Guide to Job Seeking & Apprenticeships

Job or Apprenticeship hunting is not for the faint-hearted. It takes time and commitment, so you need to be prepared in order to be successful.

Introduction

If you are looking for an Apprenticeship or Training you need to be prepared in order to make a good impression. There are a number of steps to success;

Step 1:Make sure you are clear about what you are applying for and if it is the right thing for you. If necessary, see out some Careers Advice either in school or via the National Careers Service.

Step 2:Consider if you have the right qualities and aptitudes for the job. Having done voluntary work or a part time job will make you look more attractive to an employer or training provider.

Step 3: Register on that you complete the registration fully.

Step 4:Consider registering with local training providers (see page 15-19 for info)

Step5:Draw up a list of companies you would like to work for – for large organisations you may need to apply directly. They usually have a ‘Careers’ section on their website.

Step 6:Think about your network – do you know anyone working in that industry? It’s not always what you know!! Make contact and see if they have any opportunities.

Step 7:Persevere. It can be frustrating when you are not successful with your first application … but keep going … it will be worth it.

Step 8:If you’ve had an unsuccessful interview, ask for feedback. It’s not always easy to take, but it will help you for next time.

Step 9:Have a backup plan, College or University or a positive gap year.

Step 10:Enjoy!!

How to write a CV:

  • Sell – don’t tell. It needs to be brief and to the point. Tell the best bits about you, it’s not your life story.
  • Don’t get fancy – it’s the wording that is more important than fancy paper or pictures – plain A4 paper, in a sensible font but quality writing will get you further than pretty pictures
  • Be positive – focus on the great things you have to offer or put a careful spin on things you might struggle with e.g. I work carefully to ensure Maths calculations are completed correctly
  • Word process your CV and make sure there are no spelling mistakes – get someone else to check it for you if necessary.
  • If you put an email address on your CV, make sure it is a mature and sensible one – FlashDancer99 doesn’t look good to an employer!
  • If you’ve not had a great deal of work experience so far, highlight skills you’ve developed through babysitting, a paper-round, helping an elderly relative etc – it’s all relevant.
  • Tailor your CV to the job you are applying for. Use the job description to match the skills you include with the ones the employer is looking for.
  • Your CV is a living, breathing document. It grows with you and should change for each job you apply for.
  • Be careful what you talk about in an interest and hobbies section – don’t talk about ‘drinking with mates’ - do talk about playing in a sports team or going to a youth group.
  • Make sure you have two references available – school and an employer is ideal but it shouldn’t be anyone in your family.
  • Always send a covering letter with your CV explaining why you have applied for the job.
  • DON’T LIE ON A CV – it’s never worth it.
  • Consider who is reading it – what are they looking for?

Example CV

Joe Bloggs

123 High Street, Tyldesley, Manchester07777 123456

Manchester, M29 1AA

01942 123456

Personal Profile/Skills

Put together a positive statement or short paragraph about your skills and what would set you apart from other people who might be applying for this job

Education:

Brainy Kids High SchoolDates Attended e.g. from 2011 to 2016

QualificationsExpected Grades

GCSE EnglishB

BTEC Sport etcMerit

Work Experience

List any work experience or part time jobs that you have had. Even a paper round or babysitting is relevant as it shows commitment and maturity. Put what you learned and the duties you had – do this well and it can make the dullest job look impressive.

Achievements/Interests/Hobbies

Highlight skills that you have developed during hobbies or interests, only if it is relevant to the job you are applying for.

Reference:Available on request.

Ideally you should have ready the names of 2 referees – someone who can tell a potential employer something about your character and ability to do the job you have applied for. If you have no-one else you could have two members of staff from school e.g. Head Teacher or Head of Year. Do not use a family member.

Cover Letters.

All CVs should be sent with a cover letter. They should:

  • State what position you are applying for and where you saw the vacancy e.g. which newspaper or website it was on.
  • Explain why you are interested in this type of work, and show that you understand what the job is likely to involve
  • Show that you have researched the organisation – research equals enthusiasm in the eyes of the employer
  • Explain why you are suitable for the position. Education, experience and skills can all be important. Try to include some practical examples to back yourself up.
  • Let the employer know when you are available for interview
  • Type it up clearly, preferably in the same style and font as your CV and don’t forget to sign it at the bottom.
  • Finish positively

Example Cover Letter

123 High Street,

Tyldesley,

Manchester, M29 1AA

01942 123456

Date

John Smith

Recruitment Manager

Juicy Fruit Supermarket

The High Street

Wigan WN1 1AA

Dear Mr Smith

Re: Trainee Retail Manager

I am writing to apply for the above position which I saw advertised recently on your website.

I first become interested in working in the Retail Sector following my work experience during school. This helped me to see that this is a vibrant and interesting place to work and one in which I feel I could thrive and develop my skills further.

I particularly feel that Juicy Fruit Supermarket would be a great place to start my career because of the reputation of your Management Trainee programme.

I have had a variety of part-time and holiday jobs including a paper-round, working in the local Fish & Chip shop and working in my local supermarket. This has helped me to develop skills when dealing with customers, being reliable and trustworthy and understanding the retail sector further. I feel I could be a good addition to your existing team.

I have enclosed a copy of my CV and I look forward to hearing from you shortly.

Yours sincerely

Joe Bloggs

Mr Joe Bloggs

Speculative Letters

These are different to Covering letters as they are like cold-calling via mail.

  • Think carefully about what you want to say, do a rough copy first
  • Give your full address and all relevant contact details
  • Ring the company first to get a name of the person responsible for recruitment
  • Use Dear Sir/Madam and ‘Yours faithfully’ if you don’t have a specific name, and Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms .. and ‘Yours sincerely’ if you do
  • First paragraph: show why you are writing to the firm
  • Second paragraph: tell the employer about your current situation and that you are enclosing a CV. Point out some of the key points of your CV.
  • Third paragraph: say when you are available for interview and to start work.
  • Be positive and flexible in your language
  • Ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors and that the letters are neat and on good quality paper.

Example Speculative Letter

123 High Street,

Tyldesley,

Manchester, M29 1AA

01942 123456

12 February 2012

John Smith

Recruitment Manager

Juicy Fruit Supermarket

The High Street

Wigan WN1 1AA

Dear Mr Smith

Re: Trainee Retail Manager Opportunities

I would like to be considered for any positions you might have for Retail Management Training within your Group.

I first became interested in working in the Retail Sector following my work experience at Vibrant Veg Supermarket. This helped me to see that this is a fast-paced and interesting place to work and one in which I feel I could thrive and develop my skills further. I particularly feel that Juicy Fruit Supermarket would be a great place to start my career because of the reputation of your Management Trainee programme. I have enclosed a copy of my CV for your information.

I have had a variety of part-time and holiday jobs including a paper-round, working in the local Fish & Chip shop and working in my local supermarket. This has helped me to develop skills when dealing with customers, being reliable and trustworthy and understanding the retail sector further.

I complete my A Level studies in June and would be available to commence any opportunity then. I am available to meetto discuss this further at your convenience. I look forward to hearing from you shortly.

Yours sincerely

Joe Bloggs

Mr Joe Bloggs

Tips for completing Application Forms:

Application forms are another way to assess if you are the right person for the job. An employer may ask you to complete one even after they’ve already seen your CV.

  • Read any instructions carefully. Some make ask you to write in black pen or to handwrite the form – you fall at the first hurdle if you don’t do this.
  • Make sure you understand all the questions – check with someone if you don’t.
  • Forms can be daunting. You could complete them a section a time, if you have the time to do this.
  • If you do have to handwrite the form, take a copy of the form and do it in rough first, to reduce the number of mistakes. There should be no crossings-out on an application.
  • Check the job description for the job carefully and ensure that you can meet all the essential criteria – give examples but make sure they are brief and relevant.
  • Make sure you sign it at the bottom.
  • Send it off in good time. If it’s even a minute late it may not be considered.
  • Keep a copy for reference before an interview or for completing future forms.
  • Make sure the form is kept neat and tidy and is sent in a big enough envelope, sothat it arrives looking just as pristine as when it left you.
  • Get someone to check it before you send it.

Employer Log

It may be useful to keep a track of which employers you have contacted, when and what the outcome was. It can also be useful to send a CV and then follow up with a phone call. Use the following table or design one of your own.

Date / Company Name / Name of Contact / Nature of Contact / Outcome
12.2.12 / Juicy Fruit
Supermarket / John Smith / Sent Speculative letter with CV / They sent application pack

Interview Tips

Interviews can come in all shapes and sizes, from individual meetings, to panel interviews to assessment centres which can mean a series of interviews, tests and tasks. The following tips may help with most of these, but it is still important to do your own research too.

Interview Techniques

•Read the job vacancy and your application carefully so it is fresh in your mind.

•Ensure you understand what will be expected from you in the job role.

•Research the company, products, culture, employees and competitors.

•Prepare your own questions to ask the interviewer:How do you see the business progressing?Will there be opportunities to go out of the office?Will I be offered any future training?Can I get involved with out of office activities?

•Take a copy of your CV along to the interview.

•Be sure you know the interview requirements: one-to-one interview, presentation, panel interview, assessment centre and/or psychometric testing.

•On the day, expect to be nervous but try to control any obvious signs like shaking or a cracking voice.

•Plan your outfit the day before and dress smartly.

•Ensure you know the location and plan your transport route.

•Introduce yourself clearly and give a steady handshake to all employees.

•Be polite, enthusiastic and positive throughout you interview.

•Ask the follow up question of when you can expect to hear back and how the application moves forward.

Thank the interviewer for their time and finish with another strong handshake.

Potential Job Interview Questions

Here are some typical job interview questions that you may be asked. Carefully think of some answers to these questions so that you are fully prepared for your interview. If you are asked a question that you don’t understand, don’t be afraid to ask for it to be repeated.

•What do you know about this company?

•What interests you about the job vacancy and how are you suitable for the role?

•Are you willing to travel?

•Why did you leave your previous position?

•What makes you a suitable candidate for the role?

•What is your greatest strength?

•How do you cope with stress in the work place?

•What has been your biggest challenge in life so far and how have you overcome it?

•Where do you see yourself in three years’ time?

Use a structure to your answers to give it some focus. There are a number of different ones, work out which is the best for you and this particular interview.

  • C A R: Context, where were you doing this, Action: what did you do to move the task forward, Result: detail the outcome and what you might have done differently
  • S T A R Situation: where were you doing this, Task: what did you have to do, Action: what did you do to contribute to the task, Result: detail the outcome and what you might have done differently
  • A B C Activity: what did you do, Benefit: how did this help the task, Course/Career: how is this relevant to your chosen course or career aspirations

Don’t be afraid to ask for a question to be repeated or taking a few moments to gather your thoughts.

Prepare some questions that you could ask at the end of the interview but don’t ask about money or holidays – that’s for a later time.

Ask when you may be notified of their decision. If you have been unsuccessful, approach the company for feedback. It will give you good tips of how you can be even better next time.

Volunteering Opportunities

Boost your CV

Volunteering can be a great way to have fun, meet new people and develop valuable skills that can boost your CV and might be the difference that gets you on that competitive course or into that perfect job.

Check out some of the websites below to get an idea of the vast array of opportunities available to you both on your doorstep and abroad.

CVS Wigan & Leigh
/ They promote volunteering locally and you can get information or programmes and events. All their vacancies are advertised on ‘do-it.org’
Do-It: Volunteering Made Easy
/ This is a great resource and offers a huge variety of opportunities both locally and nationally. If you’re serious about volunteering, this will be a good place to start.
Volunteering Matters
/ Volunteering Matters (formerly CSV) can offer long-term placements (4-12 months) which is great as part of a gap year and if you are trying to build up skills for a particular career such as Social Work.
Voluntary Services Overseas
/ VSO offer long and short term placements in developing regions which are a great opportunity to understand a different culture, make new friends and develop skills. They have specific projects aimed at people aged 18-25. Check out the website of details.
Vinspired
/ Vinspired is a national organisation set up to encourage young people to volunteer and be part of their community. There are some vacancies on their website and other information about projects. You can build up your hours towards a Vinspired award and this would look great in an achievements folder or on your CV.

Where to find vacancies

It is thought that around 70% of vacancies are never advertised. Instead they are given to internal candidates, people known to existing employees and people who have written excellent speculative letters!

This means that you have to think carefully about your network – the old saying ‘it’s not what you know, but who you know’ applies here. Exploit these networks carefully for any relevant opportunities.

You could also create your own networks through work experience, internships or voluntary work (see below for info on Voluntary work).

Useful websites:

This is a national website that shows Apprenticeship vacancies locally and nationally. You can set up a profile including an email alert for any new, relevant vacancies.

This gives you all the vacancies advertised through the Job Centre.