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JOB HUNTING HELP

There are ways to ensure your job hunt is a success

It can be easy for those in the workforce to say to people like Martin and Joe, "Go get a real job", but for many people, it is easier said than done. Although the UK has one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe, scores of people find getting a job an overwhelming task.

So, how can a jobseeker get off the dole and into stable employment?

There's no simple answer, but there's certainly some things you can do to improve your chances of landing that job.

Ups and downs

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported an increase of 55,700 job vacancies in the year leading up to September 2004.

It isn't all good news - some industries are losing jobs, fast.

Between June and August 2004, around 87,000 jobs in the manufacturing industry alone were lost.

This figure brings the number of factory workers down to a record low of 3.36 million, with those in the textile, clothing and electrical manufacturing sectors most affected.

But the fact is - there is still only a 75% employment rate for people of working age.

Dr John Philpott, chief economist at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), thinks a lot of that figure is made up of people being too fussy.

"Many jobless people are either unable or unwilling to fill available vacancies.

"One in three employers who were looking to recruit staff in the summer months failed to do so because of a total lack of applicants," he comments.

Opportunity knocks

There's an old saying, "you've got to start somewhere", and it certainly applies to finding a job.

Very few people will be able to step into their dream job straight away, but it's always worth looking to the future and finding out the steps you need to take to get to where you want to be.

Many big names have started their careers in the post room or making the teas!

So instead of dismissing a job you think is "beneath your ability", consider where it may lead and what its positives points are.

If there's an industry you are very keen to get into, start approaching businesses in that sector and ask for advice, work placements and, of course, whether there are any jobs available.

Don't just wait to get offered your dream job - get out there and find it.

Starting point

The main place to find job vacancies is in local newspapers or job magazines, but there are other ways to find employment.

There are many websites that advertise positions in just about every sector, and it's worth checking if there are any "industry specific" sites you can try.

Another way you can get help job hunting is to approach your local Jobcentre, but don't forget - you could even find advertisements in shop windows.

You can try recruitment agencies who put you on their books and try find you a job. This service is free to jobseekers as it is the employer who pays for the agency to find them appropriate staff.

The Recruitment and Employment Confederation can assist you in finding a suitable recruitment agency.

The key is to keep your eyes open and approach people you think may be able to help. Many companies will consider work placements, which sometimes lead to permanent paid work.

Approach as many people as you can during your job hunt

It's always a good idea to contact your local Jobcentre when you start job hunting, as some people are eligible for jobseekers assistance.

If you are over 50 you may be eligible for financial assistance, single parents may be entitled to receive help with childcare costs, and those with a disability can be offered extra assistance if necessary.

Sell yourself

OK, so you've found a job to apply for - what's the next step?

Most employers ask for a written CV with covering letter, from which they will compile a shortlist of potential candidates.

You never know if your application is the only one, or one of a hundred - so make it good.

Ensure any written applications are clear, readable and concise.

Don't waffle on about every paper run you delivered as a child if you are a 40-year-old skilled worker, but conversely, make sure you do yourself justice.

Many people are rather backward in coming forward when it comes to selling themselves, but it's very important that you list all your relevant skills clearly.

An employer wants to be able to quickly scan your CV to see if you fulfil the criteria they have set out for the position.

Make sure you address any points the employer has placed in the advert to ensure they become confident that you are both qualified for the position, and would fit into their company.

Your application should be typed on white paper rather than hand written, and should be set out with large margins and a clear typeface.

Jobcentre suggests you should attach a covering letter to your CV, which should begin with a summarised introduction of your skills and experience. Then add your contact details and when you are available for interviews.

And, just before you print off your application, make sure you check for spelling mistakes - potential employers may assume you aren't taking it seriously if you send in an application with a heap of errors.

Under the spotlight

Once you're short listed for a position it will be time for a face to face interview. This can be with just one manager from the company or a board, depending on the position.

The main thing to remember is - go prepared. Do your research about the company to show you are interested in becoming part of their team.

Whether you are applying for a managerial position or a labouring position your employer wants to know you are keen.

Don't try to hide anything in your interview, but always be ready to explain any negative areas in your past working life.

For example, if you had many absences in your last job admit to it, but explain the circumstances and reassure the interviewer that you are now fit to continue working.

No one is expected to be perfect, but what your interviewer will expect is for you to have reasons for any poor performances and solutions to stop them happening again.

Ask questions. Jot down some key things you want to know when you are in the interview such as; why is the job vacant, who would I report to and what training will I do, if any?

Some employers now like to get applicants to complete personality or psychometric tests. These are designed to reveal more about your suitability for a position, but remember - they are about your personality traits, so there are no right or wrong answers.

Success or failure

If you don't get offered a position after an interview it can be deflating for anyone, but keep in mind there are almost always more candidates than positions, so you must be doing something right to get to interview stage.

Try stay motivated towards your job hunting and use your experiences to improve your future applications.

Ask for feedback if you don't get a position, as comments made by an interviewer can be of use to you later.

Take any criticisms on board and work towards overcoming any negative issues you may have put across.

Job hunting isn't always an easy task, but if you remain focussed and positive towards finding a job, you will land that position.

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