If you have a criminal record
Most convictions become spent after a set time under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and once a conviction is spent you do not have to mention it for most jobs. The exceptions are roles that need a standard or enhanced DBS check, such as work with children or vulnerable adults. Many employers have also signed up to Ban the Box and no longer ask about convictions on the application form. The charities Unlock and Nacro give free, confidential advice on what to disclose and when. More: getting a job with a criminal record.
If you are disabled or have a health condition
Employers must make reasonable adjustments for disabled candidates and employees, at interview and at work (Equality Act 2010), and they may not ask about your health before offering you the job, apart from a few exceptions. Access to Work, from the government, can pay for support you need to start or stay in work: equipment, a support worker, help with travel, even an interpreter at an interview. Look for employers in the Disability Confident scheme. More: going back to work after illness or caring.
If you are leaving the armed forces
The Career Transition Partnership is the official resettlement service for people leaving the armed forces, with training, advice and employer contacts. Employers who sign the Armed Forces Covenant have promised to treat veterans fairly. Translate your experience into civilian words on your CV: leading a team of eight under pressure is leading a team of eight under pressure, whatever the uniform. Many military driving and plant qualifications convert to civilian licences and cards.
If you grew up in care
Your local council has a duty to support care leavers, usually up to the age of 25, through a personal adviser and a pathway plan: ask for yours. The Care Leaver Covenant lists employers who offer care leavers work experience, apprenticeships and jobs, and apprentices who are care leavers can get an extra bursary.
If you are a refugee
Once you have refugee status or humanitarian protection you have the right to work in the UK in any job, and your documents prove it. An employer must check the right to work of every new starter in the same way, so being asked is not a sign of suspicion. If you are still waiting for an asylum decision, the rules are much stricter, and permission to work is the exception. Free English classes (ESOL) are available through colleges and councils.
If you have no qualifications
Thousands of jobs ask for none: jobs with no experience needed. In England, adults can study English and maths up to GCSE level free, and many first full Level 3 qualifications are free too. Many employers pay for the cards and tickets once you start (forklift, CSCS, SIA, the Care Certificate). Our every job page shows what each job really asks for. More: a CV with no experience.
If there is a gap in your CV
Caring, illness, prison, redundancy, raising children: a gap is a fact, not a verdict. Say it in one honest line and move on to what you can do. More: explaining a gap on a CV and at interview.
If you are over 50
Age discrimination is unlawful, and an advert may not ask for somebody "young" or "energetic" or for a date of birth. Experience, reliability and staying power are what many employers are short of. Your Jobcentre work coach can arrange a free midlife review of your skills and plans. More: jobs for over 50s and a CV for the over 50s.
If you have nowhere stable to live
Your local council's housing team has a duty to help if you are homeless or about to be. Jobcentre Plus can help you apply for work without a fixed address, and charities such as Crisis and Shelter run free employment and housing advice. A phone that works and an email address you can check are worth more than a perfect CV: the library has free computers.
For everybody, whatever stands in the way
- You never pay to apply. No real employer charges for a job, a uniform, training or a check up front. See spotting job scams.
- Your Jobcentre work coach can help with travel to interviews, clothes for a first day and funded training. Ask.
- The National Careers Service (England), My World of Work (Scotland) and Working Wales give free advice from a real adviser.