Free Employability Resources to Support Your Return to Work

Welcome to the SDM Training Services Employability Toolbox, a growing collection of free employability resources designed to help you move forward at your own pace. Whether you're returning to work after a health condition, building your confidence after time away, or just looking for clear and practical support, these downloadable tools are here to guide you.

Developed by employment specialists who understand the challenges people face when returning to work, these resources are completely free to use and share. Everything’s written in a practical, supportive way, so you can focus on what matters most: taking that next step.

Downloadable tools and guides to support your job search and confidence

Career Redirection: Where Do I Start?

A practical guide to help you explore new career paths with confidence. Ideal if you’re changing careers due to health, redundancy, or personal circumstances and don’t know where to begin.

Discover Your Transferable Skills: Boost Your Employability

Use this this template guides to map the transferable skills you’ve gained through work, study, or life experiences. Great if you’ve been out of work or in the same role for a long time and feel unsure about what you can offer.

Building Your Cover Letters

Simple guidance to help you write tailored, effective cover letters that make an impact. Helpful if you struggle to write about yourself or aren’t sure what employers want to see.

Workplace Communication Made Easier

Support your work journey by learning some simple strategies to help you communicate, ask for help, remember and raise concerns. Helpful for those who may be anxious around conversations or remembering key information.

A Guide to Starting Your Own Business

Step-by-step advice on exploring self-employment and what’s involved in starting up. Ideal if traditional employment doesn’t feel like the right fit and you’re considering working for yourself.

Weekly Job Search Planner

A practical planner to help you organise your job search activities week by week. Great if staying motivated or structured in your job hunt feels like a challenge.

Navigating AI in Your Job Search

A guide to help you understand how AI tools impact recruitment, and how to use them to your advantage. Reassuring if you’re unsure how modern recruitment technology might affect your applications.

Navigating the Recruitment Cycle

This handout explains the stages of the recruitment process, from application to interview and beyond. It’s useful for anyone who wants to understand what to expect and how to navigate each stage successfully.

Networking for Beginners

Simple tips on how to start building professional connections without feeling awkward. Perfect if confidence or a lack of networks is holding you back from finding new opportunities.

Exploring a Career in the Armed Forces

This handout helps you research, plan, and explore the wide range of career opportunities available in the Armed Forces. It is ideal for anyone considering a career in the Army, Navy, Royal Marines, or RAF who wants to understand the different roles, entry routes, and pathways available.

A Guide to Securing an Apprenticeship

A clear guide on how apprenticeships work and how to apply, whatever your age. Especially useful if you’re looking for a way to retrain or start fresh in a new industry with structured support.

Master Interview Types

A helpful guide explaining different interview formats and how to prepare for each. Ideal if you’re unfamiliar with video interviews, assessments, or panel interviews and want to know what to expect.

Essential Interview Preparation Checklist

A clear checklist to help you prepare everything you need for interview day. Great if you’re worried about forgetting something important or feeling underprepared.

Mastering Video Interviews

A quick guide using the ADVANCE method to help you prepare and perform well in video interviews. Great for anyone nervous or new to online interviews.

Mock Interview Practice Worksheet

A structured worksheet to help you practise common interview questions and answers. Useful if you’re out of practice or want to build confidence before the real thing.

Overcoming Interview Anxiety

Practical strategies to help reduce nerves and perform your best during interviews. Supportive if anxiety or low confidence makes interviews particularly difficult for you.

5 Quick Interview Tips

Five simple, effective tips to help you feel more confident in any interview setting. Perfect if you want a fast refresher or boost before an upcoming interview.

Job Application Form Checklist

A step-by-step checklist to help you complete job applications accurately and confidently. Reassuring if you find applications overwhelming or haven’t completed one in a while.

StudyTrack Weekly Planner

A printable planner to help you structure your study, job search, or upskilling efforts. Perfect if you need to balance learning or job searching with health management or caring duties.

 I recommended the toolbox to a friend who was feeling overwhelmed about her job search. She got back to me, really grateful, saying it had so much useful advice to help with the things she was worried about. 

 The handouts were extremely helpful and the guidance was priceless! 

 These are amazing. Thank you very much, we have Year 11 learners these will be perfect for. 

Produced by SDM Training Services, specialists in tailored employability training for individuals facing barriers to work, including health conditions, confidence setbacks, or criminal convictions

A free online resource hub from SDM Training Services, offering downloadable tools to support jobseekers, especially those facing barriers like health conditions, confidence issues, or long-term unemployment.
Anyone looking to build confidence, structure their job search, or prepare for interviews, especially if you're returning to work after a break.
Yes. We believe quality employment support should be accessible to everyone, especially those who need it most.