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Finding a job/experience

Finding a job

Finding a job

All of the Careerpilot job profiles have links to live vacancies on a job site, you can search by region. Go to the Careerpilot Job Sectors, click to see the job profile and choose to see live vacancies. 

You can also search and apply for advertised jobs using job sites listed below or by contacting companies directly. Sometimes companies don’t want to place an advert as they think they may get too many applications so look at their sites and check out the jobs they are looking to fill.

You can also ask friends and family and follow companies on social media so you can see when a job comes up.

Applying for jobs

You may need to fill out online applications for advertised jobs.  

If you are hoping to get a company interested in you and they are not currently advertising any jobs – you will want to create your own CV. There are lots of different types of CV formats.  Depending on what type of job it is you may put together a creative or video CV. This can help you stand out from the crowd!  

Interviews and Online tests

Some larger companies use online tests for recruiting school/college leavers. It is a good idea to practice these, if you are applying for these type of jobs.

Job interviews maybe be face to face, online or over the phone. If you are not used to these it would be worth practicing with a friend or your family. There are also some online practice interviews available on Barclays Lifeskills.

I can’t find a job.. should I consider work experience?

If the job sector you are interested in isn't hiring you may be able to get unpaid work experience instead of a paid job. This could be a good way to develop your skills and experience and it looks good on your CV too. Employers could be impressed by your initiative!

Should I consider part time?

Because finding a job in some sectors can be difficult, young people sometimes take part-time jobs in the hope that a full-time opportunity comes up later. Some have more than one part-time job. Although this might not be ideal, it is a way to get a foot in the door and could lead to more permanent full-time work later. Also, if you end up with a part-time job, you could study part-time too. Check out the part-time courses on offer at colleges and universities, through the Open University or sign up for a free short online course through a university - there are loads to choose from.

You could start by doing Careerpilot Skills Profile to see which skills you already have which will be valued within employment or higher education. 

Government sites that could help with job hunting

Here are a few tips on job hunting:

  • Bookmark recruitment websites on your computer or phone and check them regularly or request alert messages if jobs become available.
  • Explore job profiles and start planning how you will be able to show you have the right skills for the job. Try to provide evidence of your skills to show you have experience.
  • Keep your CV up to date and to 2 sides of A4 - and type it don't write it! The Post 16 Skills Map section of Careerpilot has links to sites that can help you write your CV. 
  • Write speculative letters to local firms, don't wait for jobs to be advertised.
  • Prepare for interviews - there are lots of websites with advice on how to do this.

Websites for job hunting/vacancies

There are some job vacancy sites that are related to a specific job sector. Below are some examples. Go to the Careerpilot job sectors 'Useful links' section to find even more related to your chosen sector.

Social networking sites and job hunting

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other sites are not just used by you and your friends. Employers sometimes use social-networking information to look at a job applicants profile. Research shows that young people aged 16-24 are losing potential job offers because of comments or pictures on their online and social-media profiles. Think about how you use these sites and who can access your profile. If you don't want to make your profile private you might want to edit your profile to ensure pictures and comments would be suitable for a prospective employer to see.

Help with unemployment

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