Looking for work

[jb190281]

As some of you will know, Im losing my job ( 5 weeks and counting!). Just wondered if anyone has any tips when it comes to looking for jobs, applying, cvs etc. I want to maximise my chances, hate the prospect of being unemployed just before christmas.

[welshlibranr]

It's very hard!! you send hundreds of Cv's, get no answers, the jobcentre staff just want you off the jobseekers allowance, and tell you 'take anything, some money is better than no money'! not always the case!! I hope you have better luck than me, so far!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! it's really diabolical, you have to be there to realise how difficult is really gets.....but I hope you are luckier than I have been to date!!

[Pigletion]

Be aware at this time of year there are seasonal jobs as people get busy over-Christmas. Although these are short-term jobs, it is a job and looks good on your CV as it shows you were trying (and avoids gaps). Depending on the area it can also lead to further work. ALthough they might not be career jobs, they still give you skills you can talk about and pocket money for Christmas!

ALso, the best resource you have is people you know. People are generally willing to help, particularly if you've done a lot to help yourself already. Forwarding an email or handing a CV and Cover Letter to their HR department is not exactly putting them out.

Be positive and not wishy-washy on your CV. Use words like demonstrated, achieved etc. nothing hand wavey.

The internet is now a good place for jobs listings, there are often ones devoted to a particular career type. It may also get you in touch with a good recruitment consultant - I say may, as there are a lot of bad ones out there! They won't harm your chances, they just won't help either! If you can find a good recruitment consultant, then it's worth it, but htis is much easier said than done.

The most important thing is to be flexible. The level of unemployment and redundancies at the moment is particularly severe, so showing that you are adaptable and will take a job that will lead to the job you want, or a similar job to the one you want that could lead to you moving sideways, means you are a more attractive prospect.

It is so hard when you just get ignored as employers are facing unprecedented numbers of applicants for very few jobs, try not to give up or get down (again, easier said than done!). Good luck, I know how you feel

[Androcles]

As the others have said, it is hard. But you just have to keep throwing mud at the wall until something sticks!

Firstly ask your current employer what they are prepared to do to help you find another job, they may be feeling guilty and offer you some help.

It is often a good idea to sit down and look at the skills you have - ask others to help you and then look around for other jobs where these skill might be appropriate, to broaden your search.

I would really recommend you buy the book (or get your employer to buy it for you) called "What colour is your parachute" - they call it a practical manual for job hunters and it is very helpful:

http://www.amazon.co....hunters/dp/1580088678

Make sure you keep in touch with all your contacts and ask them to let you know of any opportunities.

Good Luck!

[sasha011]

There are a lot of jobs sites online. Try Reed.co.uk (they are good for both temp and perm jobs). job Centre plus online, monster.co.uk, Cv library. Try registering with some recruitment agencies.

[Thunderchild]

register with as many agencies as you can, I know they are a pain (I positively hate them) but mjost jobs down the job centre are from agencies anyhow. even if you get a few days work from an agency take it, the agency will get some kind of feedback about you and if your good/adaptable will be more willing to place you elsewhere. I did 7 months work for a company and they were really happy with me, when I finished the agency were very willing to send me into a position I was not trained for but they knew me by then and I had other related experience.