There are many different ways and places you can look for a job. You may already know where you need to look to find the job you want, but if you don’t or you want to widen your search, here are some suggestions.
- Online job sites should be one of the first places you look for your next job opportunity. There are lots of online tools, they’re generally free and available 24/7.
- Use Find a Job (external link). With Find a Job you can create a profile, upload your CV and receive email alerts about new and existing jobs.
- There are plenty of other job sites available too. Try searching online for ‘jobs’ or make your search more specific to find the right vacancies for you, like ‘retail jobs in Leeds’.
- Employer websites – check company websites to see if they are recruiting – employers usually have a ‘Careers’ section on their website. Make sure you check in regularly or follow them on social media.
- Recruitment agencies – register with local agencies. Some agencies specialise in specific types of work or sectors, such as retail or hospitality. You can search for agencies through the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (external website).
- Social media – many companies now use social media for recruitment purposes, so using these platforms makes you more visible to employers. Here’s some things to try:
- Create a LinkedIn profile. It allows you to connect with employers who advertise a broad range of jobs.
- Follow organisations you’re interested in working for and sign up for email alerts.
- Join online conversations in areas that you’re interested in working in. It could open the door to new contacts and opportunities.
- Let your social media contacts know you’re looking for work.
- Networking events – look out for local jobs fairs (or careers fairs). Keep in touch with your local Jobcentre to see if they are running any.
- Newspapers – you can still find vacancies advertised locally and in some national papers, so it is worth a look.
- Employers – if there are particular companies you want to work for, contact them directly. It could be by phone or email at first. Or you can send them your CV and a covering letter. While they may not have current vacancies, you’ve made yourself known and you’ve added to your network of contacts.
- Local Jobcentre Plus – if you are claiming Universal Credit, your Work Coach can help you. It’s also worth following the Jobcentre on social media to find out about upcoming opportunities and events such as jobs fairs.
- Friends and family – let them know you are looking for work. They can often be a valuable source of information and support. For example, they may be able to give you inside information on when companies are recruiting or if they have any current job vacancies where they work. They may even be able to give you a referral to a company, or recommend you for a job, which will always carry some weight.
If you use any of these, make sure you keep a log of your activities in your job search plan, so you can keep track of where you’ve looked, what action you’ve taken and when you need to follow up or look again.