Getting a job

On this page you will find

• Where can I find job vacancies?
• Tips on apply for a job
• What else can I do to find a job?
• Create a CV and prepare for Interview
• Lost your job – what next?

If you are aged 13-19 it’s important for you to know the following:

1. If you are 13 or older you can get a part time job but there are some rules – rules for employment.
2. If your 16-18 get in touch with your local support services.
3. If you are 18 or older, search for jobs at Jobseekers Direct.

If you are travelling to a job interview you can get free train tickets with Greater Anglia’s job track scheme.

Where can I find job vacancies?

• Find an apprenticeship – www.gov.uk
• Search apprenticeships and seek support with Apprenticeships Suffolk.
• Find jobs in schools, libraries social care or other council services at Suffolk Jobs Direct.
• Find vacancies in Suffolk at Jobs 24.
• Find work experience, internships and apprenticeships with councils in Suffolk at Early Careers and Apprenticeships – Careers (suffolk.gov.uk)
• Look out for job vacancies posted by employers on Twitter or Facebook. LinkedIn invites you to share your employment and education profile with professionals who may contact you about job opportunities – register with LinkedIn.
• Find vacancies on Indeed recruitment website
• Find vacancies on the government Find a Job website
• Find summer jobs on the government find a job website

‘First impressions count’ – tips on applying for a job

• Tailor your application/CV to the position you are applying for to make it relevant.
• Give specific examples of how you meet the person profile/job criteria.
• If there are gaps in your skills, get some work experience, volunteer or do some training.
• Seek help from a careers adviser if you aren’t getting anywhere.
• First impressions count, be on time, look smart, be polite, smile and give eye contact (even if you are nervous).
• Don’t give up!

“What else can I do to find a job?”

• Take copies of your CV to career or job fairs.
• Apply for seasonal work (e.g. summer work).
• Speak to relatives who may know of vacancies in their place of work.
• Read local newspapers for news of any companies or organisations who are expanding or are offering job opportunities.
• Visit or contact employers by sending in a covering letter and a copy of your CV asking whether they have any vacancies or anticipate any in the future.
• Visit local shops (e.g. newsagents, village shop, or coffee shop) and ask if there are any vacancies.

Rate Your Skills!

Employers are looking for what skills you have and not just your qualifications!
When applying for jobs employers are looking to see how you demonstrate the following skills:

• Listening – How good are you at receiving and retaining information?
• Speaking – How do you communicate with others and customers?
• Problem Solving – How do you go about trying to solve a problem or situation using your knowledge or creativity?
• Digital skills – How confident are you at using digital devices to communicate and work with people?
• Creativity – How do you come up with ideas – use your imagination to solve problems?
• Positivity – How you deal with setbacks when working towards achieving goals? How do you stay motivated and emotionally well to overcome challenges?
• Planning and organising – How do you plan and manage your tasks on time?
• Leadership skills – How do you support and encourage others to develop and achieve a shared goal?
• Teamwork – How well do you work with groups of diverse people to achieve a shared goal?

The above questions help assess which skills you are best at? Get your friends or family to help you identify which of the above skills are your strongest. These skills are the things you are likely to be asked about during a job interview.
Also try…

Are you a young person with additional needs?

Find out about support you can access to find work or training.

Read more on ‘Next Steps‘ in our additional needs section.

Create a CV and prepare for interview

• Read tips and stories on the governments Job Help website.
• Read helpful interview tips from The Mix.
• Watch this video on preparing for interview from BBC Bitesize.

“What next after losing your job?”

Being made redundant or losing your job with an employer can happen to anyone due to several reasons, for example the business needs to reduce their costs, they are relocating, they have gone out of business or they have been ‘bought out’ by another employer.

“So, what do I do next?”

• If your 16-18 get in touch with your local Youth Support Services (16-18)
• Don’t panic – remember it is not your fault so think positive and start job hunting.
• Update your CV with details of your last job and what you did well, what you can offer and examples of the work you did. If you do not have a CV create your own with Icanbea… CV Builder.
• Contact businesses or organisations in the same sector asking to be considered for any future positions and/or if they have a Facebook or Twitter page, join them to keep up to date.
• Do some training, or re-train in something new – Find a course
• Get some work experience or try volunteering.