Job Search Tips

TOP TIP! APPLY DIRECT (WHERE POSSIBLE)

A common mistake people make whilst job searching is applyinh through a job search website such as Indeed or monster, however you are much better off searching for the employers website and applying direct where possible.

Work Search Guide UK

Work Search Guide for Job Seekers in the UK

Before diving into the job search, it’s essential to understand what you’re looking for and how to go about it. This involves:

  • Identifying Your Career Goals: What type of job are you looking for? Are you focused on securing any job, a better job, or aiming for long-term career progression?
  • Assessing Your Skills and Experience: What are your strengths, skills, and qualifications? Identify both your hard skills (technical skills) and soft skills (communication, problem-solving).
  • Setting Realistic Goals: Use the SMART method to set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound goals for your job search.

2. Creating and Updating Your CV and Cover Letter

  • Creating a CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and tailored to the job you are applying for. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences.
  • Writing a Cover Letter: A good cover letter should complement your CV and explain why you are the best fit for the job.

Useful Resources:

3. Job Search Websites

There are numerous job search websites where you can find job listings:

4. Registering with Employment Agencies

Employment agencies can be a great resource for finding temporary or permanent work.

Local Agencies in Lincoln:

5. Networking

Networking can help you discover job opportunities that are not advertised publicly.

  • LinkedIn: Connect with professionals in your industry and join relevant groups.
  • Local Job Fairs and Networking Events: Keep an eye on local events where you can meet potential employers.

6. Job Preparation

  • Interview Preparation: Practice common interview questions and answers, and consider doing mock interviews.
  • Skills Development: Identify any skills gaps and take courses to improve them. Many online platforms offer free or low-cost courses.

Useful Resources:

7. Volunteering

Volunteering can help you gain new skills and experience, and it can be a valuable addition to your CV.

Volunteering Resources:

8. Using Benefits Calculators

If you’re currently claiming other benefits, use an independent benefits calculator to see if you could be better off on Universal Credit.

Benefits Calculators:

9. Independent Advice

Before applying for Universal Credit, it’s important to get independent advice.

Useful Resources:

10. Universal Credit Information

For more information on Universal Credit, visit the Understanding Universal Credit website.

Useful Resource:

11. Making a Claim for Universal Credit

If you’re ready to make a claim, follow the guidelines on how to claim Universal Credit.

How to Claim:

By following this guide and using the provided resources, you can effectively manage your work search and improve your chances of finding suitable employment. Good luck!

Job Search Guide Lincoln

Job searching in Lincoln, UK, can be an exciting opportunity, given its rich history and growing economy. The city offers a diverse range of employment opportunities across various sectors, including public services, education, retail, and manufacturing. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the job market in Lincoln, including useful websites, organizations, and insight into local businesses.

Understanding the Local Job Market

Before starting your job search, it’s useful to understand the local job market in Lincoln. Key sectors include:

  • Public Sector: Including jobs in local government and healthcare.
  • Education: The University of Lincoln and Bishop Grosseteste University are significant employers, along with numerous schools and colleges.
  • Retail and Hospitality: With its bustling city center, Lincoln offers numerous opportunities in retail stores, hotels, and restaurants.
  • Manufacturing and Engineering: Lincoln has a strong heritage in manufacturing, particularly in engineering and industrial products.

Useful Websites for Job Searching

  1. Indeed Lincoln: A leading global job search website that lists a wide range of job vacancies in Lincoln and the surrounding area.
  2. Reed Lincoln: Offers a variety of job listings in Lincoln across different sectors, from entry-level positions to senior roles.
  3. Lincolnshire County Council Jobs: For those interested in public sector roles, the county council’s website is a good starting point.
  4. University of Lincoln Jobs: The university often posts vacancies for academic, administrative, and support roles.

Local Recruitment Agencies

Recruitment agencies can offer personalized assistance in your job search. Some notable agencies in Lincoln include:

  • Ambitions Personnel: Specializing in a wide range of sectors including office, industrial, and technical vacancies.
  • QS Recruitment: Offers recruitment services for driving, industrial, engineering, and commercial sectors in Lincoln.

Networking Opportunities

Networking can significantly enhance your job search. Consider attending local events, joining relevant LinkedIn groups, or participating in forums related to your field of interest. The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce hosts various networking events and can be a valuable resource.

  • Lincoln Chamber of Commerce: Provides support to local businesses and organizes events that can be excellent for networking.

Local Job Fairs and Events

Keep an eye out for job fairs and recruitment events in Lincoln. These can provide opportunities to meet employers face-to-face and learn about job openings.

Utilizing the Lincoln Job Centre

The local Job Centre Plus can offer support in job searching, information on training opportunities, and advice on benefits you may be eligible for.

  • Lincoln Job Centre Plus:

Volunteer Work

Volunteering can be an excellent way to gain experience, develop new skills, and enhance your CV. Look for opportunities in local charities, community projects, or festivals that align with your career goals.

Customization Tips for Job Applications

  • Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Customize these documents for each application to highlight your most relevant experience and skills.
  • Use Keywords: Incorporate keywords from the job description into your CV and cover letter.
  • Research Employers: Demonstrating knowledge about the company and how you can contribute to their goals can set you apart.

By utilizing these resources and tips, you can effectively navigate the job market in Lincoln, UK. Remember, persistence and a proactive approach to job searching are key to finding your next opportunity in this vibrant city.

20 Job Search Tips

1. Make yourself match fit

Most people know that one CV and one cover letter will not do it all in this day and age.  Tailoring your CV  has never been more important.  Many organisations now use applicant tracking systems which means that when you submit your CV, tailored software picks out keywords that relate to the job advert. Review your CV and make sure that your CV highlights all the essential points listed in the job spec.  Yes, this does mean tailoring your CV and cover letter for every job. It may mean changing the format of your CV to give you a better chance of success.

2. Go way beyond online job boards

We all go straight online to job boards nowadays, but do not limit your chances by using this method alone. Jobs posted online receive very high application numbers , meaning your CV can get lost.  Lots of organisations use agencies instead, so find ones that specialise in your field and register with them. Good agencies will want to interview you before they put you forward for a role. That’s because they work hard to build relationships with their clients. It is in both their and your best interests if they only put you forward for positions that you really stand a chance of getting. Remember, when you meet the agency, it is another job interview and you need to make a good impression there too. Listen to any advice they give you and act on it. They are experts.

3. Make use of feedback

Many organisations don’t give feedback unless you make it to the interview stage, but it’s always worth asking. Whatever feedback you get, read it and take it on board.

4. Make friends with the agencies

It is true that the employer pays the agency’s fee and they have relationships with employers. They also probably have a substantial range of candidates on their books too, so you need to make sure that you keep yourself front of mind. Don’t ring them every day but do ring them frequently, especially if you see a job you’d like advertised for an organisation that you know they work with.

5. Go a step further

If you want to work for a particular organisation, seek out people who already work there and ask them for an informal chat. Explain why you want to meet them. Remember that not everyone will have influence, but you will get an insight into what it’s like to work in your chosen organisation.

6. Leverage LinkedIn

The majority of recruiters are using LinkedIn these days. It’s easy enough to switch ‘career interests’ on in your dashboard, which lets employers know you are looking and allows you to connect with recruiters. A very easy way to start your job search.

7. Connect with your network

The LinkedIn feature that allows you to hide updates can be very useful but if you are job-hunting, you want people to know you are available (but perhaps not your current employer). People are generally eager to help other people, so if you are looking for a job, even if you don’t want everyone to know, contact  people that may be helpful across your network. Most people will help if they can.

8. Sync your CV and LinkedIn profile

Make sure that your profile is up to date. It’s no good having a great CV if your LinkedIn profile hasn’t been updated in ten years. Update it regularly. Additionally, it’s important that the details are in accord. A lot of people think it’s OK to be liberal with the truth on their CV, not thinking that employers will check their LinkedIn profile. Many a candidate has been sifted out for this.

9. Use job alerts

You can do this on LinkedIn and job boards. Once you’ve searched for a job on LinkedIn, you’ll see a ‘Job Alert’ button, just click on it and you’ll get alerts for similar jobs. There is an equivalent function on job boards.

10. Follow companies you are interested in

Simple and easy, this will allow you to get to know what’s going on in the company and will help your research when you eventually get an interview with them. If you are really serious about working for a specific company, keep a log of developments in that firm, so you can refer back easily.

11. Post photos

We are living in a visual age and a picture paints a thousand words, so post unique photographs if possible. If you attended a professional event, post pictures of that. You get the idea. Just make sure you keep it professional; this is not the place for drunken selfies.

12. Remove drunken selfies

Check out your other social media accounts and remove anything that makes you look as though you could be a liability. If you have photographs on other platforms that you wouldn’t be willing to show a potential boss, just be aware that they may see anything that you’ve provided publicly and prepare yourself accordingly. While we are on the subject, never, ever, criticise your current or past employer on social media.

13. Don’t make basic errors

Make sure that potential employers can easily find your contact details. Yes, users can send you a message, but why not save time by listing your personal email and/or telephone number prominently?

14. Contact recruiters directly on LinkedIn

This is where LinkedIn messaging is useful. If you do your research, you can find out who the hiring managers are in your company of choice. Unless they are using a recruitment agency for the role in question, direct message the relevant person.

15. Use LinkedIn as a search engine

As well as ‘jobs you may be interested in,’ try searching for something more specific, e.g. finance recruiters. Remember, if you can do this, so can recruiters, so make sure your skills and endorsements reflect what you want recruiters to find.

16. Be careful what you put in your LinkedIn profile

Don’t say that you are looking for a new opportunity or seeking a job if you are already working for a company. It sounds simple but we’ve seen it catch people out (albeit not recently). At best, it can make you look desperate to move on, at worst, if you are already employed, it can make you look disloyal.

17. Professional photographs on your profile page

Those with a photograph on LinkedIn get more page views. The photo of you cuddling your kitten is fine for Facebook but not here. Keep the photo up to date too, there is nothing worse than interviewing someone whose LinkedIn photo looks nothing like them.

18. Try temping

This is something that is only really suited to some applicants. But if you are struggling to get a permanent role, try temping while you are doing so. Firstly, it helps pay the bills, and secondly, many temps have made such a good impression they’ve been offered a permanent role. Anecdotally I’ve seen a lot of people turn temp roles into permenant positions, often in industries they wouldn’t have thought to have applied to work in before!

19. Engage

Comment on posts that are relevant to your sector and like posts, to help get yourself noticed. Don’t spend your whole day casually chatting with anyone and everyone, but if you pick great people and comment in a useful way then this can open you up to new networks.

20. Stay positive

It can be hard if you’ve had a few knocks, but it’s important. Remember to ask your employment agency about feedback for every single job they put you forward for. And take it on board. It only takes one person to say yes. Happy job hunting!

If you’re looking for a new role then check out our latest vacancies for more info.

Job Search Websites

General Job Search Websites

  1. Indeed
    • Indeed
    • One of the most popular job search engines, listing thousands of job opportunities across various sectors.
  2. Totaljobs
    • Totaljobs
    • A comprehensive job board offering a wide variety of job listings and career advice.
  3. Reed
    • Reed
    • Offers job listings, career advice, and a CV builder tool.
  4. CV-Library
    • CV-Library
    • One of the UK’s leading independent job boards with thousands of job listings.
  5. Monster
    • Monster
    • A well-known job site with a range of job listings and career resources.
  6. Jobsite
    • Jobsite
    • Offers job listings across various sectors and career advice.
  7. LinkedIn
    • LinkedIn Jobs
    • Professional networking site with job listings, company profiles, and networking opportunities.
  8. Glassdoor
    • Glassdoor
    • Provides job listings, company reviews, and salary information.
  9. Adzuna
    • Adzuna
    • A search engine for job ads that lists every job, everywhere.
  10. Guardian Jobs
    • Guardian Jobs
    • Offers a range of job listings in various sectors, including public sector, education, and charities.

Specialized Job Search Websites

  1. NHS Jobs
    • NHS Jobs
    • Listings for jobs within the National Health Service.
  2. CharityJob
    • CharityJob
    • The UK’s largest and most specialised job board for the charity and nonprofit sector.
  3. Prospects
    • Prospects
    • Aimed at graduates, offering job listings, internships, and career advice.
  4. Fish4Jobs
    • Fish4Jobs
    • General job board with a variety of job listings across the UK.
  5. Eteach
    • Eteach
    • Specialises in education jobs, listing teaching and support staff positions.
  6. Technojobs
    • Technojobs
    • Job board specialising in IT and technology jobs.
  7. RetailChoice
  8. Hospitality Jobs UK
    • Caterer
    • Jobs in the hospitality sector, including hotels, restaurants, and bars.
  9. JustEngineers
    • JustEngineers
    • Specialises in job listings for engineering roles.
  10. WorkinStartups
    • WorkinStartups
    • Job listings for positions in startups and tech companies.

Public Sector Job Search Websites

  1. Civil Service Jobs
  2. Local Government Jobs
  3. Find a Job (DWP)
    • Find a Job
    • Government-provided job search service from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Freelance and Gig Economy Job Websites

  1. PeoplePerHour
    • PeoplePerHour
    • Freelance job listings across various categories.
  2. Upwork
    • Upwork
    • A platform for freelancers to find work in numerous fields.
  3. Fiverr
    • Fiverr
    • Freelance marketplace offering a wide range of services.
  4. TaskRabbit
    • TaskRabbit
    • Platform for finding local freelance and gig work.

Student and Internship Job Websites

  1. RateMyPlacement
  2. Graduate Jobs
  3. Milkround
    • Milkround
    • Graduate job board with listings for internships, graduate schemes, and entry-level roles.
  4. Internwise
    • Internwise
    • Platform for finding internships and work placements.

Additional Resources

  1. National Careers Service
  2. Workboom
    • Workboom
    • Job search resources including CV creation, interview preparation, and goal setting.

By utilizing these resources, job seekers can access a wide range of job opportunities across various sectors and industries. Happy job hunting!

Job Search Tracker

Creating a weekly job search activity tracking table/form can help you stay organized and monitor your progress. Here’s a structured table/form that you can fill out each week to track your job search activities, set goals, and review your accomplishments.

Weekly Job Search Activity Tracker

| Week of: // to // |

Activity Description Goal Completed Notes/Feedback
Job Applications List the jobs you applied for, including company and position. e.g., Apply to 7 jobs this week  Yes  No e.g., 5 applications submitted, 2 follow-ups needed
Company Position
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Interviews List any interviews attended or scheduled. e.g., Attend 1 interview this week  Yes  No e.g., Interview on Wed, need to send thank-you email
Company Date/Time
1.
2.
Networking Activities List networking events attended or new connections made. e.g., Connect with 5 professionals  Yes  No e.g., Joined LinkedIn group, made 3 new connections
Activity Date
1.
2.
3.
Skill Development Courses completed, skills enhanced. e.g., Complete 2 modules of a course  Yes  No e.g., Completed module 1, progressing well
Course Progress
1.
2.
CV and Cover Letter Updates Updates made to your CV and cover letters. e.g., Update CV with new achievements  Yes  No e.g., Added recent project to CV, revised cover letter
Task Detail
1.
Job Search Goals for Next Week Set specific, measurable goals for next week’s job search activities. e.g., Apply to 8 jobs, attend 1 event  Yes  No e.g., Focus on tech sector jobs, complete online course
Goal Description
1.
Reflection and Feedback Reflect on the week’s activities and note any feedback or insights. e.g., Improve interview techniques  Yes  No e.g., Need to work on answering competency-based questions

Instructions for Use

  1. Fill Out the Date Range: Indicate the week you are tracking, from start date to end date.
  2. Job Applications: List each job application you submitted. Include the company name, position, and any relevant notes.
  3. Interviews: Track any interviews you have scheduled or attended. Include the company, date, and time.
  4. Networking Activities: Document any networking events you attended or new connections you made. Include the event and date.
  5. Skill Development: Note any courses you are taking or skills you are developing, along with your progress.
  6. CV and Cover Letter Updates: Track any updates you made to your CV and cover letters.
  7. Job Search Goals for Next Week: Set clear, specific goals for the upcoming week.
  8. Reflection and Feedback: Reflect on your activities and note any feedback or insights to help improve your job search.

By regularly filling out this form, you can stay organized and ensure you are consistently taking steps towards finding new employment. This structured approach will help you track your progress and make necessary adjustments to your job search strategy. Good luck!

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