Getting a job: the basics
Thursday 1 January 2004
Getting a new job can depend on things like your work experience, your talents and the industry that you want to work in.
Even if you're not pursuing work in the career of your dreams, employment builds your self-esteem and allows you to afford the life you want to live.
Looking for work
People look for work in many different ways. People who are looking for work for just a short period of time, for example University students during the summer, sometimes contact recruitment agencies in the hope of finding contract based or temporary work. Many of these recruitment agencies now offer job searches and applications over the internet.
Some people begin their working life while at University, college or even at school. If you're still at school and want to work, you'll need to remember a few rules.
According to the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, if you're 13 or over and still at school, an employer shouldn't let you work before 7am, after 7pm or for more than two hours per day on a school day or a Sunday.
If you're under 16, you can only work if you've registered for a work permit. To get a permit your application form must be signed by your parent or carer, and your employer will then apply for a work permit for you.
If you plan to go into a career that is more specialised, then it might be worth taking a look at that industry's trade magazine, to check the recruitment pages, normally towards the back page.
There are also the more traditional routes to finding work, such as visiting your local Jobcentre Plus or taking a look through the job section of a newspaper. In the case of newspapers, many now put their jobs on their web site, which means you can search for your chosen career in no time at all.
One good example of how the web can speed up the search process is shown by WorkTrain, a Government web site which lets users search through thousands of jobs and training courses online.
Applying for a job
Once you've found your ideal job, you'll need to apply.
Employers normally ask for applicants to send in a Curriculum Vitae (CV) or completed application form via the post or online.
The web has lots of sites that can help you write your CV or application form. For example, the Connexions Direct web site has lots of useful links and advice on what an employer wants to hear from job applicants. For more information on writing a CV and filling out application forms, take a look at our list of recommended links.
Interview techniques
A good way of calming pre-interview nerves is to research the company you're applying to. If you attend with plenty of questions for the employer to answer, you will appear enthusiastic and interested. Plus, you know you'll have something to say.
Basic advice for job interviews can include taking a few deep breaths before you enter the interview room. This slows down your heartbeat and lets you gather your composure before you begin.
For more advice on where to look for jobs, what to do when you apply and how to cope in the interview, take a look at our list of job related links.
