You don’t need to brag or boast, but there’s nothing wrong with painting yourself in the best possible light you can. What you are shy about could be just what gives an advantage over other applicants.
9. Watch your spelling and grammar. This is very important, A lot of people get irritated by grammar and spelling mistakes to the point where they fail to appreciate the message you intend to convey – get a friend to read over your work as well they may pick on an omission or mistake.
10. Get the name of the individual you should write to directly. It really helps to go direct to the person hiring. It’s more personal and generally more successful. But, make sure you spell their name correctly. If you do not you loose them.
11. Talk to your prospective referees. Tell them you are applying for jobs and courteously ask their permission to be used as a referee, even if you know they will be fine with it. You want them to think even more favourably of you, and to respond to companies quickly.
12. Make sure your qualifications are up-to-date. Now is exactly the time to check that the qualifications you say you have in your CV are still up-to-date. Do you need a new CRB check? Is your First Aid current or need training www.sja.org.uk/sja/default.aspx ? Are you sure of your knowledge of the mortgage market or the latest legal rulings or statue law or developments in medicine? If you can afford it, now is a very good time to take the latest courses and exams to keep up.
13. Go for quantity. Once you have got the basics right (a good CV, proper spelling and covering letter etc) it’s a numbers game. Write off to as many job offers as you see. If you’re doing it by email it’s not going to cost you any more, but remember not to send them all in a standard form customize to the vacancy you are applying for.
14. Apply for jobs you’re overqualified for. Check job vacancies that might be beneath you. For a start, you could get the job which would be a way in to other jobs later on. It may also turn out that the person receiving your CV needs to fill another slot that is not advertised yet. This could be the one with your name on it. Also remember you will attend an interview of such a job with a lot of confidence and who knows you may be at the foot of you dream job.
15. Apply for jobs above your current level. Don’t feel limited by the most recent job you’ve had. If you see job vacancies that would be a bit of a promotion for you, apply for them. There’s no harm in it. And you may just be more qualified than you think.
16. Follow up on job applications by phone. If you possibly can, try to speak to the person you are applying to. Do not be a nuisance but just ask politely if they’ve received your application. If they have not you offer to send it again by snail mail. This is great way to show that you’re keen, and have a professional telephone manner.
17. Remember they could call you. If you have put your mobile number on your CV then you could get a call from a potential employer at any time. Any calls you are not sure of answer them with a professional voice and manner. The same applies for your answer phone message: make sure it’s sensible and mature.
18. Keep a record. You can lose touch with where you have applied to and who you spoke to or the stage of your application. Keep a record. – perhaps a computer spreadsheet or in you phone notepad or just a list on a paper lope to remind you so
19. Get a routine and keep to it. If you are stuck at home and the only thing in your life is your CV and covering letter, give yourself a break. Get a daily routine and treat getting a job as your job – for the time being at least, it is your job. Have your working hours but then give yourself your non-working hours to do other things. This will keep life varied, keep you sane, enhance your CV and give you the chance to network with others.
20. Get a part time job. Still have not secured a job? Keep yourself going and stave off debt by babysitting, waitressing, bar job or helping neighbours with DIY. Look through the print adverts and online for the latest part-time work opportunities. It will keep your CV fresh, make you more employable and still give you time to continue to hunt for the job of your dreams.
21. Register with a temp agency. There are a lot of temporary job agencies around and, again, it’s a numbers game – sign up with several temp jobs agencies and you have a greater chance of landing some work. Make sure you phone them regularly to see if they have work. Don’t wait for them to call you.
22. Set up your own ‘side’ business at home while you’re waiting. Make the most of the downtime It shows employers impressive initiative, it’ll earn you some extra cash and it will keep you busy. You could even keep it going when you get a job.
23. Spend free time sorting other aspects of your life. Get that bathroom painted; sort out your cupboards and drawers and sell your junk on eBay or a car boot sale; get your filing properly sorted and switch all your bills to cheaper providers. This is time that can be used really well and you will be SO pleased once you get a job that you’ve already got all those tasks out of the way.
24. Consider your skills. If changing career, it’s easy to ignore prospective jobs because we only think in terms of the specific job description of what we have been doing.
However, if you list all the things you do at work and possibly elsewhere, such as your activities as a parent or a fund-raiser for your favourite charity, you will realise just how many skills you use on a daily basis. This will help you fill your CV with all your relevant skills, and increase your range of job choices.
25. Volunteer. If you have time on your hands, why not use it for good by becoming a local volunteer? You could work for a charity or visit elderly people or help at a local school see www.do-it.org.uk/ . Whatever you do you will be getting out there, keeping busy, and learning new skills. It will do wonders for your CV. You also never know who you might meet and who could point you in the direction of a job.
25. Do internships. Doing an internship internship-uk.com/ www.inspiringinterns.com/ can be a great way of learning new skills and changing career fields. Don’t allow yourself to be used of course, but do get the most training out of it that you can. Also, spend your time networking with people in the offices.
26. Create your own job. Who says you need to work for one company anyway? Maybe you could be a consultant see this for inspiration http://newlifenetwork.co.uk/become-a-consultant-employed-independent-contract-or-freelance-c87.html or freelance worker for various outlets. Why not create your own job: work out what companies need in your area of expertise and then tout yourself about. You will have more freedom and variety and it might be something you can do from home too.
Have a look at the Government’s Graduate Talent Pool website for opportunities, or think about contacting companies directly to see if they have opportunities. It might seem unproductive, or even a step backwards if you’ve been in employment for some time, but it could be the crucial step to getting paid employment – it’s a first step
27. Be willing to move country. OK, it’s a big move, but given our current economy there are going to be lots of people looking to do the same thing over the next few years – especially new graduates who can’t find positions in the UK.
Teaching English is always a popular option (have a look at TEFL but if you’ve got skills and ambition there are so many other options. Check out the plethora of ‘jobs abroad’ sites on Google. It’s amazing what is out there. If you would just like to get away for a short time, check out Gap Year for Adults which has ideas for jobs, travel and general fun on a year off abroad.
28. Get a job-seeking buddy. As with dieting and getting out of debt, it can really help to have someone with whom to search for work. You can look over each other’s CVs, help each other with interview skills and generally encourage each other. Make sure you’re choose someone positive and who isn’t afraid to be honest with you.
29. Share your contacts with other job-seekers. What goes around comes around. By sharing your contacts with friends who are looking you will be helping yourself as they are more likely to do the same to you. It’s also good for the soul to give rather than concentrate on your own life all the time!
30. Join your trade union or trade association. It’s possible that some jobs will only be advertised through union contacts. Going to union meetings can also be a really focused way of networking.
31. Get extra skills. It could be that you’re not getting jobs because your qualifications aren’t strong enough. If you have the money, this could be a good time to get new qualifications: you could consider going back to college or university, or taking out a Career Development Loan to help finance an evening class or training course.
32. Make use of friends and family. Networking is not just about business contacts or the people you meet at official events. If you think of all your friends and family – and all the people that they, in turn, know – the chances are that you have already gained a decent pool of contacts. All you need to do is let them know that you’re looking and they might prove to be very useful indeed. Your cousin’s neighbour might have just the opportunity you’ve been looking for…
33. Be willing to travel to work. Do not limit your searches because of geography Yes it is a nuisance to spend half an hour or more in the train or in the car but the more flexible you are, the more jobs you can access.
34. Do not forget to check local free sheets. You just never know. They may seem small and look insignificant but it is worth a quick scan here and there for a juicy job that’s just down the road.
Your wellbeing when job hunting
35. Be positive… It’s easy to feel down when you’ve sent out hundreds of applications and got nowhere. Remember, persistence wins the prize and we tend to get in life what we expect. Expect the best and you are likely to get it. However, keep an open mind too. If you are getting rejected all the time it could be that your CV, your application letter or your interview approach need work. Go through these with friends or professionals and get their feedback.
There is no harm in asking for feedback as to why you were rejected either. Don’t be pushy – many employers might be too busy or have too many applications to reply – but some will probably give you feedback, which is always useful.
36. Learn not to take rejection personally. Not everyone can get that job. Pretty much everyone has been rejected for a job at some time or will. The more you can brush off rejection, the quicker you will get on in life and the happier you will be generally.
37. Don’t give up. It’s far too easy to give up, particularly if you live in an area where there is a lot of unemployment or you are friends with other people who have given up hope. You must refuse to accept defeat. Keep going – it is the ones who persist, persist and persist who win in the end.
38. Look beyond your team
If you are in employment and still looking for job think also within your company or organisation. It is important to look beyond your team or department. “As an existing employee you might have an advantage to be eligible to ring fenced positions
39. Read internal communications
You have access to information and people that external applicants would not, maybe through the volunteer, part time position you have, use it Find time to read company emails and newsletters as these will tell you a great deal about individual staff members and their projects.
40. Attend meetings and presentations
It’s important you understand the strategy behind the business. “Get along to company presentations and meetings. When you are invited to your local meetings, attend, talk to people and ask lots of questions. Try to understand the bigger business picture and identify potential areas of company, charity, organisation development where you might be able to add value”. Meeting and presentations are also a great opportunity to promote yourself in front of senior colleagues in other departments: make sure they know who you are and what you can do.
41. Know what awards are being won
Is your company winning awards? Knowing about external achievements will help you identify areas of focus and development.
42. Read the press
News coverage is a great way to understand overall strategy and vision. If the areas mentioned are interesting to you, contact the people referenced in the press release; talk to them and find out if they have any openings for you.
43. Take an interest in product development
New services or products need teams to develop them – see if there are openings with those teams.
44. Watch where people go
Finally, observe who gets promoted and who leaves or is made redundant. “The movement of people is very revealing”, and should help you position yourself.
Final bit of advice: Keep knocking on doors. Make every application personal and don’t lose faith.
45. EVALUATE OFFERS
Once you are extended job offers, evaluate them based on how well they match your interests, skills, values, and attitudes. Determine if the environment is one in which you can do your best work. Consider the opportunities for professional growth the positions may afford you. Don’t hold out for the perfect job. Since a first job is not forever, think about whether or not the position will provide a good foundation, a launching pad for your career. In evaluating geographic location of job offers, remember that employees who are open to relocation early in their career are highly valued and will have the benefit of geographic stability in later career stages.
In evaluating salary offers, be realistic. Check against Payscale.com This will help you to ascertain if the offer is favourable or not. Remember to always express your appreciation for assistance and support. You may want to stay in touch with some of your contacts. And once you have established yourself in your own career, pay back the system by offering to include other young jobseekers in your own growing network.