Transcript of How can Careers Scotland help you? podcast
Thanks for downloading this podcast from Careers Scotland.
This podcast looks at the different ways that Careers Scotland can help you and gives you some tips on job hunting.
So what sort of help can Careers Scotland offer people and what's the best way to get in touch?
Careers Scotland can help you at any stage of your Career Planning. Our advisers can discuss your options, be it education, training or getting a job. The easiest way to contact us is by phoning out national helpline number 0845 8 502 502. Our website is also a great self-help resource and that's packed with information and advice for people of all ages, or alternatively you could call in to one of our centres and you can find the addresses to all our centres on our website, but in addition you might want to visit one of our events and you can get details of all of those on our website.
So what sort of events are you involved in?
Well we organise a range of different types of events, we have recruitment events, jobs fairs geared at school leavers and Higher Education conventions.
These events, depending on the type of event you go to, can be an opportunity to talk to employers, training companies, colleges or universities and it's really your chance to find out more about different opportunities and get your questions answered. If you are specifically going to an event looking for job vacancies it would certainly be worth taking copies of your CV along with you, but at all our events Careers Scotland advisers will be on hand to give you advice on your career plans.
So you say they can give you advice, but what sort of help can they actually give you?
Well, your Careers Adviser could help you identify your strengths, perhaps explore a range of career ideas, some of which you might not even have considered yet. They can help you develop a CV, write covering letters and complete application forms. The Careers Adviser can also point you in the right direction for job vacancies, including the hidden job market.
What exactly is the Hidden Job Market and how do you find out about those sorts of jobs?
Well, a large percentage of jobs, well over 50% actually, are never advertised and this is what's called the Hidden Job Market. It really requires you to take the initiative so rather than waiting to see a job advert you need to actually get out there and contact companies direct to ask them if they have vacancies.
What is the best way to do that sort of research?
Well you could use the Yellow Pages, business directories, send out speculative applications to companies that you find out about, the internet actually is a really good place to find some useful facts about any company. You can also use family, friends to find contacts in your chosen career area and maybe even volunteer to work unpaid or on a trial basis to show your ability and enthusiasim. As with all applications, including speculative applications, always try to get a named contact in a company. Finally always keep a record of who you have contacted and how they respond.
We've got information and advice about all aspects of job hunting on our website so that's always a good starting point.
