If it is your first time in looking for work you may find it useful to know generally what steps are involved when applying for a job. Obviously every industry is different and each company may have a different process for employing members of staff. In schools for example, there is a strict procedure to follow when employing a new teacher. If you are going for a job based in a factory or office working in the private sector then employers usually work to roughly the same sorts of processes.

Firstly the job will be advertised, within the job advert will be details of what qualifications / experience required, hours of work and contact details. It may tell you to email your covering letter and a CV to a contact or it may just ask you to contact someone to discuss your suitability before applying. Once you have sent in your CV, then it is up to them to contact you and invite you to an interview. If you make it this far it means they have been impressed with your CV and want the opportunity to talk about it further. Some companies then ask you back for a second interview after they have shortlisted the candidates. Once all the interviews have taken place they will then contact you if you are successful and offer you the job.