The Internet

The Internet is a powerful job search tool. There are hundreds of thousands of jobs listed on thousands of different sites - from employers' own web sites to recruitment agencies and newspaper sites. 

It is also a useful research tool. Use it to find out about employers, specific industries, job types, careers and vacancy organisations - such as Jobcentre Plus and Careers Scotland - and for job searching itself. 

First Things First!

If you do not have Internet access at home, try to get free access elsewhere. Possibilities include your local Jobcentre Plus office, Careers Scotland Centre, library, or local economic initiative office.

Plan your search before you go online. Think before you surf - it saves time and energy!

• Write down the names of the jobs or types of industry you are looking for and the level of entry you want.
• See the website addresses below. Some aim at particular types of job-seekers: graduates, technicians or specialists in certain industries.
• Are you prepared, if necessary, to move to a new area? If so, which areas would you consider?

When you are online:

• find the Jobcentre Plus web site: http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/;
• click on the ‘Job Search now’ button on the introductory page of this site - it gives access to hundreds of thousands of job vacancies all over the country
• remember to add useful sites like this to your ‘favourites’ or ‘bookmarks’.

There are things to watch out for.

• Don't gather too much information. (For example, don’t print out whole websites. Instead, copy and paste important facts on to a word document and print that out.)
• Don't waste time on sites which can distract you and lead you along the wrong track.
• Don't give out personal information about yourself without protecting it from misuse. (Some recruitment sites let you ‘post your CV’ into an electronic ‘Situations Wanted’ or ‘Job Matching’ box. Check who will have access to this.
• Watch out for commercial sites which charge fees for services.

Websites

There are hundreds of UK vacancy information sites. The list below is not a full list - there are too many to list them all. Equally, it does not set out to recommend the particular sites mentioned, but it gives a starting point.

Use ‘search engines’ – for example, Excite, Google, Lycos or Yahoo - to look for websites. Using several will give you better results. Think about keywords you want to use for your search.

If you are new to the Internet, read the ‘How to Search’ or ‘Help’ advice on the sites before you begin.

There are hundreds of UK vacancy information sites. The list below is not a full list - there are too many to list them all. Equally, it does not set out to recommend the particular sites mentioned, but it gives a starting point.

 Newspapers

• National newspapers have a regular jobs section once or twice a week.
• Your local paper normally has a jobs page too.
• You can read the papers at your local library rather than buying them.
• Look for the free recruitment news-sheets in newsagents and supermarkets.

There’s more in the newspaper than vacancies alone.  If you’re thinking about making ‘on spec’ applications (more information below), also look at the general adverts.

They might give you:

• information about new companies coming into the area;
• contact names to write to; and
• background information on organisations you might want to work for.

Specialist Magazines and Journals

If you already know what kind of job you want, specialist magazines and professional journals such as the 'Nursing Times' or 'Caterer and Hotelkeeper' or

'Motor Industry Magazine' are useful. As well as listing job vacancies, they keep you up to date with changes and developments in the industry.

Recruitment agencies

You can register with a recruitment agency. See the Yellow Pages or Thomson’s Local directory for details of local recruitment agencies.

Some agencies specialise in a particular kind of work such as clerical work or engineering. Make sure you choose the right agency to help you market your skills. Sometimes agencies ask to check your details, such as your apprenticeship papers or HGV licence. Some may test your skills, such as your typing speeds.

What about the jobs which aren’t advertised?

Since 75% of vacancies are never advertised, how do you find out about them?  Just phone and ask!

• Plan ahead before you contact a company or organisation to ask if they have a vacancy to suit you.
• Consider what skills you have which will be useful to an employer. See the article: 'What are your key skills'.
• Do your homework on the organisation first.  See below: Where to find out about companies.
• Find out who hires new staff in the department you want to work in.
• Make sure your CV reaches the right person. Email it or send it with a covering message to the named contact in the department you want to work in.
• Nowadays most employers respond only to applications from those candidates who interest them. You are more likely to get a response if you phone the company afterwards to make sure your application has arrived. This will also show how keen you are. 

Canvassing

The direct approach – go and visit an employer to ask about vacancies. This works better for some kinds of work than others. For instance, it can be useful for building sites, restaurants or hairdressing salons.

The articles titled ‘Jobsearch letters’, ‘Phoning for a job’ and ‘What is a CV (Curriculum Vitae)?’ will give you ideas on how to approach an employer.

Yellow Pages and Thomson’s Local Directory

The Yellow Pages and Thomson’s Local directory can help you find companies to contact ‘on spec’, either to ask about vacancies or to get the name of the contact person.

TV and Radio

Some companies advertise on TV and radio. Check Teletext.

Networking

Use your personal contacts to help you find the job you want. It is surprising how many people find jobs through contacts they have made themselves. See the article: ‘Networking’.

Whom do I network with?

Relatives, friends, colleagues, former colleagues, managers, former managers, anyone you know!

How can these people help you?

They may:

• tell you about job vacancies now or in the future;
• give you the name of a contact;
• keep you in mind or suggest your name to their manager when a vacancy arises;
• know about someone leaving a job;
• know about new companies moving into an area; and 
• give you the names of people they know, thus widening your own network.

Many people see the advantage of networking but don’t do it, either through embarrassment or fear of ‘owing’ someone. So ask your personal contacts for information and advice. But don’t ask your contact to directly fix you up with a job.

Once you get the name of the person in charge, phone or write to him or her directly. If your own contact has given permission, you might mention him or her by name. Keep a note of personal contacts.

• to identify potential employers
• for background information. (It makes a good impression if you show knowledge of the company in application letters and at interviews.)

Where to find out about companies:

• local libraries
• main libraries, such as the Mitchell Library in Glasgow
• Kompass (worldwide business directory)
• Kelly’s Directory
• Yellow Pages and Thomson Local directories
• college and university careers services
• trade directories, journals and publications
• Local Enterprise Companies
• Scottish Enterprise Network or Highlands and Islands Enterprise Network
• Chambers of Commerce
• the Internet - contact companies directly for information.

Points to remember when researching companies

• Concentrate on the companies that might be interested in your skills, qualities and experience.
• Choose companies within the geographical area you are interested in.

What information should you find out about companies?

• Who owns it?
• What are its products and services?
• Who and where are its customers?
• How many employees does it have?
• Is it currently expanding?
• What departments are there within the company?
• How many factories, offices, shops or outlets does it have?