Employment and learning advice

Guide to job searching

There are many different places and ways to look for jobs. The more ways you try and the more jobs you apply the better chances of securing a job. It is advised to apply for at least five jobs a day. Use the links below to get started on your job searching.

Berkshire Opportunities Portal

The Berkshire Opportunities Portal brings together all the jobs, apprenticeships and courses in Berkshire.

Jobcentre Plus

Jobcentre Plus is for all people of all ages out of work. Their usual focus is on people aged 18+. They advertise all their job vacancies online on the government's Find a Job service.

Newspaper

Make a habit of buying local newspapers on a weekly basis or go to the library.

Council websites

There are lots of exciting opportunities advertised on council websites. View opportunities at:

You can also visit Jobs Go Public for more opportunities in local government, housing, charity and education.

Schools, colleges and university

All local education providers will advertise jobs on their website.

NHS jobs

Find hospital vacancies on the NHS website.

Think outside the box

All companies advertise jobs on their websites:

  • local hotels, pubs and bars
  • sports gyms
  • theme parks such as Legoland and Thorpe Park
  • Heathrow Airport
  • banks
  • large retailers such as Boots, Argos, John Lewis, Tesco, Superdrug.

Word of mouth

Some jobs are never advertised. They are filled by people who have applied after hearing about the vacancy from friends, relatives or other contact. Let people know you are looking for a job and ask them to let you know of any opening where they work.

Jobsearching websites

The internet and online job hunting has transformed the way we look for jobs, making our searches quicker, easier and often a lot wider. If you want to avoid checking through hundreds of vacancies, it is important to make your search as targeted as possible. Remember to check the deadline or closing date for applications.

Social media

Business networking sites such as LinkedIn and Twitter are very popular among jobseekers who want to promote their skills. These sites allow you to develop relationships that can lead to finding unadvertised vacancies. A little bit of self-promotion can go a long way!