I can’t find a job and need some advice

Finding a job can be really tough and you may think you’ve done everything you can yet you’re still struggling to get your foot in the door. Inspira has a wealth of advice and support available for anyone finding the job search tough. Based across Cumbria, Lancashire and Blackpool, we help get local people into work, improve their skills and make decisions about education.

We can work with you to help you overcome any challenges or obstacles that may be in your way to getting a job or finding the right career path by ensuring you have the necessary skills and confidence to reach your potential.

Depending on your circumstances, we offer a number of free services, workshops and programmes to help you find a job, or get back into education or training.

Why can’t I find a job?

If you can’t find a job, you should take some time to understand why and where you are struggling. This will be time well spent and could boost your chances of succeeding sooner.

Ask yourself the following questions: What part of the job search process is giving you the most trouble? Are you struggling to find jobs that you want to apply to? Do you not hear back from employers after submitting your application? Are you getting to the interview stage and not succeeding?

Follow our 10 tips on how to improve your chances of finding a job

1. Have a plan

Career Action Planning is a free service offered by Inspira, which helps you put together a personal step-by-step guide to landing a job. It will arm you with ideas and tasks that will motivate you in your search by giving you some achievable goals.

2. Share the burden and get some feedback

Staying positive and focused on your job search for any length of time is hard and we recognise that. Speaking to someone at Inspira could give you a boost and help direct your time and efforts in the right places improving your chances of finding a job.

3. Identify your strengths and achievements

It’s important to recognise where your strengths are as you will need to write about them in your job applications and match them up to the job spec.

For example, if the job advert asks for someone with ‘proven leadership skills’, don’t simply write, ‘I have excellent leadership skills’ – include details like the size of the teams you have supervised, any recruitment you have been involved in, any achievements you accomplished as a team leader, and any training you have given to other team members.

4. Volunteering

Taking a voluntary role has many benefits – it gets you a foot in the door of an organisation; it can help you broaden your skills; it opens up a new network of people who may be able to help you find something permanent; and keeps you in a routine of working. Employers also like to see that you have been proactive.

Read our blog about how charity work can improve your chances of getting a job

5. Improve your skills

This is the perfect opportunity to identify any skills gaps you have that may hold you back from getting your next role. Read job specs to find out what employers are looking for.

Employers will be looking for signs that you’ve been proactive in improving your skill set, whether through programmes, courses or voluntary work.

There are many different sources of skills training and we can help you find the most suitable.

6. Improve your CV

The only way to get noticed in today’s job market is by tailoring your CV for every role you apply for. It is really important to provide some evidence of how you match up to the job spec. Being able to demonstrate specific job skills, whether through previous roles, volunteer work or hobbies will increase your chances of landing that job.

This can seem difficult but taking the time to do this can really pay dividends. If you want to make sure your CV gets noticed – follow our four steps to CV tailoring perfection.

7. Practice your interview skills

We know that going for a college, work experience or job interview is a nerve-jangling experience, and we understand how important it is to make a good impression.

Our career advisers are experts in interview techniques and can give you all the latest interview tips and advice on dealing with even the trickiest of interview questions.

8. Develop new job search techniques

We would love to supply you with a definitive list of the best online job sites but with so many options out there, even we couldn’t say which ones will best serve your purpose.

We can however point you in the right direction and tell you what we think is the best and most time efficient way to find your ideal job online.

9. Learn how to use social media for your job search

LinkedIn is the best social media channel to connect with past and present colleagues, create a professional network and discover job opportunities in most sectors. If you’re not signed up – do so. Connect with friends, colleagues and recruitment consultants, follow companies you are interested in working for, and utilise the Jobs Board to find jobs in your area. Check your LinkedIn feed daily as your connections will often post updates about job vacancies too.

Facebook and Twitter are also really useful for job searches. Just remember to keep your profile professional.

Learn more by reading our blog on using social media to help you get your next job.

10. Discover the free programmes and workshops we have on offer

We manage a number of government-backed programmes to help young people improve their skills and gain an understanding of working life with links back to employers with vacancies.

For a bit of further reading, why not read about how we helped Dean find a job after a long period of unemployment

Get in touch if you need help finding a job

We’d love to help you if you’re looking for a job and live in Cumbria or Lancashire.

You can call us on 0345 658 8647, message us via our Facebook page or fill in our online form.

Tell us what aspect of advice you would like to discuss, and we will match your need with one of our specialist career advisers and work with you through the best channel for you.