You always increase your chances of success if you use a variety of vacancy sources and job hunting methods, such as newspaper adverts and jobcentres. If you cast your net wide you might just catch the big fish!
Newspapers - local and national
You can find job adverts in a wide range of publications from national daily papers such as The Times and The Mirror, to local and regional daily or weekly papers. You can search for regional newspapers on the Newspaper Society's website.
You'll also find regional and national jobs-only papers. Ask your local newsagent to find out which papers are available in your area.
Professional or specialist journals
Jobs are also advertised in journals or trade magazines for your area of work. Subscription is often free if you’re already in the industry. Large newsagents and libraries also stock these.
As well as carrying job vacancies, they include news on which companies are expanding and which have won new contracts. Even if they aren't actually advertising vacancies you might like to approach these companies to make a speculative application. Our beginner's guide to networking can show you how to do this.
You can find out which journals cover your area of work by reading the 'What opportunities are there?' section of our job profiles.
Jobcentres
Jobcentres offer the following facilities:
- Job boards with vacancy details on them
- Jobpoints - touch-screens with job vacancies
- Jobseeker Direct (Tel 0845 60 60 234) - a phone service where you can get details of job vacancies, request application forms and arrange interviews.
Personal advisors can help you find the vacancies that are right for you, whether you're looking for your first job or returning to work. They can also tell you about government training schemes open to you. They'll take into account any additional needs you might have, such as childcare or if you have a disability.
Careers Service offices
Careers offices advertise vacancies with local employers. These may be immediate vacancies or training vacancies, such as apprenticeships. Connexions is the service for under 19s; nextstep is the careers service for adults. Even if they don't hold any actual vacancies, it's likely they'll be in touch with local businesses so they might have the inside track on who's expanding or recruiting.
Where can I get further help and advice?
Our Careers Coaches can help you find the best source of vacancies for the type of job you're looking for. You can call them on 08080 100 333. Lines are open 8am – 10pm seven days a week.
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