It can be difficult to know where to start your job search, particularly if you haven’t looked for a new role for a while.

This article outlines where companies and recruitment agencies advertise vacancies, so you know where to focus your job search.

Internet Job Sites

Many companies advertise their vacancies on internet job sites, or they use a recruitment agency to advertise these on their behalf. Some industries have specific websites which are often the best place to start your job search. Alternatively, look at some of the national job sites, or newspaper job sites. Companies may have contracts with one or two sites, so it is beneficial to search for roles on different sites.

• Industry specific websites: Drapers (fashion industry), TES (education), NHS Jobs etc
• National job sites: E.g. Indeed, Monster, Total Jobs, Reed, CV Library etc
• Newspaper job sites: The Times, The Guardian, The Independent, The Daily Mail, The Sun, local newspapers etc
• LinkedIn (further information here)
  
  

Recruitment Agencies

Many companies use recruitment agencies to shortlist candidates for their vacancies. Recruitment agencies may have a local or national reach and may specialise in recruiting for a specific industry or type of role. It is always worth registering with recruitment agencies who recruit for the types of roles which will interest you. Some recruitment agencies are excellent, others can be more focussed on earning commission than finding the right candidate for the role. There is no cost to you, the recruitment agencies charge a placement fee when the company hires one of their candidates.

Professional Societies / Journals

If you are a member of a professional society such as CIPS, CIMA, CIPD etc, their website is often the best place to start looking for a new role. Many companies advertise technical roles in industry specific journals or magazines.

Networking

Networking means speaking to previous managers, colleagues and other industry contacts, mentioning that you’re looking for a new opportunity and asking them to let you know if they hear about any forthcoming vacancies. This can often elicit interesting roles which the company are not ready to advertise. It may be worth attending relevant networking events and discretely mentioning that you are open to new opportunities. You can expand your network by attending industry events, attending webinars, and through social networking on sites such as LinkedIn.

Speculative Applications

If there is a company which you would particularly like to work for, however they are not advertising a suitable role, you may wish to make a speculative application. This simply means emailing (or uploading) your CV and cover letter asking them to consider you for future opportunities. Most companies search through these CVs before actively advertising a new vacancy. You should write a clear and concise cover letter outlining the types of role (s) you are interested in, why you wish to work for the company and how your experience will benefit the organisation.

Other Sources

Most people will focus their search on the sources above. Whilst there are several other places you can look for roles such as the job centre, newspapers and social media these are only usually effective if you are looking for entry level roles. Some companies advertise on Facebook for high-turnover roles such as warehouse staff, drivers or carers.

It is also worth ensuring that your experience is visible to recruiters who are actively searching for candidates with your expertise. You may find it helpful to view this article.

Once you’ve decided to look for a new role, it’s worth updating your CV, so you are ready to tailor this to roles as they arise. You may find it helpful to read the articles on CV Writing and Interview Skills.

Do you need professional assistance in writing a stand-out CV, or improving your interview skills? I offer a full CV writing service, interview skills coaching and career coaching sessions – please don’t hesitate to contact me.