Looking for a Job

There are lots of places you can look for a job. It's a good idea to use as many as possible - it will give you a better chance of finding something.

Where to Look

Connexions Centres

They have work and training vacancies for school and college leavers. See where to find us for details of your nearest centre.

The Connexions Black Country local jobs and Apprenticeship vacancy database on this website.

Jobcentre Plus Centres

Up-to-date job vacancies, mainly for people aged over 18. Visit Jobcentre Plus centres or view vacancies online.

Internet

Choose from general job search sites (i.e. Jobcentre Plus, Monster, Fish4Jobs) and sites for employment agencies, individual companies and businesses and newspapers. Public sector jobs can be found at jobseekersdirect.gov.uk and jobsgopublic.com.Always check that the information on a website is up to date.

Local and national newspapers

Look in local newspapers. In the Black Country, the Express and Star and Black Country Mail carry job adverts on Thursdays. Details about local newspapers all over the country can be found at the newspaper society.

National newspapers are good if you are thinking about vacancies away from your local area.

Newspapers are available to look at in Connexions centres and public libraries.

Employment Agencies

Employment or recruitment agencies offer specialist and general job vacancies.

Under-18s must have a letter from Connexions, to say that they have had advice from a Personal Adviser.

Look in the Yellow Pages, on the Internet or in Connexions centres for details of agencies.

Shop windows/In-store adverts

Many shops advertise seasonal or part-time vacancies in windows or in-store.

Word of mouth/asking employers

Many employers don't advertise their vacancies at all, and rely on word of mouth and speculative applications (when people ask employers directly).

Friends and relatives might also know about jobs where they work

More info on writing to employers and CVs

Looking for a job? Be prepared

There is no set amount of time for finding a job. It may take a while to find something you're interested in or to get invited to an interview. Don't let it get you down - talk to someone, either a friend, family member or Personal Adviser if you're starting to get fed up.

You may have to change your CV or covering letter to make it right for the job you're applying for. Don't expect one CV and letter to cover every possibility!

Keep any documents in a safe place, i.e. letters you have sent to employers or received. This will help you to keep track of the jobs you have applied for.