Job hunting

The main aim of application forms, CVs, letters of application and interviews is to show an employer or college tutor what you have to offer in terms of:

• Skills
• Experiences
• Attitudes
• Potential – how much more you can learn and offer in time.

Your keys to success will be:

• Perseverance – you may need to make a number of applications before you are successful. Ask employers for feedback and learn from any rejections.
• Recognising you have competition – if you’re interested in a job, apprenticeship or college course, others will be too. It will be vital not to take any part of the application process for granted.
• Research – find out fully what you are applying for and who you are applying to. This way you’ll be better able to highlight the appropriate skills and experiences.
• Willingness to keep on learning – getting the job will be one thing, keeping it will depend on your willingness and ability to develop the skills you already have and learn new ones.

Your Connexions personal adviser can help you with job hunting, making applications and interview practice. They’ll make sure you get details of current job vacancies and apprenticeships.

Useful downloads

Download these information sheets to help you with a specific area of the job hunting process:

Application Forms

Covering & Speculative Letters

Curriculum Vitae

Finding Vacancies

Getting Ready

Job Search Tracker

Really Useful Websites

Selection Tests

Weblinks

MyPlan4Life – go to the Plan-it section and choose the CV Builder option. (You will need a password – if you haven’t got one from school, ask at your Connexions Centre)
External link: myplan4life.org

Vacancies, apprenticeships and training places - go to the vacancies section.