49 WAYS TO GET A JOB

49 WAYS TO GET A JOB

Carl Brennand

Everyone’s saying it’s tougher than ever to get a job, but the jobs are out there. It’s a question of finding them. Yes, it might take a little longer to find the position for you and you may have to travel further, move house and take a job you weren’t expecting to have just to get in the market. But don’t think there’s nothing for you because there is.

In fact, you can turn this experience into something positive by improving your skills, meeting new people and expanding your horizons. Try our ideas for getting a job and let us know how you got on!

MAKE THE MOST OF THE INTERNET

1. Make sure you have a professional email address

Your e-mail needs to be something like ’joe.bloggs@hotmail.com’, rather than something jokey like ‘misshotpants@hotmail.com’. After all, you need potential employers to take you seriously.

claims to be the number one job site in the UK with 3,000 jobs added daily.

4. Network

We can’t stress enough just how important it is to network. Far more jobs are picked up through personal contacts and recommendations than through job ads. Social and business networking sites are increasingly the way to get yourself known out there now, so make sure you sign up to them.

2. Get help with your CV

There are loads of websites that offer help with writing a killer CV. The CV Centre will have your resume written by an experienced professional, promising to tweak it as many times as you want until it’s perfect. The site also offers a covering letter-writing service. The BBC website’s CV help is also a good place to look, as is the government’s website Gov.uk.

There are even sites with CV templates, CV samples and examples of bad CV formats. Remember to check UK sites rather than American ones as there are differences in the approach, and British employers can find the US CV style a bit irritating. Also remember to refresh your online CV regularly to make sure you’re at the top of the list!

3. Put yourself on a good job site

There are a lot of sites to choose from including the official Jobcentre Plus website Directgov. Guardian Jobs lists vacancies for jobseekers with an impressive CV. Reed

Join LinkedIn, link up with lots of people and check out the jobs section every day. Go on to Twitter (follow @Jasmine and @Moneymagpie while you’re there) and follow useful people in your sphere. Let it be known that you’re available and post tweets that are fun and useful so that you get followed and retweeted a lot. Do the same on Facebook – build up your network and ask about opportunities (become a fan of ours too).

Of course, networking in person is still valuable – get out to business networking evenings (try your local business associations and chambers of commerce if you don’t know where to start) and look on all social occasions as possible networking opportunities.

5. Get extra skills for free

There are lots of free courses you can take online, from learning languages to tech skills. The BBC website has plenty of free online language courses including French, Spanish, Greek and even Japanese.

Our article on how to boost your job prospects for free has links to all sorts of free courses in everything from healthcare to technology. Apart from the new skill itself, learning extra little bits shows that you’re adaptable and up-todate – just what your new employer is looking for.

6. Sort out your social media settings

When companies are recruiting, they often search for applicants on social media sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter This is to give them the chance to see what kind of person you are before meeting you in the flesh for an interview.

The mere thought of a prospective employer seeing those unflattering photos of you on a drunken night out should make anyone cringe. Therefore, make sure all your settings are on private so you control who sees your social media content.

7. Research pay rates for the job you want

Go to Payscale and you can find out what you should be being paid for the job you have now and for the job you want. You should have an idea of what to expect, so

you will know if an offer is a good one or not.

8. Set up your own blog and write about your area of work

It might seem like a big project, but it’s free to blog (go to Blogger to set up your blog in minutes for nothing), it gets your creative juices flowing and people searching for information in your field could come across it through the blogosphere. It’s all part of getting yourself out there.

9. Create your own internet site

To really make your job applications and CV stand out from the crowd, there’s nothing like having your own web address. This only applies to certain fields, but it’s a great way to advertise yourself and present a really professional image.

Use a web host such as 1&1 Web Hosting, where you pay nothing for the first three months. The site offers free support to guide you through the ins and outs of setting up your page.

Websites and blogs can also be a great thing to show off to potential employers, as it demonstrates your enthusiasm for working in that particular industry.

TOP APPLICATION TIPS

10. Remember to sell yourself

Modesty is an attractive trait, sure, but a job application isn’t the time for it. You’re selling yourself to someone else, so make sure they know about all the things you’ve done and achieved or they’ll never realise just how perfect you are for the job! You don’t need to brag or boast, but there’s nothing wrong with painting yourself in the best possible light you can.

11. Watch your spelling and grammar

You’d think this goes without saying, but you’d be amazed by the number of people who don’t spell check their job applications. Always, always check! Don’t just trust technology, either – get a friend to read over your application too.

12. Get the name of the individual you should write to directly

It really helps to go direct to the person hiring. It’s more personal and generally more successful. But, make sure you spell their name correctly. If you don’t, you can

forget the job.

13. Talk to your prospective referees Tell them you are applying for jobs and courteously ask their permission to be used as a referee, even if you know they will be fine with it. You want them to think even more favourably of you, and to respond to companies quickly.

14. Make sure your qualifications are up-to-date

Now is exactly the time to check that the qualifications you say you have in your CV are still up-to-date. Do you need a new CRB check? Is your First Aid current? Are you sure of your knowledge of the mortgage market or the latest legal rulings in your field of corporate law? If you can afford it, now is a very good time to take the latest courses and exams to keep up.

15. Go for quantity

Once you’ve got the basics right (a good CV, proper spelling and covering letter etc) it’s a numbers game. Write off to as many job offers as you see. If you’re doing it by email it’s not going to cost you any more.

16. Customise your CV and covering letter

Sounds obvious, but if you are sending out hundreds of applications it’s understandable that you would want to send the same one all the time. However, if you can customise your CV a bit, and certainly make sure that your covering letter is fully customised to the job advert, you will greatly increase your chances of getting a great job.

19. Follow up on job applications by phone

If you possibly can, try to speak to the person you are applying to. Don’t be a nuisance, but just ask politely if they’ve received your application (they might not have – it could be caught in their spam filter). If they haven’t, you could offer to send it again by snail mail. This is great way to show that you’re keen, and have a professional telephone manner.

20. Remember they could call you

If you’ve put your mobile number on your CV (and we suggest you do) then you could get a call from a potential employer at any time. Any calls you’re unsure of, assume it’s important and answer brightly and positively. The same applies for your answer phone message: make sure it’s sensible and mature – the voice of an ideal employee!

21. Keep a record

You can lose touch with who you’ve applied to, who you’ve spoken to and what stage you’re at with various applications. Keep a record if you can – perhaps a computer spreadsheet or just a list on the back of an envelope to remind you which jobs you’ve already applied for, so that you don’t double up.

22. Use snail mail

17. Apply for jobs you’re overqualified for

Check job vacancies that might be beneath you. For a start, you could get the job which would be a way in to other positions later on. It may also turn out that the person receiving your CV needs to fill another slot that is not advertised yet. This could be the one with your name on it!

18. Apply for jobs above your current level

Don’t feel limited by the most recent job you’ve had. If you see job vacancies that would be a bit of a promotion for you, apply for them. There’s no harm in it, and you may just be more qualified than you think.

It may seem old-fashioned, but sending your covering letter and CV by post could make them stand out when the employer receives most applications by email. Invest in some good-quality paper and envelopes from Staples and give your application a professional touch from the off.

THE INTERVIEW

23. Get help with your interview skills

Get a friend, ideally one who hires people, to give you a mock interview or two. Get them to be very honest about how you come across and what you could do better.

Also, see the great interview tips on National Careers Service If you improve your interview technique you can definitely increase your chances of getting a job.

24. Film it

Got someone to give you a mock interview? Great. If you have a camcorder (or even a video phone), get even more out of the experience by filming it.

You’ll see for yourself exactly how you come across when you watch it back. You’ll become aware of your physical and verbal tics and so learn to counter them (we all have them – but being aware of them will make you stop saying “Ummm” so much, or automatically looking down when you’re nervous). You’ll be surprised at how much and how quickly this improves your selfpresentation in pressurised situations.

25. Dress to impress

You don’t have to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe (in fact we recommend that you spend no more than you absolutely have to while you’re out of work) but do make sure you look smart and clean when you go to an interview.

Give NewLook a try; their clothes are fashionable but won’t break the bank. Complete your outfit with shoes from Office, who regularly have sales on loads of designer labels, and delivery’s cheap at £3.50.

There are also lots of ways of getting cool clothes for next to nothing, as we show in this article on cheap designer clothes. Don’t look like you’re trying too hard but do look like you care about your appearance and about the company.

26. Ask good questions

Asking occasional questions at a job interview is a good idea. This takes the pressure off you for a bit because people will often take up on the opportunity to talk about themselves and their work. Ask insightful questions that show you’ve thought carefully about the job you’re applying for and the company.

Don’t be judgmental, but if you show you’re assessing them and their suitability as much as they are you, you will seem like a more desirable candidate.

27. Follow up on interviews

Send a ‘thank you’ letter immediately after an interview. Don’t grovel, but it will do no harm to thank your interviewer for his or her time, to reiterate your interest in the job and to say that you will be available for a followup interview if they want to know any more. This shows courtesy and professionalism and it will keep you in their minds!

WHAT TO DO WHILE YOU WAIT

28. Get your finances in order

Job hunting can put strain on your money, so it’s important to be on top of your finances. CreditExpert gives you a clear image of your credit profile and offers advice on how to improve it. Having peace of mind about your credit rating will help you to focus on netting yourself that dream job.

Switch your current account to First Direct’s 1st account and they’ll give you £100. If you’re not happy after six months, they’ll give you another £100 to move your account again. There’s nothing to lose and £100 to gain!

29. Get a part-time job

Still can’t get that Head of Marketing job? Keep yourself going and stave off debt by babysitting, waitressing or helping neighbours with DIY. Look through the print ads and ones online for the latest part-time work opportunities. It will keep your CV fresh, make you more employable and still give you time to continue to hunt for the job of your dreams.

Also check out Gumtree to see if there are some little earners you could get involved in while you’re waiting. If you’re stuck for ideas, check out our Make Money section for loads of ways to make cash on the side. This is really important for your finances, your range of skills and your self esteem.

30. Get a routine and keep to it.

If you’re stuck at home and the only thing in your life is your CV and covering letter, give yourself a break. Get a daily routine and treat getting a job as your job – for the time being at least, it is your job. Have your working hours but then give yourself your non-working hours to do other things. This will keep life varied, keep you sane, enhance your CV and give you the chance to network with others.

31. Register with a temp agency

There are lots of temporary job agencies around and, again, it’s a numbers game –sign up with several temp jobs agencies and you have a greater chance of landing some work. Make sure you phone them regularly to see if they have work; don’t wait for them to call you.

32. Set up your own ‘side’ business at home while you’re waiting

Make the most of the downtime – set up your own business on the side. It shows employers impressive initiative, it’ll earn you some extra cash and it will keep you busy. You could even keep it going when you get a job.

33. Spend free time sorting other aspects of your life

Sort out your cupboards and drawers and sell your junk on eBay, eBid or at a car boot sale; finally paint the bathroom (get stocked up at B&Q); get your paperwork properly sorted (OfficeStationery has a section dedicated to filing) and switch all your bills to cheaper providers such as npower. This is time that can be used really well and you will be so pleased once you get a job that you’ve

already got all those fiddly tasks out of the way.

34. Make quick cash online in your lunch break

This is a great way to fill a spare half an hour or so while you eat lunch, and you can make yourself some quick, easy cash. Toluna rewards you with up to £20 for every survey you take and registration is fast and simple. Other great survey sites we like at Moneymagpie include Panelbase and UK Survey Panel, which offer cash, vouchers and entry into prize draws for taking part. Why not also sign up to Moneymagpie’s fab weekly newsletter? It’s got the latest tips on making and saving money and is absolutely free!

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX

35. Consider your skills

If changing career, it’s easy to ignore prospective jobs because we only think in terms of the specific job description of what we’ve been doing.

However, if you list all the things you do at work and possibly elsewhere, such as your activities as a parent or a fund-raiser for your favourite charity, you will realise just how many skills you use on a daily basis. This will help you fill your CV with all your relevant skills, and increase your range of job choices.

36. Create your own job. Who says you need to work for one company anyway? Maybe you could be a consultant or freelance worker for various outlets. Why not create your own job? Work out what companies need in your area of expertise and then tout yourself about. You will have more freedom and variety and it might be something you can do from home too. Get some ideas from our Small Business Ideas section on how to set yourself up in business.

37. Volunteer

If you have time on your hands, why not use it for good by becoming a local volunteer? You could work for a charity or visit elderly people or help at a local school. Whatever you do, you will be getting out there, keeping busy, and learning new skills. It will do wonders for your CV. You also never know who you might meet and who could

point you in the direction of a job.

38. Do internships

Doing an internship can be a great way of learning new skills and changing career fields. Don’t allow yourself to become slave labour, of course, but do get the most training out of it that you can. Also, spend your time networking with people in the office.

Have a look at the Government’s Graduate Talent Pool website for opportunities, or think about contacting companies directly to see if they have openings. It might seem unproductive, or even a step backwards if you’ve been in employment for some time, but it could be the crucial step to getting paid employment – it’s a foot in the door!

39. Be willing to work abroad

OK, it’s a big move (literally), but given our current economy there are going to be lots of people looking to do the same thing over the next few years – especially new graduates who can’t find positions in the UK.

Teaching English is always a popular choice (have a look at TEFL) but if you’ve got skills and ambition there are so many other options. Check out the plethora of ‘jobs abroad’ sites on Google. It’s amazing what’s out there. If you’d just like to get away for a short time, check out Inspired Breaks which has ideas for jobs, travel and general fun on a year off abroad.

INCREASE YOUR CHANCES

40. Get a job-seeking buddy

As with dieting and getting out of debt, it can really help to have someone with whom to search for work. You can look over each other’s CVs, help one another with interview skills and generally encourage each other. Make sure you choose someone positive and who isn’t afraid to be honest with you.

41. Share your contacts with other job-seekers

What goes around comes around. By sharing your contacts with friends who are looking, you will be helping yourself as they are more likely to do the same to you. It’s also good for the soul to give rather than concentrate on your own life all the time!

42. Get extra skills

It could be that you’re not

getting jobs

because your qualifications aren’t strong enough. If you have the money, this could be a good time to get new qualifications: you could consider going back to college or university, or taking out a Career Development Loan to help finance an evening class or training course.

43. Make use of friends and family

Networking isn’t just about business contacts or the people you meet at official events. If you think of all your friends and family – and all the people that they, in turn, know – the chances are that you have already gained a decent pool of contacts. All you need to do is let them know that you’re looking and they might prove to be very useful indeed. Your cousin’s neighbour might have just the opportunity you’ve been looking for…

44. Be willing to travel to work

Don’t limit your searches because of geography! Yes it’s a nuisance to spend half an hour or more in the train or in the car but the more flexible you are, the more jobs you can access. For train travel, book in advance with Raileasy and save up to 80%.

45. Don’t forget to check local free sheets

You just never know. They may seem small and look insignificant, but it’s worth a quick scan here and there for a juicy job that’s just down the road.

YOUR WELLBEING WHEN JOB HUNTING

46. Be positive

It’s easy to feel down when you’ve sent out hundreds of applications and got nowhere. Remember, persistence wins the prize and we tend to get in life what we expect. Expect the best and you’re likely to get it. However, keep an open mind as well. If you’re getting rejected all the time it could be that your CV, your application letter or your interview approach need work. Go through these with friends and/or professionals and get their feedback. There’s no harm in asking for feedback as to why you were rejected either. Don’t be pushy – many employers might be too busy or have too many applications to reply – but some will probably give you feedback, which is always useful.

47. Set yourself targets

Make a to-do list every day. Having goals will help to keep you focused and will give you a sense of achievement when you cross them off your list. Make your targets realistic, though – if you set yourself a long list of tasks and don’t get through them all, it could have the opposite effect and knock your confidence.

48. Keep yourself fit and healthy

When the majority of your time is dedicated to finding work, it can be easy to become a bit housebound and sluggish. Avoid this by making sure you head out into the fresh air for a walk or run every day, or, for a proper workout, head to payasUgym. This is a great service that lets you use hundreds of gyms on a ‘pay as you go’ basis, a perfect solution to expensive and tying monthly contracts. There are no membership fees and visits start from just £3.

Also look at your diet and try to improve it. Eats lots of fruit and vegetables and if necessary supplement your diet with vitamins from Holland & Barrett

49. Don’t give up

It’s far too easy to give up, particularly if you live in an area where there’s lots of unemployment or you are friends with other people who have given up hope. You must refuse to accept defeat. Keep going – it’s the ones who persist, persist and persist who win in the end.

“Why only 49 tips?” you ask. OK, we’ll make it a nice round 50 with a special bonus tip:

50. Take on a new challenge

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