nextstep Cambridgeshire & Peterborough - Information, Advice & Guidance on learning and work for adults in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

Are you looking for a job?
Thinking about a change of direction?
Returning to work after a break?

On these pages you will find information to help in your search - from where to look for vacancies to writing a CV and preparing for an interview.

If you want advice or information call nextstep on 0845 068 1400 to find out how we can help you.

Job Profile Search

Use this link to find information on a specific job you might be interested in. Each profile provides an overview of the job including; hours and environment, relevant skills and interest, entry requirements, salary level and working environment. Click here for the Job Profile Search

Jobcentre Plus

Your local Jobcentre Plus has details of vacancies - full time, part time, temporary or permanent. They can help you look for a job and tell you about any benefits you may be entitled to.

Click on the link here to find out more and get details of your local office - www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk

You can search all the vacancies advertised with Jobcentre Plus on
www.direct.gov.uk

Jobseeker Direct

This is a quick and easy phone service where you can find out about the latest vacancies advertised with Jobcentre Plus. It is open to everyone looking for work. You can call and ask for information about vacancies in a particular area and they will give you details about the jobs and how to apply.

Lines are open weekdays 8am to 6pm and on Saturdays from 9am – 1pm. Calls are charged at local rates.

Ring 0845 6060 234 for vacancy information. Make sure you have your National Insurance number to hand – you’ll need this each time you call.

New Deal

If you have been out of work and claiming benefit for 6 months or more, then New Deal can help you get back into work.

You can find out more about New Deal - what it is, what you can do and read some people's experiences by following this link: www.newdeal.gov.uk.

Newspapers

Local papers are an excellent source of vacancy information. They tend to advertise job opportunities on a particular day each week. Vacancies are often advertised on their websites too.

Follow the links here for your local paper:

Peterborough Evening Telegraph:
www.peterboroughnow.co.uk

The Hunts Post:
www.huntspost.co.uk

Wisbech Standard:
www.wisbech-standard.co.uk

Ely Standard:
www.ely-standard.co.uk

Cambridge Evening News:
http://jobs.cambridge-news.co.uk

Magazines

Almost every profession and trade has a magazine, many of which feature job vacancies. Your local library will have details of different magazines.

Websites

Many vacancies are advertised on the Internet. There are lots of websites where you can find up to date details of vacancies in the UK and abroad. Some employers also post details of their vacancies on their company website, so it is worthwhile checking out the websites of companies you’re interested in.

Here are some of the many job search websites:

www.worktrain.co.uk
www.monster.co.uk
www.jobsite.co.uk
www.fish4.co.uk
www.careersfair.com
www.totaljobs.com

Recruitment Agencies

Registering with an agency is another way of finding work. The type of jobs advertised with agencies varies and some agencies specialise in certain types of work such as finance, secretarial and administration, IT, nursing. Opportunities with agencies tend to be temporary or short-term contracts but this can be a way of gaining experience and widening your network of contacts. You may find a permanent job through agency work.

You can search for local agencies on www.agencycentral.co.uk

Apprenticeships Online

Getting paid while you learn may sound too good to be true - but as an apprentice you really do get the best of both worlds.

If you have a dedication to succeed in the world of work, and you're not afraid to commit yourself to one, two or even five years of training and study, then an Apprenticeship could be for you.

To find out what is available in Cambridgeshire go to www.apprenticeshipsonline.org/cambridgeshire

Your CV

Your CV is an account of your work and education history. It is an essential part of your job search campaign and can be the single most useful document when you set out to gain or change your employment. Getting a job is a competitive process; spending time and effort on your CV is essential. Its sole purpose is to get you an interview.

Your CV should include the following information:

Biographical details – name, address, telephone numbers, email address. There is no need to include your date of birth or marital status unless they are specifically requested.

Personal profile - a brief description (no more than 50 words) of your skills, attributes and experience.

Employment or career history – starting with your current or most recent job, give job title, company, dates employed and a brief description of your responsibilities and achievements. You can include relevant unpaid and voluntary work.

Education and training – details of your qualifications and the dates they were gained. You can also include details of any training courses you’ve been on.

Additional information – brief details about hobbies, leisure interests plus other relevant information for example full clean driving licence, language skills.

There is no single correct way to present your CV. Different styles are acceptable; you need to find the right one for you.

The main types of CV are:

Chronological – this is the traditional approach – where you list your experience and skills in date order, starting with your most recent job. This type of CV highlights how your career and experience have developed over time. You can also include a personal profile at the start of your CV, summarising your skills, attributes and relevant experience.

Use this type of CV if are planning to stay within the same area of work.

Functional – this type of CV focuses more on your skills, achievements and experiences, rather than the jobs you have done. It allows you to highlight your attributes, while at the same time briefly summarising your career history.

This type of CV is appropriate if you are changing career direction, have had a career break or may have developed relevant skills outside work or through voluntary work.

Targeted – a CV written with a particular job in mind. This focuses your skills and experiences towards a particular job and can emphasise how you meet the requirements of that job.

Although seen as a separate type of CV, in reality you should revise your CV each time you apply for a job.

CV tips
Whatever type of CV you write here are some basic tips you should follow:

Write in the first person – but there is no need to use “I”
Be concise – ideally no longer than 2 sides of A4
Make sure your CV is clear, easy to read with clearly defined sections
Keeps sentences short and use bullet points where appropriate
No spelling mistakes and watch grammar
Be honest – you need to be prepared to answer questions about your experiences
Use “active” language – you need to show you have the skills an employer is looking for – e.g. supervised casual playgroup staff, achieved sales targets, implemented agreed changes.

Need more help?

Then contact nextsteps on 0845 068 1400 to find out how we can help you.

Here are some websites you may find useful:

www.totaljobs.com/jobseekers/totaljobs.asp
www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/onelife/work/index.shtml
www.alec.co.uk
http://www.workthing.com/career-advice/cv-writing

Interviews

Getting short-listed for an interview is an achievement in itself. Your CV, letter and application form have been successful - well done!

Now it is up to you to sell yourself in person. The key to success at this stage is preparation.

Before the interview

The basics

Get together any information you need to take with you – exam certificates for example.
Check out where the interview is to be held, plan how you’re going to get there and how long it will take.
Think about what you are going to wear – you need to feel comfortable and look smart.

Getting prepared

Research the company well – you need to find out as much as you can about what they do. Check their website, read company brochures and see if your local library has any information on local employers.
Re-read the job description – make sure you know what the job involves, the skills required and think about how you can show you have these skills.
Carefully prepare for the interview itself. Give some thought to the questions you are likely to be asked and plan your responses. Some standard questions are:
- Why did you apply for this job?
- What skills and qualities can you bring to this role?
- Why do you want to leave your current job?

The interview

You’re bound to feel nervous – everyone does. Interviewers do make allowances for nerves. Just try not to let your nerves get the better of you – practice some relaxation techniques to calm yourself beforehand.
Try not to answer questions with just a “yes” or “no”. This is your chance to prove to the interviewer that you’re the one for the job. Make sure your answers are full, appropriate and show that you have the skills and experience they are looking for.
Don’t be afraid to take some time to consider your answers – you don’t have to reply to questions immediately! If you’re not sure about something ask the interviewer to repeat or clarify the question.
Always be polite and friendly – shake hands and thank the interviewer for their time when you leave.
Make sure you know when you’ll find out if you’ve been successful.

Afterwards

You now have to wait to see whether you’ve been successful. You may have a good idea how you’ve performed. If you got the job – well done! You can now get ready for a new challenge.

If you were unsuccessful, don’t despair. You will have gained from the experience and can build on this for the future. Some employers will give you feedback on your interview – listen to what they say and think about whether you can do anything different in the future.

Don’t forget that you can contact nextstep for help. Call 0845 068 1400 to find out how we can help you.

Free, Confidential Advice for Adults

0845 068 1400 is our new, free adult helpline for Cambridgeshire & Peterborough.

If you want to get a qualification and not sure where to start, contact us at the above number for free, impartial, advice. If we can¹t help there and then we can arrange for you to see someone in your local area.

There is also help available with getting back into work or changing career direction.