Looking for Work Factsheet

Employment factsheet Looking for work

About this factsheet

This factsheet is a guide for anyone who is thinking about starting a job search or for anyone who is currently in the process of looking for a job. The factsheet gives a step by step overview of the recruitment process and offers some practical advice for each stage of the process. This factsheet is part of a series of factsheets on employment issues. At the end you will find the full list, and details of where to find them.

For further information

RNIB Helpline can refer you to an employment specialist for further advice and guidance relating to your employment situation. RNIB Helpline can also help you by providing information and advice on a range of topics, such as eye health, the latest products, leisure opportunities, benefits advice and emotional support.

Call the Helpline team on 0303 123 9999 or email

Revised: June 2012

1. Planning your job search

Starting a job search can be a daunting task.There are a bewildering number of job roles in the labour market and sometimes it can be hard to know what you could and should be applying for. It is worth remembering that you are protected under the Equality Act 2010, which applies to the whole of the recruitment process. Employers have a duty to anticipate your requirements at every stage, from accessing vacancies, filling out application forms, to interview tests.The Equality Act's protection applies if you meet the Act's definition of a disabled person. If a consultant ophthalmologist has registered you as partially sighted/sight impaired or blind/severely sight impaired, then you are treated as meeting the Equality Act's definition of a disabled person. You will need to have a BD8 (BD1 in Scotland) or Certificate of Visual Impairment (CVI) to satisfy this requirement.

There is a statutory Code of Practice which explains how the Equality Act applies to work. This is published by the Equality and Human Rights Commission ( It includes good examples of how the Act applies and suggests reasonable adjustments. Employers should consult the Code to help them understand what they need to do for people with disabilities.

Before you start sending out your CV or completing application forms you need to be thinking about where you are - this will include:

Your knowledge - What do you know? What subjects have you studied? What qualifications have you achieved? What training courses have you attended?

Your skills - What do you do well? What do people compliment you on?

Your experience - What jobs, paid or unpaid, have you performed in the past? What skills have you gained? Where have you been successful?Consider any work experience, work placements or voluntary work you have carried out.

Your interests - What do you enjoy doing? What are you passionate about? What hobbies or interests do you have?

Your resources - What financial resources can you draw upon? What contacts do you have? Who is prepared to help you?Do you have access to a PC, if not how will you access information on vacancies?

It is also important to think about where you want to be. Setting employment objectives can include:

What type of occupations are you interested in?
How far are you prepared to travel to work?
Do you want to work fulltime or part time?
What training or support do you require?

1.1 Get some advice

You can get advice and guidance on answering the above questions from a Careers Adviser. Before you start a job search, getting some specialist advice to help point you in the right direction can save you time and effort.

There are many providers of career services that can assist you to identify your current position and your employment objectives. You can find details of some of the major providers in the Job seeking resourcesfactsheet. Details of where to find this are given in section 10 (Other factsheets in this series).

Another useful resource is a toolkit from RNIB calledJob Search: The Real Story. This toolkit has a number of exercises that will help you to think about your skills, values and barriers to employment. The toolkit can be found in the 'Looking for work section' of RNIB's website: As with all RNIB factsheets and documents, it is available in large print, braille, and audio, as well as the website.

Once you have identified the type of work you are interested in your next step is to find out all you can about it. You may like to consider the following:

Do you have the necessary skills and qualifications required?
Is there training available to help you progress within the field you are interested in?
Are there many jobs of this kind within your planned work area? If not are you willing to adjust your travel plans?
Are there areas of the job that may be inaccessible? If yes, how would you deal with this?
Do you know anyone who does this type of work? If yes, consider asking them for information on the role.

Once you have the answers to these questions and are happy that this type of work is for you, consider gaining some work experience, either via voluntary work or a work placement.This can then be added to your CV, highlighting the skills you have gained.

RNIB College Loughborough

RNIB College Loughborough run Residential Training programmes which

enable adult trainees to re-train for a different career. The programmes

are flexible and allow trainees to undertake work placements, gain job

seeking skills and explore job goals. Programmes are tailored to the

individual and help to bridge the skills gap to enable trainees to

re-enter the workplace". For further details contact 01509 611077 and

ask for the Marketing Team.

2. Your CV

2.1 What is a CV?

A Curriculum Vitae (CV) outlines your personal details and your relevant skills, experience and qualifications.It is a record of your qualifications and skills, so make sure it is up to date whenever you apply for a job.It is used to help you “sell yourself” to a prospective employer by highlighting your strengths and achievements. The aim of a CV is to get you an interview.

2.2 Why write a CV?

Writing and then updating a CV is a useful technique during a job search as it helps you keep track of your skills and experience in one document. Employers choose who they want to interview from what is contained on your CV, so it is really important that it is easy to understand and shows off your strengths.Spelling mistakes, poor grammar and missing information on a CV look unprofessional and if it is incomplete, employers may simply throw it in the bin.

2.3 CV basics

There is no right or wrong way to set out a CV, but there are some standard sections that they should contain. These are:

personal and contact information
education and qualifications
work history
skills relevant to the job
interests.

When you are describing your interests, highlight aspects that show off the skills and competencies that the employer is looking for.The sort of things that are good to include are:

any examples of working in a team
relevant voluntary work or work experience
positions of responsibility
any activity that shows off using initiative.

Keep your CV to a maximum of two sides of A4 paper. Employers receive a lot of CVs, so it is unlikely that they will read each one from start to finish. In fact, most will make a judgment about a CV after a few seconds, so keep it as short as possible.

2.4 Types of CV and when to use them

The most common types of CV are:

Skills-based

This is also sometimes called a 'targeted' or 'functional' CV. It is often appropriate when there have been long gaps in employment as it highlights skills rather than gaps. This type of CV:

highlights your skills and abilities relatedto the specific role you are applying for
emphasises the transferable skills and experience you have gained, avoiding any reliance on work in date order
is appropriate when changing careers, when skills are more impressive than employment history
is appropriate if you have had a range of unconnected jobs.

Different jobs need different sets of skills. You should create your CV so that it closely relates to the job you are applying for.

You do not have to re-write it completely every time you apply for a different job, but you may want to re-draft or re-order some of your interests and skills so the most relevant informationis nearer the beginning of the document.

Chronological

A chronological CV lists your details, under appropriate headings, in reverse chronological order. Chronological CVs work best when you have had continuous employment with no gaps. This type of CV:

is a traditional format where work experience is organised in reverse date order
is useful when staying in a similar field, or if your last employer’s name may be advantageous
shows career development, and might highlight progress in a certain area.

2.5 General tips

Limit you CV to a maximum of two sides of A4 – keep it concise!
Keep it clear and specific – simple language works best.
Use positive and active language.
Highlight your selling points clearly.

2.6 Examples of different CV styles

The following pages contain examples of different CV types:

Example of a Skills-based CV:

Anne Other

123 New Road

Anytown

Anyshire

A12 3BC

Telephone: 000 111

Email:

Personal Profile:

I have recently completed my higher education and I am now actively seeking employment. During my university studies I was able to gain valuable customer service skills in the retail trade. I am a reliable person with good time keeping. I am friendly and approachable and am able to follow instructions accurately. I possess good verbal and written skills.

Key Skills:

Excellent IT skills, including advanced knowledge of MS Office, Dreamweaver and PhotoShop
Excellent knowledge of a range of both quantitative and qualitative research methods
Able to communicate with a wide range of audiences
Able to prioritise workload and excellent management skills
High standard of written English
Experience of web publishing

Achievements:

Organised a trip to Austria for University society
Wrote a number of music reviews and features for the student newspaper
Created database of listeners for the local talking newspaper to increase efficiency of service
Created and designed website and a range of other marketing materials for the university Snowboarding Society

Education:

2007 – 2010
Degree /

Anyshire University

BA History – 2:1
2005 – 2007
A Levels /

Anytown College

English Literature – A
History – A
French - B
2000 - 2005
GCSEs /

Anytown School

English Language – A
Mathematics – A
8 Other GCSEs grades A-C

Work Experience:

Summer 2009 / Bank plc, Student Trainee
Summer 2008 / Bookshop Ltd, Retail Assistant
Summer 2006 / Anytown Talking Newspaper, Volunteer

Interests:

I am an active member of the University Snowboarding Society and have helped to plan several excursions to dry slopes and a trip to Austria
I play the guitar in a band and regularly play at local venues

References:

Available on request.

Example of a Chronological CV:

Anne Other

123 New Road

Anytown

Anyshire

A12 3BC

Telephone: 000 111

Email:

Personal Profile:

An enthusiastic and reliable worker with excellent knowledge of business administration. I am able to meet deadlines and can work within a team or on own initiative. I am keen to find a position within an office environment which will enable me to utilise my IT skills whilst providing me with a challenge.

Employment:

Mar 2007 - July 2010 / Smith & Son - Administrative Assistant

Arranged and prioritised meetings
Monitored mail and telephone calls and made invoice payments
Oversaw the management of the company secretarial database

Sept 2001 - Feb 2007 / ABC Textiles Ltd - Assistant Sales Administrator

Acted as the central point of contact for all customer communications
Maintained close communication with the outside Sales Representatives and provided constant source of information and sales support
Developed a highly professional working relationship with both British and International Suppliers

Oct 2000 - Sept 2001 / ABC Textiles Ltd - Office Junior

Composed and typed correspondence
Organised travel requirements

Education:

1998 – 2000
A Levels / Anytown College

Sociology – C
English Literature – D

1993 – 1998
GCSEs / Anytown School

English Language – B
Mathematics – C
5 Other GCSEs grades A-C

Training:

2005-2006
CLAIT Plus (Level 2) / Anytown College

Modules included database solutions, desktop publishing and web page creation

Additional information:

Confident user of MS Office, including Word, Outlook and Excel
Typing speed of 50 wpm

Interests:

I am a keen participant in my local amateur dramatics society
I have been regularly attending Japanese language lessons for the past five years

References:

Available on request.

2.7 Personal Profiles

Personal profiles introduce you as an applicant. You should be able to outline your key strengths, achievements and goals in one paragraph. The following examples offer an outline of the different styles you can use:

A college leaver with excellent computer skills. My college course work and work placements have enabled me to gain good research and presentation skills and an ability to communicate with the general public. I also see myself as an enthusiastic and reliable team player who is willing and able to develop new skills quickly.

A reliable and conscientious employee with good customer service skills and a proven record of achieving targets and goals, looking to move to a more front line management role.

I regard myself as a cheerful and friendly person, who is reliable and trustworthy. I am keen to learn new skills and use my considerable abilities within a garage/car business environment.

I am currently looking for work in the computer industry. I am very familiar with most aspects of computing and have used computers for many years. I am always confident in learning anything new.

2.8 Skills and achievements

This section of your CV allows you to sell yourself through listing your main skills and experience. You can use the following outline of skills to help you judge your abilities:

Skills with individuals

Communicate well using the telephone, Persuade or sell to individuals, Deal with customers, Manage and supervise individuals, Delegate work to others

Skills with groups

Communicate to small groups, Lead seminars, Perform or entertain people, Persuade a group, Facilitate a group, Take part in group debates, Brief a team, Chair meetings

Commercial skills

Manage or run a business, Spot potential markets, Develop a new business, Design a marketing campaign, Look after customers well, Develop new sales initiatives, Promote or sell by telephone

Skills with information

Research, Gather information by interviewing people, Check information for errors/proof read, Analyse information, Organise or classify data, Retrieve information, Write reports

Physical skills

Manual dexterity, Ability/strength/speed, Craft/sewing/weaving, Painting/finishing/restoring, Washing/cleaning or preparing, Setting up or assembling, Growing/tending

2.9 Buzz Words

There are some words that stand out on a CV, which are often called buzz words. The following work areas and associated words may help when putting together your CV:

Coping with routine

Conscientious, Consistent, Controlled, Coped, Dealt with, Efficient, Managed, Performed.

Working with others

Advised, Co-operated, Counselled, Facilitated, Guided, Managed, Negotiated, Participated, Presented, Supervised, Assisted, Supported.

Achievements

Accomplished, Achieved, Co-ordinated, Created, Developed, Formulated, Revitalised, Recommended, Completed.

Problem-solving

Implemented, Improved, Instigated, Interpreted, Initiated, Inspired, Introduced, Investigated.

Initiative

Created, Designed, Developed, Devised, Directed, Established, Formulated, Innovated, Motivated, Negotiated, Organised, Originated.

2.10 Summary

Your CV has around 10-15 seconds to impress a potential employer. To recap:

limit you CV to a maximum of two sides of A4 – keep it concise!
keep it clear and specific – simple language works best
use positive and active language
highlight your selling points (skills and achievements) clearly
make sure you have checked the spelling, punctuation and grammar.

3. Looking for jobs

3.1 Focus your time and effort

There is no substitute for time and effort in a job search, but this needs to be focused correctly. There is no point in completing 10 applications for a job in a specific sector if candidates are required to have an entry qualification that you do not have. This is why it is important to get the help of a Careers Adviser.

3.2 Identifying vacancies

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. Most 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 letter. 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. A full list of internet job boards can be found in the Job seeking resources factsheet. Details of where to find this can be found in section 10 (Other factsheets in this series).

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 on job boards. For example, if you wanted to work for RNIB then it would be far better to check than to check online job boards or newspaper adverts. If you do not have internet access, write to an employer with a copy of your CV and a covering letter. Hopefully they will be able to keep your details on file and consider you for any opportunities in the future.

Newspapers

Publications 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.