GRADUATE SALARY INFORMATION
To find out how much you might earn in a range of graduate jobs visits the Labour Market Information pages on the Prospects website. Here you will find information on graduate salaries, which jobs pay the most, how pay varies between regions and so on.
Total Jobsalso have a salary calculator on theirsite, which shows salaries taken from jobs which have been advertised with them.
TAXATION and NI
Income tax rates and allowances can be sourced at HM Revenue & Customs - Rates and Allowances.
National Insurance rates - both individuals and employers contributions can be sourced at HM Revenue & Customs - National Insurance Contributions
There is also some good practical advice for businesses on taxes, returns and payroll on the Business Link website.
ANALYSING JOB INFORMATION
Occupational databases on-line
The following websites have occupational databases which contain hundreds of job profiles for a wide range of work areas and careers. These profiles explain what each job does in terms of duties and activities and the qualifications, skills and training you need in order to able to apply for that job. Check them out:
at the job profiles in Job Zone)
You will need to search for the lists of Job Profiles within these sites.
You could also try searching for other sites or useful information using a search engine like Google.
Analysing vacancies
Another way to research jobs is to look for current vacancies. There are lots of websites that advertise jobs in computing and engineering. Try looking for some using a search engine. Then look carefully at the vacancies. What are employers saying they are looking for? What qualifications, skills and experience do they expect candidates to have?
Talk to people doing the job
Another way to find out about jobs is to talk to people who do them. If you know someone who does a job that you want to find out about, ask them what they do. If you don't know anyone you could attend some careers events and speak to the employers taking part or try networking to find a contact. Who else do you know, who might know someone, who knows someone, who does this job and so on. Ask other people if they know anyone you could talk to.
Get some paid or unpaid work experience
Another way to find out about jobs is to do them. Get some relevant work experience, paid or unpaid. Again use your contacts to track down possible places to get the experience, or contact suitable firms direct and ask!
WRITING JOB ADVERTS
Useful information on writing job adverts can be found on the Businessballs website.
WRITING JOB DESCRIPTIONS
Useful information on writing job descriptions can be found on the Businessballs website.
The Business Link website also offers practical advice on this topic.
The is4profit (free small business information & advice) site also has information on writing job descriptions and personal specifications.
WRITING PERSONAL SPECIFICATIONS
There is some information about writing Personal Specifications on the Business Link website.