| |  | Most businesses and organisations have their own websites. Use these to find out what they do, where they are and what jobs they have. This information helps you to decide whether to apply and, if you get an interview, helps you prepare. |
| | | Find a company website by typing its name into a search engine like www.google.co.uk . Try this for businesses you have in mind and for anywhere new you hear about. |
| | | General business directories like www.yell.com are great starting places. If you are looking for an accountancy job in Bridgwater type 'accountants' and 'Bridgwater' in the relevant boxes to produce an instant list of businesses (some of which will have their own weblinks). |
| | | Many business websites have a jobs section. This might be called 'careers', 'current vacancies', 'working for us', 'jobs with our company' or something similar. Click on these sections to see what is available and whether it suits you. |
| | | The site should tell you how to apply. This might involve ringing for an application form or applying by post in the traditional way. It's also likely you will be given the opportunity to apply online. Go to making online applications for more. |
| | | If nothing suitable is advertised - or if there isn't a jobs section - you could make a speculative application. This could be by post, phone or email. The website might include a special link for CVs, a general company email address or a specific address for the human resources department. See applying for jobs by email for more. |
| | | There are dozens of job vacancy websites. Click here for a selection. |
| | | Job vacancy sites are compiled in different ways. Some are made up of adverts from newspapers, job centres or agencies. Others charge businesses to advertise and are geared towards certain types of work. You may need to use several different ones in your search. |
| | | Most sites use drop down menus to help your search. This might be by job (e.g. surveying technician), place (e.g. Yeovil), level of entry (e.g. trainee or apprentice) and present qualifications (e.g. GCSEs, A Levels or BTEC). |
| | | Once you see something, check that it suits you. Then follow the instructions about how to apply. This might mean ringing someone for more details, registering with the site, making an online application or using some other method to apply. |
| | | Don't forget the Connexions Somerset website carries details of current vacancies for young people in Somerset, click here to view them. |
| | | You can apply for certain vacancies online. This involves completing an application form and submitting it through a website. In this sense it's quite similar to making an internet booking or posting on a message board. |
| | | Generally speaking it's quicker to apply online. The actual process may be quicker and you don't have to rely on receiving or sending things through the post. |
| | | The application form may be modification of the normal one. You might be asked to send extra things - like a CV or covering letter - as an attachment. Make sure you know how to do this and carefully follow the instructions. |
| | | When making online applications you can save time by cutting and pasting from other documents. This is especially useful when you need to make a personal statement or give reasons in support of your application. Always make sure that what you are using is right for the application in question! |
| | | Online applications can be nerve wracking if you're not sure your application has been received. Some organisations (not all) send confirmation emails. If in doubt contact them to make sure. Should you be uncomfortable with applying online ask if you can apply by post instead. |
| | | Applying for jobs by email is a good approach if you are making lots of speculative applications. It's a much quicker way than printing out letters and putting them in the post. |
| | | Employers might ask you to use email to apply for advertised vacancies. When this happens make sure you follow the instructions and include all the things the employer wants. |
| | | An email application is likely to include all - or some - of the usual things: a letter of application; a CV; details of referees. Don't sacrifice quality because of the ease of using email. It still needs to be done properly. |
| | | For speculative enquiries it's up to you to decide your approach. Some experts advise you to write your letter of application as the body of your email (with your CV as an attachment). Alternatively you could write a few lines to express your interest and use attachments for your personal statement and CV. |
| | | If you are doing bulk emails, and using the same or similar material each time, make sure you keep your files in order. Cutting and pasting can save time. Don't get lazy or complacent - make sure you've amended the content to match your current application rather than the previous one! |
| | | Etiquette is important. Many people write emails more informally than they do letters. Try to use the same style as you would in a letter. |
| | | Use a simple, non-jokey email address to avoid embarrassment or giving the wrong impression. "JASmith@...." is a safer bet than "greeneyes@....". If necessary set up a special account for your job hunting emails. |
| | | Selecting the right email receipient is important. There might be a choice between a general account ('info@....'), a department or a named individual. It may pay to ring to check. |
| | | Don't expect miracles if you are making speculative applications. Using email is time-efficient but not every employer will acknowledge your application or even spend time looking at it. Be realistic in your expectations and always be ready to amend or upgrade your email applications to create a better impression. |
