About you

Look at your past jobs, education, volunteering, and hobbies. Think about tasks you were good at—such as problem-solving, teamwork, or organisation.

We have created some worksheets that will support you to explore your strengths and skills

Transferable skills are abilities that can be used in different jobs, like communication, leadership, or time management. These skills apply to most settings and can therefore be useful regardless of the sector or job role being applied for.

To learn more about this and other skills visit our skills worksheet

Whether you’re deciding what you want to do for your career for the first time or reconsidering your path, start by thinking about what you enjoy doing, your strengths, and past experiences.

Finding a career path takes time and experimentation. It’s perfectly natural to have a career change too. Some of the following could be helpful:

• If you are in education you could speak with a careers advisor for guidance.
• Complete an online career questionnaire or skills assessment tool to help you narrow down some options.
• Look at various sector websites to learn more about the different industries.
• Find various workplace opportunities like volunteering, where you can gain valuable experience along with insights into the sector.
• Attend career fairs to network and learn of opportunities that interest you.

Consider what’s important and valuable to you in a job – salary, work-life balance, job stability, or personal fulfilment etc.

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Does the company culture align with your values?
• Would you enjoy the work on a daily basis?
• Does it support work-life balance?
• What is important to you and what could be negotiated?
• Is there room for development?
• Do you think you would enjoy working with others in this field?

By exploring the questions, researching job roles, networking with others, volunteering and more you can start to form an idea of whether this job is a good fit for you.

An apprenticeship is a paid job that combines practical workplace training with study, allowing people to earn while they learn. After completion the apprentice often gains a recognised qualification.

To find out more about apprenticeships, a great starting point is the government’s website

You could also learn more from specialist apprenticeship organisations, such as Apprenticeships

Volunteering can offer opportunities to build confidence, gain new skills, expand your network, and add valuable experience to your CV. It helps you to prepare for getting back into work, showing potential employers that you are proactive, committed to your development and have a desire to be meaningfully engaged.

To learn more about the benefits and opportunities of volunteering visit our

volunteering guide

No, many volunteer roles don’t require previous experience. Most organisations will provide training, support and/or shadowing from the outset to ensure you feel comfortable and confident in undertaking your tasks.

Yes, you can volunteer while receiving benefits. You should inform your benefits provider with full details about your volunteering and also let them know when you cease volunteering.

For more information on volunteering whilst receiving benefits, visit the government’s website and the Citizens Advice for further information.

You can search for opportunities on websites or local community centres. Charities, non-profits, and even some businesses offer volunteer roles.

For more information and signposting to where you can find opportunities, read our volunteering guide

It depends on the opportunity and the organisation’s needs – some roles require just a few hours a week, while others might be more regular. Many organisations offer flexible opportunities to fit around your schedule.

Ensure that you don’t over commit yourself, as it does take time and energy to search for and apply for jobs and you wouldn’t want your volunteering to interfere with job-seeking.

There’s no guarantee, but volunteering is widely acknowledged to improve employability. It allows you to gain experience, meet people in your chosen field, and sometimes you can access internal job openings.

Yes, many organisations offer inclusive volunteering opportunities and reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities or health conditions. When meeting with the organisation’s volunteer lead you could discuss this with them in order to find out more.

The charity, Scope can provide information and guidance, as well as connect you with volunteer programmes that are inclusive and accessible.

There are numerous volunteer roles available across various sectors. Some of them are listed below:

• retail (charity shops),
• administration,
• mentoring or befriending,
• fundraising,
• digital roles,
• community support,
• guide or tutor,
• phone line operator.

For some roles, such as working with children or vulnerable adults, a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check may be required. The organisation will usually arrange for their volunteers and potentially cover the cost – so talk to them first to clarify.

For more information, visit the government’s website

Yes, volunteering is completely your choice – you are not obligated to stay. If a role isn’t the right fit, you can discuss this with the organisation’s volunteer lead.

You will probably be presented with a few choices, such as an adjustment to the role or tasks to make it more suitable, support or training for the role to develop the skills necessary, or alternative volunteering opportunities.

If you’ve been out of work for a while, there are a number of options you could consider:

• volunteering,
• training courses or webinars,
• freelancing,
• networking events,
• temporary or part-time opportunities.

On your CV, covering letter or during an interview you can highlight the following:

• transferable skills from past roles,
• education or training,
• personal projects such as decorating, crafting, etc
• personal priorities such as caring responsibilities.

You could also prepare and practice answering questions to that effect to ensure you feel confident in your response, whilst focusing on your enthusiasm and readiness to return.

For more information, visit our Writing your cv guide

It’s important to be kind to yourself when you start out. Confidence takes time to build. You can start small by setting achievable goals, such as attending networking events, updating your CV, or practicing interview skills. Consider volunteering to boost confidence in a work environment.

We’ve created some guides and worksheets in this resource hub that will help grow your confidence and overcome any barriers you face, so do explore each tools and resources section on your journey into work.

Not having the right qualifications for a role might make you feel as though you can’t apply but it’s important to understand the difference between essential and desirable skills and experience within the job description.

There is no harm in applying for a position even if you don’t technically qualify. You can focus your responses on your strengths, commitment, and transferrable skills you could bring to the role.

You could also look into free or low-cost training programmes, apprenticeships, online courses or volunteering opportunities. Perhaps, if suitable, consider applying for entry-level roles with opportunities to progress, as well as on-the-job training.

Finding flexible work with caregiving responsibilities is possible and there are employment rights that also support you at work.

You could consider the following:

• Look for part-time, remote, or job-share opportunities,
• Consider freelance opportunities,
• Clarify with recruiter how flexible they can be with the role,
• Negotiate hours with future employer to suit your caring commitments,
• Explore employers family-friendly policies.

When you are employed you will have a right to request flexible working and there are other regulations and accommodations that could protect your circumstances.

To find out more visit the following websites:

• Flexible working
• Reasonable adjustments
• Childcare when working
• Working and caring

Break it down into small steps: update your CV, set up job alerts, and apply for a few roles at a time. Seeking support from a careers adviser, mentor, or job-seeking group can also help keep you motivated.

You could also talk to someone you trust, be it a friend, family member or colleague. They may have various tips and guidance that could support you throughout the process.

Working your way through our resource hub will help guide you through the process. At every stage in your journey into employment you can find guidance, worksheets, techniques and tools to support you.

Absolutely, work can provide numerous benefits to your mental health and wellbeing, such as:

• structure and routine,
• purpose and fulfillment,
• sense of achievement,
• social interaction and connection,
• financial stability and security,
• personal growth and boost self-worth,
• sense of identity and positive self-image,
• personal development and enhance confidence,
• opportunities to make a positive impact and recognition.

Yes, unemployment can negatively impact your mental health and wellbeing in some of the following ways:

• increased stress and anxiety due to uncertainties,
• feeling low or hopeless due to lack of routine and purpose,
• reduced self-esteem and identity issues,
• feeling isolated, disconnected or withdrawn from others,
• feeling inadequate, ashamed or embarrassed.

Employment can boost confidence, provide a sense of accomplishment, and help you feel valued – all of which is positive for your mental health.

Prioritising your mental health is important, and it’s understandable that you might be concerned how it could impact your employment. Know that you are not alone – many people worry about similar issues and challenges.

It’s important to remember that everyone has mental health and it doesn’t define your skills or worth. Take time to care for yourself and find a role that aligns with your needs. This will ultimately help you succeed both personally and professionally.

There are various ways to navigate the journey back into work, while prioritising your wellbeing, here are some suggestions:

• Research job assistance programmes which can support you throughout your journey back into work.
• Look for roles that support flexible hours, remote working options etc.
• Look for employers that have a firm commitment to mental health and wellbeing of their employees.
• Identify the work environment that would best support your mental health, you could research company vision, strategy, policies etc to learn more about the culture.
• Some roles can be less stressful or offer more flexibility, which in turn will be more conducive to supporting your work-life balance.

Visit this websites for advice, information and signposting:

• Jobcentre Plus
• Sector-based work acadamy programmes (SWAPs)
• Access to work
• Work and health programme

If you’re struggling with your mental health, consider seeking professional support via your GP or healthcare provider.