If you have social media accounts, make sure all content is suitable for employers to see or hear. Listen to your outgoing voicemail message on your phone and check your e-mail address – will an employer find them business-like and sensible, or should you have a new e-mail address for job search?
Use social networking sites such as Facebook, X and LinkedIn to help with your job search; track down and research companies and individuals.
Network
- Utilise your network - make the most of friends and family who may know of good job opportunities that are coming up.
- Gain work experience or volunteer - think about increasing your network and opening up potential job opportunities through work experience or volunteering. Visit GoVolHerts for local volunteering opportunities.
- Remember - you will never know if you do not ask!
Applying
- Read the job description and minimum job requirements. Only apply for jobs if you meet the essential requirements - the job may sound great but if the employer is asking for grades or experience that you don’t have, you are unlikely to get an interview. If you are unsure, don’t hesitate to call the employer.
- Show that you can follow simple instructions - if the employer has asked for a CV to be emailed, that’s what they want, so email it rather than sending by post. This is the first instruction they have given you, so you need to follow it correctly.
- Pay attention to detail … on everything you write to employers. Check spelling and grammar on your CV, letters and forms. If you haven’t already sent a CV, take two copies along to the interview: one for you to remind yourself of details, and one to give to the interviewer.
- Do it yourself! - if you need to call the employer, do it yourself. If someone else does it for you, it looks as though you lack confidence or are not very interested. An SfYP Adviser can support and guide you to do this.
Interviews
- See the page with our top tips for interviews.
Be organised
- Keep a record of which jobs you have applied for with dates of each step e.g. when you applied (keep a copy of your application), any interviews with dates, places and times. This could stop you getting muddled and missing an important date.
- Think about creating a new email address specifically for job searching, make sure it is professional and check it at least once a week
- Remember to answer withheld numbers and always answer the phone professionally as this could be a potential employer offering you an interview. Also ensure you have a suitable voicemail to make a good impression with employers.
- Listen to others - be prepared to take advice and don’t be defensive. Make yourself available for opportunities by being proactive.
Talk to an SfYP Adviser
Young people who are not at school or college can come to their local SfYP young people's centre for help with progressing into education, training or finding a job or apprenticeship. Find your nearest centre here: