Whether you're just starting out, looking for a career change or returning to work, Basingstoke and Deane offers a wide range of opportunities across sectors. While recruitment agencies are a great starting point, there are many other ways to boost your job search and increase your employability.
1. Start with local recruitment agencies
Basingstoke and Deane is home to several reputable recruitment agencies that specialise in everything from admin and finance to hospitality and IT. They can help match your skills with local employers and often have access to roles that aren’t advertised elsewhere. Well known names like REED, Hays and Office Angels have offices in the borough along with smaller ones like 1-1 Recruitment and Tate Recruitment. Register with more than one agency and keep your CV updated.
2. Explore job boards and listings
National platforms like Indeed, TotalJobs, and LinkedIn will have jobs within the borough. If you are looking for a role in retail or hospitality you’ll find a job board with vacancies in Festival Place.
3. Check the websites of large local employers
Employers like Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Hampshire Hospitals and Festival Place often advertise their jobs on their own websites.
4. Consider apprenticeships and entry-level roles
Apprenticeships aren’t just for school leavers—they’re available to people of all ages and offer a great way to earn while you learn. Local employers in sectors like construction, IT, healthcare and business administration are often looking for apprentices. Take a look at apprenticeships.gov.uk for information or one of the local apprenticeship providers: BCoT or Basingstoke ITEC.
5. Boost your employability
There are lots of free or low-cost courses are available locally in person or online, together with some national providers like the government backed Skills Toolkit. Take a read of our Employability and Skills page for an in depth look at what is available. If you are looking to get back into work then the M3 Job Club offers a programme of training and support. Some housing associations also offer employment support to their residents. Our free online training platform SEEDL has a range of courses designed for individuals who are entering the workforce following education or returning to work after an extended absence to get ready for the workplace.
6. Network locally
Attend local business events and networking meetups. Follow local employers and business groups on LinkedIn and social media to stay in the loop. You never know who you might bump into.
7. Make your application count
Finding a job isn’t just about sending applications but about making each one count. Taking a few extra minutes to tailor your CV or application form to the specific role, job description and person specification can increase your chances of standing out. While tools like AI can be a helpful starting point, whether that’s refining wording or spotting gaps, they work best when combined with your own insight and experience. It can be easy to spot an AI generated answer if it doesn’t sound like you or the rest of your application and if you do decide to use it double check for any American versions of spelling and that you haven’t included any intro from the AI answer. The strongest applications are clear, relevant and authentic, showing not just what you’ve done, but why it makes you a great fit for that particular role. For more detailed guidance, you can explore advice from the National Careers Service, which offers practical tips on writing and tailoring your CV.
Job hunting can be tough, but persistence pays off. Keep track of your applications, tailor your CV and cover letter for each role and don’t hesitate to ask for feedback if you’re not successful. It is also important to look after your mental health. There are courses to help on our free training platform SEEDL or you can reach out to organisations such as Mind.
You can also visit Jobcentre Plus to find out what support is available and how to access it.
Updated June 2026
Recruitment agencies
There are a number of recruitment agencies in the borough who could help you secure your perfect role. These are listed below together with the sectors they specialise in.
Abacus Employment Services – Industrial, environmental, distribution, commercial and hospitality.
Adecco Basingstoke – covers a wide range of sectors.
Best Time Recruitment - specialise in the transportation, industrial and admin sectors.
Forte Recruitment Solutions - offer temporary and permanent placements within the executive, commercial, industrial, and distribution sectors.
Hays – Accountancy and Finance, audit, risk and compliance, IT, marketing, office support, social care, telecoms.
LNS Recruitment - roles within construction, engineering and marine sectors.
Middle Recruitment - exclusively offer roles for engineers and technicians within IT companies working in the Microsoft ecosystem
Office Angels – temporary and permanent office professional roles.
Pertemps Basingstoke – permanent, contract and temporary roles across all sectors and industries.
Red Top – Technology and Information Security.
REED – Accountancy, Business Support, Hospitality and Leisure and Sales.
Tate Recruitment – HR, Admin, Marketing and Receptionist jobs.
The Best Connection - temporary jobs, flexible shifts and seasonal work.
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