Not sure what to do next?
If you need help to make a career decision, advice on how to write a CV or just need to talk to someone about your future, contact the National Career Service. The service provides information, advice and guidance to help you make decisions on learning, training and work opportunities. The service is supported by qualified careers advisors. The helpline is 0800 100 900. If you are using a mobile they will call you back!
To search and apply for full or part-time jobs in Great Britain and abroad, check out Universal Jobmatch and Indeed.
Help for carers
Work preparation support for carers provides help and support whilst you make a successful move into work, including access to training and advice on job hunting and applications.
You might be able to get help with the cost of replacement care while you take part in training or attend interviews.
For more information go on to www.gov.uk/moving-from-benefits-to-work
Help to find flexible work
Over half of UK employees currently work part-time or flexibly, but less than 1 in 10 job ads offer this. We are proud to back the new Hire Me My Way campaign from Timewise, which aims to persuade more and more employers to open up to part-time and flexible arrangements, from the point of hire. Their goal is to treble the number of available good quality flexible jobs to 1 million by 2020.
Hire Me My Way provides free online advice to help people find a part-time or flexible job, as well as 1-to-1 careers advice sessions. Their service is free of charge for parents and carers who live outside Greater London and have a total household income below £40,000. Sessions are held via phone or Skype, and each one is tailored to your needs. Their career expert can offer a range of advice and guidance - for example on:
- Your CV
- Where to find part-time and flexible jobs
- Deciding what job is right for you
- Increasing your confidence and self-esteem
- Interview skills
Anybody who needs part-time or flexible work should add their voice to the Hire Me My Way campaign. The idea is to send a strong message to employers, asking them to change the way they hire people. The more people who sign up to the campaign, the more influence it will have with employers.
Work experience & volunteering
There are many work experience and volunteering opportunities available. It could be something that only takes up a few hours a week, or runs for a set number of days or weeks. No matter the level of time commitment involved, this is a great way to gain new skills and add valuable experience to your CV.
Contact your local Job Centre Plus to find out about opportunities that can improve your chances of finding work including work experience and work trials.
We have lots of volunteering opportunities here at Carer Support Wiltshire- check out our volunteering page for details of the roles available and how to enrol.
CV tips
Struggling to create an attractive CV? In general, a CV should include the following information:
- A personal statement – a summary usually in the form of a short paragraph of your current skills and what you are looking for. It is a good idea to amend this section for each application, to match the job or field you are applying to work in.
- Summary of your education & qualifications
- Summary of your work experience – in chronological order starting with your current or most recent role. For each role, list the skills required and what you learned.
Be open and honest about any periods of time you spent out of work or education in order to care for someone. There’s no real need to go into any specific detail but it is best to acknowledge what you were doing during that period. You could also list the duties undertaken in your caring role and the new skills you have developed as a result - for example, budget management and liaising with health professionals.
Interview technique
Interviews can be daunting at the best of times and preparation is key to ensuring you are at your best.
Check out the National Career Service’s guide Preparing for an interview and Buzzfeed’s 11 Steps To A GREAT Job Interview.
