The search
It's hard work, and it can sap your confidence. But don't give up.
Where to look
In the early days of unemployment you will probably be looking for a job like your last one. If you've worked in retail, for instance, you'll want a job in retail. But after a while you will start looking for anything at all, and come up against the fact that you have no experience. We recently saw a bar in Sheffield advertising on its window vacancies for bar staff; but they specified a minimum of a year's experience. Ridiculous - but they can pick and choose.
Beware of scams
There are several types of scams and deceptions to watch out for:
Keep a log
Keep a log or diary of your search; it may be necessary to prove to the Jobcentre or Work Programme company that you're really trying. Log every job you apply for and what response, if any, you get.
Where to look
- The local paper. This used to be the main source of vacancies, but that is less true now. Still, it carries adverts for local jobs, and is your first port of call. If you can't afford to buy the paper, it should be available in your local library.
- The Jobcentre database. If you're signing on you can go in and use the Jobcentre computers at any time, and it's worth searching the database at least twice a week.
- Universal Jobmatch This replaces the old Direct.gov vacancies site, and the aim is to get all vacancies onto it. People who are claiming JSA or ESA will be obliged to register with it. Whether you then have to allow your adviser to access your account is still a moot point. It's far from comprehensive, so don't use it to the exclusion of other recruitment sites. And be careful. Because anyone posing as an employer can post vacancies, there are scams on there, and there are suspicions that it's being used for data-harvesting. Don't hand over any contact details until you're confident there is a genuine job on offer. If you find a scam, report it.
- Recruitment websites. Just put the name of your city or area plus "jobs" into a search engine and several sites will come up. Some of these sites ask you to upload your CV, on the grounds that they can then match you to job vacancies. We have never heard of this resulting in a job, but you never know.
- Local councils. These have their own recruitment websites or pages on the council website. While there are few vacancies being advertised, it's still worth trying.
- Agencies. Many companies which used to employ labour directly now use agencies instead. It's cheaper for them; but there are drawbacks for the worker. It's casual work, with no guarantee of how many hours you're going to get. Sign up with as many agencies as you like. But make sure you have some definite work before you sign off. Don't rely on the agency to contact you; keep checking back with them.
- Spec letters. "Spec" presumably means "speculative". In the days of the old job clubs, people were made to send out hundreds of these letters to companies which hadn't advertised any vacancies. Employers were deluged with them and binned the lot. We're getting back to that, and it's almost always a waste of time and money. BUT if you have specific skills, qualifications and experience in a particular sector, it's worth sending out your CV, with a polite covering letter, to companies in that sector.
- Jobs fairs. Local councils sometimes arrange these events where employers can take stands and give out information. The voluntary sector also gets involved. It's certainly worth attending these.
- Walking about. One used to see vacancies advertised on the windows of shops; or you could walk into a factory and ask if there was any work. In the current climate there are far fewer such vacancies. But keep looking.
- Social Media. Using Twitter or Facebook to advertise that you're looking for work might be too embarrassing for some, but consider it. Linked In is also worth trying. You can search for jobs on there, as well as linking up with people in your own area of work. This is probably of most use to people with a professional background.
- Desperate measures. People have resorted to such stunts as standing at the roadside holding a placard, or other ways of getting maximum publicity. If you have the bottle for it, why not? But the more people who do this, the less impact it will have.
In the early days of unemployment you will probably be looking for a job like your last one. If you've worked in retail, for instance, you'll want a job in retail. But after a while you will start looking for anything at all, and come up against the fact that you have no experience. We recently saw a bar in Sheffield advertising on its window vacancies for bar staff; but they specified a minimum of a year's experience. Ridiculous - but they can pick and choose.
Beware of scams
There are several types of scams and deceptions to watch out for:
- Homeworking. Almost never a good idea. You will be asked to stump up money for equipment etc., and then find that you can't earn it back. Avoid.
- Non-existent jobs. There have been a number of scams where someone sets up an office, advertises jobs, interviews, gives you a date to start - and then asks for money. Guess what? The conman then disappears with the money. NEVER PAY MONEY TO START A JOB. If you do fall for it, tell the police, and tell whoever advertised the "job".
- Spurious jobs. Not criminal, just misleading. Agencies post what appear to be genuine vacancies, but when you apply you find that the job has gone or never existed, and what they want you to do is sign up with the agency. It's infuriating.
Keep a log
Keep a log or diary of your search; it may be necessary to prove to the Jobcentre or Work Programme company that you're really trying. Log every job you apply for and what response, if any, you get.