How to find and apply for job vacancies
Learn how to find the best vacancies and make your applications stand out.
Where to apply for a job
Some websites allow you to search and apply for jobs.
When you use these sites to search for vacancies, make sure you:
- select the distance you are prepared to travel
- look for the closing date or select the time period you want to view vacancies from - vacancies more than seven days old are more likely to be filled already
Indeed
Search and apply for jobs on the Indeed website.
Indeed is a job listings site which allows you to search and apply for jobs in different industries.
Find A Job
Search and apply for vacancies with the governments Find A Job service.
Apply for vacancies online
Some roles will ask you to email or send a message with a Curriculum Vitae (CV) and cover letter.
Find out how to write a CV and how to write a cover letter.
Other job adverts, especially those for big companies, will have their own online application forms. These forms will ask you to fill in information about yourself and your experience and you will often have to show how you meet the person specification for the role.
The person specification includes the knowledge, qualifications, skills, abilities and experience they are looking for.
When filling out an application form make sure you:
- read each section carefully
- fill in all the fields
- notice the word count, if there is one - this gives you an idea of how much the employer is looking for in your response
- look at the employer’s website, especially their ‘about us’ and career sections - this will help you answer questions about what they are looking for
- don’t use autofill, you could end up with old or incorrect information in your application
Sometimes you'll need to complete a virtual pre-interview or complete assessment questionnaires.
Apply for vacancies offline
If you're looking for work in retail or hospitality, it can be a good idea to take your CV into the places you'd like to work.
You should:
- make sure the CVs you're handing out are good quality and well presented
- avoid visiting shops, cafes, bars and restaurants between 12pm and 3pm - this is their busiest time and they will not be able to give you their full attention
- ask to speak to the manager or person responsible for hiring
- be polite and friendly to everyone, first impressions count
Make use of your contacts
The people you know can be very helpful when you're looking for work. Let the people you know what you're looking for so they can tell you if they hear about a job.
More advice
Get more advice on getting a job from the National Careers Service.
Don’t forget there's support available to help you find and apply for vacancies.
You can also get one to one support at the Youth Employment Hub.
How to get financial support
The Flexible Support Fund is a discretionary payment available for customers on Universal Credit. The Fund can be used to help cover any expenses that could make it hard for you to get work. Speak to your Universal Credit Work Coach if you think you would qualify for a Flexible Support Fund payment.
If you're on Universal Credit or Jobseekers Allowance you may be eligible to apply for a Travel Card at your local Job Centre. A Travel Card can help with discounted travel costs to help you get to work or job interviews. Speak to your Work Coach if you would like to apply.