One of the most popular New Year's resolutions that people make is to find a new job. This is good news if you are already looking for jobs as it means there will be more vacancies.

It also means there will be more competition so you need to be one step ahead of the pack. Follow our top tips to find and get your dream job.

First you need to find the jobs. Visit your local Job Centre or careers service such as Connexions if you're aged between 13 and 19 years old.

Look in your local paper. The Wiltshire Times has job adverts in every Friday and national papers have specific jobs depending on what day it is.

Look online, you can go through a website such as wiltshiretimes.co.uk to find local jobs, or log on to a local employment agency to see what's available. There are lots of job sites to choose from or you can visit the website of particular companies you'd like to work for and see if they are advertising vacancies.

If you want to be headhunted, put your CV online for potential employers to see. Do this through a secure site such as wiltshiretimes.co.uk/cvquest where companies can come and look for potential candidates.

Contact the HR department of companies directly and ask if they have any vacancies. You could also send a speculative letter, which will be kept on file and you may be contacted when they start recruiting.

Once you've found a job vacancy, you need to apply. There will be instructions on individual job adverts but chances are you'll need to send a covering letter and CV. See top tips for CV and cover letters.

If you get called in for an interview, try not to be nervous. Remember that you'll be deciding if you like the company, as much as they'll be deciding if you're suitable.

Writing CVs and covering letters:

• Find out the name and title of the person you're writing to and make sure you spell it correctly. End your letter Yours sincerely', use Yours faithfully' if you had to use Dear Sir or Madam'.

• Your address and date goes on the top right hand side of the letter. The address of the person you're writing to goes on the left-hand side, starting the line below the date.

• Make it clear which job you're applying for and where you saw it advertised.

  Write a few sentences about why you are interested in the job and highlight why you'd be ideal. Include your CV if requested.

• Try and keep your CV to one side of A4 - two sides maximum. Get your CV typed and print it onto high-quality paper - many busy employers only have time to scan CVs.

• Spell-check your CV and then get friends to read it through and check for errors. Double-check all the address details and make sure you've put enough postage on the letter.

  You might want to send it recorded delivery, so you can check it's arrived.

Surviving interviews

• Congratulations, you've got an interview! Take a deep breath and remember that the key to a successful interview is preparation, practice and performance.

• Do your research and find out as much as you can about the company.

  Think of some questions that you can ask at the end of the interview. Have someone ask you questions that might come up, so you can practice your answers. Write down notes and keep them handy. Don't learn answers parrot-fashion, but familiarise yourself with possible responses to tough questions.

• Take a copy of your CV with you on the day as the interviewer will use this as a basis for questions, be prepared to answer any queries about gaps in education or employment.

• Employers will not just be judging you on your answers.They will also consider your personality and how you present yourself in the interview.

  Look smart and well-presented and try not to display any negative body language such as crossed hands or finger-tapping. They will also be looking at your experience, qualifications, background and references. Be enthusiastic about the position and smile when appropriate, this will make you appear relaxed, even if you're a bundle of nerves.

• After the interview, thank the interviewer for their time and follow this up with a brief letter or email reaffirming your interest in the position and thanking them for their time. When lots of candidates are being interviewed, gestures like that can make you more memorable.

12:04pm Thursday 31st January 2008

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