Where to Search

There are many different ways to search for a job. Here are a few that we would recommend: 

The Internet 

Nowadays, almost every business posts job openings online. You can either research companies that you’d love to work for and see if they have any openings, or you can use job-search websites to specifically look for jobs in your area. Listed below are a few websites we suggest using to search for jobs: 

• www.nottinghamjobs.com 
• www.totaljobs.com 
• www.indeed.co.uk 
• www.fish4jobs.co.uk 
• https://jobs.theguardian.com 

Advertised Vacancies 

As an alternative, you can look elsewhere to find job openings that aren’t advertised online. Below are some examples of the types of places to look for jobs: 

• The Nottingham Post 
• Shop windows 
• Restaurants 
• Supermarket information boards 

Jobs Fair 

Job fairs are an effective way to discover new opportunities and are held in Nottingham a few times per year. To find out when the next job fair will be held, visit your neighborhood Jobcentre Plus or library.  The following people will be available to speak with at the job fair: 

• Employers from a wide variety of different sectors 
• Colleges 
• Training providers 
• Employment Advisers 

Speculative Approach 

Even if an organization is not currently hiring, you should still send your resume if you are hoping to land a specific position there. They might not be able to give you anything right away, but they might keep your resume in mind for future openings. Here is how you do it: 

Identify the organizations you wish to approach 

• Do your research on them and learn everything you can, for example, have they recently advertised? 
• Try to learn about the available job titles and the requirements for each. 
• Obtain the name, contact information, and phone number of the person in charge of hiring. 
• Choose between calling them or sending a CV. 
• Adapt your CV and cover letter to the company’s needs as closely as you can if you’re sending them. 
• Within two weeks, call the person who received your CV to confirm receipt. 
• Request that your CV be kept on file if you are unsuccessful.

Further Tips 

It can be tiresome and time-consuming to look for work. By developing effective job search strategies, you can make life simpler for yourself. Your dream job will become a reality if you take things one step at a time. 

Self Analysis 

Consider what you really want to do before you start looking for a job and submitting applications. Make a list of your interests, skills, achievements, experiences, goals, and values. Consider your personal values and the qualities you are looking for in a job. Knowing what you want to do helps you focus much more during the job application process, which will save you time and effort. Have a think about the following: 

• What you want from work e.g. training/9am-5pm working hours 
• Your preferred workplace 
• A fair wage that is realistic 

Get organized 

It is best to approach job searching as a full-time endeavor. Set aside time every day to: 

• Look for openings in the job market online. 
• Contact companies on the phone that are hiring. 
• Send out letters, resumes, and application forms in writing. 
• Prepare for and attend interviews. 

Set deadlines for each of these tasks and schedule the days and times that you will work on them. 

Networking 

Networking and talking to lots of different people is a great way to find out about new opportunities. The most effective ways to network include: 

• Ask your family and friends if they know about any opportunities. 
• Register for email alerts and job newsletters on job search websites.
• Visit career fairs. 
• Ask your former instructors and classmates if they are aware of any openings. 
• Register with websites and organizations for professionals, such as LinkedIn. 
• Find a volunteer or internship position.
• Ask those who are already working in the field you are interested in how they got started and if they have any advice. 

Here are a few tips on networking: 

• Show professionalism and gratitude.
• Be positive, sincere, and authentic. 
• When it’s appropriate, be specific about what you can offer; if they can’t help, suggest any alternative sources of information or assistance.
• Send a letter to a specific person, address it to them by name, and then call them to check in, politely asking for a few minutes of their time.

Record keeping 

You can manage your job search and determine where follow-up calls need to be made by keeping an accurate record of every position you have applied for. Keep a record of the following: 

• The company you applied to 
• The name and contact details of the person you applied to 
• The date you applied 
• Any responses you got back 
• Interview dates 

Look at training opportunities to develop your skills 

Utilize the time you have while looking for work to assess your current skills and learn new ones. This can be accomplished through volunteer work, job placements, and other potential involvements.  Employers look for personal transferable skills when hiring in addition to academic or technical qualifications. You can see the kinds of skills employers are seeking by looking at the person specifications on advertised positions. 

The types of skills you could develop include: 

• IT 
• Manual handling 
• First Aid
• Customer service 

Voluntary Work/ Work Experience 

Your employability may increase as a result of volunteer or paid work. Numerous workplace skills will be acquired, and an employer will see that you are proactive and motivated. Volunteer or paid work experience is beneficial for: 

• Enhancing your CV 
• You are better informed about a position you are interested in. 
• Gives you the chance to try something new and gain new abilities. 

Be persistent 

It takes work to look for a job, but never give up. Follow up with a phone call if, after a week, you have not heard anything. Employers are busy, so it’s possible that they haven’t yet read your application. Making a phone call to them will make them remember you. If the position has already been filled, it may indicate that they will keep you in mind for future openings. 

Don’t let bad experiences bring you down. Consider how you can use the knowledge and skills you’ve gained from these experiences. If you get an interview, it is important not to talk negatively about experiences, as it will reflect badly on you. Instead, consider how you can become a stronger applicant for the job by overcoming these challenges. 

Ask the individuals in charge of hiring in the industry you want to enter if they will review your resume and make any recommendations. 

Don’t just concentrate on your end goal; set smaller objectives to complete along the way.

Summary 

Finally, here are a few points for you to remember: 

• Search for jobs in every way available, e.g. internet, jobs fairs, shop windows etc. 
• Be organized 
• Network 
• Look to develop your skills 
• Stay positive 
• Be persistent