Alicja
Finding and applying for a job can be overwhelming, especially when you’re doing it for the first time. A friend helped me to write my CV and cover letter, but there are now local organisations who offer free support.
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Scroll down the page to view the next sections: 'Step-by-step guide' and 'Get support & advice'.
Key information
1. The first step is to apply for a ‘National Insurance Number’
As an EU citizen, you currently have the right to freely work in the UK but every resident needs a ‘National Insurance Number’ to work legally. It’s like a social security number that allows the government to identify who you are, and record the taxes you pay, and entitlements you receive correctly.
- Read more about making an application in ‘Preparing important documents’
2. Get help from local organisations to find and apply for a job
Securing a job is not easy to do, especially if you’ve recently moved to the UK:
- Take time to understand the steps you need to take in the next section
- Get in touch with local organisations who offer free and confidential support - from putting together your ‘CV’ (a document detailing your skills and experience) to giving you interview practice
3. Employers should legally provide a contract within two months of you starting work
Ideally you should have a contract in place before you start work as it details your rights in the workplace:
- Legally, it must be provided within two months of you starting work
- Take care to read it carefully before you sign
4. Get help from local or national organisations if you think your work rights have been breached
They offer free and confidential advice to help you better understand your rights and what to do if they are breached:
- In person - from organisations like Citizens Advice & Connected Communities
- By phone - from organisations like ACAS (0300 123 1100)
5. Develop your skills and experience to find your ideal job
Many of us developed our qualifications, skills and experience through further studying and volunteering. There are many free or low-cost ways to learn in Haringey:
- Develop your English language skills to open more job opportunities. Read more in ‘Learning English & UK culture’
- Reach out to local organisations listed in this section for free support and guidance
Step-by-step guide
In the UK there is a process to follow when finding and applying for a job. Having knowledge of these steps can help you to prepare and increase your chances of finding the job you want.
Finding and applying for a job
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Step 1 - Get in touch with a local organisation who can support you
If you’re unsure where to start or need help to complete these steps, get in touch with a local support organisation like ‘Connected Communities’ or 'Consonant':
- They offer a range of services - from providing training opportunities, to application and interview preparation
- Read more about other organisations in the next section
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Step 2 - Apply for a ‘National Insurance Number’
Every UK resident needs a ‘National Insurance Number’ to work legally. Read more about how to apply in ‘Preparing important documents’
- You can start working while you wait for your application to be processed
- This can take a few weeks so apply early!
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Step 3 - Decide on the type of work you would like to do
Many jobs require a certain level of qualification - if you don’t meet the requirements, it’s never too late to learn!
- Gain a new skill or qualification - read more in ‘Gaining skills & experience’
- Convert an existing professional qualification through organisations like NARIC UK
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Step 4 - Search for a job
Most people use a combination of ways to find out about jobs, such as:
- Websites - like Indeed i CareerBuilder
- Recruitment agencies
- Jobcentre Plus - a government agency that supports people to find work
- Local news e.g. reviewing notice boards in community centres and local libraries
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Step 5 - Prepare and submit your application
Most employers will ask for one or more of the following:
- CV - a document that details your qualifications, experience and skills
- Application form - you provide details about your employment history, skills and experience
- Cover letter - explaining why you are applying and how you are right for the job
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Step 6 - Prepare for and attend an interview
If your application and CV/ cover letter show that you’re a good fit for a job, you may be invited to an interview by phone or in person:
- For the employer to learn more about you, your experience and your ability to grow and work with others
- For you to learn more about the organisation - ask any questions you may have
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Step 7 - Accept a job offer & sign a contract
The employer will let you know if you’ve been successful. If you accept the job, they will provide:
- Details about the role such as your start date and salary
- Your contract - ideally you should have this in place before you start working, but legally they must provide it within two months. Read it carefully before you sign.
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Step 8 - Learn about your rights in the workplace
Some people experience problems at work when their employers don’t respect their rights. For example, they may pay them less than they should or they fail to provide proper breaks. This is not OK, and it’s not legal!
- Speak to your employer - to try and resolve the situation
- Get in touch with a local support organisation (see next sections)
Get support & advice
Finding and applying for work is not easy, but there are local organisations who provide free and confidential advice.
Further information and advice is available from national organisations:
- National Careers Service - by calling their free helpline (0800 100 900) or browsing their online information here