Find your way back to work
Jobcoach: five steps to help you get back to work
Searching
for work is not just about looking for jobs. You also
need to look at yourself in the right way and think
about how you can do things differently.
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Best job-hunting tips
Advice on how best to look for jobs.
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It’s sometimes the case that job seekers get ‘stuck in a rut’ simply because they don’t realise that there are different ways of doing things - whether it’s finding new ways of re-selling your experience to a new employer, looking at how you can re-write your CV, or just keeping in touch with your friends more.
Here are our five top tips for how you can improve your job-seeking technique and start thinking about yourself and your abilities in different ways.
1. Plan your job hunting carefully
Prepare a plan of where and how you are going to look for work and when, so you can make sure you have explored all your options. Make a note of the employers you have approached, the responses you have received and where you have had successes.
2. Make the most of your skills - or get new ones!
Recognising the range of skills you have and how you can apply them to other jobs can widen your job search and increase your chances of finding work. Find out your existing skills and how to make the most of them by following the links below.
- Get a skills and interest assessment (Careers Advice) Opens new window
- Get a job that makes the most of your skills
It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been out of work, brushing up on your existing skills, or getting training to learn new ones, can give you a major advantage when looking for work and can get you noticed by employers. Find out more about the training and help available using the link below.
More about adult learning and improving your skills
3. Learn how to ‘sell’ yourself to potential employers
In today’s job market it’s important that you stand out from the crowd. You can do this by:
- tailoring your CV for each application – have a basic structure that can be easily changed to show how your skills and experience match the particular job you’re applying for
- keeping applications short, to the point and easy to read
- preparing well for interviews – work out how you’re getting there, think about what questions you might get asked and brush up on your communication and presentation skills
- asking for feedback from employers to find out what went well or what you could do differently in your next application or interview
4. Get out of the ‘job search rut’
If your job search is taking longer than you thought, or you feel you are doing all you can but are still getting nowhere, then follow the link below to find out how you can ‘fine tune’ your job-seeking skills.
Getting out of the job search rut
5. Finally, don’t forget to look after yourself
It’s important that you look after yourself and keep busy while you look for work. Keeping well and rested will mean you're always ready for interviews. You may even want to consider getting involved in voluntary work to brush up on your skills or learn new ones.
Follow the link below to get tips on how to keep motivated, stay healthy and keep busy while looking for work.
Staying positive and well for work
