Searching for a job online and wider

There are plenty of online tools to help you find a new job. Online job searches are generally free, available 24/7 and should be one of the first places you look for your next job opportunity.

Use the Find a job website service. 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 for ‘jobs’ in Google, or make your search more specific to find the right vacancies for you, like ‘retail jobs in Leeds’. Some of the websites which advertise jobs include:

• Total Jobs website
• REED website
• Monster website
• Indeed website
• Jobsite website
• Jobs.co.uk website
• Fish4Jobs website
• Graduate Jobs website
• Prospects.ac.uk website
• Go Wales website
• Get into Teaching website

If you have manufacturing, engineering or scientific skills, you could register with the Talent Retention Solution website.

Some recruitment agencies specialise in certain types of work. Look online for your local ones on the Recruitment Employment Confederation website.

While your online job searches are a great place to start, don’t limit yourself when looking for your next job.

Here are some places you should try as part of your job search:

Expanding sectors and job boards

• look for jobs in expanding sectors; there are thousands of jobs available in critical industries like logistics, food retail, agriculture and care. Keep your eyes peeled for big announcements in the news and set up alerts on the Google website to help you keep track of areas you’re particularly interested in.
• apprenticeships – Find out what Apprenticeships are on offer on the gov.uk website. Also have a read of our article: Earn, learn, and build your own career with an Apprenticeship.
• there are a range of other websites where you can find vacancies – check this list of popular online job boards on the Career Experts website.

Be proactive and network

• send out your CV to companies where you would like to work. Make sure you tailor you cover letter to say why you’re getting in touch with them, what kind of job you are looking for, and why they should hire you.
• company websites – Not all employers recruit in the same way, some only advertise vacancies on their own website, where you may be able to apply online: if they’re looking for someone new, they’ll want someone who is proactive. Find the name of a contact in the company’s HR department, and ask them about any future vacancies or possible openings. Knowing the important names to speak to will get you far.
• newspapers and trade journals – Find out what day your local paper advertises jobs and make sure you pick up a copy. Trade journals are magazines or newspapers about a specific trade or industry, like IT or manufacturing and will likely advertise job vacancies in that field.
• word of mouth – Speak to your family and friends to ask if they know of any vacancies, this could help you get to know about potential jobs early and they may even be able to introduce you to the recruiting manager.
• the National Careers service give an explanation on how and why to network and the different methods used.

Maximise social

• social media – Look on social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn and like or follow employers you may like to work for. You can also follow the @JCPJobsPlusMore Twitter account to learn more about national employment opportunities as well and on your local Jobcentre Plus Twitter account for local vacancies and support.
• social media can be a helpful tool when looking for jobs, but make sure your online presence isn’t hurting your chances of getting a job. Controversial or inappropriate posts can really affect the way employers see you. Consider reviewing your feeds if you’re actively job seeking.
• read our article: Getting the most out of social media to find out more.

Is self employment for you?

Search online to find out about more about self employment opportunities on the gov.uk website. Also have a read of our article: Want to be your own boss? The New Enterprise Allowance could help.

The National Careers Service website highlight a few methods not already mentioned above.