It's a cliche but it's true, 'finding a job is a full-time job'. It's easy to feel down after a barrage of knock backs, so we've got some job hunting tips to help you rise above the refusals and stay positive. 

Job Hunting

The more places you look, the better your chances of finding a job. It’s really about keeping your eyes open for any opportunities. Here’s ten tips to keep you ahead of the game:

• Look in your Careers Scotland Centre or the Jobcentre for local and national vacancies. Some employers advertise only through the Jobcentre and vacancies are usually divided into types of work - e.g. catering, retail.

• Look for job adverts in shop windows and in newspapers. If a shop is advertising for staff and you’ve to apply within, remember first impressions count - so dress accordingly, even if it’s just to pick up the application form.

• Most newspapers have an employment section once a week advertising new vacancies - e.g. The Herald and The Scotsman on Fridays. In most cases you have to either phone or write for more information and/or an application form. If you phone, remember to speak clearly and concisely. It might help to make a note beforehand of what you want to ask. Also have a pen and paper handy to take down details.

• Write to firms ‘on spec’. If you send your CV (go to the Applying for a Job section for more CV info) and a covering letter explaining your suitability for a position, you may be considered for a job when a vacancy arises. Similarly, call into places you would like to work and leave your CV. Phoning around can be quite productive for seasonal work in the hospitality industry when hotels etc take on temporary staff for the busy season.

• Temporary employment agencies can find you work for anything from a few days to several weeks. These are particularly useful if you have office skills, or are looking for work in the hotel and catering trade. Always check you get paid reasonably and that your contract of employment is fair. You’ll find these agencies in the Yellow Pages under Employment Agencies or search on Yell.com .

• Listen to your local radio station. Often there is a special weekly slot advertising job vacancies in the area.

• Word of mouth. Speak to people you know, and ask around. They may be able to tell you about vacancies before they are advertised.

• Check recruitment/job websites which don’t charge a ‘joining’ fee (see the recruitment websites listed in Helpful Links below).

• Write a covering letter when you apply for a job. It will make your CV / application form personal and specific to the position you're going for. It's looks professional and will help you stand out from other candidates. Have a look at the Applying for a Job section for more info.

• Work experience - there's nothing like work experience to make you stand out from the crowd, and volunteering shows that you are hungry enough to work for free to get that edge. Have a look at the Volunteering section for more info. 

Word of caution!

Never reply to an advertisement which promises to make you thousands of £££s by working from home, particularly if you have to send money before you start. It is unlikely that you will ever make enough money to recoup your outgoings as well as income for yourself. Also it is probable that you will have to put out further advertisements to recruit others, and this would be at your own expense. (It is possible to make money working from home, but no genuine company would ask you for money up front.)

If you have been caught out by such advertising before, by all means demand a refund, and report this to your local Trading Standards/Protective Services Department – you could end up getting some of your money back and prevent someone else from going down the same costly road.