One thing that some contractors find difficult to overcome is the fact that it can be more difficult for them to get a mortgage. This may not have been a huge problem in the past, but increased levels of caution in the mortgage market have made it much more of an issue. Fortunately, there is a way to get around the mortgage problem.

Contractor mortgages are designed specifically for contractors. Lenders who provide mortgages for contractors do so with a proper understanding of the nature of working as a contractor, so they can tailor their packages accordingly.

If you think that a contractor mortgage would supplement your plans for self-advancement through contract work, then it is worth researching which forward-thinking lenders are already on the case. Securing a contractor mortgage could represent a significant step in terms of the future.

The idea is to build up lots of relevant experience that will stand you in good stead when more suitable positions become available. If you can secure a good reference and some really good points to add to your CV in the meantime then it is well worth the wait to give yourself a better chance when the time comes.

Don’t include loads of retail and bar positions you held whilst you were studying, if the job you are after is in accounting, for instance, unless they demonstrate your accounting skills. There’s no harm in hamming up things you think will catch a recruiter’s eye, as long as you can follow it up at interview stage.

This may seem a little daunting, but there is no escaping it. If you make basic grammatical and linguistic errors in your covering letter and CV, employers are less likely to look kindly on your application, especially when competition for jobs is so intense.

Make sure that you give yourself the best chance possible by ironing out all errors. Don’t just spell-check them; have your CV and covering letter proofread by someone with a firm grasp of grammar before you send it on its way.

It’s far more important to slim your CV down and be concise about the previous positions you have held. Many employers are put off by protracted CVs that fail to get to the point. It is much better practice to tailor your CV to each employer, stressing any experience you have that is relevant to the post you are applying for.

Don’t put recruiters off by making them read page after page. Sell yourself in as clear and concise a way as possible.

The most tried and tested means of finding a new job are by checking job websites, job adverts in local newspapers and visiting job centre branches. However, a lot of people struggle to find exactly what they are after using these resources.

It makes sense to actually buy or subscribe to publications that deal with your specific area of expertise. It’s also worth visiting or becoming a member of certain industry websites where the companies you would like to work for are more likely to advertise. Do some online research to find out about industry-specific resources that could help you find a job more easily.

One way in which graduates can help themselves is to make the most of their degree on their CV when applying for work. Many employers won’t see how your degree will be useful to a particular job role and so make things easy for them. Detail what skills you have gained during your degree and how they would help you in the role. Even participating in extra-curricular activities can demonstrate initiative and leadership skills, so make sure to you get it all on there.

For those about to start or thinking about going to university, I would highly recommend enrolling for a sandwich degree course which sees you having to take a work placement as part of your degree. This was invaluable for me and definitely helped me to start my career once finishing university.

We all have responsibilities, but if you really hate your job, then try to do something about it. Don’t be narrow minded, perhaps think about changing your career. Some of the skills you gain from one profession can easily be transferable to others. Sit down and list down the experience you have and how that can be adapted to a new role.

There are people out there who can help you in your search for a new career, so why not seek some professional careers advice to help you on your way.

• Pop down to your local job centre where they can help you to find out about the latest job openings in your area.
• Go to your newsagents and buy a copy of the latest job newspaper. Take a pen and highlight all the applications you want to apply for
• Why not let someone else do all the hard work for you. Go online and sign up for the services of sites such as Total Jobs and Reed. Simply enter the type and locations of the jobs you are looking for and they will send you an email to notify you of any jobs that match your criteria.

Happy Job Hunting!

A cover letter should be brief, but within it you should aim to include the skills and knowledge you have that would be applicable to the role. You should also highlight key points from your CV, such as previous experience.

Make sure that if you are applying for a number of jobs that you don’t just send the same CV with the same cover letter each time. Your documents should be catered towards each individual role, to give you the best opportunity to get through to the next stage and get invited for that interview.