In “Using the internet to look for work,” we covered online resources such as search engines, job sites and agency sites. We also discussed ways of saving time while searching and completing online profiles.

In “Ways to Use Social Media to Find Work,” we looked at social networking and how to utilise it for your own gain.

“How to Sell Yourself” had tips on how to view your search as a marketing exercise and how to exploit it. It discussed promoting yourself, and features and benefits.

“Streamlining the Job Hunting Process” was all about saving time. Using email signatures, CV templates, and using RSS to deliver new vacancies to your desktop or smartphone.

“Using Employment Agencies” discussed how to get the most out of an agency. How they view the world and what they are looking for.

“How to Make a Killer CV Part 1” is where the true skill lies. Learning how to make a CV that will appeal to busy people, and the importance of following the rules.

“How to Make a Killer CV Part 2” continued with more information about letting your personality shine through. It also tried to emphasize the importance of checking spelling and grammar.

“How to Make a video CV” talked you through how to make a digital video CV. These are a new way of getting yourself out there, so should be used wherever you can.

“Writing a Great Covering Letter” is the logical next step. Every CV you send needs a covering letter. Learn how to write a good one.

“Novel Ways of Getting Noticed” is more an exercise in what’s possible than anything else. It’s an article designed to show you there are a myriad of ways of getting yourself noticed.

“Are Speculative Applications Worth it?” discusses the relevance of sending CVs blindly in the modern jobs market.

“How to Handle Phone Interviews” contains excellent advice on handling these increasingly popular recruitment exercises.

“How to Manage Body Language in an Interview” takes a look at nonverbal communication and how we transmit messages without even knowing it. Learning this gives a real edge!

“How to Answer Interview Questions” is a general guide on how to answer questions. Much is made of what to answer, so we cover how to answer.

“How to Handle Second Interviews” gives advice on what to expect and how to handle yourself. They are different to first interviews and should be handled differently too.

“Negotiating the Salary” seeks to address something we aren’t very good at. Negotiating a starting salary, or a pay rise once we’re in work.

“Accepting the Job” is more a checklist of what to check and how to accept a job properly. Everything you need to know is here.

“All About Employment Contracts” is a brief overview of what to expect in your contract of employment and what it means in layman’s terms.

We hope you have enjoyed this series, and that it offers some value in your job hunt. Feel free to take from them what you want, and good luck with the search!

Commencement date. This is when your contract starts, and where your statutory rights are calculated from.

Job title and duties. What you’re called and what you’re expected to do. There will often be a mention of “other duties as deemed reasonable,” this is fair.

Place of employment. The usual place of work should be listed. It is usual for to include a provision permitting employers to move or transfer employees (“the mobility clause”) to other locations.

Hours of work. Normal working hours, break times and any overtime rates should be listed.

Holidays. This should list the amount of holiday entitlement and the rate at which holiday accrues. It should also mention when the leave year begins, and what happens to unused leave.

Remuneration. The wages or salary and how and when it is to be paid should be stated. There may also be a provision for regular review.

Nature of employment. Employment can be temporary, permanent or for a fixed term. Make sure you get what you signed for.

Sickness and absence. This should list the rules relating to sickness and absence. It should include the amount of sick pay an employee will be entitled to receive.

Grievance and disciplinary procedures. These procedures should be non-contractual and are often incorporated into a separate document. ACAS guidelines should be followed in all cases. The right to dismiss an employee in circumstances amounting to “gross misconduct” needs to be included in the contract as a contractual right. A list of examples of those offences deemed to constitute “gross misconduct” offences should be included with it.

Notice of termination. If specifics are not provided in the contract, the Employment Rights Act sets out minimum notice periods. This needs to be fair across the board. Often it’s the same period as the pay. If you’re paid weekly, one weeks’ notice. If you’re paid monthly, a month’s notice is usual.

Acceptance and acknowledgement. Employers should ensure that the contract is signed by the employee to indicate acceptance of the terms contained in it.

Those points are just the basics. There are many other clauses in the average work contract and you need to read them all. It’s important to get it right before signing as it can be difficult to get them changed afterwards.

Even though you may be excited, if you are moving from one job to another take a day or two to think it over before signing the contract. Make sure you’re confident you’re making the right move. Don’t second guess yourself, just ensure you’re doing the right thing for you.

Also, if you have a job already, don’t hand in your notice until the new employment contract has been received and signed. A telephone offer isn’t binding, neither is an offer letter. Only a contract is. Don’t do anything until you receive it.

When the contract does arrive, it’s normally accompanied by a new starter pack. This is usually a welcome letter detailing your start date and time, location, who to report to, the salary, and any perks that come with the job. If they don’t appear on the letter, check the contract as they should definitely be in there.

Read the contract carefully and make sure you understand your obligations and the terms and conditions of employment. Make sure all the clauses are fair, and there aren’t any hidden surprises before signing. Ensure that the details of the job title, package, start date and all the pertinent details are in the contract. While the letter is official, it’s only the contract that is binding.

If there are any holes, or there are things you aren’t sure of, check them out. Call the recruitment agency, the HR person, or the contact provided on the letter. If the concern is a legitimate one they won’t mind. It’s much easier to sort everything out before starting the job than afterwards.

Once your decision is made, follow the instructions. This will normally just be a matter of sending a copy of the signed contract and any other paperwork back to the company within a given timescale. It’s a good idea to send the contract via Registered Post or other signed for method. Alternatively, deliver it by hand.

Once sent, give it a couple of days and follow up with the agency or company contact. It doesn’t hurt to make sure they got the contract and everything is in order. It’s a small thing, but it can make all the difference.

If after signing, the contract the offer is rescinded, you have a legal remedy under breach of contract. It won’t help you get a job, or even get your old one back, but it might get you some compensation to tide you over. Fortunately this is a very rare occurrence, even in the difficult market we inhabit right now.

Starting a new job is an exciting time, especially if you have been out of work. By following the tips above you should be in a great position to begin a productive career in your new role.

According to statistics from the Department of Work and Pensions, 30 percent of employees are unhappy with their current salary. Of those, 41 percent would consider moving jobs to achieve their ideal wage. That isn’t good news for employee relations, or company stability.

Knowing your own worth is a subjective process. You may have an opinion, and your current, or prospective employer another. By arming yourself with information and evidence of your worth, you can increase the chances of successfully negotiating a salary.

Many new jobs offer a fixed salary, so negotiation isn’t possible. If there is a range, or you have been in the job a while, there is always room to manoeuvre. Even in a difficult market, most employers value experienced staff, and will negotiate within reason to keep them.

The ideal figure is the best you can get without damaging relations with the employer. That will take a little research, but is worth it in the end. You will need to research salaries for similar jobs both within the company and outside it.

Research the current state of the company and how it’s faring in the market. If it is doing well, then a pay rise isn’t out of the question. If it’s struggling, it might be wise to wait a while. There are plenty of online tools to research companies, even private ones.

Then collect evidence of good conduct, positive reviews and anything else that will help your cause. Once you have a figure in mind, and the time is right, ask for a meeting with your boss to go through it. Make sure it’s in a room somewhere and not at your bosses desk. Ask for a rise, provide a figure, then present your evidence.

If the company is in a position to offer it, and you are valued, there may be a result to be had. Be calm, be polite and professional and talk to your boss, not at them. If they negotiate, be fair, be realistic. Be prepared to discuss and compromise. If the request is turned down, ask why and offer your thanks. It’s now time to evaluate your position.

It may be time to look for a new job, or keep on doing what you’re doing. Only you can decide what the right thing is to do there. Whatever you do, always negotiate when it comes to setting pay. Fortune really does favour the brave.

Some use the first interview as a clearing house for higher managers. If you make it through to the second round, you often get to meet owners, directors or more important personalities within the organisation. Now is your chance to really impress.

If the company doesn’t tell you, ask them if you will be meeting the same people or someone different. This shows that you like to be prepared and allows you to think of new answers to questions. If you’re seeing the same people, you don’t want to talk about the same things as last time. Whereas, someone different will ask certain questions again.

During a second interview you won’t have to sell your abilities or qualifications as much as the first time. If they weren’t happy with you, you wouldn’t be there. Relax a little bit and be prepared to talk about you as a person and your “soft skills.”

Soft skills are all about how you work with other people, leadership qualities, working in teams and so on. These are all important aspects of the interview process as no employer wants to hire someone who is going to disrupt the status quo.

The second interview is also your chance to find out more about them company. If you read our article on handling interview questions, we suggested a couple to ask the employer. If you didn’t ask them at the first interview, now would be a good time.

Then try asking some more questions about the direction the company is going in and its history. Your interest will be appreciated and will show a long-term view. In addition, as you learn more about the company’s goals, you can highlight how your skills mesh with the culture of the organisation. Keep it a light sell though, a simple mention should suffice.

Often the most difficult part of a second interview is the discussion about the package. If this comes up and it isn’t part of a fixed salary offering you’re going to have to negotiate. This is where preparation comes in. Research what other roles in your area are paying, and opt for something similar.

Handle the second interview much like the first. Relax, watch your body language and how you answer questions. Keep the sell subtle and show your personality. That’s what they will be looking for.

The single best way to answer questions is to answer them honestly. Despite what you might think, answering “I don’t know,” isn’t a fail. It’s an honest admission of ignorance, which is a valuable thing in the workplace.

An employer doesn’t necessarily want a “yes man,” or someone who will blag their way through a work day. Someone who has the courage to try, then ask for help when they can’t achieve something is valued in the workplace. It shows maturity and responsibility.

So if you can’t answer a question, be honest and say so.

Answer awkward questions:

• Calmly and honestly
• Monitor your tone of voice
• Watch your body language
• Be concise
• Be brief but answer the question completely.

Often the question won’t be posed to put you in an awkward position, often it will just be something they want to know. If you have ever been fired, made redundant, had gaps in your employment, or had long periods of illness, these questions will arise.

They may be awkward for you, but they are things the interviewer will need answers to before they consider you for the role. If you get asked a difficult question, take a moment to consider your answer, then give it to them. If the answer is very awkward or painful, tell them, nicely, but still answer the question.

Other ways of answering awkward questions are to prepare for them. For example, questions like:

• Why do you want the job?
• How do you feel about doing mundane or repetitive work?
• You have only been in your current role a short time – Why?
• How do you deal with interpersonal problems within your team?
• How would your current boss describe you?
• What do your work colleagues think of you?
• What drives you to achieve your objectives?
• Why have you taken the career path that you have?
• Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
• What challenges do you believe this organisation faces?

Planning for them in advance makes them easier to answer, and will go down well at interview.

Of course, the interview is also your chance to ask some questions too. It’s as much about you finding out about them as it is them finding out about you. Here are some good questions to ask at an interview. They not only provide good information, but also show intelligence, interest and ambition.

• What are my promotion prospects?
• How is my career path determined?
• How do you measure success?
• What will be the main challenges I will face in the first six months?

Body language consists of a mixture of posture, expressions, gesticulation and eye movement. When you get a moment, watch people around you. Ignore what they are saying, watch how they move, how they sit or stand and act towards each other. It can tell you more about what’s happening than the words ever could. Use this knowledge at a job interview.

At the interview, wait to be seated and sit straight in the chair, but not too stiffly. Don’t slump back, or lean sideways as this shows disinterest. Don’t perch on the edge either as this displays tension.

If there is only one interviewer, sit facing them. If there is more than one, sit so you can face them all. When one asks you a question look directly at them when answering, but also sweep your eyes to make contact with the other interviewers. Including them all in your answers projects interest in all of them.

Many people use their hands a lot when talking. If you’re one of those, you’re going to need to practice keeping still. Don’t fold your arms, as this displays defensiveness. Try to clasp them in front of you on the table, or on your lap. Don’t be afraid to use them when you’re really getting into an answer, but keep it to a minimum.

Ideally, you would begin an interview with very few hand movements and gradually increase them as it goes on. This displays an increasing relaxation, and enthusiasm about what’s going on.

Use a lot of eye contact, but don’t stare. By using eye contact when you answer, you take control of the interview. Looking away briefly acts as a full-top or comma, and allows you both a pause. It also shows confidence. Spread that eye contact equally if there are multiple interviewers.

As important as your own body language is, you should also consider the posture of the interviewer. If you see them fidgeting, sighing, folding arms, or glancing sideways you need to either shut up or change tack. These are all signs of irritation or boredom.

Change quickly, because when these signs first manifest, they aren’t in the conscious mind. It’s only when left to grow that they will become conscious of it. Get in there quick enough and you can save the conversation.

Alternatively, if they are leaning forward, matching your gaze, smiling, or using open hands towards you, you’re doing well.

Knowing a little about body language is a real advantage during an interview. Not only can you impress their conscious mind with excellent answers and elegant diction, you can also impress their unconscious with positive body language. In the fight for a job, you need to use every weapon in your arsenal.

First you need to prepare as you would for a normal interview. Read your CV, read the job description, research the company and have answers ready for the more common questions.

You have an advantage here in that you can make notes and refer to them during the call. Make notes, lots of them. Use bullet points and keep them clear, read them, learn them. You can use these notes in all phone interviews you might have, so it’s worth taking the time.

With any kind of job interview, the more prepared you are the better you will perform on the day. It’s obvious to recruiters if a candidate has prepared or not, so don’t fall into that category. The recruiter will think if you can’t be bothered to prepare properly, you won’t be bothered to work properly.

Preparation takes much of the thought out of the discussion. The more natural you come across on the phone, the better the impression will be. This call is an important one, it’s your audition, your chance to move on to the next stage. Doing well here could change your life in a big way.

You have to make a good impression on the interviewer while not being able to see them. They can’t read your face or your body language so it’s important to smile when you talk and use enthusiastic tones when speaking. You need to convince them you’re ready for the next step, the face-to-face. Smiling when talking changes the pitch and tone of your voice which can be detected on the call.

Set the scene properly. Schedule the interview at a convenient time. Make sure you’re somewhere comfortable, preferably at home in a comfy chair. If you have to take the call at a lunch hour at work, sit in your car, or go someplace outside of the building. Keep distractions to a minimum, you need to focus.

Try to use a landline where possible too. There’s nothing worse than doing well, then losing signal or battery on your mobile phone. In fact, that is one of the biggest complaints from recruiters, so avoid it wherever possible.

It’s the interviewers job to guide you through the call, so relax and let them take control. When they ask you questions, answer clearly and concisely. Don’t be monosyllabic but stay on topic. You have a limited time to make an impression, make sure it’s a good one.

Don’t restrict the list to employers who you haven’t seen job advertisements for. If during your search you have seen employers offering roles similar to the ones you’re looking for, add them. They may have something suitable, it’s worth a try.

Using a template CV and covering letter like the ones we mentioned in this series. It doesn’t take much to tailor each one to a specific employer and get them ready for sending. A PC and printer will have these done in no time, an envelope later, you have a possibility in your hand.

Nobody is going to pretend that finding work in the current climate is easy. It isn’t. But what we want to convince you of is that there is always a possibility. By making an effort, using your imagination and a little perseverance you stand a much better chance of finding work. At the very least, it will put you above the majority of others on recruiters radar.

It may sound idealistic, but all this effort should be viewed as potential rather than legwork. Each letter and CV you post is an opportunity, not wasted minutes. Approach it with this in mind and it will shine through in your writing, and at any interviews.

Perseverance, positive attitude, professionalism and tenacity are all qualities employers look for. All of which are displayed when you expend effort sending speculative applications. Think of it like the lottery, you have to be in it to win it. The more CVs you get out there, the more chance you have of being noticed.

If money is an issue, don’t post them, deliver them by hand. If you’re the shy type, do it in the evening or at the weekend through the letterbox. Just remember to put “by hand” on the envelope. Either way, every letter you deliver increases the chances of your getting a job.

Speculative job applications are worth the effort if you have a computer to do the work. If you’re out of work and have the time, even writing them by hand is worth the effort.

Finding work is a numbers game. The more exposure you get, the more chance you have of being noticed. Sending these speculative letters alongside your other efforts only increases your chances of being snapped up by somebody.

Here are some examples of people who took their fates into their own hands and got themselves noticed.

First up is a video game enthusiast who got himself noticed by one of the largest video game companies in the world. He created a new game from editing tools from Starcraft 2 in his bedroom. The game is owned by Blizzard Entertainment, which is one of the best known names in gaming.

His game was so good, that it got picked up by other enthusiasts and spread over the internet. Blizzard were so impressed that they have offered to meet him to discuss his working with them on game development.

A girl in Swindon, UK was so fed up with being unemployed that she walked around the town centre with a billboard asking for work. She also included her mobile phone number as well as other details.

After walking round for a couple of hours she had calls from agencies, employers, and even the Employment Minister for England called her after she was featured on the news.

Another woman from Birmingham used to run a cake business that went bankrupt. She couldn’t get work so she decided to take matters into her own hands. She baked dozens of cupcakes, decorated them and put her name and phone number on the bottom of the case.

She then camped outside the Guildhall when they were having business conferences and gave the cakes out for free. Shortly afterwards, she was recruited into a commercial catering company and given a full-time job.

A recent cooking school graduate was so fed up with not working that he decided to create his own website featuring cooking techniques and recipes. The content was of such a high quality that it soon gained a following and was bought by a large online publishing company.

Not only did that graduate now have money, the company offered him the job of maintaining the content on it. So he was bought out and given a job in one go.

The purpose of this article isn’t to tell you what to do. It’s more to let you know that while the traditional ways of looking for work are still king, they aren’t the only way to do it. If you have a marketable skill that can help in any way, use it.

By using a little imagination and doing something to set yourself apart from the crowd, it’s entirely possible that good things will come of it. If looking for work is getting you down, it’s well worth thinking about alternative ways of finding it.