JobsVacancies.org specialise in providing advice to job seekers looking to secure full time jobs with some of the major UK employers, so if you are looking for a new job or a complete career change and need advice on how to achieve this we may have the answers for you.
For advice on applying for a position and ultimately securing a job with organisations such as Tesco, Marks and Spencer and Sainsburys follow our dedicated job vacancy information sections which are packed full of useful information, tips and guidelines.
The UK employment market is a highly competitive environment and the number of unemployed now tops two million. With more candidates chasing fewer positions it is vital that you research your chosen field in depth, whilst ensuring your skills and knowledge are up to date and relevant. With 10 jobseekers currently applying for every 1 vacancy advertised in UK job centres, only the very best candidates will be successful in securing their ideal position.
The first rule of searching for a new job is to be pro-active. Do not wait for a job to come to you. You have to do your research and be flexible, perhaps by being prepared to widen your search area or altering the type of work you do slightly. Being thoroughly well researched will provide you with confidence and knowledge and will make you an attractive candidate to prospective employers.
What is the best way of finding a suitable job vacancy?
Newspapers
You will find a wealth of information and usually a wide range of job advertisements in your local newspaper. Vacancies advertised in the local press usually cover a broad spectrum of positions, from cleaners and cooks to marketing and sales executives and typically will be for positions based locally. You will often find that jobs advertised in your local newspaper are also advertised in the local job centre. It is worth bearing in mind that any jobs advertised within the newspaper and job centre will be seen by a wide number of potential applicants. Competition will therefore be very strong so you need to ensure your CV and covering letter of application are above average and make you stand out from the crowd.
If you are prepared to widen your search then consider using a specialist jobs newspaper. These types of publication generally cover a region rather than a specific town or city, and will have a much wider range of positions advertised. For example if you are looking for a management position based in the North West of England then a copy of Jobs North West will be an essential purchase to make.
Typically, newspapers will advertise jobs on a weekly basis so you need to ensure you purchase your copy on the day they are published in order to get your CV to the employer quickly. However, you should bear in mind that many newspapers will now also have an online site where the jobs advertised within the newspaper are also advertised.
Online Recruitment Agencies and Job Websites
The Internet is a great place to research your next career move and find open vacancies. There are a number of websites in operation where the candidate can upload a copy of their CV to the site in order for it to be viewed by prospective employers. Additionally, there are often thousands of positions advertised on behalf of organisations and searches can be carried out so you can apply for a specific type of job in a certain geographical area. As with newspapers, online job sites generally advertise an incredibly wide range of roles, so you are likely to find at least one vacancy to suit you. Good examples of popular recruitment websites which cover the whole of the UK are:
www.totaljobs.com
www.monsterjobs.co.uk
www.reed.co.uk
Additionally, the Job Centre network now has an online site where you can search and apply for jobs plus read tips and advice on interview techniques, CV writing and so on. You can view this website at the following address: www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk
Recruitment Agencies
A popular way of securing your next position is by using recruitment agency. Many employers value the services of a recruitment agency over an online site because they will generally interview candidates face-to-face before matching them with a suitable position. The role of the recruitment agency is to filter a group of candidates down to just a couple so that the employer is only presented with the very best applicants.
Recruitment consultants will sit down with you and discuss your career achievements and aspirations and will be able to guide you towards roles which they feel most suit you. They also will usually offer you help with CV writing and help you prepare for interviews and assessment centres with practical tips and guidelines. Many people benefit from the one-on-one guidance that a recruitment agency can deliver and will generally maintain some form of contact with them throughout their careers. You can contact details for a wide range of recruitment consultancies online, and many have offices in towns across the UK.
Direct with the Employer
Many major UK employers will use a combination of ways to recruit new staff depending on the role. If you are searching for a job with a major retailer such as Tesco then your first port of call should be the Tesco website (clicking on the careers tab). Generally, in store positions at a junior and mid level will be advertised both in-store and online (and possibly even in the local Job Centre). More Senior Management and all Head Office positions will be advertised directly on the Tesco website and applicants are expected to apply using the online process.
If you have searched the employers website and cannot see a position which suits you, you should not be put off from writing directly to their Human Resources Department. A well written, speculative letter could lead the way to an interview and will generally be held on file for consideration if a suitable role does become available. Do not be afraid of letting companies know that you would love to work for them – many will be impressed by your enthusiasm and passion.
As an example, why not try applying for a job at Tesco. Tesco has grown to be the fourth largest retail company in the world with only Wal-Mart, Carrefour, and Metro exceeding its current turnover of just over £60m, in result tesco jobs are available to job seekers and they are looking to bring on new talent.
Online Recruitment Agencies and Job Websites
Many sites such as jobstoday.co.uk can help you find your ideal role, whether searching for retail jobs or more of a 9-5 feel in the office the internet is a great way to find out what jobs are available in your area.
Networking and word-of-mouth
Throughout your career you will probably come across the phrase, “its not what you know, but who you know”. Never underestimate the power of this phrase. Many positions are filled without ever being advertised because the employer may have targeted or “head hunted” the candidate based on their knowledge, skills and achievements gained elsewhere. Never be afraid to network, and remember to present yourself as a competent, smart and hard-working individual to all people you will meet throughout your working life. Leaving a good impression on colleagues, suppliers, customers etc may well prove fruitful in the future.
We hope this website proves to be an informative tool, which you can use to gain advice on searching and applying for a new job, and in particular finding a new job with a major British employer. We wish you all the best with your search!
The team at www.jobsvacancies.org