Helping you find and keep a job

Looking for a job

If you are looking for work, a Jobcentre Plus Disability Employment Adviser might be able to help you find something that is suitable. There are also other places you can look for job vacancies.

• Online - visit the search for a job page on this website for details of vacancies. Even if you're not looking for a job straight away, you could take a look at opportunities like work programmes or training.
• On the phone - 0845 6060 234 (textphone 0845 6055 255) to keep in touch with the latest job vacancies.
• A Welsh-language service is also available.
• See 'Useful contacts' for more numbers and opening hours.
• Touch screens - when visiting your Jobcentre Plus office why not try out a Jobpoint touch screen? Search through job vacancies, print off the ones you're interested in, and follow the instructions on how to apply.

Applying for a job

CVs, applications and interviews

There are lots of books offering practical advice on writing your CV, filling in application forms and performing well in interviews. As well as bookshops, you might find useful information in your local library. The following websites also give useful tips.

• Careers Scotland
• Careers Wales

Programme centres

Programme centres can give you free help with job applications, along with practical advice on searching for jobs, looking at what is preventing you from getting and keeping a job, and going back to work. Programme centres provide stamps, stationery, newspapers and access to the internet. Many offer programme modules to develop your interview skills, phone techniques, and experience in researching, applying for and getting a job.

To find out whether there is a centre near you and if you can use its services, contact Jobcentre Plus.

The Disability Symbol

Look out for employers using the Disability Symbol. If an employer uses this symbol, it means they are positive about employing disabled people and will be keen to know about your abilities.

Employers who use the symbol have made commitments to employ, keep and develop the abilities of disabled staff.

Making sure it's the right job

There are a number of programmes that could help you to make sure a job you're going for is the right one for you. We have programmes which can help to get you ready for work. For more information, contact Jobcentre Plus.

Training

Everybody has skills that they can bring to a job and that employers will value. But if it's been a while since you worked, you're just starting a career, or you want to try something new, training can help you to:

• build on the skills you've already got
• get new skills, and
• get qualifications that employers are looking for.

Looking at your options

There's training to suit almost every need. For example:

• you might need to improve basic skills in reading, writing or maths, or if English is not your first language , or
• you might want to update or adapt your existing skills, or a vocational qualification such as a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) or Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) could be a good option for you.

Speaking to a Personal Adviser

A Jobcentre Plus Disability Employment Adviser should be able to help you find the training that will be right for you.