Getting a job

Getting a job

Job searching

When it comes to job searching, you can apply directly to an advert through an agency or online job board. There are several local recruitment agencies you can register with and these can be found online. Popular job boards include:

  • Reed
  • Indeed
  • TotalJobs
  • LinkedIn

Filling in an application form

Many employers have their own application forms. Typically the form will require the following information:

  • Contact details
  • Employment history
  • Educational qualifications
  • Skills you possess which are relevant to the job you are applying for
  • References.

The most challenging part of an application form is to list and describe the skills you possess. Usually the Employer will want you to describe how you have handled a particular situation to demonstrate you have a skill.

For support on filling in an application form please book a career interview using the career interview booking link.

Book interview

Want to book an interview with Kidderminster College’s Career Advisor?

How to write a CV

CV stands for Curriculum Vitae which shows your employment history, skills and qualifications for when you apply for a job. CV’s should ideally not be more than two pages long and must be written in a way to make sure you stand out from other candidates.

What to include in each section of a CV

Contact details are simple. You must provide a full name, email address, contact number and home address. This is so the Employer can contact you through any of these routes.

For email addresses, it’s best to use an email that has your full name. For example, use part of your full name in the email, rather than one like bubbalicious@gmail.com. This doesn’t look professional to Employers.

A personal statement explains in a professional manner who you are. This includes an overview of your skills, achievements, qualifications, ambitions and what you will bring to the employer.

This statement will be the opening paragraph underneath your contact details.

Example:

‘A highly motivated student looking for a first time position within a retail environment. Throughout my education, I have demonstrated high levels of motivation, work ethic and teamwork to achieve my predicted grades. I wish to utilise these skills and work with customers to satisfy their needs’.

Most employers prefer to see employment history first, however coming out of college, it’s best to put your education first.

To start, put your most recent name of school and years attended. From there. list relevant subjects to the job role (including GCSE English and Maths), as well any relevant coursework, project and awards from the school that would help with the job role.

Your achievements will help you stand out against other candidates. Put down anything you’re proud of, even if it’s not education related.

Any achievements in hobbies e.g. music awards, or taking part in work related experience would be great to put down in this section.

Hobbies can help show what our interests are, and what kind of person you are. Avoid putting hobbies down like ‘socialising’ and ‘reading’. Employers want to see hobbies like ‘sports’, ‘volunteering’, ‘learning a new skill’ ‘blog writing’ and ‘travelling’.

If you want to put down a references, you must get their permission first. A good reference includes teachers, supervisors, hobby teachers. Do not include families and friends down.

Or, you can put ‘references available upon request’.

For support on writing cvs please access available resources on the careers website and / or book a careers interview using the career interview booking link

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