Getting a job

If you're under 18, the following may apply:

• If you're under 18 and live in England, you can get advice and careers guidance through Connexions. To find your nearest office, visit the connexions-direct website.
• If you live in Scotland and want independent guidance and information on careers in Scotland, visit the careersscotland website or call 0845 850 2502. See Useful contacts for more details.
• If you live in Wales and want free careers information, visit the careerswales website or www.gyrfacymru.com/. Or call Learndirect on 0800 100 900. See Useful contacts for more details. Connexions provides young people with a wide range of advice, from information on careers, to information on relationships, benefits and personal development opportunities.

What do I do first if I'm 18 or over

If you are 18 or over, we can help with your first steps. It doesn't matter who you are or what your circumstances are. You can get advice to meet your needs. This could be advice on:

• where to look for a job
• work that's available in your local area
• the kind of work you're suited to
• training that could develop your skills
• work-focused programmes to help you find a job, or
• financial help while you look for work.

Want career advice?

You can find jobs and careers information add links here. If you're a university graduate, the prospects website could also be useful. If you live in Scotland, visit the Careers Scotland website. Call 0845 850 2502 for independent guidance, or to find out if you have a Careers Scotland centre nearby. If you live in Wales, visit the Careers Wales website or call Learndirect on 0800 100 900. Careers Wales also has local drop-in centres for face-to-face support.

Jobcentre Plus

There are three ways to keep in touch with the latest vacancies through our jobs database:

• On-line - using the search for a job facility on this website. Even if you don't find a job straight way, you could take a look at opportunities like work programmes or training.
• On the phone - call 0845 6060 234. This phone service will keep you in touch with the latest job vacancies. See Useful contacts for more numbers and opening hours.
• Touch screens - are ideal if you prefer information at your fingertips. When visiting your Jobcentre Plus office why not try out a Jobpoint touch screen?

Newspapers and the internet

Check the national and local press. Most papers have a job section each week. There are also many websites where you can search for jobs.

The direct route

Is there a particular company you'd like to work for? If there is, write a letter to them asking if they have any job vacancies. Even if there's nothing going, ask them to keep your details on file in case something comes up in the future. It might be worth calling them first to see who the best person to contact is. You could also search on the internet to see if they have a website for more information. If you send a letter, make sure you include your curriculum vitae (CV).

Go to a jobs fair or careers fair

Jobs fairs are a good chance to speak to local employers about the opportunities they have at the moment. Check the local events section on this website.

Getting experience

We want to make it easier for you to find the work you want. We have strong connections with employers and can probably help you get a foot in the door when it comes to starting a career. See if there are any work programmes suitable for you.

Learn as you earn

Apprenticeships are often a great way to earn a salary or receive an allowance while learning new skills and gaining qualifications.

10 tips for getting the right job for you

1. Take advantage of the help that's out there.
2. Sometimes there are obstacles to getting a job - like travel costs or a health condition. See 'Financial and practical help'.
3. Find out if training would help you improve your chances. You might be able to work and train at the same time.
4. Work experience is invaluable on your CV, as it shows you have taken the initiative and that you're keen to get on. Voluntary work is always an option - The do-it.org.uk website may be useful to search for volunteering opportunities. You could also write to companies you're interested in.
5. Make your CV the best possible. Think about what might make a potential employer give you the job rather than someone else. You could even look at other people's CVs to get ideas.
6. Have you been invited to an interview? Try to find out as much as you can about the company - it's always helpful to have a bit of background knowledge. Remember, the company may have a website.
7. Always dress smartly if you're going to an interview or contacting an employer face-to-face.
8. Think what you might be asked in your interview and how you might reply. You may want to ask them questions as well.
9. Think long-term. If you know where you want to be in a couple of years look for a job that will help you on your way.
10. Find out if you can get financial help into work.

Writing a CV (curriculum vitae)

There are examples of good CVs on the Directgov website, the careers-scotland website and the careerswales website.

Know your rights

People in work have a number of rights - like laws on the minimum wage, flexible working, and maternity and paternity rights. Visit the Young People work and careers pages on the Directgov website.

National minimum wage

The national minimum wage aims to make sure all workers are treated fairly and receive at least the minimum level of pay. Visit www.berr.gov.uk/employment/pay/national-minimum-wage/index.html. You can also call the national minimum wage helpline on 0845 6000 678.