Finding a Job in the UK
Thinking laterally about how and where you find a job could broaden your chances of successfully finding a rewarding and fulfilling job. When searching for employment, it is important to exploit every possible avenue to find the opportunity that will suit you. Many job vacancies are handled by recruitment companies, but there are also other ways to find work.
Recruitment Agencies
Not all recruitment agencies are equal. When deciding which recruitment agencies to register with, there are a few things you should take into account. Always look for an agency that is established and has a good reputation in the marketplace. Good companies are very choosy about the recruitment agencies they align themselves with and will only want to work with recruiters who attract top talent and have proven success. As a result, these agencies will have a much better and wider range of job opportunities on offer and are more likely to help you progress your career.
Another factor to consider is whether the consultants are working on a commission. Many recruitment consultants rely on commission to make up their salary, which can mean that their advice is not always completely objective. It is not unusual for candidates to be talked into taking a job because it is the end of month and a consultant is down on his or her commission earnings for that month.
Newspapers
Familiarise yourself with those newspapers that cater specifically for your profession and get to know on which days job vacancies are advertised. For example, accountants will use the Financial Times and jobs are advertised on Mondays and Thursdays; The Guardian advertises media jobs on a Monday. Visit the corresponding websites to further search for jobs and to research company information. Your local newspaper will also have a 'jobs day' and this should be read weekly too. Again, more senior vacancies tend to be advertised nationally or in industry journals rather than regionally, but your local paper will keep you updated with business information specific to your region.
Avoid regional job magazines which are often merely a tardy repetition of the local paper's jobs pages. Remember that newspapers generally are still a great source for jobs.
Trade Magazines/ Professional Journals
If you are a member of a professional body, you should regularly read any relevant magazine, to view advertised vacancies and keep yourself updated with industry information. Many such publications are subscription only and if you are not doing so already, now is the time to purchase your subscription. Students/graduates embarking on a professional career can often take advantage of reduced subscription rates. These publications are a key source in your job search.
