Career advice
Get a job - There was a time when choosing a career or job was relatively simple...
...there were not that many to choose from - and the idea of developing a career, changing jobs or looking for new challenges was quite rare. The working world of today is much more complex.
There are several stages to getting a job, from deciding which jobs to go for, to choosing the right places to search for vacancies, to working on your interview technique. The National Careers Service is here to help you with every step on your job hunting journey.
Most of us have frequent periods of job seeking. The world of work moves quickly, and to keep up with it most of us need to change jobs regularly. Some of these changes can be when we choose to move on to a new or better job. And some of these changes can be made because have to, such as after redundancy, which happens to many of us during our working lives.
The important thing to remember about job hunting is that it’s about showing yourself in the best light and making the most of your strengths. This is the same whether it’s written on a CV or spoken in an interview. There’s advice here to help you, whether you’re not currently in a job and want to get back to work, or you’re looking for your next move.
More information about how to find a job
There are many different ways to look for a job, from searching the internet to finding out about vacancies by word of mouth. You’ll increase your chances of finding your ideal job if you make sure you’re looking in the right places.
Finding a job
Get advice on CVs and covering letters
Your CV is your chance to persuade employers that you’re the right person for the job. It’s the first thing an employer sees of you, so it’s important to make the best impression. We’ve got all the tools and guides you need to create a great-looking CV. And don’t forget the covering letter!
CVs and covering letters
Read more about application forms
Whether you’re filling in an application form online or on paper, there are rules to follow that can help you hit the right notes with employers. We’ve got advice on everything to do with application forms, from how to present your work experience to how to fill in the personal statement section at the end.
Application forms
Get advice on job interviews
To give a good interview you’ll have to prepare well, think on your feet and come across as the type of person employers want to work with. Read our interview do’s and don’ts, plus our handy guide to interview questions, which lifts the lid on the top ten questions employers ask.
Preparing for interviews
More information about starting a new job
Starting a new job can be an exciting time. You’ll meet new people and be kept busy by learning the ropes in a new role. Our guide can help you to prepare for that first day, and can give you an idea of what to expect.
Starting a new job
Read more about getting work experience
Whether you’ve got a specific job in mind or are considering your options, getting work experience can give your career a real boost. Employers really value work experience, because it provides hard evidence that you can do the job. Unpaid work experience counts just as much as paid – it’s a great way of getting new skills and it looks great on your CV.
Work experience
Contact an adviser
Whatever stage of your career you're at, we're here to help
Need some help?
Our advisers can help you think about your career options.
