Working for Work : Chapter 3 : Looking for Work

Help with Getting a Job

Local Resource Centres

Local Resource Centres are independent organisations offering a range of services and supports to help unemployed people find work.

These centres can help you by providing free and confidential 'Welfare to Work' and welfare rights information. They can provide assistance in preparing your C.V. and cover letters, as well as filling in application forms. In addition they may be able to provide information on local job vacancies, access to the FÁS website and daily newspapers.

A number of Centres run Jobs Clubs which provide a range of tailored resources and supports designed to help people find work. For more information see details on Jobs Clubs in this chapter.

FÁS - Employment Services

FÁS, the National Training and Employment Authority, is organised as a network of regional and local offices around the country which includes 20 Training Centres. FÁS Employment Services is the Public Employment Service in Ireland and has responsibility for the development and delivery of a vocational guidance and placement service. The aim of the service is to act as a gateway to all FÁS and other relevant labour market services, to provide a national high quality recruitment service which will help jobseekers, in particular those who are most marginalised, to enter/ re-enter the active labour market and to provide a high quality Employment Service to employers by matching and filling vacancies at all levels. In achieving this aim, FÁS will prioritise specific target groups, especially those who find it difficult to access labour market opportunities, in order to stem the flow into long-term unemployment and to: -

• help unemployed people to find employment or to return to the workforce -
• meet the skill needs of employers by referring unemployed people to relevant training programmes -
• provide intensive support to disadvantaged groups -
• assist employers to fill their vacancies

A job seeker attending an Employment Service Office receives a guidance interview with an Employment Services Officer (ESO) who is available to advise on employment opportunities, training courses and other options which may lead to employment. In addition they may refer you to your Local Employment Service (LES) or local Jobs Club for further support. Details of all FÁS services available, along with other information about living and working in Ireland is available in all accession languages for those clients whose mother tongue may not be English.

The registration form used by the ESO will record the details of the type of training and/or employment you may be looking for. If you are unsure of what type of courses are available to suit your needs your local ESO can advise you and explain the details and benefits of the courses. If you have any questions or need assistance in filling in the registration form the ESO will be happy to help you.

It is important that you get the most benefit from the services FÁS provide. You should contact FÁS regularly to update your record, otherwise you may miss out on opportunities. Information and details on all vacancies registered with FÁS, together with details on employment and training programmes is available through the FÁS website www.fás.ie or FÁS Job Seekers Services - (FÁS Jobs Ireland) - Freephone Service for Job Seekers - 1800 611 116. If you wish to put up your Curriculum Vitae on the FÁS website www.fás.ie select Find Job and register as a job seeker. Employers use this facility to make contact with potential job seekers and has resulted in a large number of successful job placements.

Internet:

All the services offered by FÁS can be accessed on www.fás.ie which includes job vacancies (including Northern Ireland vacancies), course information, allowances etc. If you do not have internet access from home you can still access the FÁS website from any Library or Internet café or from the touch screen kiosks in any FÁS Office.

Information in FÁS Offices

FÁS offices can be very useful sources of information for jobseekers. As information on vacancies and employment schemes are frequently updated. We recommend that you regularly use your local FÁS offices. -

Noticeboard:

Each FÁS office will have a notice board displaying advertisements for jobs, Community Employment Schemes, and other employment schemes. All local offices provide a free service where you can use their telephones when phoning about work. -

Touch Screen Kiosks:

FÁS have touch screen kiosks with print facilities in each Employment Services Office that give information on jobs and training. It guides you through the information in a step-by-step manner.

Newspapers:

FÁS display all job adverts from newspapers on a daily basis.

'Career Directions'

is an interactive tool that can help you select a job or career. It provides details on the nature of the work, the qualifications needed and where to go for further information. 'Career Directions' can be accessed over the Internet on the website www.careerdirections.ie. -

Information on FÁS Services and Living and Working in Ireland:

Available in all accession languages.

Working in Europe

If you are interested in working in the European Economic Area (European Union, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein), there are over 16 Advisors throughout FÁS who will give specialist advice through the EURES (European Placement Services) system.

Details of jobs in other European countries are also available on the internet at http://europa.eu.int/eures as is information on living and working conditions in these countries.

 

i You may be entitled to transfer your Jobseeker's Benefit to another European Economic Area country for a period of up to three months while looking for work there. You cannot transfer Jobseeker's Allowance

 

Jobs Clubs

Jobs Clubs are available as a support to job seekers who require some assistance in preparing their CV's, improving their interview skills or in identifying possible job opportunities. Part-time job seeking / interview skills and the support of experienced staff are available on a structured basis for a period of up to 5 weeks. Thereafter, participants can avail of the facilities of the Jobs Club until such time as they find a suitable job. Jobs Club participants retain their Social Welfare entitlements and receive an additional bonus while on the formal Jobs Club modules. -

Formal Training

These courses can range from three to five weeks in length depending on the needs of the group. They run on a part-time basis from 9.00am - 1.00pm three to five days per week. Each course covers a range of areas including: C.V. preparation, Writing Cover letters, Completing Application Forms, finding and following Job Leads, Telephone Skills, Interview Preparation and Interview Skills. -

Resource Centre

In addition to the Formal Training available the Jobs Club will provide you with a range of long-term support services and facilities to help you look for work. These include: typing cover letters, updating and amending C.V.'s and assisting with photocopying/faxing and postage. -

Sourcing Jobs

The Jobs Club will help you to build up a good knowledge of how and where to find jobs. Through its extensive contacts with FÁS and other organisations it will match you with existing job vacancies and be aware of potential vacancies in the future. For more information on Jobs Clubs please contact your local FÁS Employment Services Officer.

The Local Employment Service (LES)

Local Employment Service's were set up throughout the country in response to the need to help long-term unemployed people find jobs (see Chapter 7). The overall aim of the service is to enable you to explore the range of education, training and employment options available and to plan your use of these options to help you progress from welfare to work.

Your local LES offices, or Contact Points, are identifiable by the 'OBAIR Local Employment Service' sign. Through these Contact Points you can access the services of mediators and guidance counsellors who are available to assist you in accessing the jobseeking services and supports you need.

The mediator will work with you in developing your C.V. and jobseeking skills. They will develop a jobseeking plan that will focus on your skills and abilities, to help you find the type of job you want. Mediators have extensive contacts with local employers and can be helpful in finding local employment opportunities.

LES guidance counsellors can provide you with information about training, further education and second chance educational programmes. They will talk to you about your career options and identify any training programmes that may be of benefit to you. The guidance counsellor will work with you, helping to evaluate the various options available and support you in your decisions.

Through the services of both the mediator and guidance counsellors you will be able to look at the various employment schemes that might be suitable for you now and make plans for getting work after you finish the scheme(s). If you feel you want to make a longer-term plan and do some training or go back to school or college the LES will also be able to help you consider your options. Some of the LES's offer access to childcare facilities, operate Jobs Clubs and can offer specialised training courses.

Local Development Companies

Local Development Companies were established to tackle growing unemployment in particular areas of the country. Each Local Develpment Company is made up of representatives from the business community, state agencies and community groups (see Chapter 7).

Local Development Companies combat unemployment and the causes of unemployment in their area by developing and supporting services to unemployed people and through involvement in other special programmes.

Social Welfare Facilitators

The role of the Facilitator is to help inform and assist people in using their employment options to move from welfare to work. As part of the Employment Support Unit of the Department of Social Protection they are based at local Social Welfare Offices around the country.

Facilitators will regularly co-operate with mediators, Jobs Clubs and Partnership Companies in helping unemployed people to progress to employment. For more information contact your local Social Welfare Office, or Employment Support Services (01) 704 3165.

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Applying for Jobs

Once you have spotted the job you want you will need to spend some time preparing your application. Contact your local Jobs Club or LES for help with writing covering letters, filling out application forms, updating your C.V. and preparing for interviews.

Remember employers spend time trying to find the best person for the job, so you will need to spend time telling them, as clearly as possible, that you are that person.

Read the advert a few times before you write your covering letter or decide on what to include in your C.V. It is important to contact the employer and ask for details of the job advertised (a job description if they have one) and background information on the company or organisation. Talk to people who work for the company or who do a similar job elsewhere. This will help you to focus on the details you need to stress in your C.V. and at an interview.

FÁS Jobseeker Pack

As part of the ongoing development of self-service aids and facilities, an updated Jobseeker Pack is now available on the FÁS Intranet and gives advice on topics such as -

• General information for Jobseekers
• Guide on how to use the job search facility on FÁS Jobs Ireland
• How to fill out an application form
• How to find a job through the FÁS Network
• Location of FÁS, LES, Job Club and Training Centres
• Guide to using CV facility
• Preparing a CV
• Tips on a covering letter
• Tips on how to prepare for a Job Interview
• Useful websites

Identifying Your Skills

You should point out your skills that are relevant to the job and mention anything that you have done to improve or up-date them. Any education or training you have done while you were unemployed or 'between jobs' will show that you are interested and motivated in improving your abilities.

Point out any work experience you have had during your period of unemployment. Include details of any voluntary work, part-time work, special responsibilities and duties, etc. - even if it was unpaid an employer may still be interested.

Highlight your key skills, achievements or qualifications, including those gained through education or training. You might like to add positive ways in which you have changed - increased maturity, improved self-confidence, etc.

The Covering Letter

This is the letter you send with your C.V. or Application Form. Remember the cover letter is the first thing that the employer will read. It should be short (one A4 size page) and to the point. It should say where you saw the job advert, why you are applying and stressing why you are suited to the job. The covering letter should not be more than 200 words and can be typed or written. Some employers may want a hand-written cover letter so be sure to read the details of the advertisement carefully.

Application Forms

Some employers may ask you to fill out an application form instead of sending in a C.V., in other cases you may be asked to do both. These application forms allow employers to ask you very precise and specific questions to determine if you are the right person for the job. You should always ensure that you fully complete the form as instructed.

If you are filling out an Application Form -

• Read through the form carefully before you write anything. -
• Photocopy, or copy down questions and answer them in rough before you fill in the form. -
• Follow any instructions, e.g. if you are asked to use black ink then make sure you do. -
• Make sure you answer all parts of every question. If the question does not apply to you, then mark it "Not Applicable" or "NA". Otherwise the employer may think you simply forgot to fill in the answer. -
• If you are asked to outline facts, e.g. "Give details of your work history to date", you can attach a separate sheet of paper if you run out of space on the application form. -
• If you are asked to give an opinion, e.g. "List the qualities which make you the most suitable person for the job", try to keep within the space provided on the form.

Your Curriculum Vitae (C.V.)

The purpose of your C.V. is to show an employer that you have the necessary experience, qualities and qualifications to do the job you are applying for. Your local Jobs Club, LES or local Resource Centre will be able to help you prepare or update your C.V. and assist you in photocopying, faxing or e-mailing it to an employer. The aim of your C.V. is to get you an interview with an employer, so it needs to clearly show that you have: -

• The skills and experience needed for the job -
• The personal qualities for the position -
• An understanding of the requirements of the job.

The best way to make sure your C.V. gets read is to: -

• Keep it short. Not more than two A4 pages. -
• Keep it clear. Make it easy to read. Your C.V. should always be typewritten and well laid out with wide margins. It should have clear section headings and the information should be organised in a logical and easy to follow manner. -
• Keep it relevant. The employer usually has two main questions in mind when looking at an employee or potential employee: Is this person able to do the job? Will this person fit in with the rest of us?

 

Personal Details - Name - Address - Telephone Number or Contact Number - Date of Birth (Optional)

Work Experience - List all the jobs you have had.

Employment Record (Put your most recent job first) - Start and finish date of each job. - Name and Address of each Employer. - Job title and brief description of duties. (Highlight the tasks you did that make you suitable or fit for the job for which you are applying) - Include relevant voluntary work experience.

Education (Similar to section on work experience) - Begin with the most relevant qualification/ course - List schools and years you were there, starting with your last school.

Training - Include all relevant courses or training you have done.

Hobbies/Interests - List two or three hobbies or interests but only include ones you know you can talk about in the interview.

Referees - Give at least two names of people who will give you a reference. - Give current addresses and telephone numbers.

 

Interviews

Your C.V. may get you an interview, but it is your interview that will get you a job. When it comes to your interview it is important to be prepared. You should contact your local Jobs Club or LES for assistance in developing your interview skills and techniques.

Remember -

• You will be asked questions about your C.V., so know the contents of your C.V. Be prepared and able to answer questions on every item. -
• Answering questions about your C.V. can be an opportunity for you to steer questions, and their answers, in your favour. -
• Research the company/organisation you will be interviewed by. -
• Find out as much as possible about the job you have applied for. -
• Prepare your own answers based on the particulars of the job. -
• Practice your answers, either alone or with a partner playing the role of interviewer. Your local Jobs Club or LES may be able to run a 'mock' interview for you. -
• You should look neat and tidy, wearing something that allows you to feel comfortable and confident. -
• Arrive at least 15 minutes early. This allows you a few minutes to compose yourself before the interview. -
• Make eye contact. -
• Be positive, be confident and smile!

Questions that you might ask

Interviewers expect the applicants to ask questions about the job. You should ask questions which; -

• show your interest and understanding of the job -
• clarify any areas of confusion about the job -
• highlight your knowledge of the employer and the job

For example you could ask about; -

• the prospects for promotion or advancement in the job -
• what they expect of the successful applicant -
• general employment conditions -
• staff training and development opportunities -
• job security, health benefits and company pension plans -
• when you will know the outcome of the interview.

Follow up after the interview

After a certain amount of time has passed, you may wish to follow up your interview by contacting the interviewer to enquire about the position. This is particularly acceptable if it is past the agreed date for notifying candidates.

You can use this opportunity to express your continued interest in the job.

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Introduction

In this chapter we explore the range of services and supports available to help you find a job and assist you in your move from Welfare to Work.

Very often unemployed people find that knowing how to look for work is as important as the act of looking for work itself. Knowing where to source information on employment opportunities and how to follow up on them is equally important.

You will find that as you begin to understand how to use the range of 'job-seeking' tools and services available you will greatly increase your chances of finding and getting the job you want.

Last Updated: 21/07/2011 ^ back to top

Other Sources of Information on Jobs

The INOU website (www.inou.ie)

The INOU website is a useful source of current and archive material on unemployment issues and contains research conducted by the INOU into the barriers faced by long-term unemployed people in making the transition from welfare to work.

Newspapers

Newspapers, particularly the Sunday Independent, The Irish Independent (Thursday), The Irish Times (Friday), The Irish Examiner (Friday), Evening Herald, The Star and Job News are all useful sources of jobs. Local newspapers can also be a good source for job adverts. Call into your local FÁS office, Centre for the Unemployed or Library where copies of the papers are usually available to read.

Recruitment Agencies

You will find lists of Recruitment Agencies in the Golden Pages. As most of these agencies have websites or e-mail addresses you can send in your C.V. by e-mail. Ask for your local Jobs Club or Local Employment Service (LES) for assistance in e-mailing your C.V. Be sure to ask the Recruitment Agencies if there is a fee for using their services.

Voluntary Work

If you are unemployed you can take up voluntary work while signing-on. This can be a very satisfying and rewarding way of using your time and skills to help others. Voluntary work can help you gain new skills and can in turn greatly increase your chances of getting a job. Contact Volunteering Ireland on (01) 872 2622 or visit their website (www.volunteeringireland.com) for more information on the range of volunteering options available.

Under the Voluntary Work Option with Social Welfare you can take up voluntary work in a community organisation and keep your Jobseekers Allowance or Jobseekers Benefit. Once you find an organisation interested in your services, you and the organisation must fill out the VW1 form available from your local Social Welfare office.

To use this option, you must still be genuinely seeking work and remain available to take up work. This is important as being a volunteer should not be seen as a long term replacement for a full time adequately paid job.

Last Updated: 31/08/2011 ^ back to top