How to build the confidence to re-enter the job market

WANT to get back into work but not sure how? Then help is at hand with Sun Jobs.

Despite record vacancy levels, there are still 1.46 million people registered as unemployed.

For many, finding a job is fraught with fears, meaning almost a third of a million Brits have been out of work for over a year.

Taking steps to climb onto the career ladder may feel scary, but with the right support it is simpler than you think. Here’s how to get started.

Find a role that will get you back on the employment ladderCredit: Getty

Start with your skills

Before you apply for any job, consider what your skill set is. Even if you have never worked before you will have skills you can talk about at interview.

For example, if you are staying at home to care for kids or family member, then you’ll likely be good with people, excellent at timekeeping and able to clean and run a household.

Living on benefits? Your budgeting and money management skills will be a positive point.

Build your confidence

Putting yourself out there for job applications and interviews is nerve-wracking, so seek ways to bolster your self-belief.

Try a voluntary role or help out in your local community first. It will also boost your CV.

You can find help and tips at the Royal Voluntary Service’s website.

Get CV and interview help

A strong CV is crucial to help you land an interview and interview practice will assist in getting offered an actual role.

You can get support through Job Centre work coaches or through the National Careers Service.

Look for entry level roles

When you’re getting back into work or going for a first job, don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Seek out jobs which require no experience or that offer on-the-job training, so you can build up your experience, skills and confidence.

All the major job boards have a ‘no experience’ filter with over 24,000 on offer nationally today.

Be flexible

It’s not where you start that matters, it’s where you end up.

Don’t disregard a role that has different shift patterns or is in a different sector to the one you hoped for. The most important thing is to get your foot in the door of the world of work.

It’s easier to find a job when you have a job so see your first role as a stepping stone to the future.

Feeling ready to work it? Here are the top entry level jobs this week on Sun Jobs.

Cleaner (Part-Time), Bidvest Noonan, Finchley North

Clean up with this perfect part-time role.

The Job: Bidvest Noonan is hiring a Cleaner to work 18 hours a week at a prestigious site in London.

What You’ll Do: Duties will include vacuuming, dusting, wiping down surface areas and ensuring all areas are clean and tidy; sweeping, scrubbing and mopping; disposing of rubbish; scrubbing sinks, basins and toilets; and cleaning windows and glass surfaces.

You’ll Need: The ideal person for this role will be comfortable working alone and as part of a wider team, and have the ability to prioritise and manage an ever-changing workload.

Previous cleaning experience is preferred, but full training will be provided.

Apply Now: See further details of this role, along with other opportunities at Bidvest Noonan.

Office Co-ordinator, Foxtons, East London

Get into the exciting world of estate agency with no experience required.

The Job: Estate agency Foxtons is hiring an Office Co-ordinator to work in its café-style office in Vauxhall, East London.

What You’ll Do: You will be the face of Foxtons, liaising with a range of people from vendors to landlords, buyers and tenants, as well as dealing with walk-in enquiries from customers looking to buy or rent properties.

You’ll work closely with front office managers to ensure the office runs smoothly in all aspects.

You’ll Need: No previous administration or reception experience is required, and full training will be provided, but strong organisational skills and a passion for providing excellent customer service would offer a distinct advantage.

Apply Now: Find out more about this role, or explore further opportunities with Foxtons.

Van Driver, The Menu Partners, London

Feeling driven? This entry-level job will take you places!

The Job: The Menu Partners, which supplies prepared or cooked food to hotels, pubs and restaurants across the UK, is hiring a multi-drop Van Driver.

What You’ll Do: You’ll follow routed deliveries and collections across London, Monday to Saturday.

You’ll function as the company’s eyes and ears when on the road, relaying necessary information to the team and representing the company to the highest standards, from presentation to communication.

You’ll Need: Excellent communication skills and a full, clean driving licence, as well as the ability to drive a 3.5 ton delivery van.