Connexions

Help finding a job

Knowing the right places to look for vacancies can make finding a job that much easier.

Connexions On-line vacancy service

The Connexions on-line vacancy service has details of a wide range of jobs and Apprenticeships. You can search through the opportunities available and apply on-line too. You can also register to receive e-mail alerts when new jobs are available.

Connexions Vacancy team

You can speak to a member of the Connexions Vacancy team to find out more about the opportunities available. Call Freephone 0800 073 8700 between 8.30am-5pm Monday-Friday and ask for the Vacancy team.

Jobs Today

Jobs Today is published by the Connexions Vacancy team every two weeks and lists job vacancies and Apprenticeships available locally. Jobs Today is widely available in schools, colleges, Connexions Centres. You can download the latest edition from this website.

Connexions Centres

All Connexions Centres have vacancy displays with details of current jobs, Apprenticeships and Foundation Learning opportunities.

Connexions staff can help you find the vacancy which would suit your skills and ambitions. They can also advise you on training and the best way to build the skills for the job you would like.

All Connexions Centres offer free internet access and computer use. You can also check vacancies in the Connexions Jobs Today bulletin and local newspapers.

Local Press

Many of the job and Apprenticeship vacancies available from the Connexions Vacancy team are printed in the Evening Chronicle/Jobs North East, published every Thursday/Friday.

You might be able to find suitable job vacancies in The Journal (every Friday), The Sunderland Echo and The Shields Gazette (on Wednesdays) and the Sunday Sun (every week). Check their websites for vacancies.

You can find copies of the newspapers in your local library, Connexions Centre or Jobcentre Plus.

Jobcentre Plus

Jobcentre Plus offers help to people looking for work or training and information about benefits to people of working age.

Jobcentre Direct on Telephone 0845 60 60 234 offers information on job vacancies, applications and interviews. The service is available to anyone who is looking for work between 8am-6pm Monday-Friday and 9am-1pm Saturday. All calls are charged at local rates.

People who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment and access to a textphone can call Textphone 0845 60 55 255.

Employment Agencies

Employment agencies (or recruitment agencies) can help you find either temporary or permanent work. You might be employed by the agency rather than by the company you are placed with. Registering with an employment agency could increase your chances of finding a job.

The internet

As well as the Connexions on-line vacancy service, many websites advertise job vacancies. Some of these are specialist websites or those of employment agencies. You may be able to upload a copy of your CV or complete an on-line application and some websites will e-mail you with details of suitable vacancies.

Some employers, professional and trade organisations publish vacancy information on their own websites.

When you're filling in an on-line application form, take as much trouble with your spelling and accuracy as you would when completing a paper application.

Shop windows and noticeboards

Vacancies for part-time and casual vacancies are sometimes displayed in shop windows or shopping centre noticeboards. Supermarkets will usually advertise vacancies on their own in-store noticeboards.

Jobs which aren't advertised ('hidden' vacancies)

At least half of all job vacancies are not advertised anywhere. Companies advertise internally on notice boards or they take on people who have already contacted them. You need to do some hunting to find out what’s on offer.

You can contact employers direct who might be able to offer you the sort of work or training you are looking for. If you can find out who is the best person to speak to, call them or send a speculative letter.

Ask friends and family to let you know about vacancies that are advertised where they work.

Find out which companies do the sort of work that interests you by looking in the Yellow Pages, the local Thompson Directory or business directories like the North East of England Regional Business Directory, which you can find in your local library.

If you're sending your application in an A4 envelope, remember to affix the correct 'Large Letter' stamp or have it checked and weighed at a Post Office. Employers may choose not to pay the excess postage levied by Royal Mail on underpaid items, so your application might not get the chance to be considered.

The National Apprenticeship Service

Register with the National Apprenticeship Service to search for more opportunities and apply on-line.