Searching for a job
What should young people consider when searching for a job?
What job do I want?
Here are a few key questions we could ask to narrow down the options:
- What do I enjoy doing?
- What am I good at?
- What kind of job would I feel good about doing?
- What skills can I offer?
- What are my positive attributes?
- What qualifications do I have?
- What would I like to learn more about?
- What jobs would open doors for me?
- How far am I willing to travel?
How do I find a job?
There are many places where we can find out about job opportunities, including:
- Word of mouth (friends, family, neighbours)
- Online job search sites, including the UK Government’s Universal Jobmatch
- Local newspapers
- Direct contact with local employers
How do I get the job?
There are a few key activities which can help us secure our chosen job:
- Write a CV – you can customise it towards different jobs
- Research the employer: why do you want to work for them?
- Think about what you can offer: why do they want to employ you?
- Practice your interview skills – and ask for feedback after your interview
- Keep trying – applying for and interview for jobs are skills you can develop
Careers advice
The UK Government offers a National Careers Service which includes tools to:
- Find out what different jobs involve
- Find out what kind of jobs might be suitable
- Contact a career adviser
- Advice on job search, networking, writing a CV, and interviews
Local schools, colleges, universities and trade unions may also offer a face-to-face careers advice service.
