Investigating job leads is a crucial skill in looking for employment. In order to be successful at finding a range of vacancies you will need to use a variety of methods.
Internet job boards
Job boards like Total Jobs, Guardian Jobs and Jobs Go Public represent some of the best ways to easily find job vacancies. Many printed job opportunities appear online, alongside many more that are only available via job boards. Most websites allow you to upload a copy of your CV and covering letters. This makes applying for vacancies very easy, but you should remember to tailor your CV and covering letter to each vacancy in order to maximise your chances of getting an interview.
Approaching employers directly
If you can identify a specific employer that you would like to work for then you should approach them directly, as only a very small proportion of jobs are advertised in print or on job websites. For example, if you decided that you were interested in working for RNIB then you could look on our website for vacancies.
Newspapers
Newspapers offer a good range of job vacancies, especially at a local level. It may not be possible for you to access printed newspaper vacancies, either through a vision aid or the support of a friend or relative. If this is the case then you should seek advice from your local Jobcentre Plus or the employment agencies in your local area.
Agencies
Agencies are intermediary services that help jobseekers. Once registered with an agency they will match your skills and experience to vacancies that may be appropriate for you. For example, people will use an agency to find temporary administration work.
Trade publications and websites
If you are interested in a career in a specific sector of employment then trade publications and websites can be an excellent resource. For example, if you are interested in pursuing a career in marketing there are numerous publications and websites that specifically list marketing vacancies.
Careers fairs
Careers fairs are an excellent way of seeing lots of employers in one day. Careers fairs provide information about job vacancies and how companies plan to recruit for those vacancies.
Jobcentre Plus Telephone Jobsearch
Jobseeker Direct is a phone service operated by Jobcentre Plus. It aims to keep you in touch with the latest job vacancies. This service is available to anyone who is looking for work, and the lines are open weekdays 8.00am - 6.00pm, and Saturdays 9.00am - 1.00pm. All calls are charged at local rates. Telephone 0845 606 0234 for details.
Disability friendly employers
There is no certain way to identify specific employers as disability friendly. However, if this is an important factor in your job search then there are a couple of methods you can use.
Disability symbol
Some employers use the disability symbol that is awarded by Jobcentre Plus to employers that have made some commitments to the recruitment of disabled staff. For example if you see the disability symbol on a job advert or application form, it means that if you meet the minimum conditions for the job, the employer will guarantee you an interview.
Contact the Disability Employment Adviser in your local Jobcentre Plus for details of the employers in your area that use the disability symbol.
Employer's Forum on Disability
The Employer's Forum is a network of employers interested in developing policies on disability in the workplace. There are around 400 members of the forum, representing 20% of the UK's workforce.
A list of members can be found on the Employer's Forum on Disability website.