Looking for work?

Advice and information on seeking employment.

• Creating a Curriculum Vitae
• Sample Cover Letter
• Interview Advice

JOB SEARCH Advice on where to look.

* By writing a list of employers you would like to work for. Find their website address from 'google' on the internet by typing in the company name. Look in yellow pages under the type of company e.g. Accountants, Solicitors. Look in your local telephone directory for their number.

* Check your local connexions or job centre Visit and speak to an advisor Look on the vacancy board in the centre and ask questions about the jobs advertised.

* Look in the Newspapers There are local papers in the area to buy e.g. Express and Echo, Herald Express, North Devon Journal etc. They also have them in the local libraries Find out what day the job vacancies are advertised Read the job vacancies properly - don't just scan the page. Take an interest in the type of vacancies offered.

* Ask your family and friends and other people you know (not all jobs are advertised). Ask them if there is a contact who you would send your letter and C.V to. Sometimes they can approach the company for you stating you are looking for work.

* Find out the names of your local Training Providers from Connexions Ask them what types of jobs the providers offer (e.g Office or Shop work) Ask the advisor for a form to apply to the provider that offers the type of vacancy you are looking for.

* Check job search websites for Vacancies that may be of interest to you:

• www.etsgroup.co.uk
• www.fish4jobs.co.uk
• www.thisisdevon.co.uk
• www.thisiscornwall.co.uk
• www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk
• www.ma4u.org.uk
• www.jobsite.co.uk
• www.monster.co.uk
• www.connexions.gov.uk

Creating a Curriculum Vitae

Blow your own trumpet!

Aims:
To understand the uses of a C.V. To provide tips on producing your own. A C.V should be a mini life history that interests an employer enough to want to interview you. You MUST tell the truth, but you don't have to tell them everything, - save something for the interview. You can also "target" your information for a particular occupation or job role. You may want to tailor it for the specific position you are applying for.

Important tips

• Advertise yourself so that people will be interested in you.
• Ask yourself what potential employers are looking for - if you've got it, make it known.
• Stand out from the competition - make sure you can offer everything a potential employer might need.
• Emphasise your successes, especially if they are related to the particular job you are going for. Be selective, - emphasise positives and avoid negatives.
• Only include information that can be fully supported.
• Try to keep your C.V to a minimum of 2 pages. Don't send a scruffy or badly copied C.V. Try to send an original print off every time.
• No need to write C.V or Curriculum Vitae at top (but no harm).
• Make it attractive and easy to read. Don't use abbreviations or jargon.
• Check that all dates are correct.
• Use your spellchecker. You should have titles in capitals and the remainder in lower case letters. The spellchecker will also highlight punctuation and grammatical mistakes. Ask a friend or parent to check it for you.

Uses for a C.V

• To give potential employers an indication of what you have to offer - you wouldn't buy a sound system until you knew what it could do!
• A good thing to have to hand for a telephone interview - you have all your relevant information to hand.
• To apply for an advertised job.
• To send to a company you might wish to work for.
• To include with an application form - but never replace an application form with a C.V.
• To help as a source of information when completing application forms. Never write "see C.V" in the place of an answer on a form, your application will probably end up in the bin.
• As a reminder when preparing for an interview.

Sections of a C.V

Basic Details

• Name : Supply preferred first name and surname
• Address: Don't forget the postcode
• Telephone: Include the area code of your home phone number. Include a Mobile number if you have one.

Personal Profile and Key Skills
Many people choose to include a short statement about themselves and what they can offer an employer at the beginning of their C.V. The purpose of this is to give a positive picture of yourself and to encourage the employer to read on. . Make it positive, Keep it brief, emphasise you strengths, highlight important qualities, skills and knowledge

Examples of Personal Profiles

• An enthusiastic, reliable young person. I enjoy working in a team environment, can learn new skills quickly, can work to deadlines and follow instructions.
• A good communicator at all levels, patient, helpful, honest, and able to preserve confidentiality. A person who rises to the challenge and works well as a member of a team or on own initiative.
• A personable and articulate person who has the ability to get on with all types of people and offer high standards of customer care. A flexible self-starter who is eager to learn new skills.
• A well presented person, able to communicate well. Eager to learn and prepared to word hard and undertake a variety of duties.

Prompt Words

These are only a guide. You will have additional words and skills that describe your personal qualities and previous experience too.

Flexible, Sensible, Lively, Approachable, Dependable, Capable, Thorough, Decisive, Articulate, Quick to learn, Dedicated, Assertive, Imaginative, Adaptable, Friendly, Reliable, Responsible, Competent, Independent, Enthusiastic, Methodical, Calm, Practical, Accurate, Careful, Bright, Outgoing, Versatile, Humorous, Committed, Punctual, Polite, Confident, Loyal, Organised, Patient.

Personal Skills
Able to meet deadlines, Works under pressure, Team Member, Self motivated, Checking for accuracy, Corresponding with clients, Listening skills, Operating equipment, Able to use tools, Organising time, Calculating numerical data, I.T literate.

Sample Cover Letter

Download a sample cover letter.

Interview Advice

Interviews

1. Try and find out a little about the Company. Most Companies have a profile on their website.
2. Prepare a list of questions to ask - see suggestions.
3. Arrive approximately 10 minutes before your appointment.
4. Please wear smart clothing, as this will create a good first impression.
5. They may ask you to talk about yourself - tell them about - Any Saturday jobs / previous employment, any work experience from school, the school you attended, subjects taken (say 4 or 5), and hobbies.
6. Look at the person who is interviewing you.
7. Remember - SMILE it shows interest.

Questions the Interviewer may ask you

• "Tell me about yourself"
• "Why do you want this job?"
• "What makes you think you would be good at the job?"
• "What qualities do you think you have to offer?"
• "What are your ambitions?"
• "What have you done that shows you can work in a team?"
• "Have you ever had difficulties getting on with others?"
• "What have you done which will help you carry out this role?"
• "What do you know about our company?"

Pre-Interview Advice

Things to consider

• The first 2 minutes count - you need to make a good impression.
• What do you understand about their business? · How much do you want the job?
• What do you understand the job to be? - Talk through the job specification.
• Be aware of the "most important thing" the company is looking for, i.e. relevant experience, good team member etc.
• Relate previous experience to company's needs.
• Why do you want the job?
• What questions may you feel uncomfortable in answering? (Prepare answers in advance).
• What questions may you need to ask? - see suggestions later in pack.
• Think about whether the position still interests you. · If yes, say something like "I am very interested in this job and look forward to hearing from you."
• If no, say something like " Thank you for your time, but I do not feel this position would be right for me".
• How will you end the interview - the last 2 minutes are important too! Say something like - "Thank you for your time" and offer a departing handshake.

Interview Technique

The interviewer is not only assessing whether you can do the job, but will also expect you to fit into the team. Your attitude at interview is important and so is the way you communicate with the interviewer. Speak clearly and, if you don't understand a question, ask the interviewer to phrase it in another way. You are allowed to pause to think, you don't need to answer every question immediately after the question is asked, but don't be silent for too long!

Preparation

Be prepared for questions you may be asked, without being over-rehearsed. Research details about the company's products or services, and prepare any questions you may wish to ask about the Company.

Presentation

The image you present is important. Remember that first impressions do count. We suggest you wear :

• Smart trousers or skirt (not too short or too long !!!) Jeans are not suitable for interviews for most occupations
• A smart shirt, blouse or top (clean and ironed - and a tie can look very smart)
• Clean shoes (definitely not too casual, i.e trainers)
• A jacket will create a good impression but is not essential

Personality

It is important to develop a rapport with your interviewer. Take note of the following points:

• A firm handshake
• Maintain eye contact
• Speak Clearly
• Don't waffle
• Don't digress
• Avoid jargon
• Don't fidget

Positive Attitude

At the interview be positive and enthusiastic throughout. Enthusiasm and a willingness to learn can be more important than having the right experience. You have to demonstrate that you can do the job, that you want the job and that you will fit in.

Questions you may want to ask the interviewer

During the course of the interview, the client will probably explain most of the details about the job. There may be gaps though and you will want to ask your own questions.

Try not to interrupt; the best time to raise questions is at the end of the interview.

Possible questions could include:

• "Who will be my supervisor?"
• "What are the development opportunities?"
• "What training will I be given?"
• "Who will I be working with?"
• "What are the normal hours of work?"
• "Are there any unusual hours of work?"
• "What is the probationary period here?"
• "Will I be paid for any overtime?"
• "When can I expect a decision?"
• "When would I be expected to start?"
• "Would you show me around the office or department to see where I would be based?"