Best websites to look for a new job – and how to make sure you get a pay rise
IF a career change or bagging a new role is top of your to-do list for 2020, we’ve rounded up the best ways to find a new job – and how to get a pay rise when you do it.
January is typically one of the busiest times of the year when it comes to looking for new work, according to jobs site Indeed.
For some, wanting a new salary is the main driving force behind a career move.
While for others, being made redundant and not getting on with their boss have been cited as key reasons for wanting a new job.
Whatever the reason, you might be wondering where to begin - especially if it's been a while since you've ventured into the jobs market.
From nailing the perfect CV to the best websites to start your search, we've rounded up everything you need to know.
Top ten reasons for wanting to change jobs
HERE are the main reasons why people look for a new job, according to Pew Research Center:
- For more money
- For career progression
- To work in another location
- For a bigger challenge
- To do something less stressful
- For better training opportunities
- After being made redundant
- Not getting on with the boss
- After having children
- To change careers completely
What is a CV - and how do I write one?
Your CV is the first opportunity you get to stand out to a new employer, so you need to make sure it shows the best of your abilities and achievements.
At a very basic level, it needs to have your personal information - name, address and contact information.
You should also include your current job title, qualifications and education.
To add some character to your CV, you'll then need a personal statement or profile which shows off your personality and what you can bring to the new role.
For more information, check out our top tips on how to write a good CV.
References are not usually essential as most employers will assume you have a previous boss who can vouch for you.
What to use to help you write your CV
HERE are some tools and apps that can help you put together your CV:
- Resume app: If you struggle formatting your CV, you can choose from 21 templates in the Resume app to help you. And once you've put it together, you can export it as a PDF directly to your email. is free to download and use, but has additonal premimum options that you can pay for.
- Grammarly: It's important to get your spelling and grammar accurate, so run your CV through a tool such as to check for any errors. It's free to download straight to your desktop.
- Vizualize.me: If you've got an exisiting LinkedIn account, takes the data and turns it into a timeline of your employment history and a breakdown of your skills. The free tool has six different themes so it's a good option to make your CV look visually appealing as well.
- VisualCV: As well as making your CV look eye catching, also makes sure it can be read by electronic systems that some recruiters use to filter CVs. It's also free to sign up.
- Google Docs: is completely free to use and offers a range of downloadable CV templates for you to choose from.
Where can I search for a new job?
There are plenty of job sites out there which advertise career vacancies both in the UK and abroad.
Here are some of the most well-known ones:
Each of these websites allows you to search by either keyword or postcode, depending on if the role or location is more important to you.
You can also filter your search by salary, company, as well as by mile radius.
If you’re applying for multiple jobs, you can speed up the process by uploading your CV.
You’ll need to create an account to do this - this is free to do on each of these websites.
How do I write a cover letter?
You've got your CV and found the dream job you've always wanted - now to apply.
Most employers will expect you to also include a cover letter, explaining why you want the role and what attributes you can bring to the company.
While your CV tells your future boss everything about your professional life, think of a cover letter as an introduction to who you are as a person.
According to jobs site , you should focus on covering these points:
- Why are you getting in touch?
- Why are you suitable for the job?
- What can you do for the company?
Keep your cover letter clear and precise - ideally around half a side of A4 paper.
How do I get more money than what I'm on now?
Some people look for a new challenge, for others getting a new job is all about a bigger pay cheque.
We spoke to Indeed about how you go about securing yourself more pay.
Prepare talking points
When negotiating salary, make sure you mention what you’ve achieved in previous roles.
This can include goals you’ve met, awards you've earned or money you've made for your old company.
Experience also matters, so remember to outline your skills, especially if they are in high demand within your industry.
Research the market average
Knowing the market can give you a good idea of what salary you should be aiming for.
Make sure you research the national average salary for the position you're going for, as well as the average in your local and nearby areas.
It's also important to research how much similar companies in your area are paying their employees for an identical role.
Ask for more than your target salary
Give yourself room to negotiate by asking for a higher salary than you'd actually like.
You should still end up with a salary offer you feel comfortable accepting, although this isn't guaranteed.
Be flexible
Not all employers will be able to match your salary expectations but they may be able to offer other forms of compensation.
It's always a good idea to weigh up the total package before making a final decision.
See our top tips for getting a pay rise for more information.
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