Website of the UK government

Jobs online

Employers will often tell you whether or not you have been successful applying for a job by email. In some cases, this is now the only way that some employers fill their vacancies. For example:

• most recruitment companies advertise job vacancies online
• there are currently around 1000 online job boards in the UK

To make sure you keep up with the latest vacancies, you will need to:

• find ways of having access to the internet 
• have your own email address
• know how to find vacancies and fill in applications online
  

Finding internet access

If you have access to the internet at home, then it’s easy. If not, here are a few suggestions:

• you can use UK online centres which are based in your community. Find your nearest centre by following the link below or call UK online centres on 0800 77 1234
• your local library may have computers that are connected to the internet
• you may have friends or relatives who are happy to let you use their home computer to go online
• check with your nearest Jobcentre Plus office to see what’s available in your local area

• UK online centres Opens new window

• The cost of contacting 08 and 03 telephone numbers

• Find your local Jobcentre Plus office Opens new window

Getting an email address

To set up a personal email address, try the search engines (for example Google or Yahoo) as many offer a free email account. Or, put ‘free email address’ into a search engine and look through the results. Follow the instructions to set up a free email address.

Using the internet to find job boards

Once you’ve found your internet access, your next step is to find the types of jobs you’re looking for. Jobs are usually advertised on ‘job boards’ which are like electronic newspapers. Generally, there are three types of job boards:

• ‘niche’ job boards are dedicated to particular professions or industries
  
• general job boards advertise all types of vacancies
  
• local job boards advertise all types of jobs in the area they cover

You can search for the right job boards by using a search engine (for example Google or Yahoo). Try putting in ‘job boards’ or ‘jobs in retail’ and so on, until you find the job boards that are most suitable for you. If you are using your own computer, you can save the job boards as favourites.

Applying online

There are two main ways to apply for jobs online.

Filling in an application form online

Fill in the details in the same way as you would with a normal application form. Make sure you check you have filled in all the information the form asks for and that the information is correct before you send the form to the employer.

Emailing your CV

Some employers will ask you to send your CV by email. You will need to have saved your CV so you can attach it to the email. You may also want to include a covering letter. You can find information on how to write a covering letter by using the following link.

• Letters and job application forms

Responses to your applications

Employers may choose to reply to your application by email, so make sure you check your email regularly.

If you need to improve your IT skills, UK online centres will be able to help. Find your nearest centre by following the link below or call UK online centres on 0800 77 1234.

• UK online centres Opens new window