Looking for a job
You’re keen to find a job …that’s great!
Ideally, the job you accept should come with training – preferably with the chance to get a nationally recognised qualification such as an NVQ.
If you’re offered a job without training, it’s a good idea to talk to your Connexions Personal Adviser about your plans. S/he may be able to negotiate a free training package for you with your employer - so that you can earn a wage and at the same time improve your prospects.
Where should I start my job search?
The best places to start your job search include:
1. Connexions Staffordshire
Lots of local job vacancies specially for school and college leavers are on display in our local Connexions Centres. Remember to ask about Apprenticeship vacancies too. Our Advisers will give you all the help you need to apply. It’s a good idea to call in on a regular basis. If this is difficult - or if you prefer – you’re welcome to phone your nearest Connexions Centre to ask about job vacancies.
You can also view current vacancies online.
2. Jobcentre Plus
Jobcentre Plus run a telephone job-matching service to help you find a job. When you phone, an Adviser will tell you about vacancies in your local area. If you’re interested in a particular vacancy, they’ll tell you how to apply, send you an application form and, whenever possible, ring the employer to arrange an interview. Call 0845 6060 234 - the Jobcentre Plus website has information about phone charges. If you find it hard to hear or speak clearly, call the textphone on 0845 6055 255. Alternatively, you can visit your local Jobcentre Plus Office - use the link above to find it.
3. Newspapers and magazines
- Local newspapers often have a special day for advertising job vacancies in your area. Your Connexions Centre and local library may hold copies of local newspapers. You’ll also find articles about new employers moving into your area or companies that are expanding - you could contact them to see if they’ve got any vacancies for Apprentices, trainees or new employees.
- National newspapers have job vacancies throughout the UK. Larger companies advertise in these.
- Trade magazines and professional journals. Lots of trades and professions produce their own magazines with a job vacancy section. Jobs4U lists magazines and journals relating to hundreds of different job areas.
4. The Internet
- Direct.gov. Search for jobs, training, careers, childcare or voluntary work.
- www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk or www.worktrain.gov.uk. Jobcentre Plus vacancies and links to job websites.
- www.apprenticeships.org.uk. Find national and local Apprenticeship vacancies and use the Apprenticeship Vacancy Matching Service.
- www.jobsgopublic.com. Jobs in the public sector and the ‘not-for-profit’ sector.
- www.jobsite.co.uk/staffordshire. Regional newspapers’ job adverts.
- Job agencies (there are lots). Check out: www.fish4jobs, www.monster.co.uk, www.gisajob.com
- Prospects. Graduate careers website, with links to graduate employers.
- Jobs4u Go to the ‘useful information’ section of the job area you’re interested in – many of the linked sites contain information for job searchers, including vacancies.
- Look at the websites of local employers. Many of the larger ones list their current job vacancies.
5. Spread the news about who you are and what kind of job you’re seeking
- Contact employers who do the kind of work you’re interested in to see if they’ve got any vacancies for Apprentices, trainees or new employees. You could phone or write.
- Ask friends and relatives if they know of any vacancies or Apprenticeships at the places they work.
