FINDING A JOB

There's more than one way to find your next opportunity.

Looking for a job? Where on earth do you start?

Perhaps you've just left school or university.

Maybe you're returning to work after a career break, looking for a new challenge or desperately trying to escape a job you've stopped enjoying.

Whatever your circumstances, job hunting can feel like a job in itself.

You spend hours scrolling through vacancies, completing applications and sending off CVs.

And sometimes?

Absolutely nothing.

Not even a polite rejection.

It's frustrating, particularly when you know you'd be perfectly capable of doing the job.

Having spent many years working in recruitment, there's one piece of advice I'd give anyone looking for employment.

Don't rely on just one way of finding a job.

There are more opportunities out there than those appearing on the first page of a job-search website.

And sometimes the best opportunities come from places you hadn't considered.

1. Start by knowing what you're looking for

Before sending your CV to every employer within a 30-mile radius, spend a little time thinking about what you actually want.

What type of work interests you?

What skills and experience do you have?

What sort of environment would suit you?

And what are your practical requirements?

Think about:

• The type of job and industry.

• Full-time, part-time or flexible working.

• Salary expectations and financial needs.

• Location and commuting distance.

• Opportunities for training or progression.

• The sort of organisation you'd like to work for.

You don't need to have every answer.

And being open-minded can be enormously helpful.

But having some direction will make your search more focused.

There's a difference between being flexible and applying for absolutely anything because you're feeling desperate.

2. Job websites — an obvious starting point

Online job boards are useful because they bring together large numbers of vacancies.

In the UK, popular options include Indeed, Reed, Totaljobs, CV-Library and LinkedIn Jobs.

You can search by job title, location, salary and working arrangements.

Set up alerts so you're notified when relevant positions appear.

But here's something worth remembering.

The same job may appear on several different websites.

Don't mistake ten advertisements for ten separate opportunities.

And don't assume every advertised position is still available.

Check the posting date and, where possible, the employer's own careers page.

If you're interested, don't leave applying until the last minute. Some employers review applications as they arrive and may close vacancies early.

3. Go directly to employers

This is one of my favourite approaches.

Instead of only searching for advertised jobs, make a list of organisations you'd genuinely like to work for.

Look at their websites.

Find their careers pages.

See whether they're recruiting.

And if they aren't advertising anything suitable, consider approaching them anyway.

This is sometimes called a speculative application.

You might write:

“I'm getting in touch because I'm very interested in your organisation and would welcome the opportunity to be considered for any suitable positions. I have experience in customer service and administration, and I've attached my CV in case there may be an opportunity to contribute to your team.”

Keep it professional, relevant and personal.

Explain why you've chosen that organisation rather than sending an identical message to fifty companies.

You may not receive a response.

But sometimes you reach an employer just as they're considering recruiting.

Not every opportunity begins with a job advertisement.

4. Recruitment agencies — use them properly

Recruitment agencies can be extremely useful, particularly if they specialise in your industry or type of work.

Some recruit for permanent positions.

Others specialise in temporary, contract, executive or entry-level roles.

Find agencies that deal with the kind of work you're interested in.

And don't simply send your CV and assume they'll do everything for you.

Explain what you're looking for.

Discuss your experience, salary expectations, availability and flexibility.

Keep in touch appropriately.

And be honest about your circumstances.

A good recruiter may be able to tell you which skills employers are looking for, how competitive your experience is and what opportunities might be realistic.

But remember that recruitment agencies are generally paid by employers to fill vacancies.

They're an additional route into employment, not a personal guarantee of finding you a job.

And in the UK, employment agencies generally cannot charge work-seekers a fee simply for finding them work.

5. Networking — it's not just for business executives!

Some people hear the word networking and immediately imagine a room full of people wearing name badges and exchanging business cards.

But networking is simply about making and maintaining connections.

Former colleagues.

Friends.

Family.

Neighbours.

People you've met through volunteering, hobbies or community activities.

Let people know you're looking for work.

You might say:

“I'm looking for a new role in administration or customer service. If you hear of anything suitable, I'd really appreciate you letting me know.”

That's it.

No elaborate sales pitch required.

People can't help you if they don't know you're looking.

And personal recommendations can sometimes help your application reach the right person.

You never know who knows somebody who knows somebody.

6. LinkedIn — make yourself visible

LinkedIn can be particularly useful for professional and office-based roles, although its value varies between industries.

Think of your profile as an online professional introduction.

Make sure it accurately reflects your experience, qualifications and skills.

Use a clear headline.

Describe what you've actually done rather than simply listing job titles.

Connect with former colleagues and relevant professional contacts.

Follow organisations that interest you.

And consider making yourself visible to recruiters if you're comfortable doing so.

You don't have to post inspirational business quotes every morning or announce that you're delighted and humbled by absolutely everything.

Just present yourself professionally and make it easy for people to understand what you offer.

7. Don't overlook smaller businesses

Large organisations often have formal recruitment processes and dedicated careers websites.

Smaller businesses may recruit quite differently.

A local company might advertise on its website, through social media, in a community group or simply by word of mouth.

Think about businesses in your area.

Shops.

Offices.

Hospitality venues.

Care providers.

Trades.

Professional services.

Local charities.

You might discover opportunities that never appear on the major job boards.

For some roles, a polite personal enquiry can be worthwhile.

Just be mindful of how the organisation prefers to receive applications.

8. Consider temporary work, volunteering and other routes

Sometimes the most direct route into the job you want isn't immediately available.

That doesn't mean you can't make progress.

Temporary employment can help you gain recent experience, earn money and make contacts.

Volunteering can demonstrate initiative and develop useful skills.

An apprenticeship may provide a route into a new profession, including for adults.

A short course might help you meet an employer's requirements.

And a part-time position could potentially lead to further opportunities.

Of course, not everyone can afford to volunteer or accept lower-paid work.

Your circumstances matter.

But it's worth considering whether an alternative route could help you move towards your longer-term goal.

Your next job doesn't necessarily have to be your forever job.

9. Make your CV work for you

Here's where I'll return to one of my favourite recruitment subjects.

Your CV needs to sell you.

An employer may receive dozens or even hundreds of applications.

You need to give them a reason to take notice.

Don't simply list your previous job titles.

Explain what you did.

Describe your responsibilities.

Highlight your achievements.

Demonstrate relevant skills.

And make sure your CV is tailored to the position.

If the employer is looking for someone organised, reliable and experienced in dealing with customers, show them where you've demonstrated those qualities.

Don't assume they'll work it out for themselves.

And if you're using AI to help improve your CV, make sure it remains accurate, specific and genuinely representative of you.

The purpose of your CV is to get you an interview. Don't save all the interesting information for later.

10. Quality versus quantity

It's tempting to measure your job search by how many applications you've sent.

I've applied for 47 jobs this week!

Impressive.

But were they the right jobs?

And did you make a convincing case for any of them?

There's a balance between applying widely and applying thoughtfully.

For roles you particularly want, take the time to read the requirements carefully.

Tailor your CV.

Write a relevant covering letter if appropriate.

Explain why you're suitable.

Make it easy for the employer to recognise your strengths.

Ten carefully targeted applications may be more effective than fifty generic ones, although results will vary by role and industry.

Don't just apply. Give yourself a genuine chance of being shortlisted.

11. Keep track of your applications

When you're applying for several positions, it's surprisingly easy to lose track.

Which company was that?

What was the salary?

Did I send a covering letter?

Have I already applied?

Keep a simple record of:

• Employer and job title.

• Date applied.

• Where you found the vacancy.

• Salary and location.

• The version of your CV you submitted.

• Interview dates and follow-up actions.

• Responses and outcomes.

Save a copy of the job description too.

You may need it when preparing for an interview, especially if the advertisement has disappeared.

A spreadsheet or simple notebook is perfectly adequate.

A little organisation can make job hunting feel considerably less chaotic.

12. Don't take silence personally

One of the most disheartening aspects of modern recruitment is the lack of response.

You spend ages completing an application.

You carefully tailor your CV.

You press submit.

And then...

Nothing.

It's easy to start wondering what's wrong with you.

But there are many possible explanations.

The employer may have received hundreds of applications.

An internal candidate may have been appointed.

The vacancy may have changed.

Or your experience may simply not match what they're looking for.

If you're consistently not getting interviews, review your approach.

Are you applying for appropriate roles?

Does your CV clearly demonstrate your suitability?

Are you meeting the essential requirements?

Could a recruiter or someone with relevant experience give you feedback?

Don't assume every rejection means you're not good enough. But do be willing to learn from the process.

13. Look after yourself while you're looking

Job hunting can affect your confidence, mood and sense of purpose.

Particularly if you're unemployed, under financial pressure or trying to return after a long career break.

It can be tempting to spend every waking hour searching for vacancies.

But endlessly refreshing job websites doesn't necessarily improve your chances.

Try creating a manageable routine.

Set aside time for searching, applications, networking and developing skills.

Take breaks.

Keep exercising.

See friends.

Maintain interests outside your job search.

And recognise the effort you're putting in, even when you haven't yet achieved the result you want.

Your employment status is one part of your life.

It isn't a measure of your value as a person.

14. Remember — employers are looking for something too

It's easy to feel as though all the power sits with the employer.

They're choosing.

You're hoping.

But recruitment is about finding a suitable match.

Employers need capable, reliable people who can contribute to their organisation.

And you have something to offer.

Perhaps it's experience.

Perhaps it's enthusiasm.

Perhaps it's a particular combination of skills.

Perhaps it's a willingness to learn.

Your job is to identify what you bring to the table and communicate it effectively.

Don't approach every application as though you're asking someone to do you a favour. You're offering them your skills, time and contribution.

A few questions worth asking yourself

1. What sort of work am I actually looking for?

2. Am I being realistic about my experience, qualifications and salary expectations?

3. Have I explored different ways of finding opportunities?

4. Which organisations would I particularly like to work for?

5. Who in my existing network might be able to help?

6. Does my CV clearly explain what I have to offer?

7. Am I tailoring my applications or simply sending the same CV everywhere?

8. Would additional experience or training improve my prospects?

9. Am I keeping track of applications and learning from the responses?

10. If I were recruiting for this role, would my application make me want to interview me?

Something to take away

Finding a job can take time, persistence and a fair amount of patience.

And sometimes a thick skin.

But don't limit yourself to scrolling through vacancies and hoping something turns up.

Be proactive.

Research employers.

Speak to people.

Use recruiters.

Explore different routes.

Make your experience and skills visible.

And above all, sell yourself.

Because the right employer may be looking for someone with exactly your abilities.

They just need to know you exist.

Something to think about, don't you think?

FUSION FIT UK
MOVE WELL • EAT WELL • LIVE WELL

General UK career guidance. Recruitment practices and opportunities vary by employer, industry and individual circumstances.

For client use only. Please do not reproduce or distribute without permission.