It can often seem overwhelming to start looking for work or planning your pathway into a career, especially if you aren’t quite sure what you’d like to do. There are so many careers and jobs out there, and it is more than likely that you will change job or career at least once in your lifetime. In fact, the job you may end up doing might not have even been invented yet.

When starting your job search it’s important to remember your longer-term professional goal and understand that there will be several steps and different jobs on the route to achieving that goal. Some sectors have very defined pathways. For other careers, however, the first job that you look for needs to help you develop the skills and experience to progress. You may have to make compromises to achieve this, in terms of hours, salary or location, and remember that there isn’t just one way to reach your goal.

There are lots of places that advertise jobs, depending on the type of job and sector you wish to work in. Here are some suggestions of places to start job hunting.

Company websites

It’s great to research companies you’d like to work for and ensure that their values align with yours. Most organisations will have a Jobs or Work for Us section on their website. Some will allow you to sign up for job alerts so that when a vacancy arises, you will be notified.

LinkedIn

A professional networking website. Organisations often advertise jobs here and if you set up a LinkedIn profile you can follow organisations and receive alerts.

Job search websites

There are hundreds of job search websites like Reed, Indeed, Monster or Total Jobs. Some specialise in recruiting for specific sectors, like Charity Job, which advertises all kinds of jobs in the not-for-profit and charity sector, and ArtsJobs, which specialises in the arts sector.

Trade and general press

Jobs are often advertised in the general press. For example, The Guardian has lots of creative, media and charity jobs. Each sector usually has its own trade press that advertises jobs.

Recruitment consultants and agencies

Organisations and individuals who are paid to find the right candidates for a particular role. Some organisations will advertise exclusively with an agency. The recruitment consultant will receive a fee for everyone they place in a job who stays in that role for a certain amount of time. A good recruitment consultant will get to know you, your skills and aspirations and will review your CV and help you prepare for the interview. However, there are unscrupulous recruitment consultants, and you should never have to pay a fee or feel pressured into taking a job.

Careers fairs

There are lots of general careers events where big employers are looking to recruit people into their internship programmes, apprenticeships and graduate training programmes. There are also sector specific events, like the Silicon Milk Roundabout which is a technology jobs fair in London. Sometimes you might have to pay to attend so do your research and make sure it’s the right event for you.

Graduate schemes

Some companies run graduate schemes, specifically recruiting recent graduates for entry-level jobs, internships and placements. Websites such as Prospects, Milkround and Give A Grad A Go are all a great place to start if you’re interested in these opportunities.

Social media

Most organisations will advertise jobs through their social media accounts as it’s a cost-effective way to reach people who are interested in them, so follow organisations you are interested in.

In person

It can be very expensive to advertise jobs so lots of smaller businesses might advertise jobs at their place of business. This is particularly relevant for trades people like plumbers or electricians. Spending some time researching local organisations and understanding how they recruit can help you find the best job for you.

1. Most job adverts will include a list of ‘Essential Skills/Qualities.’ Before you apply for the job, check that you fulfil these criteria. If there are any you don’t fulfil, ask yourself if there’s anything you can do to address that gap.
2. Some job adverts will also include a list of ‘Desirable Skills/Qualities.’ Do you fulfil any of these criteria? Don’t despair if you don’t! The employer has deliberately classed these as non-essential, and you will have the opportunity to propose other relevant skills and qualities you have later in the application process.
3. If you’re still unsure as to whether you’re a suitable candidate for a job, some employers will include their contact details in the job advert and will offer the option of you contacting them with any questions you may have, or in some cases they may be willing to have an informal conversation with prospective candidates in your position.
4. Most applications will ask applicants to submit a CV. For more information on building a successful CV, click here.
5. To accompany your CV, most employers will also request a cover letter. This is a great opportunity for you to demonstrate why you are suitable for the job. For more information on crafting a cover letter, click here. Some employers will give candidates the option of submitting a video instead of a written cover letter.
6. Some applications will require you to fill out an application form instead of a CV and/or cover letter. Some may require you to do both. Either way, this is your opportunity to sell yourself and to highlight parts of your CV and career thus far that are of most relevance.
7. Most job applications will have a deadline – this may be a specific time or may just be a date. Either way, aim to get your application finished at least 24 hours before the deadline. Many employers won’t accept applications submitted after the deadline – even if you’re only five minutes late! Others may close applications early if they are inundated with applications.
8. Once you’ve submitted all the required materials, it’s time to wait. Sometimes you may receive an automated reply thanking you for your application. Otherwise, you should normally expect to receive a response a fortnight after the deadline – although in some cases it may be much sooner or much later than this!
9. During this time, the employers will be reviewing the applications they have received. In some cases, they may make job offers purely based on this first round of applications. However, it is far more likely that they will invite shortlisted candidates to an interview – either online or in person. For more information on winning at interviews, click here. In some cases, there may be more than one round of interviews.
10. Most organisations will let all applicants know whether or not they’ve been successful, but some won’t. If you’ve been successful, congratulations! If you haven’t, don’t worry. Reflect on the application process and build on what you’ve learned for your next job application.

Useful online resources to help you identify jobs and careers include:

Prospects: has an online quiz that can match your interests to different jobs and careers.

The National Careers Service: has profiles of lots of different jobs as well as advice and guidance, including webchat and a helpline.

Trade press

Did you know that most industries and job types have websites and magazines dedicated to them? These often report on issues relevant to that sector, have informative articles and list jobs and training opportunities. For example, SOLT, The Stage and Arts Professional are some of the key publications for theatre, The Law Journal for the legal industry and TES for teachers.

Copy: Anne Langford and Simon Pollard