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Search for a job
Read about the best ways of searching for a job.
The internet, and technology, have changed the way people search for and apply for jobs. However, the basic first steps are much the same.
Interpreting and understanding the job advert
On the face of it studying and understanding a job advert does not sound like a difficult task. However job adverts have changed in nature. Job adverts are exactly that - adverts - and therefore can use buzzwords and cryptic language to make the job sound the best it can be.
See these guides for more information on job adverts:
- Work Service Group - Guide to effectively interpreting job ads
- Guardian Careers - How to decode job adverts - top tips
Searching for a job
The following can be used to find a new job:
As mentioned above, the landscape of job hunting has changed dramatically over the last ten years. The use of online job boards and social media has increased exponentially to the extent that nearly all jobs are promoted on one, or more, of these options. Below is a list of the most common online recruitment sites and it is wise to include at least one, or two, of these sites in your portfolio of job hunting options.
In addition to the online sites, you may wish to consider using a ‘face2face’ recruiter. This is particularly relevant when you are looking for a certain type of job as there are agencies which specialise in every possible role and sector. You can visit the Recruitment & Employment Confederation website to locate suitable agencies. Go into ‘About REC’, click on ‘For Jobseekers’ and you will find a link called ‘Member Directory’. Through this, you can search for suitable agencies by postcode, sector or keyword.
The most common social media sites used to secure a new job are Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Most employers will advertise their vacancies on one, or more, of these sites with LinkedIn being the most professional and career focused. Whichever site you decide on, it is vital to ensure that your ‘online profile’ is professional and up to date.
When using social media for both personal and professional purposes you need to be aware of your 'digital footprint'. This includes information from your social network profile, photographs that you, your friends or family have posted online (and tagged), anything you have written or that has been written about you. You should also be mindful of the impression that your social media profiles can give to employers.
Tips on using social media for job searching
The benefits of using social media for job searching include:
- Finding out about employers who you are interested in working for;
- Follow employers and stay up to date with their latest news and opportunities;
- Find jobs not advertised elsewhere;
- Developing useful contacts with professionals working in similar roles; and
- Marketing yourself positively and professionally to potential employers.
The identification of job opportunities through a network of contacts has, and always will be, one of the best ways to secure a new job. Many vacancies are filled by ‘word of mouth’ so it is important to maintain your links with friends, previous colleagues and, obviously, family members. In some sectors, over 70 per cent of vacancies are filled through networking rather than a job advert.
Many organisations will have, within their website, a section which details their current vacancies. You can obviously search for specific vacancies but most will also allow you to upload your CV / covering letter and some will also have the facility for you to set up alerts to be notified of new jobs.
Some of the main employer websites within North Yorkshire are:
- Aviva
- Drax
- Hiscox
- National Health Service
- National Trust
- North Yorkshire County Council
- Persimmon Homes
- Shepherd Group
- Yorkshire Water
Sector specific websites
In addition to employer websites there are also sites that relate to specific types of employment, such as:
NHS
National / local government
- www.jobsgopublic.co.uk
- www.civilservice.gov.uk/jobs
- www.leeds.gov.uk
- www.wakefield.gov.uk
- www.northyorks.gov.uk/jobs
- www.bradford.gov.uk
- www.york.gov.uk
Professional / executive
- www.executivesontheweb.com
- www.cipd.co.uk/pm
- www.peoplematters.co.uk/
- www.randstad.co.uk
- https://jobs.lawgazette.co.uk/Legal
- https://jobs.theguardian.com/jobs/finance-and-accounting/england/Accountancy
- www.cimaglobal.com/
- www.apm.org.uk/
IT jobs
If there is a particular company that you would like to work for why not offer to do some work experience. If you can secure a few days or weeks of work experience it’s like having a long job interview for both you and the employer. They see how you perform in the role, and you get to learn about the work, the company, and your colleagues, all of which will help you decide if it’s right for you.
Jobcentre Plus
If you registered with Jobcentre Plus, they will actively help you look for work and, if appropriate, will support you to find work experience. You will be assigned a specific ‘work coach’ who will work with you to help you secure new employment. They can arrange short training sessions to help you with all aspects of job hunting including use of Universal Credit.
Last updated: October 2019