Published at 15:20, Friday, 01 February 2013

BARROW has one of the toughest job markets in Cumbria – but with the right skills at your disposal jobseekers can still find employment.

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FRIENDLY ADVICE David Hurley with work programme advisor Leigh O’Regan at the A4e offices in Barrow JON GRANGER REF: 50043678B013

IT’S a tough time to be unemployed – but there are jobs out there, if you look in the right places.
Here, the Work Programme team at A4e Barrow, shares some of its tips for finding a job:

1. Create an email account. Most people already have one, but if not, they’re easy to set up. Many applications now require an online CV attached to an email. It’s also important to check your emails every day.

2. Go Online. Search by both area and job title, and repeat your search every day. Our personal favourite website is
Indeed.co.uk but do register with all reputable job sites and set up Google Alerts to track specific companies.

3. Be old-fashioned. Even when applying for jobs online, call the employer to confirm they have received your application. This demonstrates that you are organised, ambitious and have no problems with dealing with people. It also gives you the chance to strike up conversation and make your application memorable.
4. Be pro-active. It’s not enough to fire out lots of cover letters and CVs. For a start, all your CVs should be tailored for each job. Treat finding a job like a job by following-up every lead and finding new places to submit your CV. Call employers and request an interview. Even when you may not be qualified for that specific position, the employer may have other openings.

5. Apply to unconventional places. Visit the website of organisations you want to work for – you may find jobs that don’t appear elsewhere online. And don’t assume that a warehouse, for example, won’t have any jobs if you aren’t a picker or packer. Most large organisations also need admin, IT and HR staff.

6. Make a direct approach. Up to 80 per cent of jobs are not advertised publicly so it’s vital you canvass employers you would like to work for and drop in your CV. Ask to speak to the manager to create a good impression.

7. Dip your toe in the water. It’s a familiar cry from jobseekers that they can’t get jobs because employers want staff with experience. Even if you don’t have experience in the industry you want, consider volunteering or offer taking up a short-term placement so you can learn more about the job and improve your skills.

8. Put your friends and family to work. As the saying goes, it’s not what you know, but who you know. Let as many people as possible know what you are looking for and ask them to keep an eye out for jobs.

9. Be prepared to change careers. As the workplace continues to evolve, people may have change careers several times in their lifetime. Understand your unique skills and abilities. Working out your strengths may guide you towards a new career. It’s also worth considering self-employment – being your own boss can be a fantastic new start.

10. Use your transferable skills. Even if you don’t have formal qualifications, you will have plenty of skills that you don’t realise. For example, if you’ve been a stay-at-home mum, then inevitably you have experience with child-care, with catering, with balancing financial budgets – all vital skills that can be transferred to paid jobs. It is not always the best qualified person who gets the job. Many employers are looking for an applicant who can demonstrate they are enthusiastic and motivated, will be a good time-keeper and reliable team player.

Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk