General help applying for jobs                                               

For expert help finding a job call into your Local Connexions Centre and ask to speak to a Personal Adviser.

This page gives advice about applying for a job.  Let's assume you have found a job that you like and you want to apply for it. What do you do next?

The job advert will usually tell you how to apply. For some jobs you will have to complete an application form while others will ask for a CV and a covering letter. Some employers might ask you to telephone them for a telephone interview to assess your suitability but they usually make this clear in the job advert.

IMPORTANT: Jobs get filled very quickly, don’t wait too long to apply for the job you want, make sure you get your application in as soon as you can without rushing it.

Don’t be to disappointed if your application is not successful.  Keep trying and you will get there in the end.

         Click one of the following for some help:

•   Why are skills important?
•   Help filling in an application form
•   Help writing covering letters
•   Help with CVs (use our free CV builder!)
•   Help with interviews
•   Hints for telephoning employers
•   Help with employment agencies
•   Useful job hunting websites
  

• What skills do you have?                   [BACK TO MENU]

Don't under estimate the skills you already have!  At school you will have built up skills through lots of different activities. These are called transferable skills. You might also have developed your skills through your hobbies and interests, from any clubs or sports teams you belong to or from any responsibilities you have.

During your work experience placement you will develop new skills which would interest an employer. If you have a part-time or voluntary job you will have added to the skills you have.

Make a list of all the things you do. See if you can match the transferable skills from the list below to your list of things you can do. You might get some good ideas from your Progress File or from your Record of Achievement.

Some examples of transferable skills:-

• Communication skills such as reading, writing, making presentations, using the telephone at work, working with the public.
• Team working skills such as shared tasks, group project work, working as a member of a working party or a team.
• Numeracy skills such as being good at maths at school, dealing with figures at work, adding up or taking away, mental arithmetic.
• IT/Computer skills using different software packages such as Word, Excel and Access, using email and the internet, designing web pages.
• Organisation skills and Time management skills such as organising different tasks so that every thing gets done on time and being punctual.
• Special skills such as being able to speak or write a second language, communicate in sign language, having a full, clean driving licence, a first aid certificate or good keyboard skills.

When you have made your list of skills, think about your personal qualities. Are you keen or motivated? Reliable? Good at showing initiative? Confident? Outgoing? Do you enjoy learning new skills? Working independently? Working as a member of a team?

* * *Remember: Employers like to know how
you gained your skills. Remember to find some
evidence of your skills or personal qualities * * *

Useful websites                                     [BACK TO MENU]

To search our job database on this website click here!

http://www3.open.ac.uk/learners-guide/careers/applying_for_jobs/application_forms.htm
More tips for filling in application forms.

Job Centre website: www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk

http://www.worktrain.gov.uk/
National jobs and learning website with access to the
Jobcentre Plus database.

http://www.monster.co.uk
Jobs and careers.

BACK TO TOP OF PAGE