Finding part-time and casual work

Sources of Advertised Vacancies

Finding non-advertised vacancies

Speculative applications
In the UK it is also acceptable practice to ask for a job opportunity even if the company is not advertising any vacancy. The most common way of doing this is to send a CV to employers of interest. Another way of doing it is to visit the employers’ premises in order to hand in a CV in person.

Networking

What is networking? 
Networking means establishing contact with people in an area of work or with an employer in which you wish to work. Networking is the job seeker’s equivalent of market research.  It is a way of learning more about specific occupations, about job vacancies that are not being advertised and about a particular organisation's culture.

Why network?
Networking offers a number of advantages to the job seeker. Consider these facts: Only 50% of vacancies are ever advertised. The remaining 50% are filled through the practice of networking. All job seekers apply for advertised vacancies. Many job seekers never access the hidden job market. In simple terms, there is less competition in the hidden job market.

Think also about the employers’ point of view.  It makes sense to recruit someone who has been recommended by a person who is known and trusted. In doing so employers also save money on newspaper adverts and recruitment agency fees and they save time in processing lots of applications. 

How to network?
Remember that networking is the equivalent of conducting market research. The primary objective is to collect information. It is hoped that the information will make for a smarter job search and that the personal contact might translate into a personal recommendations on your behalf.  Do not ask for a job straight away! Networking is partly about building trust and that can take time. Here are some possible sources of network contacts:

See the making effective applications page for information on CVs, application forms and interviews.