Preparing for a Job or Apprenticeship

Writing A CV

The word Curriculum Vitae literally translated means the story of your life. Your CV is a very important document; with it rest your hopes and dreams for the future – that next step up the career ladder, a better position, more money and new challenges. Your CV therefore has to represent the best you have to offer if you do not want to miss out on that job you saw which was ‘perfect’ for you. These days employers often receive hundreds of CVs for each advertised position. So your CV has to be just that little bit special to stand out.

You may also need to include a covering letter.

You may find the following websites helpful to write your CV:

• www.alec.co.uk/cvtips/whatinfo.htm

• www.monster.co.uk/career-advice/cv-writing-tips

• www.planitplus.net/EasyCV

• www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/cvs-and-cover-letters/how-to-write-a-cv

These websites will give you advice on how to write a cover letter:

• www.bcs.org Although this is the careers section of the British Computer Society, the information here does not just apply to jobs in IT. There is useful advice here on different types of covering and application letters and how to tailor your response to your chosen job.

• www.e4s.co.uk

Interviews

Once you have secured your interview, it is very important to prepare.

Preparation:

1. Find out about the organisation. Read their website inside out so you understand what they do, what they pride themselves on and what values they expect in their workers. Ask questions via their social media links so they get to know you before the interview.

2. Think about yourself. What skills, qualities and achievements have you got that would interest the interviewer. Note down examples of where you have shown and developed these skills. Read your application again and pick out the things you’d like to come out at interview.

3. Plan your journey – make sure you know exactly where and when the interview will be. Aim to arrive at the reception area of the company at least 15 minutes before the interview. If possible, have a dry run beforehand and an alternative plan in case something goes wrong.

4. Dress appropriately – choose clothes that suit the type of work and fit in with the organisation’s image. Aim to look clean, neat and tidy. Get your clothes ready the day before.

5. Always take a pen and something to write on and read your interview instructions carefully in case they have requested that you should bring anything else along.

Use the following websites to help you find out how to complete a successful interview:

• www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/interview-tips

• www.totaljobs.com/careers-advice/interviews/interview-questions

• www.collegegrad.com/tough-interview-questions An American website, but a good basis for you to prepare some possible interview answers. This article features tough questions you may be asked at interview.