The Tool Desk
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1. Decide what work you are looking for
Before searching, write down the roles you would consider and the conditions a job needs to meet. This makes it easier to choose useful alerts and avoid spending time on unsuitable vacancies.
- Role and level: list job titles, related roles and whether you are open to entry-level work or a change of direction.
- Location and travel: decide which areas you can reach, how long you can commute and whether remote or hybrid work is suitable.
- Hours and salary: identify the schedule you can work and the minimum pay you need to cover your costs.
- Skills and constraints: note your relevant experience, transferable skills, training needs and any practical limits on when or where you can work.
If you are returning to work or unsure which roles fit, GOV.UK’s help to get a job service can help you identify existing skills, explore types of work and consider next steps.
2. Search for vacancies in more than one place
Use a mix of public listings and direct routes to employers. The right combination depends on your field, location and how much time you can spend maintaining profiles or contacting people. The National Careers Service recommends using job boards and alerts, government vacancies, employer websites, agencies, networking and local or sector-specific routes; it does not rank them by effectiveness.
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| Route | What it can do | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Government and job-board listings | Search GOV.UK Find a Job alongside broad or specialist job boards. The National Careers Service names CV Library, Indeed, Reed and Monster as examples, not a complete or ranked list. | Set alerts for relevant roles, locations and skills. Check that listings are current and suit your requirements. |
| Employer careers pages | Some employers publish vacancies directly on their own websites. | Make a list of organisations you would work for and check their careers pages periodically; follow the application instructions on each advert. |
| Recruitment agencies | An agency may recruit for roles in a particular sector and may have access to vacancies that are not advertised elsewhere. | Register with agencies that handle your target kind of work. Tell them what you want and update them when your availability or circumstances change. |
| Networking and professional profiles | Contacts and professional profiles can help you hear about work and make your experience visible. | Keep profiles accurate and current. Networking can take time and does not guarantee a vacancy or referral. |
| Local and sector-specific routes | Depending on the work, useful routes can include council websites, job fairs, trade publications, libraries and contacting employers directly. | Choose routes used in your area or industry rather than trying to use every channel. |
The National Careers Service says the “hidden job market” can account for 70% to 85% of vacancies in some industries; its page does not state a publication year or the basis for the figure. Treat it as that service’s qualified statement, not a current estimate for all UK vacancies.
3. Make your CV and application fit the vacancy
A CV should make it easy for an employer to see how your experience and skills relate to the role. The National Careers Service describes a CV as “a summary of your skills, achievements and experience that you use to apply for jobs.” Start with the advert: identify the skills and requirements it asks for, then make the most relevant evidence easy to find.
Build a clear, relevant CV
- Use a readable, consistent layout and concise wording.
- Include contact information, an introduction, education and work history. Include references where appropriate.
- Put the strongest relevant experience and skills where an employer is likely to see them quickly. For early-career applicants, education may belong higher up.
- If you have limited paid work experience, use relevant projects, volunteering and skills to show what you can do.
- Follow the National Careers Service advice not to include age, date of birth, marital status or nationality on your CV.
Use the employer’s requested format. If the advert asks for an application form, complete it rather than assuming a CV replaces it. Adapt your CV and supporting answers for each vacancy; do not claim skills or experience you cannot evidence.
For the service’s detailed guidance, see National Careers Service: How to write a CV.
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4. Prepare for the interview
Preparation helps you give relevant answers and avoid last-minute confusion. Read the job description again, learn what you can about the employer and revisit the information you submitted in your application.
- Check the format and arrangements. Confirm whether the interview is in person, by phone or video, and check the time, location or connection details. Ask about accessibility adjustments if you need them.
- Prepare examples. Choose specific examples from work, study, volunteering or other relevant experience that show the skills the role requires. The National Careers Service recommends the STAR method: explain the situation, task, action and result.
- Plan your questions. Prepare questions about the responsibilities, team or next steps in the hiring process.
- Allow time to arrive or connect. Check travel or technology in advance so avoidable problems do not disrupt the interview.
- Ask about the decision timeline. If you are not offered the job, you can ask for feedback and use it to improve future applications.
See the National Careers Service interview advice for further preparation guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.5. Get free help and protect yourself from scams
Use public employment support
Jobcentre Plus advisers can help unemployed people who are looking for work with vacancy searches, CVs and covering letters, application forms and interview preparation. GOV.UK says, “You’re entitled to free help and advice from a Jobcentre Plus adviser if you’re unemployed and looking for work.” Some jobseekers may be eligible for help with interview travel costs; ask an adviser about your circumstances. Details are on the GOV.UK Jobcentre Plus contact page.
GOV.UK’s help to get a job service can also help with CVs, applications and interview preparation, as well as exploring skills and types of work.
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Be cautious with requests for money or personal details
Official GOV.UK safety guidance recommends that jobseekers:
- Do not pay upfront for job-search help or training.
- Do not agree to an interview in your own home or accept a lift from the interviewer.
- Do not share sensitive personal or financial details before you have a job offer.
- Check whether a telephone number in an advert carries premium-rate charges.
Read the full GOV.UK guidance on your rights and safety when looking for a job.
6. Follow current right-to-work guidance
Employers must check that a job applicant is permitted to work in the UK before employing them. GOV.UK states: “You must check that a job applicant is allowed to work for you in the UK before you employ them.” The accepted check depends on the person’s circumstances: GOV.UK describes checks using an online share code and checks of original documents, and notes that British and Irish citizens cannot get an online share code to prove their right to work.
Do not assume one evidence route applies to everyone. Follow the current GOV.UK right-to-work check guidance for your circumstances, including any immigration or eligibility questions.
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