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Volunteering while looking for work

September 20, 2011 by admin
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VolunteeringVolunteering while looking for work

Volunteering is a great way to develop and learn new skills while you are looking for a job. It could even increase your chances of finding work. Find out more, including information about ‘Work Together’ – the new help you can get with volunteering from Jobcentre Plus.

Voluntary work

There are many benefits of volunteering. It is a great way of getting into a working environment which could help you:

  • develop new skills
  • gain experience
  • get training in new areas of work
  • explore career interests
  • increase your contacts, which could provide job leads
  • build your confidence
  • develop and enhance your CV

Volunteering is also a great way to support your community and can make a big difference locally.

Work Together – help to volunteer

If you are getting benefits and are keen to volunteer, you can get help to find opportunities from Jobcentre Plus, through ‘Work Together’.

Work Together can help you find out more about volunteering as well as information on where to find opportunities.

If you want to know more about Work Together talk to your Jobcentre Plus adviser at your next appointment.

There are around 914,000 volunteering opportunities available online in England (as of 30 July 2011). Many more are available throughout the United Kingdom by using the links below.

You can search for volunteering opportunities by entering your postcode or location. You can also add how far you are willing to travel. To help refine your search you can enter keywords, for example the name of a charity or a specific area of interest.

Volunteering while on benefits

Volunteering shouldn’t affect your right to benefits, as long as the only money you receive is to cover your volunteering expenses. This could be for things like the cost of travelling from home to the volunteering location.

There are no limits on the amount of time you can volunteer for, nor any restrictions on the types of organisation you can volunteer for. The only requirement is that you continue to meet the conditions of the benefit or tax credit you are receiving.

Use the following link for more information on volunteering while on benefits.

 

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Filed Under: General Employment News

Applying for a job

September 20, 2011 by admin
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Sample Job Vacancy

Applying for a job that has been advertised

If you want to apply for a job and you are asked to apply in writing, have a look at the following example. It shows the vacancy, the points to look for and a suggested letter. If your application is in audio format, contact the company beforehand so they expect your application in an alternative format. They can then make preparations to review it.

Job vacancy – an example

In this example, you have seen the following job advertised and you want to apply:

Westfords Ltd.
Require IT Support Officers
40 hours per week – 8.45 am to 5.15 pm.
Photo ID personalisation and smart card encoding company are seeking IT support officers.
Responsibilities include upkeep of computers and in-house software and quality assurance of products.
Must have experience with computers.
Knowledge of printers preferred but not essential as full training given.
Apply in writing with a covering letter and CV to:

Mr Knight
Westfords Ltd
500 Sample Street
Sample Town
LZX 1XX

Identifying important information in the advert

The following is the important information contained in the advert.

The company
Westfords Ltd. You could look at their website to learn more about the company. If they don’t have a website you might be able to find information at your local library. This research might help you to write your application.

Job title and duties

  • IT Support Officer
  • upkeep of computers and in-house software
  • checking consumables and in-house software
  • quality assurance of finished products

Qualifications and skills needed

  • must have experience with computers
  • printer experience preferred but not essential as full training will be given

Pay

  • no rate given - ring to check

Hours

  • 40 hours per week: Monday to Friday 8.45 am – 5.15 pm

How to apply

  • in writing - with a covering letter and a CV

Writing a covering letter

What to include

Underline the skills in the advert. Write a rough copy of your letter and include the skills underlined. Be positive and emphasise why you are perfect for the job. You should include any relevant skills you have.

Suggested layout

First, give a summary of your skills and experience. Keep it brief and to the point. Then, say when you will be free for an interview. Remember to include your name, address, phone number (if you have one), the date and enclose a copy of your CV.

What to say

Be clear. Don’t use a long word if a short one will do. If you have been unemployed for a while, say how you spend your spare time (for example, by doing voluntary work, study and so on). Be honest, don’t say you enjoy bungee jumping if you get dizzy standing on a stool, you will get caught out at an interview. Keep to the facts and try not to oversell yourself.

How to say it

Include the job reference number if there is one in the job details. Enter it below the opening line. For example:

Dear Mrs……
Re: Job reference 345

Try to find out the name of the person you need to write to. If you start with ‘Dear Sir/Madam’, end with ‘Yours faithfully’. If you start with the person’s name (for example, ‘Dear Mrs Smith’, end with ‘Yours sincerely’. Finally, double-check your spelling and grammar before sending the letter.

How the letter looks

Be neat, whether your letter is handwritten or typed. Leave plenty of space around the edges and a clear space between each paragraph. Use good quality plain paper and envelopes. Check against your rough copy to make sure you have not missed anything. If your application is in audio format check that the content is clear, to the point and easy to understand.

Sign the letter and print your name underneath to make sure it can be read easily. Ask a friend or relative to check over your letter before you send it. Finally, make sure your application arrives on time. If you are posting it, allow for delays. If your application is late, the company might not even consider it and your time will have been wasted.

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Filed Under: Employment Tips, General Employment News Tagged With: Sample Job Vacancy

Job Planning

September 20, 2011 by admin
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Job PlanningJob Planning

To find the job you want you need to look at job planning, your skills and the type of job you want to do. You then need to plan how you will go about looking for it.

What you have to offer

Start by asking yourself honestly what skills and experience you have. Think about the skills you have developed in the jobs you have had before, and in your life outside of work.

Employment skills and experience help with job planning

Ask yourself the following questions to think about skills you have developed, including those built up in jobs you have had before:

  • did you develop any skills that will be useful in the job you’re looking for?
  • have you worked as part of a team?
  • did you need to share information with others?
  • did you follow or give instructions well?
  • are you a good timekeeper?
  • do you have IT skills?
  • did you get any qualifications?
  • were you praised for any part of your role?

Personal and social skills help with job planning

Ask yourself the following questions about life outside work:

  • do you get on well with people?
  • are you on a local committee or a member of a community organisation?
  • are you part of a team, (for example, a sports or quiz team)?
  • do you have skills from caring for your family, (for example, organisational skills)?
  • have you done any voluntary work?
  • have you been to any evening classes or training?

Where to look for jobs – Job Planning

There are a number of ways you can search for jobs:

  • through Jobcentre Plus
  • through newspapers
  • on the internet
  • by registering with recruitment agencies
  • in trade journals
  • through friends and other people you know
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Filed Under: Employment Tips, General Employment News

Job Seeking

September 20, 2011 by admin
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jobseeking

Job Seeking?

When you are looking for work no matter how the job has been advertised, it is always your responsibility to protect your own safety. Here are some basic tips on protecting your personal details and steps you can take to protect yourself when looking for work.

Be Safe When Job Seeking

Jobcentre Plus have produced the following basic tips on how to stay safe when looking for work.

Telephone Numbers When Job Seeking

You should never phone a premium rate number to find out more information about a job vacancy. This is because they are very expensive to call. Premium rate numbers usually start with the numbers 070 or 090.

If you phone a number starting with 0871 to ask about a job vacancy, it should be answered within five minutes. If it is not, do not:

  • continue with the phone call
  • keep trying to call the number

This is because calls to 0871 numbers can be expensive.

Asking or applying for a job when job seeking

When asking or applying for a job you should never:

  • give your personal financial details, like your bank account number
  • give your National Insurance number
  • give your date of birth
  • give your driving licence number
  • give your passport number
  • give out copies of your utility bills
  • provide a photograph
  • provide any other details you believe to be personal

You may need to provide these details when you actually have a proper job offer or start a job.

When job seeking you should also never:

  • pay any fees upfront for help with job searches or training
  • allow the interview to take place in your own home
  • talk about personal matters that have nothing to do with the job
  • accept a lift from the person interviewing you

You should always consider when job seeking:

  • finding out as much as you can about the company or the person the interview is with
  • how you will get to the interview and back
  • telling a friend or relative where you are going and what time you expect to be back
  • trying to arrange for someone to collect you if the interview takes place outside normal working hours
  • make sure the interview is at the company’s place of work or in a suitable public place

For jobs that offer a place to live with them, always make sure you check out the accommodation before accepting the job. If possible don’t go alone, even if this means a friend or family member has to wait outside for you. Remember: Stay safe when job seeking.

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Filed Under: Employment Tips, General Employment News

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