Job search

How to find a job?

Whether you're a student, have just graduated, or are working and exploring a career change, finding a job might take time - so concentrate on five crucial measures to obtain suitable employment.

Graduating in 2021 will undoubtedly be difficult, since the UK labor market is still recuperating from the coronavirus epidemic, with people aged 16 to 24 being severely afflicted.

While the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed that the unemployment rate for December 2020 to February 2021 remains high at 4.9 percent, the Institute of Student Employers (ISE) gives young job seekers reason to be optimistic in the months ahead, according to its Student Development Survey 2021.

According to the ISE poll, many of the UK's top graduate employers are employing the same number of new hires as last year or even more.

This means that there are a variety of positions available for exceptional graduates, but you will almost certainly face a very competitive application procedure. As a result, being well-prepared might be the key to your success.

Continue reading to learn about the measures you'll need to take to find a job.

1. Begin your employment hunt.

Use the following resources to do this:

Events and job fairs

GOV.UK's Find a Job service provides job boards, local and national press recruiting agencies, sector-specific websites, social media, and employment services.

2. Acquire experience

Once you've decided on the sort of career you want, acquiring some relevant experience will not only expose you to the skills you'll need and help you develop them, but you'll also be demonstrating your dedication to working in the sector and developing connections along the way.

This encounter may take many forms, including:

Internships - A specified term of work experience intended to offer students and graduates valuable experience in their area, ranging anything from a few weeks to 12 months. Interns are classified as employees and are paid at least the National Minimum Wage (NMW) - see GOV.UK - National Minimum Wage rates for more information.

Volunteering - If you have the time, you may donate it to a great cause in order to enhance your talents and learn more about working as part of a team.

Work placements - If a work placement is a required component of your degree, it will most likely be officially evaluated via the completion of activities and projects. If it is not required, you may organize your own by contacting companies to discuss your choices.

Work shadowing is following a professional in their position for a day or two and gaining significant insight into what they do.

Many of these old techniques were supplanted by virtual work experience during the pandemic, but work experience and internship options are increasingly becoming accessible again.

Explore how to obtain a job with no experience for additional options.

3. Establish a network

The expression "It's not what you know, it's who you know" may come to mind here. By introducing yourself and your goals to individuals currently in the business, you will be evaluated for potential employment openings or work experience possibilities.

To contact companies, you'll need confidence and a proactive attitude, but don't be scared - they've all been in your shoes and know how it feels.

You may begin networking at home - your initial point of contact should be friends, family, and coworkers - before attending relevant events - learn how to make the most of job fairs. If you're utilizing social media in your job search, you may also connect with individuals and organizations via sites like LinkedIn.

4. Customize your CV

Once you've located the position you want to apply for, show that you're the best candidate for the job by personalizing your CV to the position.

Include examples from your previous experience that correspond to the abilities and experience specified in the job description. This will set you apart from the multitude of contenders sending generic applications. Consider the top abilities that companies want.

A cover letter, which serves as a more personal introduction, may also be requested. Go above and above by explaining why you want to work for the organization - proof of study and enthusiasm will go a long way.

Learn how to create a CV and avoid the top 7 CV blunders.

5. Get ready for the interview

Receiving an interview invitation may seem intimidating at first, but taking the time to prepare ahead of time can help you talk clearly and confidently, leaving the interviewer with a positive first impression.

There are many methods to prepare. It's crucial to investigate the firm and its accomplishments, as well as current events in the industry, but you may also prepare responses to common interview questions and think about questions you'd want to ask the employer.

See our interview recommendations for further information on how to prepare for a video, phone, or in-person interview.

Route alternatives

Although these are the stages you're likely to follow in your job hunt, they aren't the only ones.

For example, if you want to work for a firm that isn't presently advertising a position, you may approach them personally with a speculative application. This demonstrates confidence and initiative, and even if no roles are available, you may be directed to other options.

If you have the desire, expertise, and enthusiasm to see your ideas through, you should think about establishing your own firm or being an entrepreneur. Get a comprehensive understanding of self-employment in general.

If you're still in school, you may apply for a graduate program - many of the UK's major corporations offer them in a variety of specialisms such as finance, HR, healthcare, engineering, and IT.

Best job-seeking advice

Don't be discouraged if you're turned down for a job, whether during the application process or after an interview. You'll almost certainly be up against a huge number of candidates. Request comments from the interviewer or organization to learn how you may improve for future interviews. Find out more about how to handle job rejection.

Signing up for job notifications can save you time and expose you to options you may not have explored before. The more specific you are about the job you want, the more likely you are to get vacancy notifications that excite and drive you. Sign up for Prospects job updates.

Register with a recruiting agency; they are well-connected and will put you forward for employment that requires your skill set. Building a solid connection with your employment agency can help you get suitable and enjoyable work.