Job openings

You need a job but where do you look? Here, of course.

Employment Service Job Centres

New jobs come in here on a daily basis, look around on the notice boards, or ask an adviser to look at their nationwide database for particular types of jobs. Job Centres can also put you in touch with organisations like local job clubs, training organisations, or groups that can help you to set up your own business.

Connexions

Connexions is a service for people in England aged 13 -19, and provides advice and information on careers, education, your rights, and more. On their website, you will find a guide to hundreds of different job titles and job vacancies in your area. There are also sections specifically for people at 16, 18, and over 18 years old that need careers advice. You can also get in touch with an adviser face-to-face, online or over the phone.

Newspapers and magazines

Read the job sections of daily national newspapers; most advertise specific kinds of jobs on particular days. The local rag is handy if you don't fancy moving to get work. If you can't afford papers, try your local library. If you want to work in a very specialised field, try magazines and journals for that subject.

Employment agencies

There are hundreds of them in the phone book, and they can get you temporary or permanent work. You usually have to fill in an application form, and sometimes take a test for skills like typing. After that, phone daily for vacancies.

Online job sites

Register with these sites, then browse for jobs, put your CV up for employers to see, and be automatically emailed about work you might want.

Local notice boards

Keep an eye out locally for job ads in shop windows, or pinned to notice boards. If they aren't suitable for you, tell your friends about them. Which brings us neatly to networking.

Networking opportunities

Let friends and family know that you are looking for work. They might know somebody useful and pull a few strings, or have seen an ad that you missed.

The speculative option

Seek out firms you'd like to work for. Check out news stories, the business sections of daily papers, or use internet search engines to find out more. Then call their human resources manager and ask about possible vacancies. If they aren't currently recruiting, send them your CV to keep on file.

The university 'milk round'

This one's for the students. Once or twice yearly, the big firms go round UK universities giving talks and trying to sign up the best students for trainee jobs. Attend, and do some background reading about the companies.