Quick overview
Job hunting in the UK right now calls for strategy more than hope. Vacancies still exist, but competition has tightened and employers are choosier about experience, flexibility and demonstrable outcomes. This guide gives a compact, practical plan you can follow whether you’re switching careers, returning after a break or applying straight out of education.
Why the market matters now
Start by accepting one reality: data matters. Recent UK labour market reports show a small rise in unemployment and a fall in vacancies, which makes it sensible to widen your approach and sharpen your application materials. Use official sources to understand which sectors are still hiring in your region and which skills are in demand.
Where to look
Mix big job boards with targeted channels. General sites like Indeed and LinkedIn still list the largest volume of roles; specialist boards cover tech, health, education and trades; and local employer websites sometimes publish vacancies before they reach the aggregators. Also check the government’s free ‘Find a job’ service and the National Careers Service for tailored guidance and events.
Three parallel streams: apply, network, learn
Think of three parallel streams: apply, network, and learn. Applying is the obvious stream—tailored CV and cover letters for roles you can reasonably do. Networking is quieter work that pays off: reach out to ex-colleagues, join local professional groups, and use LinkedIn thoughtfully. Learning means short, targeted training to fill obvious skill gaps employers keep asking for.
CVs and cover letters that get read
Make your CV work for you. In the UK recruiters read quickly: keep your CV concise, include contact details and a short profile that says what you do and what you want next, list accomplishments with numbers, and prioritise recent, relevant roles. Use clear headings and one to two pages for most applications; public sector or academic roles may need more detail. National guidance covers the structure and practical examples that recruiters expect.
Make applications work
Cover letters still matter when used correctly. Write one that answers why you want this job, what you will bring on day one, and a single example that proves it. Keep it short—three short paragraphs—and avoid repeating your CV. For online application forms, follow instructions precisely; those forms often filter applicants before a human looks.
Stay organised
Use job alerts and a simple tracking system. Set alerts on multiple sites for keywords and locations, and log every application, date, and the employer’s response. A spreadsheet with columns for role, application date, follow-up date and outcome will save time and stop accidental duplicate applications.
Interview prep and evidence
Prepare for interviews with evidence, not slogans. Employers want examples that show how you solved a problem, improved a process or helped customers. Use a simple structure: situation, action, result. Practise answers aloud and prepare two or three stories you can adapt for different questions.
Paperwork and gaps
Mind the details employers screen for: right to work documents, clear references, DBS checks for regulated roles, and professional registrations where required. If you have gaps in employment, be honest and show how you used the time—courses, volunteering or freelance work all count.
Alternative routes
Consider alternative routes if the direct route stalls. Temporary and contract work can bridge gaps, provide references and sometimes lead to permanent jobs. Apprenticeships are not just for school leavers—many schemes accept mature applicants and offer paid training. Small employers often hire for potential and attitude more than a perfect CV.
Upskill where it counts
Upskilling is cheap and fast now. Free and low-cost courses, short professional certificates and employer-backed training can be the deciding factor between two similar candidates. Prioritise skills employers mention in job adverts in your sector—data tools, familiar software, licences or sector-specific qualifications.
Use public services and local training
Use government and independent services. Jobcentre Plus and the National Careers Service provide CV help, interview coaching and links to local training. They can also point you toward employer recruitment events and sometimes sector-specific advice. Local colleges and training providers often run short courses that match local employer needs.
Follow-up and feedback
Be intentional about follow-up. After an interview, send a concise thank you that reaffirms your interest and one strength that fits the job. If you don’t get the role, politely ask for feedback; the reply can tell you whether to adjust your CV, gain a new skill, or change how you tell your story.
Look after yourself
Job searching is effectively a short-term project with lots of rejection moments. Create a routine, set modest daily targets, and take breaks. Use local support services if you are balancing health or caring responsibilities; they can help with flexible search options and training.
A short checklist
- Target three high-priority roles each week.
- Keep a live CV and tailored cover letter for each application.
- Network with at least two relevant contacts weekly.
- Complete one short course or module every one to two months.
- Track applications in a simple system.
Final thought
If you keep the process active, patient and strategic, the balance eventually shifts in your favour. The market changes; skills, timing and persistence matter more than perfect credentials. Use trustworthy sources, keep your application materials sharp, and treat networking as work. Follow this plan and you’ll find better opportunities faster.
