Job Search Frequently Asked Questions

Jobcentre Plus will try to answer any questions you may have about the website, but before contacting us please ensure you have checked the Frequently Asked Questions below. You may be able to solve your problem or answer your query instantly.

1. How does the Jobcentre Plus website work and how often are the jobs updated?

New jobs and changes to existing jobs are displayed on the Jobcentre Plus website immediately after being notified to Jobcentre Plus by employers. Jobcentre Plus staff input new job details onto the main jobs database and update existing jobs. Employers are also able to notify vacancies to Jobcentre Plus online via Employer Direct online. As soon as jobs are saved by Jobcentre Plus staff or employers and pass system validation checks, they are displayed on Jobpoints in Jobcentres / Jobcentre Plus offices and on the Jobcentre Plus web site. There are around 11,500 new job vacancies on average each working day.

2. I am having problems trying to access information on the site.

We constantly monitor the website for any technical access problems and resolve them as quickly as possible.However, if you regularly experience problems accessing information, a common possible cause is the settings of your Internet browser or the security software you use to protect your PC. We advise that you first check these settings to ensure that Cookies are enabled (e.g. with Internet Explorer, you can alter the settings by going into Tools, then Options). You may also need to add www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk to your list of secure sites and ensure active server pages (aspx) are not blocked.

3. Which browsers are compatible with the job search facility?

We have extended the use of the Jobcentre Plus website to make the site available to as many users as possible. The website is compatible with the list of browsers and platforms shown in the table below:

Note: Cookies must be enabled to make full use of the site.

4. How do I search for a job using your website?

Searching for jobs is a straightforward process. There are a variety of stages available to narrow down or refine your search to find the most suitable jobs.

If you need further help with any of these stages, please see the help available on each subject.

5. How does the Keyword Search work?

The word(s) entered into the Keyword Search text box are matched against words held in the Job Title and Job Description fields. Use keywords and terms that reflect your skills and job requirements to find jobs suitable for you. The search engine will match against all jobs containing any of your search words or terms in their title and description, which match the location you have specified. The search function is phonetic and searches for words that sound alike. This can sometimes produce some unexpected results.

6. How many job results will be returned?

We will tell you the total number of jobs found on our database that match your search choices although the maximum number of results to view is limited. If your search returns more than 100 exact matches, the first 100 matches will be displayed initially with the option to see up to a further 100 more jobs on reaching the end of the list. If your search returns less than 100 exact matches, these will be displayed followed by the jobs that closely match your search criteria making the total number of jobs returned up to 100.The jobs are separated into exact and close matches by use of different background colours with the exact matched jobs displayed first. In addition you can also view jobs that have been notified by other sources such as Job Boards by selecting ‘More jobs here’ at the bottom of the search results pages. These jobs however are not owned or managed by Jobcentre Plus and queries should be directed to the advertiser directly.

7. What is an exact and close job match?

The search will make sure you get to see the jobs that match all your choices. These are called exact matches and will have a match score of 100%.

If there are not many exact matches in the jobs list, you will be shown jobs that match most of your choices. These are called close matches and will have a match score of less than 100%.

If your search returns more than 100 exact matches, the first 100 exact matches will be displayed. On reaching job number 100, select Next page to display up to a further 100 exact matches. If your search returns less than 100 exact matches, then jobs that closely match your search options will be displayed in red making the total number of jobs returned up to 100.

Jobs that match your chosen job titles and your most important choice will be the ones you see first in the close match search list.

8. Why aren't some of the search results for the location selected?

Jobs returned in the exact match list that are outside of the location you selected should involve either some element of working at home, or mobile jobs covering a wider area e.g. The Midlands, North-East.

Jobs returned in the close match list take into account all of your job search choices. The list may for example include the job type you have selected but these jobs could be located anywhere throughout Great Britain.

To reduce the number of jobs that are outside of the area you have selected then on section 5 where you are asked ‘What is the most important criteria to search by?’ select ‘Location’ from the drop down

9. I'm getting either too many, or too few or simply the wrong jobs returned to me. What should I do?

Using more job categories or a wide geographical search area is likely to return a longer list. If your search returns too many job results or the list is too general, you can perform a new search using fewer job categories or narrowing the geographical area or change your existing search. Once you have got a results list, simply click on the Refine Search option and you can then change all or some of your search information. Your search results will then be prioritised based on your new selections. If you are looking for jobs that do not appear to fit into a particular category, then use the Keyword Search. Simply enter a particular word or words likely to be found in the job details you are looking for.For more information on Keyword search see FAQ number five.

10. Why are employers’ contact details not displayed on every vacancy?

Employers are given the option of displaying their contact details. If an employer has chosen not to display their details, customers can contact Jobseeker Direct for more information about the employer and what the arrangements are to apply.

11. How do I register/use My Favourites?

Let Jobcentre Plus work for you by using My Favourites to save your favourite searches and job results.
To access My Favourites, click on the tab from the Search for a job page. You will then be able to login/register by simply entering a user name and password.

When you have registered, you will be able to save your favourite searches and access them at any time. This is particularly useful if you do the same search regularly. To save a search, simply select the Save this search link from the list of jobs.

When you login, you can view, search or delete your My Choices. You can also store jobs from your searches and view these in My Jobs.

12. I have forgotten my password and the answer to my security question in the My Favourites, what do I do?

Make sure you enter your username (case sensitive) to obtain your secret question. If you have forgotten the answer to your secret question you will need to register again as a new user and choose a new password and security question.

13. I'm worried about privacy. What information is displayed on the Internet about me when I email an employer or register for My Favourites?

Please see the Jobcentre Plus Privacy Policy in the About Us section.

14. What information does the site collect and how is it used?

For information on your privacy and how the Jobcentre Plus site conforms to the Data Protection Act 1998, see the Privacy Policy information in the About Us section.

15. I am having problems attaching my document to the email / What file types are unsuitable to email to an employer?

If you are experiencing problems attaching a document in the email, please check that your document is saved in an acceptable file format, and has a size of less than 150Kb.

For security reasons, documents with the following file extensions will be accepted:

Accepted File Types

.txt

.mcw

.doc

.lwp

.wri

wk3

.rtf

.ami

.pdf

.wk4

.wps

.sam

.xls

.wk1

16. My document is more than 150kb, how can I attach it?

Make sure you do not have any pictures or logos in your document, which could increase the file size. Remove these, save the document, and check to see if it is less than 150kb. If your document is more than 150kb please save the document in smaller pieces and send each part in more than one e-mail to the employer.

17. I use either, JAWS, Supernova, Zoomtext or Dragon and when I choose the browse button it is not working.

The browse functionality is browser specific. Most browsers will require you to choose the return button to access the browser functionality, whereas Internet Explorer requires the space button to be chosen to access the browser function.Please see your browser help for more information.

18. I am a MAC user, can I use IJB?

If you are a MAC user you may notice that the screen reader reads the “Alt” + key where you perform a short cut. Where this occurs please use the “cmd” key or depending on your keyboard the “Apple” key in place of “Alt”

19. Can I change the text/font size on this website?

Our websites are designed with both usability and accessibility in mind, so that you can set the font size on your computer to suit your personal preference.

Using Internet Explorer you can change text sizes from the ‘View’ menu and then selecting ‘Text sizes’.

Finding a job in the European Economic Area (EEA)

20. How do I look for work abroad?

If you are searching for jobs abroad, there are two ways to do this when using 'Search for a job'. You can select either:

• all European Economic Area (EEA) (excluding UK), or
• other International (excluding EEA).

EEA vacancies

When using the EEA (excluding UK) option, you are accessing the European public employment service. This type of search can take slightly longer, and in some cases the vacancies are displayed in the language of the country the vacancy is held. Jobcentre Plus is not responsible for the content of these vacancies and you should check the terms and conditions carefully.

International Vacancies

When using the International (excluding EEA) option, you are accessing the Jobcentre Plus vacancy database. These vacancies are advertised outside the EEA.

Vacancies in Northern Ireland

Vacancies in Northern Ireland can be searched for either by using the European Employment Service or by accessing the Northern Ireland Jobcentre website at www.jobcentreonline.com. Alternatively, you can speak to one of our advisers on 0845 60 60 234 who can access all of our vacancies and perform the search on your behalf.

Vacancies in Gibraltar

For vacancies in Gibraltar please speak to one of our advisers on 0845 60 60 234 who can access all of our vacancies and perform the search on your behalf.

Tips on searching for jobs abroad

Step 1 - from the home page click on the 'Job search now!' button

Step 2 - select one 'Job Group' from the list, and click 'Next'.

Step 3 - select 'All' from the 'Job Types' regardless of the other options available and click 'Next'.

Step 4 - choose from the EEA or International countries drop down list near the bottom of the page and click 'Next'.

Step 5 - under the heading 'What are your search preferences?'

• select 'All Jobs' from the drop down list entitled 'Show me jobs from:' then
• select 'Location' from the drop down list entitled 'What is the most important criteria to search by?' and finally
• click 'Next'.

Step 6 Your search results will be displayed on this page.

21. My question is not answered here. Where do I send my question?

If your question has not been answered in the list above, please Contact Us.