Jobseeking and Careers

Whether you are searching for a job, writing your CV, filling in a job application, preparing for an interview or want to update your skills, Tameside Libraries have lots of useful information...and it’s all free!

Jobseeking

Looking for Jobs

Newspapers, magazines and websites are important sources of job advertisements.

• Most libraries have newspapers and magazines available - the biggest collection is at Tameside Libraries Information Service covering both local and national vacancies
• Job vacancy websites

Applying for jobs

Stand out from the crowd and get your application noticed. Our resources and services can help you impress potential employees. We provide:

• Information on writing a CV
• Information about filling in application forms
• Free use of a PC to write your CV, search for jobs or fill in an online application form

Writing your CV

If you are aged 19 or over, National Careers Service can help you with your CV, interview skills, job applications and much more. 

Find out more on the National Careers Servicewebsite.

Need to use a computer?

Many application forms are now available online. Companies expect a CV to be typed rather than handwritten. We have the resources to help you:

• Computers with full internet access and Microsoft Office software available for public use in all Tameside Libraries
• Scanners are available all libraries
• Magnification and speech software, trackball mouse devices, large print keyboards are available to make use easier.

Preparing for your interview

It is important to prepare for a job interview to give you a competitive edge over the other candidates. At Tameside Libraries you can:

Research the company, the market and the sector

• Prepare for selection tests
• Learn about interview techniques
• View useful websites

Careers 

Updating your skills

To make yourself more attractive to prospective employers, you may need to update your skills. Tameside Libraries have information on how you can do this:

• Learn at the library - a variety of computer courses, leisure courses, workshops and learning sessions for adults
• Use of computers for online courses
• Books to support your studies and help you choose the right course
• Collections of basic skills material—literacy and numeracy
• Information about funding
• Career and business opportunity information
• Details of courses in Tameside and beyond:
  • Ashton-under-Lyne Sixth Form College Website for Ashton Sixth form courses who run a range of adult learning courses
  • Tameside College Websites for Tameside College giving details of all the courses they run and information about how to apply to study there
  • Tameside Council Adult Learning More information about Tameside Council Adult Learning, the courses they have on offer and how to contact them

Careers information

• GOV.UK - Finding a job contains lots of useful information about applying for jobs, writing your CV, writing covering letters and much much more. You can also search for jobs from here.
• Graduate Prospects Graduate careers site with information about courses, careers and job vacancies.
• Cobra (part of Ask about Business) Has lots of useful Business Opportunity Profiles (BOPs)

Employment 

General Employment Advice (Redundancy, Pay, Rights)

• GOV.UK - Working, jobs and pensions The GOV.UK site has lots of information and links to other agencies to help people with a range of employment issues including issues regarding pay, employment rights or redundancy. There are even calculators to determine statutory redundancy entitlement and to work out which benefits you’re entitled to.

Tax

• GOV.UK - Money and tax The GOV.UK site has lots of useful links to help people with all sorts of different employment issues whether it be issues regarding pay, employment rights or redundancy, there is lots of information and links to other agencies to help you. There are even calculators to determine statutory redundancy entitlement and to work out which benefits you're entitled to.
• Citizen's Advice Bureau Advice Guide The Citizen's Advice Bureau have a section on their website devoted to issues around tax
• HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) There is lots of information about all sorts of tax including various calculators

Build A Business in GM Libraries

Are you thinking of Self-Employment or starting your own business?

Build A Business is an innovative new project aimed at small businesses, entrepreneurs and anyone thinking of starting their own business. It’s running in libraries across 10 Greater Manchester authorities, offering tailored help to support new businesses.

From Artisan Baker to Zumba Instructor, Build A Business can help!

We have access to COBRA (The Complete Business Reference Advisor). Cobra can be a useful tool for Jobseekers as it contains hundreds of Business Opportunity Profiles (BOPs) which are small business guides and can provide lots of useful information for anyone looking for career ideas. 

Tameside Libraries members can use Cobra free of charge! Simply follow the link below and follow the instructions on screen to log in using your Library Card number. Your Library Key Card number is on the card you were given when you became a member of the library and it begins with 28016.

Enter Cobra 

We also have a range of books covering all aspects of Jobseeking, Careers and Employment. Search our Library Catalogue to find out what we have available.