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Hints, tips and resources for the unemployed looking to get back into work.
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CONTENTS
2
Intoduction Page 3
Creating an E-mail Page 5
Account
Creating your CV Page 11
Covering Letters Page 17
Things to think Page 26
about CVs &
CoveringLetters
Basic Online Skills Page 31
Universal Jobmatch Page 37
Interview Techniques Page 45
More Information Page 53
Introduction
Welcome to your local Adult Community Training (ACT) Hub. As you can see, we are a small, informal, community based training centre.
This hub is one of a network of similar venues across the Northwest run in partnership by the GMB Reach Out Project, St Antony’s Centre and the GMB union,along with other local partners.
By now you should have met the staff and volunteers that are here to help you with your progress through the Work Club scheme.
The Work Club is a programme of individual support to help you improve your skills, update your CV and assist with job searching to help you get back into employment.
This guide will offer some hints and tips to help with some of these aspects - but it is only a guide - if you need any assistance, please don’t hesitate to ask
a member of the team. If you need to use a computer as part of your session(s), a member of the team will also show you how to log in.
If there are other, accredited qualifications that you would like to
discuss or investigate, then please make sure you speak to one of the staff or volunteers.
3
Your Information The ACT Hubs are publicly accessible buildings and we welcome different learners at
different times.
In order to keep your personal information safe we recommend that you follow
some basic guidelines.
Don’t share sensitive information with others
Dispose of unwanted sensitive information
For online services such as Learn My Way, Universal Jobmatch or your email account make sure you use
passwords: When you choose a password try not to pick something that could easily be guessed
Try to avoid writing down passwords DO NOT share your passwords with others
Names, dates and real words are not strong passwords To strengthen a password you can use a combination of capital and lower case letters, numbers and
punctuation marks (some websites may not let you use punctuation marks) The best passwords are random combinations of numbers and letters, but these will be more difficult
to remember Always lock your computer if you move away from it - use Ctrl + Alt + Delete
If you need to save a document such as CV or a covering letter, make sure you save it in your folder. The ACT staff can help you create your own folder and show you how to save documents to it.
If it is essential that you print a document, ensure you collect it from the printer straight away
4
Creating An
Email Account
5
Introduction
Why do I need an e-mail account?
Around 90% of all jobs are now advertised on the internet via the Universal Jobmatch website operated by Job Centre Plus, other job search sites or by companies on their own websites.
To access the Universal Jobmatch site and to apply for jobs on line you will
probably need an e-mail address. It is also useful to put an e-mail address on your CV so that employers can contact you easily.
There are a variety of internet based e-mail accounts you can choose from such
as Hotmail, Yahoo Mail, Tiscali, Live and many more. An internet based e-mail account is one that you can access from any computer that has access to
the internet.
If you already have one of these accounts and you know the login details for it
then you do not need to create a new account.
If you do not currently have an e-mail account we can help you create one using Googlemail (also known as Gmail).
To create a Gmail account, you’ll first need to get online. On the next page
we’ll show you how.
6
Getting Online
There are different ways to launch the internet.
These are called Browsers. At the ACT Hubs we use a browser called Google Chrome. Other common browsers include Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox. No matter which browser you are
using, you will launch the internet in the same way; by double clicking on the icon.
Once you’ve launched the internet here at the Hub you will see the Google homepage with a search bar in the centre of the screen.
In the top right of the screen you can click on Gmail (see fig 1)
which will take you through to the Gmail Login page. From there you can begin creating your account by clicking where it says
Create an account (see fig 2).
Fig 1
Chrome
Internet
Explorer
Mozilla
Firefox
Fig 2
7
Creating Your Account
On the page that follows you will need to enter your personal information in the relevant boxes.
You will also need to create your Username
which will form part of your final e-mail address. It is important that you try and pick one that is relevant to
you; remember, this e-mail address will be the one that you will be sending out to prospective employers.
If the Username you have typed in is already being used by somebody else,
Gmail will suggest some other possibilities for you. By searching through these options you should be able to find a username that is relevant to you and easy
to remember. You should make a note of your Username.
In the section that begins “Prove you’re not a robot” you will need to type in the
box the text that you can see above it; usually a mix of letters and numbers that look a bit wobbly. Gmail asks you to do this to verify that there is a real
person trying to create an account instead of a computer attempting to automatically generate e-mail accounts. A
member of staff can help you if you are unsure about this.
When you have filled this page in you can click on the blue Next step
button.
Fig 3
8
Creating Your Account Cont’d
On the next page you will be shown how your account will appear. On this screen you can add a
photo if you like but you can bypass this by simply clicking Next step.
If you would like to add a photo now, please ask a staff member for help,
alternatively you can do this at a later stage.
When you click Next step you will be shown a Welcome Screen (fig 5) and your new e-mail address will be displayed. Once you have created a
Google Account you will have access to lots of other online services which will also be mentioned on this screen. However, you can explore these in a
later session with your tutor.
Fig 4
XXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXX
Fig 5
Click the Continue to
Gmail button.
You will be taken to your
Gmail Inbox, where you will see some e-mails
from the Gmail Team.
Fig 6
9
Using Gmail
On the screen you will see the option to take a tour of Gmail’s key features. This will guide you through some of the basics of your
new Gmail account. Your Work Club adviser can guide you through these and help you
with sending your first e-mails from this account.
Things to remember:
Your Gmail account is now set up. You can add this e-mail address to your CV, use it to create a Universal
Jobmatch account and communicate with employers. Your work club adviser can show you how to attach your CV to an e-mail.
Your inbox is where you will see e-mails that have been sent to you. The number in brackets shows
how many unread e-mails there are in your inbox. On the main inbox screen, unread e-mails will appear in bold text.
To create a new e-mail, click on the Compose button on your inbox screen. Remember, writing an
e-mail is similar to writing a letter, the same rules apply.
If you want to recap on any e-mails you have sent you will find them by clicking on Sent Mail. In
both the inbox and the sent mail, the emails will be listed in date order, with the most recent at the top.
Fig 7
10
Creating Your CV
11
Introduction
CV stands for Curriculum Vitae, which actually means “story of my life”. While employers will want to know about you, you do not have to include your entire history.
Why do I need a CV? A CV is essential when looking for work. It is your opportunity to tell prospective employers about the knowledge and
skills you have gained while at school and in your working life.
It is always important to find out as much as you can about a company and
what they are looking for in new employees. By creating a well written and presented CV, containing information that supports your application in the
most positive way, you give yourself the best chance of being asked to interview.
The first step to creating your CV is to decide what information you would
like to include.
Your work club adviser will have a copy of a CV prompt form. You can complete this by hand and it will provide you with guidelines as to the kind
of information you should have on your CV.
If you have an existing copy of your CV, your adviser may be able to offer
some advice about how to improve it or change the layout so that it can be easily uploaded to websites like Universal Jobmatch.
12
Opening Microsoft Word
Once you know what you want to put on to your CV you will need to create a version of it using a computer.
The reason for creating an electronic version or E-version of your CV is so you
can attach it to e-mails, upload it to job search websites or easily change it in the future if you need to add new information.
Before you start creating the CV ask your work club adviser to show you how
to create a folder on the computer where you will be able to save your work.
At the Hub you will use Microsoft Word to create your CV. If you are not familiar with Microsoft Word, it is software that enables you to create written
documents, such as letters and CVs. Your adviser can offer you support and help to use Microsoft Word but if you would like to learn more about using IT, be
sure to ask them about IT courses that we offer right here.
To open Microsoft Word you will need to locate the icon and double click it. The icon
should be found on the opening screen when you log in to the computer. This opening screen is called the Desktop.
Once you have opened (or launched) Microsoft Word you will see what looks like a blank page in front of you.
You’re now ready to start creating your CV.
13
Creating Your CV
When Microsoft Word is open, you will need to click on the multicoloured “Office” button on the very top left of the screen. This will reveal a menu.
From this menu you should click on “New” (Fig 8).
A new box will appear (Fig 9). This pop up box allows you to choose from a range of existing templates. If you are confident using Microsoft Word you
don’t have to choose to use a template. However, using a template means that your CV will be presented in a way that will upload easily on to the
Universal Jobmatch website.
From the list of templates on the left hand side of this box you should scroll down until you can click on
“Resumes and CVs”.
Resume is an American term for a CV.
On the next page you will see how you can
choose a CV template that will allow you to create your CV.
Fig 8
Fig 9
14
Using a CV Template
Having clicked on Resumes and CVs you will arrive on a new screen where there are three options for the type of CV
template you might like to use.
You should start by clicking on the “Basic Resumes”
You will then see a screen with
a number of images of available templates (Fig 10).
On the right hand side of this display you will see a preview
of the highlighted CV template. To change the highlighted
template just click once on a new
image and the enlarged preview will be displayed on the right.
This will let you see a range of different CVs but we recommend that to begin with you choose a fairly simple template as they are easier to upload to job search websites. If
you scroll through the CVs you should find one called Chronological CV (traditional theme). We have found that this template uploads well.
Click on Download (Fig 11).
Fig 10
Fig 11
15
Input Your Information
You can now add the information you put onto your CV Prompt form to the CV template.
Don’t worry if your CV does not need 4 different
entries for work experience or if the information you enter will mean your CV will be more than one page
long.
Your adviser can show you how to remove certain parts if they are not needed or add other sections
such as Personal Interests.
Once you have finished inputting your information remember to spell check and save your CV to your
folder on the computer. If you are unsure how to do
this please ask your adviser.
Be aware that a CV is not set in stone. You can edit it at a later date or even have more than one CV.
Different CVs might highlight different skills and qualifications that are relevant to different jobs that
you might want to apply for.
16
Covering Letters
17
Introduction
A covering letter is something you create to send to a potential employer along with your CV or application form. It is a sales tool and what you
are selling is YOU!
Why do I need a covering letter?
You may not always need to submit a covering letter with an application
form or CV, however, it is a very effective way to get a recruiter to read your CV, a great way to show your enthusiasm for a job and a chance to
express how suitable you are for it.
Don’t think of a covering letter as simply a formality. As your initial introduction
to a potential employer, your covering letter allows you to explain why you want the
job you are applying for. It is an extension of your CV.
In this section you will find some hints and tips which will help you to create your own covering letter(s). The information here is a guide; as you get more confident writing covering letters you will discover what
works for you and what doesn’t. If the job application is done via e-mail then the content of your e-mail to the employer will be your covering letter and therefore some of the same “rules” will apply.
Within Universal Jobmatch you can upload up to 5 covering letters as well as being able to upload up to 5 versions of your CV. Ask your Work Club adviser for assistance if you are not sure how to do this.
18
Key Points to Remember
Before jumping straight on to Microsoft Word (see Creating Your CV) to create your covering letter(s) it is worth jotting down by hand what you
would like to include.
Below is a list of points to remember when writing your letter(s)
Demonstrate your motivation, commitment and relevant skills
Always tailor your covering letter to the specific role
Show you have researched the role, the organisation and the industry
Outline why you are attracted to the specific job
Highlight your unique selling points
Style of the letter:
Use one page of A4 paper, the actual length of the letter may depend on the nature of the job
Address your letter to a named person, even if you have to contact the organisation to ask who deals with
recruitment
Include your contact details and the employer’s (including their title)
Make sure your grammar and spelling are perfect
Use a professional tone
Link your writing style to the industry, for example, covering letters for a job as a waiter will be less formal than
those for an internship at a bank.
19
5 Tips for Writing an Effective Covering Letter
1. Be brief and to the point
Most of the time, a cover letter for a job application only has to state that you are applying for a position and that the application and supporting materials are enclosed. Ensure you address these 3 topics so that the person responsible
for recruitment will be impressed.
Which position are you applying for?
How did you hear about the position or
company?
Why are you perfect for the position?
2. Make no mistake about it
Don’t make any mistakes! A typing error, a poor
printing job, a misspelling - mistakes will make a
poor impression because they imply that you don’t
care and don’t pay attention to detail; an important
requirement in most jobs. Ask a friend, colleague or
your adviser for help proof reading and checking
your letter.
20
5 Tips for Writing an Effective Covering Letter Cont’d
3. Use a word processor
Never send a handwritten covering letter. As mentioned, it is fine to draft what you would like to say by hand but you should prepare the actual letter using a computer and a word
processing program like Microsoft Word. If you don’t own a computer you can use one of ours at the hub as part of your work club activity.
4. Avoid fancy colours and fonts
You are not creating a brochure, flyer or poster. Stick to a clear and easy to read font
such as Arial or Calibri. No colour; black on plain white paper reproduces easily.
5. Keep it short
Your covering letter should be no more than one A4 page in length. Where possible the covering letter and CV should
remain unfolded. Try to send them in an envelope which means you do not have to fold them.
Lucida Handwriting Arial Calibri
21
Structure the Letter
It’s important to structure the letter so that the correct information is given to the reader in the correct order.
Paragraph 1
If someone you know has referred you to a potential employer, be sure to mention it! Your reader will be encouraged to keep reading when s/he sees a name they recognise.
If you are responding to a published job listing, refer to it in this paragraph.
If you are writing to enquire about a potential job opening, it is crucial to write a strong paragraph that will catch and
hold your reader’s attention. You must also be specific about what type of job you are seeking.
“John Smith suggested that I write to you regarding a position as an engineer within your company.”
“Please accept my application for the FLT driver position you advertised on Universal Jobmatch. I am confident that my background and experience will prove to be a suitable match for your needs”
“I recently read in the Manchester Evening News that your company is expanding. Although I am currently unemployed I am looking to return to work and believe I have the skills you are
looking for. Please find enclosed a copy of my Curriculum Vitae for your consideration.”
22
Structure the Letter Cont’d
Paragraph 2
In this paragraph, explain why you are interested in the job and the company. If you are unemployed currently, state this or if you are looking for a change in job explain the reason why.
Paragraph 3
This paragraph is your place to shine. You should highlight
why you are a good candidate for the job. Illustrate how your particular abilities and qualifications match those listed
in the job description.
How will you suit the employer’s needs?
What particular skills can you bring to the role?
Mention details about the organisation to show you’ve
done your research
Describe your strengths, interests, achievements and
motivation
“After recently becoming unemployed, I am eager to progress back in to work immediately. This role in
particular interests me because I have a lot of previous experience in driving roles, as detailed in my CV.”
23
Structure the Letter Cont’d
Paragraph 4
Keep your conclusion short and positive. Close with a strong reminder
of why you are a good match for the position and the company.
Below is a list of ideas for closing your letter:
Request an interview in some way.
“I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my application in person.”
Provide contact information
Thank them
Sign and print your name
Your covering letter should make an employer want to either contact
you or at least look in detail through your CV.
Your adviser is on hand to help you with creating your covering
letter. On the next page you will find some examples of
different kinds of letters.
24
Example Covering Letters
See below some examples of covering letters for different situations.
Example 1:
Letter for Advertised role
Example 3:
Unemployed Covering Letter
Example 2:
Speculative Letter
25
Things to Think About
CVs and Covering Letters
26
What are your skills? How can you use them?
If you have been out of work for some time, you may have started to question what skills you have to offer a new employer, particularly if jobs are in short supply in the type of work you used to do. However, if you take a little time
to think about what you can actually do, you will probably find you have more to offer than you think. The 3 steps outlined here are designed to help you identify what transferrable skills you have and how you can use them in a
variety of different jobs.
Step one - recognise the skills you have
Think about:
The various jobs you have done over the years
Activities you may have undertaken in your spare time
The tasks and responsibilities involved in running your home and life in general
Consider what you have achieved and what you actually did to attain those achievements. Really analyse what was
required of you and don’t be modest.
Now take a piece of paper and start to list the skills you use(d) in each of the 3 things on the list. If you have had
several, quite diverse jobs you may want to put these under a different heading.
It may help to consider the different types of skills and attributes you have used, for example, practical skills, people and interpersonal abilities, skills and knowledge gained through education and training. Don’t worry too much about
which category you put things under as some will fit in more than one.
Review the list several times and ask others for their views on what they think you do well, you might be surprised.
Look at the list and consider which you think are your strengths? Which skills do you enjoy using - this is not always the same as being good at something. What skills do you not have but maybe would like to have in the future?
27
Step Two - Recognise how you can use your skills
It is easy to be put off from applying for a job that you have not done in the past because you feel you have no
relevant experience to offer. Look beyond the job title or industry sector and think about what the job actually involves. Look at what is said in the advertisement / vacancy notice. There will be some clear indicators about what
tasks are involved and what skills you need to do them. These may be very similar to what you have done in the past but in a different context. The skills and knowledge you have gained in one situation can be transferred and put to
use in another.
Go back to the list you made of your skills, knowledge etc. Pick two or three at random and
think of as many jobs as possible in which you may be able to use them.
Example: Very dexterous and able to carry out
detailed, intricate work = jobs such as hand packing
work, intricate sewing, cake decorating..
Example: Deals with queries and complaints competently = jobs such as retail assistant, call
centre administrator, bar worker, waiter, bus driver.
Hopefully, by now you will realise that you have a lot more experience, skills and knowledge than you
first thought.
What are your skills? How can you use them?
28
Step three - Now look for a job opportunity
Unfortunately there is no magic wand and you will need to be persistent looking through newspapers, job sites and the
internet in search of job opportunities. Now, though, you should be equipped to look at advertised jobs with a more open mind; think beyond the job title and the industry sector to challenge yourself on whether you could actually do
the job. If there is not enough information in the advertisement, make contact with whoever has
placed it and ask for more information.
If you think you have the skills but it may not be obvious from the job titles you held or you have not
written your CV in a way that will be obvious to the employer, then modify your CV and tell the
employer what skills you have that are relevant to their requirements and the job role.
Your CV should be a document that you update regularly with newly acquired skills or qualifications,
recent achievements and so on. You should also try to maintain a few different CVs which reflect your
abilities in different ways and may suit different types of employers and / or jobs.
Essentially, your CV should bridge the gap between
what the employer is looking for and the skills you have.
What are your skills? How can you use them?
29
Action Words to Use in Your CV and Covering Letter
Achieved
Accomplished
Actively Maintained
Recommended
Achieved
Supervised
Achieved
Succeeded
Organised
Negotiated
Managed Initiated
Expanded
Enhanced
Demonstrated
Delivered
Created
Coordinated
Completed
30
Basic Online
Skills
31
Introduction
Learn My Way is a set of modules designed to help you get to grips with the basics of using computers and the internet. Once you have completed the Online Basics subjects
you can then move on to some of the more advanced topics in the Online Plus section. Here you’ll be able to explore online public services, job hunting websites, online shopping
and banking and how to stay safe on the internet.
In order to access the modules you will need to create a Learn My Way account. Once
you have done this you will be able to log in to your account anywhere you have access to the internet and your online learning will be tracked. This means you can carry on with
the modules away from the ACT Hub if you choose to.
But first let’s look at creating your account. To do this you’ll need to start/launch the internet.
There are different ways to launch the internet. These are called Browsers. At the ACT Hubs we use a browser called Google Chrome. Other common browsers include Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox. No matter which
browser you are using, you will launch the internet in the same way; by double clicking on the icon.
Chrome
Internet
Explorer
Mozilla
Firefox
32
Getting on to Learn My Way
Once Google Chrome launches you will be presented with the Google homepage. From here you can search the internet using the search bar
in the middle of the screen. If you type Learn My Way into the search bar you will then see a list of matches for your search.
By clicking on the blue, underlined text (see fig 12), you will be re-directed to the Learn My Way website.
Alternatively, if you know the Web Address for the site you would like to visit you can type this into the address bar at the top of the screen
(see fig 13).
When you type a web address, there are no spaces. The web address for Learn My Way is
www.learnmyway.com
Fig 12
Fig 13
33
Creating Your Learn My Way Account
When you arrive at the Learn My Way homepage you will see in the top right that you have the option to either sign in or create an
account (see fig 14).
If this is your first visit then you’ll need to click on create an account.
On the screen that follows you will need to fill in your details
(see fig 15).
Be aware that the Username box will complete automatically based on your first name and surname.
When you click in the Password section, a box will appear that will
explain the characters that must make up your password. Be sure to choose a password that you will remember without writing down and
that will be difficult for others to guess.
You will be asked for a Centre code for the ACT Hub you are attending.
You should use the code 3451005.
It is very important you use this code.
Once you have completed all the boxes you can click on the pink Next button at the bottom.
Fig 14
Fig 15
34
Creating Your Learn My Way Account Cont’d
On the page that follows you will be asked to submit your e-mail address. Only Learn
My Way will e-mail you if you lose or forget your password.
You have the option to tick the boxes if you
would like to receive further information from them.
If you do not have an e-mail address you
can set one using the Creating an Email Account section of this guide. Alternatively
you can click where it says I don’t have an email address (Fig 16).
You will then be directed to a screen where you can enter a telephone number. Again
they will only use this number to communicate with you if you lose your
password.
When you have entered the information click on the Create Account button.
On the next page you will see how you can start using the Learn My Way packages.
Fig 16
35
Starting Online
After you complete the create account process you will see the screen shown here (Fig 17). By clicking on the Start Package button you will
launch the Starting Online programme.
When you launch this programme a new “window” will open, as shown in Fig 18. As there may be others working in the work club please leave
the audio turned off (see bottom left of the new window).
By following the on screen instructions you can now work your way through the different packages. If you need any help, just ask.
Fig 18 Fig 17
36
Universal Jobmatch
37
Introduction
Nearly 90% of all jobs are now advertised online. It is important that you are familiar with using the internet to help you look for work.
The Universal Jobmatch is a website that supports people who are unemployed to try to find jobs.
The next few pages will help you set up your account and show you how to upload your CV to the site. If you need
any help along the way, just ask your work club adviser.
Once you have set up your account you will be able to search for
work based on your skills and location and apply for jobs either via agencies or directly with employers.
The website has been subject to a number of criticisms and it is only featured in this guide because if you access the services at your
local Jobcentre Plus, they may insist that you set up a Universal Jobmatch account.
The ACT Hubs and partners do not endorse the Universal Jobmatch
website. There is a list of other job seeking websites listed in the More Information section of this guide.
38
Getting Online
There are different ways to launch the internet.
These are called Browsers. At the ACT Hubs we use a browser called Google Chrome. Other common browsers include Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox. No matter which browser
you are using, you will launch the internet in the same way; by double clicking on the icon.
Once you’ve launched the internet here at the Hub you will see the Google homepage with a search bar in the centre of the screen.
In the search bar you can type Universal
Jobmatch and press Enter.
You will then see a list of search results.
By double clicking on the first one on the list (Fig 19) you will be taken to the
Universal Jobmatch website.
The next pages show you how to creae your Universal Jobmatch account.
Chrome
Internet
Explorer
Mozilla
Firefox
Fig 19
39
Creating Your Universal Jobmatch Account
When you open the Universal Jobmatch website you will need to create your account. Scroll down the page until you see the registration section (Fig
20). Click on the Register with Universal Jobmatch.
The Universal Jobmatch site is one of many public services that are available online. By registering with Universal Jobmatch you will be creating
an account that will give you access to these services. You can ask your adviser to show you some of these services via the Learn My Way website.
Because these are government services you will notice that when you click on
the link to the registration page you are directed to the Directgov website (Fig 21).
Complete the details you are asked for and remember to choose a password that
you will remember without writing down and that others will not be able to guess.
Click on Submit at the bottom of the
page.
Fig 20
Fig 21
40
Creating Your Universal Jobmatch Account Cont’d
At this point you should STOP.
You will see a confirmation page (Fig 22).
This will have your 12 digit Government Gateway (GG) Number on it. You MUST make a note of this or print it out. This is the number that you will use to log in to your Universal
Jobmatch account in the future.
It is very difficult to retrieve your account if you lose this
number.
You will also need to verify your account by logging into your e-mail before you go any further. If you need help with either of
these things please ask your adviser.
Once you are sure you have completed both of these things you can tick the box that says you have made a note of your GG
Number then click on Return to Universal Jobmatch
underneath this checkbox.
Fig 22
xxxx xxxx xxxx
41
Completing Your Universal Jobmatch Profile
You will now need to complete you Universal Jobmatch profile.
You should see that your First Name and Surname have already been filled.
Complete the rest of the boxes.
Adding Skills
Universal Jobmatch will automatically select certain job vacancies for you based on the skills that you have. You can add skills to your
profile here:
Enter a skill and a list will appear. You can then click on it to add it to your profile. To add
another click where it says Add and repeat the process. The more skills you can add the wider the job search will be.
Underneath the skills section there are 4 checkboxes. In order to
complete your profile you MUST tick the first 2. The second 2 are up to you and you can change these settings later.
When you have finished click on Create Account.
Fig 23
42
Final Steps
As shown in Fig 24 you will now need to complete the equality questionnaire.
Once you have completed this questionnaire your account will be set up and you can begin using Universal Jobmatch
to search for job vacancies.
By clicking on continue (Fig 25) you will be taken through
to your “Homepage”.
On this screen you will see that you can search for jobs
using the Job Title, Skills and Location boxes at the top of the screen.
Underneath these boxes it will say Welcome followed by
your name.
On the next page you can see some of the other important areas of your Universal JobMatch
homepage.
Fig 24
Fig 25
43
Important Areas
Saved Jobs. Here you can see job vacancies that you have looked at before and
saved. If you are working with a Jobcentre Plus adviser they may also be able to
save appropriate job vacancies for you here.
Recommended Jobs
Based on the skills and
location you submitted as part of completing your
profile, Universal Jobmatch will highlight job vacancies
that may be of interest to you. By
clicking on the job title you can find out more about
each vacancy.
XXX
CV
From the CV section you
can either create a Universal Jobmatch CV or
upload your own CV to the site. Your adviser can help
you with this. Remember
you can create or upload up to 5 different CVs.
History
In this section you can see
which jobs you have applied for and when.
Underneath you can also see how often you have
used the site. This can be
useful for logging your job search activity.
When you have familiarised yourself with these areas you can begin using Universal Jobmatch to search for job vacancies. But please....
......do not lose your Government Gateway Number
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Interview Techniques
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Introduction
So your CV and Covering Letter have done the trick and you
have secured an interview with an employer.
Now is the time to focus on what you will do at the interview to
show you are the right person for the job.
Interviews are about presenting yourself in a positive and confident manner. There are a number of interview techniques
you can use to ensure you do yourself justice and improve your interview skills to a level that will make you one of the strongest
candidates.
In this section we will look at some of these techniques and try
to remove some of the nervousness about attending an interview.
Remember the interview is a two way process - it is as much about you making sure the job and the company is
right for you as it is the company making sure you’re right for the job.
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6 Tips on Interviewing
1. Spend time getting to know yourself
Many candidates fail simply because they have not spent any time
thinking carefully about what they can offer - if you’ve had a look at the “What are your skills? How Can I use Them?” section you
will be part of the way there to putting this tip into practice. If you’ve not had a look at it, it’s worth going there now to guide you
through the process of analysing what your skills actually are.
2. Prepare and research the job and your future
employers
Your interviewers will want to know not only whether you want the
job but also why you want to work for this company. They are
looking for people who want to work for them and who share the same values and attitudes as them. Demonstrating knowledge of
the company will show you have an interest in them as an employer. Use all the sources available to you, including any information sent
to you by the company with the application, the company’s and other websites and, if appropriate, their annual report and accounts (these can usually be downloaded from their website—but if not, just ask them).
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6 Tips on Interviewing Cont’d
3. Think about the questions you will be asked and how you would like to answer them
Most interviews are structured with questions about you, why you want the job and some competency based questions
that are aimed at checking in-depth skills and knowledge. A number of questions with an indication of what the interviewer will be looking for can be found at the
end of this section.
Remember: Interviewers are just normal people and no one likes to be
drowned with information. Lengthy answers usually include waffle and do not
allow the interviewer to grasp the main points clearly enough. However, if you give too short an answer, you will tend to make too few points and undersell
yourself. Think about the point you want to make and how you can support it with an example where appropriate. Don’t forget to give some thought to
questions you would like to ask the interviewer. Write them down and don’t worry about referring to the paper in the interview.
4. On the day essentials.
Have a pre-planned route to the interview so you know exactly where you are going. Have a travel route, mode of transport and time plans all worked out in
advance. Punctuality is important. If you think you are going to be late because of traffic delays, try to call the interviewer to let them know.
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6 Tips on Interviewing Cont’d
5. Behaviour and body language
Your body language will give a lot of information to your prospective
employers about you. The interview starts as soon as you walk through the door, sometimes the reception door, so be polite to everyone you meet
on the premises.
Pay attention to the following:
Smile. Smiling releases positive endorphins in the brain that will
help calm your nerves. It also helps warm the atmosphere
Eye Contact. Eye contact helps establish a connection and shows
you are confident and engaged with them. But this does not mean stare or not blink
Nodding. Nod your head from time to time to show you understand or agree with the points the interviewer is
making
Handshake. When the interviewer offers their hand have a firm but not overly strong handshake
Breathing. If nerves are getting the better of you while you are waiting, it may sound obvious, but do not
forget to breathe. Take deep breaths in and slowly exhale. It will really help to calm you down
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6 Tips on Interviewing Cont’d
6. Closing the interview
You will usually get the chance to ask some questions of the
interviewer. If most have already been covered during the interview, for example, hours of work, why there is a vacancy, terms and
conditions, etc, simply tell them when the time comes that you had a number of questions written down but that most of them have been
answered. You can then refer to your prepared questions and ask those that are outstanding.
Two questions you should never leave without having the answers to
are “what are the next steps?” and “when can I expect to hear
from you?”. Sometimes an interviewer will already have explained this process at the end of the interview. If not, be sure to ask.
You may find it helpful to ask the interviewer if they will provide you
with some feedback if you are unsuccessful on this occasion. It may provide you with useful information to help you improve your
technique and ensure success at a later date.
Do not leave without thanking the interviewer for their time.
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Typical Interview Questions
Tell me about yourself?
This is often an opening question asked to help you relax by talking about something you know about. Keep your answer as short as possible - a couple of minutes. They are looking for an overview of your employment history to get
a broad understanding of what you have done and whether you have the core skills for the job you are being interviewed for. Briefly run through the jobs you have had using your CV for guidance (rather than your memory).
Make sure you include details of any relevant specialised skills, education, qualifications or training that you have. The
interviewer may ask you to expand on areas where they would like more information.
Other questions that are looking for the same sort of response:
Take me through your CV
Give me a quick review of your employment history to date
Why are you applying for this post?
The chances are “because you need the job!” but you shouldn’t say that phrase. If you are unemployed, be honest and tell them but be positive about how this job fits with what you are looking for to enable you to return to work. This is
also the time to let the interviewer know you have prepared for the interview and have done research about the company. Show that you are not only keen on the job but also how much you would welcome the opportunity to work
for the company.
Other questions that are looking for the same type of response:
What is the appeal of this role?
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Typical Interview Questions Cont’d
What are three positive things that your last boss would say about you?
This is not the time to be modest! Try to include at least one thing that shows
your ability to do the job and one that shows you are a good person to have as an employee / team member. Give specific examples from your work/life as an
experienced interviewer will ask you for this as a follow up question if you do not. For example, “My boss has said that I am very reliable. I am never late or absent
from work and will always stay behind to finish the job if needed.”
What are three things your last boss would like you to be better at?
Tricky question! You can best answer it by picking on something that you have
already taken steps to improve on or learn from and can turn into a positive. For example, “My computer skills were not very good and I realised that these are
needed in lots of jobs these days, so I have attended a IT course at the local library.”
What did you dislike about your previous job and why?
Try to avoid being negative and moaning about things; particularly things that may be similar to those that will apply to
the job you are being interviewed for. For example, “Although I enjoyed my role, I would have welcomed the opportunity to work towards being given more responsibility.”
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More Information
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Introduction
The sections of this guide are designed to provide hints and tips to help you work your way through
some of your work club activities.
There are, of course, lots of other useful sources of information, advice and guidance as well as other
means of job searching besides those discussed in this guide.
This short section is here to direct you to some of those resources and as ever if you need any further
assistance please ask your work club adviser.
Other Advice
Citizens Advice Bureau. Find your nearest CAB office by looking on their website at
www.citizensadvice.org.uk
The National Careers service can offer additional support in CV building, job searching and interview
techniques. Check their website at www.nationalcareersservice.directgov.uk
Try using Google to find a local Voluntary Community Action Group. They may be able to offer
volunteering opportunities to help you improve your workplace skills.
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Other Job Search Websites
Total Jobs www.totaljobs.com
Indeed www.indeed.co.uk
CV Library www.cv-library.co.uk
Reed www.reed.co.uk
Fish 4 Jobs www.fish4.co.uk
Do It www.do-it.org.uk (for volunteering opportunities in your community)
Other Ways of Job Searching
Don’t restrict your job searching activity to just using the internet. There are other ways that you could learn about
jobs in your area.
Local Papers
Jobs Northwest
Jobs Fairs
And don’t forget the “hidden jobs market”. Those jobs that you hear about in
conversations with friends, former colleagues, here at the hub or just in passing. Always
ask for details and get in touch with companies that are hiring.
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You can find ACT Hubs at the following locations:
ACT Accrington ACT Liverpool ACT Manchester
Hyndburn Voluntary & Community GMB Regional Office St Antony’s Centre Resource Centre Columbus Quay Eleventh Street
Old St James School Riverside Drive Trafford Park Cannon Street Liverpool Manchester
Accrington L3 4GB M17 1JF BB5 2ER 0161 877 9439
01254 238 443
ACT Oldham ACT Preston ACT Runcorn
GMB Office GMB Office GMB Office 108 Union Street Textile Centre Tudor Hall
Oldham 6 Sedgwick Street York Place
OL1 1DU Preston York Street PR1 1TP Runcorn
01772 555879 WA7 5BB
If there is no telephone number listed here for your local ACT Hub, please call 0161 877 9439 to speak to a member of the GMB Reach Out Team.
St Antony’s Centre is the training provider partner in all of the ACT Hubs. They are a training provider with over 35 years experience in delivering high quality accredited
courses in communities and workplaces, with particular emphasis on Maths, English and I.T. courses. You can learn more about St Antony’s at www.stantonyscentre.org.uk
St Antony’s Centre
Eleventh Street
Trafford Park
Manchester
M17 1JF
0161 848 9173
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The GMB Union The North West & Irish Region of the GMB Trade Union also support the
work carried out at the ACT Hubs. Some of the Hubs are located within their offices across the region. It is important to remember that if you are a member of the GMB you can retain your membership on an unemployed rate of 5p per week until you
find a new job. If you are unemployed and have never been a member of the GMB, please speak to a member of the team to find out how you can become a member when you find work.
The role of the GMB is:
“.....to get the best deal for GMB members at work. We are
committed to building a strong organisation in every GMB
workplace to help make every workplace safer. We are an actively
campaigning Union, fighting for fair pay, equal opportunities and
improved working conditions.”
You can learn more about the GMB at www.gmbnorthwest.co.uk
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