Life Events
Looking for a new job
Help and advice when looking for a job
Where do I look?
Jobs with Tameside Council
All the jobs with Tameside Council are available online. You can look at the job description and person specification for each vacancy and either request an application form or apply online.
View details of all the positions currently available with Tameside Council.
Modern Apprenticeships with Tameside Council
Modern Apprenticeships are available for young people aged between 16 and 21. Every year a number of Modern Apprenticeships are offered by Tameside Council in a number of different services.
View more information Modern Apprenticeships with the Council.
Other Local Authorities
You can find positions with other local authorities on their websites or at local jobcentres.
The Jobcentre
Your local jobcentre holds information about a large number of jobs in the local area as well as giving help and advice when looking for a job.
Find your local Job Centre Plus Office 
.
The Jobcentre can also give you advice on New Deals. New Deal is a key part of the Government's Welfare to Work strategy. It has been created to help unemployed people into work. There are new deals for people aged 18-24 olds, people aged 25+, lone parents, disabled people and people 50+.
Newspapers and Journals
Newspapers and professional journals are an important source of job advertisements. Vacancies tend to be published in the newspapers on specific days of the week. Current copies and backfiles of all the newspapers and journals listed are held by Tameside Libraries Information Service.
The local press and jobs papers hold advertisements of jobs in the local area. These are available at your local jobcentre.
On the Web
There are a number of websites that deal with employment and hold a large number of jobs on databases. View a list of the websites available.
Employment Agencies
You may wish to register with an Employment Agency, this can be a good way to find temporary or permanent work.
Speculative Applications
If there is a company that you would really like to work in or a career that you would like to pursue, then why not send out your CV and a covering letter asking if the company has any vacancies?.
How do I write a winning CV?
Top Tips
- Presentation
Presentation is very important. Employers can get hundreds of applications for each job and untidy or tatty CV's are easy to throw out. Only hand write CVs if you have very neat handwriting if possible word process your CV. If you do not have access to a PC or are unable to print it out, your local library has PCs that you can use.
- Covering Letter
Always include a covering letter with your CV. You should use the covering letter to tailor your application to the company you are applying to include skills and experience that are important to the job that you are applying for. Always finish your letter in a positive way and invite the employer to contact you for an interview.
- Positive statements
Keep all your statements positive. Don't add anything into your CV that signals a failure.
- Length
Try to keep your CV to one page and an absolute maximum of two A4 sheets.
- Spelling and Grammar
Ask someone to proof read your CV for you. If using a word processor use the spell checker and the grammar checker.
- Try not to leave gaps
Try not to leave gaps in time that you cannot account for. If it is unavoidable be prepared to explain to an employer the reason for the gap in time.
- Keep it up to date
Keep your CV up to date. When applying for a position don't just send out a CV you've had saved on your PC for 6 months or copies that you have, remember to add any recent achievements, such as training you may have received.
How do I fill in application forms?
Top Tips
- Make sure you've got the right form
If you are applying for a number of positions make sure that you use the right form for the right position.
- Photocopy the blank form
This will give you something to practice on, and make sure that the information fits the form.
- Read the form first
Read the form thoroughly before you put pen to paper, that way you can make sure that you put the relevant information into the most relevant sections
- Presentation
Write clearly in quality black pen. The employer may want to photocopy the form. Make sure there are no spelling or grammar mistakes. Ask a friend to read your draft copy before you copy the information into the real application form.
- Read all the instructions
If you are asked to write in block capitals make sure you write in block capitals.
- Gather all information together
Get together all the information you may need before starting your application.
- Complete all sections
Make sure that you complete all the sections on the form if a section isn't relevant to your application write Not Applicable
- Photocopying the completed form
This will come in handy when invited for an interview to remind yourself what you wrote and the requirements of the job.
How can I improve my interview technique?
Top Tips
- Arrive Early
Arriving 10 or 15 minutes early will allow yourself the time to compose yourself and find the interview room.
- Presentation
Dress smartly and try to look confident. Don't smoke or chew.
- Create a good impression with everyone you meet
Make good eye contact, sit alertly and look confident, the person walking past you while you wait could be the MD. Speak pleasantly and politely to the receptionist or secretary who greets you. The interviewer may well ask for his/her opinion later.
- Take props
Take a copy of your CV and examples of your work or college assignments that are relevant to the position you are applying for.
- Research the company
Knowing about the company that you want to work for shows enthusiasm and commitment. Before you go in for an interview you should know what the company does, current initiatives and any recent press comment. Tameside Libraries Information Service holds a wealth of business information in both print and electronic form.
- Have the obvious answers ready
Not all interview questions will be the same but some will be along the same lines. Be prepared for questions such as "Why do you want to work here?", "What makes you a suitable applicant?", "What can you bring to the job?". Many interviewers will relate the questions to the person specification so read it before the interview and prepare some answers.
- Don't give one word answers and don't babble
Yes and no answer may make an employer think that you are not interested. Elaborate on your answers but stick to the point
- Be prepared to ask questions
At the end of the interview most interviewers will offer you the opportunity ask questions. Keep your questions positive. You may wish to take in a list of questions that you would like to ask. Use your questions as an opportunity to show your interest in the company.
Am I entitled to any benefits whilst I am working?
Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit
Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit have replaced Working Families' Tax Credit, Disabled Person's Tax Credit and Children's Tax Credit.
For more information about Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit visit www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs
Council Tax Benefit
You may be able to claim Council Tax Benefit if you are on a low income. You do not need to be claiming any other benefits. Get more information about Council Tax Benefit.
How do I Find Reliable Childcare?
There are a number of considerations to make when considering childcare. Hours of work, cost, reliability and suitability.
Tameside Surestart provides useful information.
Where can I Find Career Advice?
View Jobseeking and Careers.