Pathways to Employment: Your guide to a career in substance use services
This toolkit brings a range of information and support together into one resource for people with lived and living experience of substance use looking to pursue careers in the drug and alcohol sector.
Navigating the job application process
Applying for a job can feel overwhelming, especially if it has been a while. However, there are so many benefits to being in work and support is available from recovery communities and organisations such as Skills Development Scotland. You can get help throughout your employment journey at My World of Work.
Where can I find job vacancies?
To boost your chances of finding work, use a variety of job websites such as Find A Job, Indeed, Totaljobs, myjobscotland, NHS Scotland jobs and Goodmoves. If you do not have internet access then check your local library where this is often provided for free.
Don’t forget traditional methods like networking - tell people you are looking to work and ask about the availability of any opportunities.
How do I apply for jobs?
My World of Work offers tips and resources on completing job applications. A CV may be required and you can find examples and a CV builder tool on there.
They provide background information on what an application form is and tips for filling out forms and other helpful information.
How do I prepare for an interview?
Identify your strengths
Start to consider your personal skills and strengths. Think of examples from your past and highlight these on your CV (if you have one), job application, and during the interview. Use the Skills Discovery tool to find your transferable skills. My Strengths is also a short questionnaire which will give you a personalised report about your strengths.
Ask questions before the application/interview process
If you have any questions about a job, there will usually be a point of contact provided. Contact this person to understand if the role is right for you. This can also show your interest in working for them.
How do I prepare for an interview?
Prior to interview:
- Find out about the organisation, check their website or speak to someone who already works there.
- Practise answering the questions they are likely to ask with a trusted friend or a careers adviser. Think about what you might ask the interviewer as well, this can show you are interested.
- Get to know the interview location and how to get there beforehand.
Lots of people feel nervous about interviews so check out the stress busters on pages 86-88 of the Positive Steps to your Future handbook. Lots more information and tips about every stage of the interview process can be found onthe Skills Development Scotland - My World of Work website.
What do I wear to an interview?
Dress smartly, although employers care more about what you say, looking professional can create a good first impression.
Can I get help with travel or clothing costs for an interview?
If you have a work coach, you may be eligible for the Flexible Support Fund, which covers:
- Travel to interviews and work.
- Clothing for work.
Contact your work coach or visit the Turn2us website for more information.
Can I get help with travel costs?
If you have a Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card, you may get:
- Two free tickets a month for travel to interviews.
- A free Monthly Season Ticket once you secure a job.
You can find out how to access this support on the Scotrail website.
Where can I find other support?
- Skills Development Scotland (SDS) offers a helpline (0800 917 8000), for career advice and services. SDS support is available to everyone, you can access their range of services no matter what stage of your career or where you live.
- For in-person advice you can find the contact details of your local career centre to access career advice, information and guidance and you can find careers information at My World of Work.
- Chapters 4-6 of the Positive Steps to your Future handbook is a useful guide to help you in your career journey.
- Connecting Scotland have a helpful page which provides links to resources for finding jobs, interview skills, building a CV, developing digital skills and building confidence.
- Scotland Smart Works helps unemployed women with clothing and coaching to secure employment. They have two centres which are based in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
- Elevate Employability supports people in recovery with job placement assistance.
How do I provide identification to employers?
To start work, you will need proof of your right to work in the UK. Find more information on the UK Government and Citizens Advice websites.