How to choose the right University

You may think that a University degree will help you in your search for a job- in many cases it will. However you need to think long and hard about which degree at which University. Read the course details carefully and ask yourself it any of the proposed modules contain any work experience?
You need work experience to make your application stand out from the hundreds of other applications that employers receive. If you choose the right University you will see a number of courses where there is work experience which may let you build a relationship with the employer before you are even ready to start work.
Some Universities such as De Montfort University in Leicester actually have employ ability weeks where the whole ethos of the University is getting the students into work and for them to find out the type of work that is available.
I would also recommend that you check the job adverts before you apply for a course to make sure that the course that you are applying for is the course that the employers prefer. Don't just take the word of your teachers check for yourself and be sure. You don't want to get into a large debt with student fees and then find that you have the wrong qualification for the job.

Unemployment is falling

If you live in the United Kingdom there was further good news today- the amount of people who are unemployed is falling and is at its lowest for 18 months.
One of the groups that find it most difficult to get work are those aged 18-25. If you fall into this age group and have not worked for some time there are a number of Government sponsored program mes to try and get you back into work- enquire at your local JobCentre Plus or use the Direct Gov website.

You might want to take a long hard look at your qualifications- Did you leave school at the earliest opportunity, glad of the break from those boring nagging teachers, with few if any G.C.S.E.'s? Maybe now is the time to go back to college and take those exams- they are often a lot easier when you are a bit older and when you want to learn things are always easier- contact your local college and see what course they offer

Which job do you take?

After three months of looking I still did not have a job- I have a good CV, many years of office experience and a degree and professional qualifications.  I did occasionally get invited for interview but more often than not the employer said that I was over qualified or asked if I would be bored doing such a low level job. I started to apply for jobs in education where at least my educational qualifications would be recognised. Within a few weeks I was offerred two jobs! Both of these jobs are quite low paid but don't have any responsibilities and both jobs have promotion prospects! Which job should I choose?
I think I have managed to avoid making the decision for  a few months! Both jobs have agreed to take me on a part time basis whilst I make my mind up which one I wish to make my "career" My family say it is called sitting on the fence but the way I look at it is that it is extending my experience within different learning environments, one in a college, one in a school and they compliment each other. So maybe its not a time to put all your eggs in one basket but to keep my options open.

Who to have as a reference?

Ok I had to provide two people to give references- one is usually your last employer- only thing is my last employer will not answer reference requests as they had a large number of temporary staff and its too much to do. Hopefully the job I had before that will give me a reference.
The real one that you have control over is a character reference. Think about the people that you know and trust. Is there anyone who has a good position in society or a recognised professional qualification. If you attend church is there a minister who will give you a reference. If you really don't have someone in a professional role then ask someone who has known you a long time and understands what makes you tick. Employers will be assurred by someone writing, I have known Mrs X since she was 15 and she has always been such a helpful person......

What to do when you get a job

Ok, it has happenned, I have been offerred a job!
What happens next?

The employer will want to check my references, so it reminds me to check that I have supplied the right contact details. Owing to the nature of the job, working with people with disabilities and learning difficulties I have to complete a CRB check which means I have to prove my identity and all records and police records are checked to see that I am a suitable person. I have found my tax forms and know who to tell when I start work.

Interview Questions

I went to an interview yesterday! Don't yet know how I did but I was really faced with a dilemna. I need a job- does not matter what it is, I need it. At the interview they told me that the hours were variable, but that they could ensure three days a week work. Great I thought but then I thought, will they contract 3 days per week or just stick to the variable hours contract. I wanted to ask them but I didn't want to do anything negative so I didn't ask the question. I decided that if they offer me the job I shall accept and if the conditions are not that good then I will keep applying until I get a better job- The bottom line is to keep my sanity I need to do some work!

Don't Give up hope of getting a job