What You Need To Do by Lincolnshire County Council

What

You Getting in touch For a local appointment or advice call the CfBT Careers Guidance Service on 01522 782116. For web based information and advice for young people visit www.teeninfolincs.co.uk

Need To Do

A guide to help you find vacancies, apply for them and do well at interviews.

For details of courses and training available in Lincolnshire access the Area Prospectus at www.14-19.info 1

Contents Welcome 4 Information and Advice

Learning for Longer

Focus on Apprenticeships

Focus on Foundation Learning

Focus on Self Employment

Focus on Jobs

Focus on Volunteering

Choosing the Right Apprenticeship or Job

Finding an Apprenticeship or Job

Application forms

Speculative Letters Example speculative Letters

23 25

Online Applications

Phoning Employers

Visiting Employers

Interviews 30 Useful websites

Job Search Diary

CVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 16 Example CV 18 Covering Letters for CVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and Application Forms Example covering Letter

20 22

Welcome to What You Need To Do

If you’RE looking to get into the world of work then this booklet is for you. It’s been written to help you choose, find and get the Apprenticeship or job that you want. It outlines the main options open to you, explains the different ways of applying for them and gives you tips and hints on doing well at interview. Using the information in here should help you to get the vacancy that you want. You can find an online version of this booklet in the “careers” section on www.teeninfolincs.co.uk it contains live web links which will take you directly to the information you want. 4

Information and Advice CfBT Careers Guidance Service CfBT Careers Guidance Service provides support for young people aged 16-19 not in education, employment or training (NEET). For a local appointment call 01522 782116. For more information on the service visit the “careers” section on www.teeninfolincs.co.uk My Careers Adviser’s name and contact details:

The National Careers Service The National Careers Service provides careers and employment information and advice to young people in England. You can contact the National Careers Service helpline on 0800 100 900. Lines are open between 8am –10pm 7 days a week. The National Careers Service website https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk - provides careers advice and information on a wide range of jobs, training course resources and funding. You can also use the website to web chat or email their Careers Advisers.

facebook.com/nationalcareersservice

https://twitter.com/nationalcareers 5

Learning for Longer From September 2013, young people will be required to continue in education or training for the full academic year in which they turn 17. By September 2015, participation will be raised to their 18th birthday. There will be several options after 16, including full time education, apprenticeships and part-time training or education alongside volunteering and employment. Find out more by visiting www.rpainfo.org.uk

Focus on Apprenticeships As an apprentice you learn on the job, building up work based knowledge and skills, gaining qualifications and earning a wage all at the same time. You’ll earn a minimum of £2.65 per hour. Most of the training you’ll do will be “on the job” - working with a mentor to learn the skills of the job. You may also spend some time with a training provider or college, building up your skills and knowledge.

There are different types of Apprenticeships available: Intermediate

Apprenticeships Advanced Apprenticeships Higher Apprenticeships

Pre–Apprenticeship programmes may also be available. These are designed to help you get ready for a full Apprenticeship. The length of your Apprenticeship will depend on the industry sector, your ability, the qualifications that you work towards and your employer’s needs. As a guide an Intermediate Apprenticeship usually takes between 12-24 months. The Apprenticeship that’s right for you will depend on your interests, ability, level of qualifications and what’s available locally. To find out more visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk look at the Apprenticeship vacancies section on www.teeninfolincs.co.uk or contact the local Apprenticeship/Work Based Learning Champions. You’ll find their contact details on www.thewba.co.uk

Apprenticeships cover 1,200 job roles in a range of industries.

Focus on Foundation Learning If you don’t feel quite ready to start a job, Apprenticeship or college course then Foundation Learning could be for you. Foundation Learning covers entry level and level 1 qualifications and is aimed at giving you the support to enable you to achieve the skills and qualifications you need to move onto a level 2 course, an Apprenticeship or a job. It could be for you if: You

want to improve your confidence You would like to gain qualifications You need more skills and experience before you decide what to do next

What you’ll do on your programme will depend on your individual needs, the skills and qualifications you already have and what the Foundation Learning provider can offer. It could include: Improving

your everyday Functional Skills Gaining Functional Skills qualifications in English, maths and ICT Work experience in one or more job areas Gaining qualifications in a work area that interests you Working on your CV, job searching and interview preparation skills Improving your personal and social skills

Foundation Learning is tailored to suit your individual needs. You will work to gain qualifications and awards, build the skills and confidence you need to move on. Your Careers Adviser can tell you all about Foundation Learning, help you decide if it would be a good option and put you in touch with local providers. If you feel you need help with your confidence and motivation in order to access education or training, you may be eligible for support from the Youth Contract or The Prince’s Trust. You can contact CfBT Careers Guidance Service for more information.

Focus on Self Employment Self-employment means working for yourself rather than for an employer. It’s an option lots of people consider as being your own boss can sound very tempting. It’s not always an easy option – you’ll have to be to be determined, committed, and passionate about your choice. You’ll also need to have a realistic, watertight business plan. Selfemployment doesn’t suit everyone and not all businesses will succeed. But if you can make your business work the sense of satisfaction and achievement can be massive. Before you go any further get some information and advice from the experts. Business Lincolnshire – www.businesslincolnshire.com Prince’s Trust – www.princes-trust.org.uk Shell Livewire – www.shell-livewire.org Young Traders – www.youngtraders.org.uk

Focus on Jobs If you want to go straight into a job you should try to look for one that includes training. If possible it should lead to a nationally recognised qualification. This is because the more qualifications and skills you gain now the easier it should be for you to move up the job ladder in the future. More qualifications usually mean more pay. Have you thought about doing an Apprenticeship? If you finish year 11 in, or after summer 2013, “Learning for Longer” applies to you. It means that if you’re employed for 20 hours or more a week you may be required to undertake part-time education or training that leads to a recognised qualification. However many hours you work, you should also think about doing some part time learning alongside your job. At age 16 and 17 you’re entitled to a National Minimum Wage of £3.68 per hour (there is a separate rate for apprentices). For confidential help and advice on the National Minimum Wage call the Pay and Work Rights Helpline on 0800 917 2368.

Focus on Volunteering

You’ll get training and may be able to work towards qualifications or awards. Volunteering looks good on your CV and is something that can be fitted around your other commitments. If you finish year 11 in, or after summer 2013, “Learning for Longer” applies to you. It means that you may be required to undertake parttime education or training that leads to a recognised qualification, if you volunteer for 20 hours or more a week. Whatever your interests or passions, there’s likely to be a volunteering opportunity to suit you. You won’t get paid but you will usually have any travel costs and other expenses covered. If you receive benefits you should check to make sure they won’t be affected by your volunteering. Find out more about volunteering at: Do-it – www.do-it.org.uk Volunteering England – www.volunteering.org.uk Volunteering section on Gov.uk – www.gov.uk/volunteering/ volunteering-for-young-people

Choosing the Right Apprenticeship or Job To help you decide what type of Apprenticeship or job would be right for you, you need to think about:

Volunteering is a way to try different things, learn new skills and develop the ones you already have. It can give you the opportunity to find out about different work places, gain useful work experience and help you get some of the skills and experience that employers are looking for. 10

What you want from a job What your interests are What you’re good at What you enjoy and don’t enjoy The skills you’d like to learn Any work skills you already have Any health problems, criminal convictions

or personal issues which may affect you doing a particular type of work 11

You need to find out about:

The

day to day tasks and activities of the Apprenticeship or job that interests you The type of qualifications, skills and personal qualities needed for that type of work The type of training available. How much money you’d be paid The hours you’d be expected to work – they could include week-ends, evenings or early morning starts The opportunities available locally Your future prospects in different areas of work

The National Careers Service website has up-to-date profiles on hundreds of different jobs. Visit https:// nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/ to find out what your ideal job involves and pays.

Finding an Apprenticeship or Job Finding an Apprenticeship or job can some times seem like a fulltime job! Knowing the right places to look can make things a lot easier.

Below are some of the main places that you should be regularly looking: Check

out the local Apprenticeship vacancies on the home page of www.teeninfolincs.co.uk Register with the National Apprenticeship Service www.apprenticeships.org.uk to search and apply for Apprenticeship vacancies Contact local Work Based Learning providers about Apprenticeships and Foundation Learning. You’ll find provider’s contact details on www.14-19.info Phone the Jobcentre Plus on 0845 6060234 or use the Universal Jobmatch (www.gov.uk/jobs-jobsearch) to search for vacancies Visit the website of companies you’d like to work for – many employers use their website (and occasionally Facebook page) to advertise their vacancies Scan the job pages in your local newspapers. Local and national papers often have job vacancy sections on their websites Look in shop windows and at notice boards outside places of work. Supermarkets and other retail outlets may advertise their vacancies on their in store noticeboards Registering with local employment/recruitment agencies and online job search sites may increase your chances of finding work Use your personal networks - ask family, friends, neighbours to tell you about any vacancies they hear about Contact CfBT Careers Guidance Service for support if you are still looking for an Apprenticeship or job once you’ve left school.

Application forms

When you apply for a vacancy you may be asked to fill in an application form. These are used by employers to gather information on applicants and help them decide who they want to interview. You won’t get invited to interview if you send a form that’s covered in stains, full of spelling mistakes, carelessly filled in or lacking in detail. Many employers use online application forms but others will ask you to complete a paper copy. Give the same care and attention to both types of form.

Proof

read your form and get someone else to also read through

it too Take a copy of the form before you send it off - you’ll need to read through it before you go to your interview Make sure that you send it off on time – it won’t get looked at if it arrives late

Pointers for filling in application forms

Read any guidance notes and follow all instructions Take your time and don’t rush. It can take several hours

to do a

proper job Always fill in a practice copy first. When you’re happy with what you want to say complete the original form Use black ink Make sure your writing is neat and legible. Only use block capitals if you’re instructed to If you apply online use the same font and text size throughout the form (try arial, verdana or tahama at size 11 or 12) Don’t use ‘text’ speak, slang or abbreviations Be positive and truthful – lies or exaggerations will be found out Complete all sections on the form. If the question isn’t relevant write “not applicable” or “NA” in that section Remember to put your name and the job title/reference number on any extra sheets of information you attach to the form Find two people who are happy to be given as referees. They must not be related to you. Employers may ask for a reference from school, college or someone you have worked or volunteered for

Top tip It can save time to use some of the information from a previous application form you’ve filled in. But don’t just copy the information across – make sure it’s relevant for the vacancy you’re applying for.

Top tip Use the “additional or supporting information” section on the form to show how your skills, experience and personal qualities match those listed in the job description or person specification.

CVs A CV is a way of advertising your skills, qualifications, knowledge and abilities to a potential employer. Think of it as your opportunity to “sell yourself” and make an employer want to meet you. It takes time and effort to produce a good CV. There are no rules about what you should put in your CV but it’s usual to include: details – name, address, phone number, email address. Don’t give an email address that’s sleazy or silly A personal profile – a couple of positive sentences that introduce yourself and highlights your strengths Key skills – use this section to show the skills and experience you have that are relevant for the job you’re applying for Education and qualifications – names and dates of the secondary schools and colleges that you’ve attended. List the most recent first, and remember to include all of your qualifications and grades Details of any employment, work experience or voluntary work – list the most recent first. Write a brief description of what each job involves, and be positive about what you’ve learned and achieved Hobbies or interests – give examples that show you in a positive light References – it’s usual to put “references available upon request”. Make sure that you have two people (not relatives) that are willing to supply a positive reference if asked

Personal

Target your CV to the type of job or area of work that you’re applying for. Read the job description and mark the key points then match your experience and skills to these. You’ll only be successful if your CV is relevant to the vacancy the employer is looking to fill!

Pointers for writing a good CV Make

sure that the information you include is relevant and to the point. Your CV should be no longer than 2 sides of A4 Be positive and enthusiastic but don’t invent things or leave unexplained gaps Take care with your spelling, grammar and punctuation Word process it - handwriting can look untidy and be difficult to read Use clear headings the same font throughout (try arial, verdana or tahamo size 11 or 12) Print it out on plain white or cream A4 paper and use the right size envelope Read through your finished CV and ask someone else to check it for you Remember to save a copy before you send it off

Top tip

Make sure you sell your good points by using positive words or phrases such as able, keen, capable, reliable, hardworking, dependable, trustworthy, thorough, flexible, responsible, organised, motivated, good team worker, keen to learn.

Keep your CV up to date by adding relevant details and removing information that no longer needs to be included.

Example CV

Employment /Work Experience Cameron Gorski 328 Low Meadows Any town Lincolnshire LN9 999 07777 000000 (Mobile) 01522 000000 (Home) CGorski@emailprovider.com

Personal profile I am a hardworking, mature school leaver who is highly organised and keen to learn new, practical skills. I enjoy using my initiative and working independently but also work well with other people and like being part of a busy team. I am looking for a job in retail which would involve working towards further qualifications. Key skills Proven customer care skills Strong organisational skills and attention to detail Enthusiastic team member Keen to learn new things and take on new challenges Able to competently follow instructions and meet deadlines and targets Education and qualifications September 2007 – June 2012 Western Academy, Lincoln Qualification Grade BTEC Level 2 First Award Merit in Sports GCSE Business Studies C GCSE English Language D GCSE French E GCSE Maths D GCSE Science E

May 2012 – present week-end job at Shopping Land Working on Saturdays as a sales assistant my duties include serving customers, answering customer’s queries and helping them to locate goods on the shop floor. I am also responsible for checking stock levels and sorting incoming deliveries. I particularly enjoyed interacting with the public and providing customers with a good service. During busy periods I am flexible and work extra hours when I’m needed. November 2011 – work experience placement at Office Stars During the two weeks placement at Office Stars I spent time both on the shop floor and in the administration office. My duties on the busy shop floor included tidying and arranging displays, re-stocking shelves and sorting deliveries. In the office I was responsible for distributing the post, document scanning and filing. My placement report highlighted my enthusiasm and positive team spirit. Interests and activities In my spare time I enjoy keeping fit and go jogging most evenings. I intend to raise money for charity by taking part in this year’s Lincoln fun run. Fashion design is also something that I’m really interested in. I design and make fabric bags which I sell on the internet. My products are quite popular and I have managed to make a small profit through selling them. Additional information I hold a clean driving license and have my own transport. In 2011 I gained my Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. References Available on request.

Covering Letters for CVs and Application Forms When you apply for a vacancy you should send a covering letter with your CV or application form. Use it to tell the employers what you’re sending and why you’re sending it. It also gives you an extra opportunity to introduce yourself and make a positive impression.

Pointers for writing a good covering letter

It should:

your personal details - name, address, phone number and email address Be neatly presented and laid out Be addressed to the person named in the job advert Say which job you’re applying for and where you saw it advertised Briefly state why you’re interested in the job and what skills, qualifications and experience you have that would make you suitable for it Let the employer know that you’ve attached your CV or completed application form

Include

Keep it short and to the point - don’t repeat your whole CV Plan what you want to say by doing a rough copy first Word process the letter unless the employer asks for it to be

hand written Take care with your spelling, punctuation and grammar Use plain white paper and the right sized envelope Read through your finished letter and ask someone to double check it for you Remember to keep a copy

Top tip If you’re emailing a covering letter don’t forget to attach the electronic version of your CV or application form to it!

Example covering letter Ashley Barrs 328 Low Meadows Any town Lincolnshire LN9 999 01522 000000 (Home) 07777 000000 (Mobile) ABarrs@emailprovider.com

Mr G Havish Office Manager Office Stars Grange Lane Any town Lincolnshire LN8 888 Date Dear Mr Havish Administration Apprenticeship Vacancy Please find enclosed a completed application form for the Administration Apprenticeship vacancy that you are advertising. I believe that I would be suitable for this Apprenticeship as I am a hardworking and reliable person who has good organisational skills. At school my strongest subjects were English and ICT. I can confidently use Excel, Word, and the Internet. The Administration Apprenticeship would allow me to use and develop the skills and knowledge I already have. I am keen to get on and do well. I would like to work for Office Stars because it is a local family business that has a good reputation. I am available for interview at any time and could start the Apprenticeship immediately. Thank you for taking the time to look at my application. Yours sincerely Ashley Barrs Enc

Speculative Letters Many jobs are never actually advertised as they’re filled internally, by word of mouth or by people who have already shown an interest in working for the employer. A way to get to these opportunities is to contact employers, by letter or email, and ask them to consider you for any vacancies they have. If there aren’t any vacancies ask to have your details kept on file. You should always send a copy of your CV with your speculative letter. A speculative letter should:

Include your name and full contact details Be neatly presented and word processed Explain why you’re writing and that your CV is enclosed Briefly explain why you’d like to work for them – be enthusiastic

and show that you’ve researched the company or organisation Tell the employer what you can offer them – experience, skills, knowledge, personal qualities End with ‘Yours sincerely’ if you know the name of the person you’re writing to or ‘Yours faithfully’ if you’ve begun the letter with Dear Sir/Madam.

Pointers for writing a good speculative letter: Make

sure that your letter goes to the most appropriate person/ department in the organisation. Look on their website or give them a quick phone call to find out who this would be Plan what you want to say – do a rough copy first Take care with your spelling, punctuation and grammar

Use plain white paper and the right sized envelope Put “CV enclosed” at the bottom of the letter Read through your finished letter and ask someone

to double

Example speculative letter 328 High Meadows Any town Lincolnshire PE9 999 07777 111111 (Mobile) 01522 111111 (Home) Jude.Cyrus@emailprovider.com

check it for you Remember to keep a copy

Top tip Don’t send the same version of your CV and covering letter to employers in lots of different job areas. Applications that are tailored to employers are much more likely to impress.

Top tip Keep an up-to-date list of the employers that you’ve contacted. You don’t want to send them more than one speculative letter.

Mrs Lucy Macintosh Human Resource Manager The Grand View Hotel Hospitality Road Any town Lincolnshire PE8 888 Date Dear Mrs Macintosh I saw on today’s local news that The Grand View Hotel is expanding and may be looking to take on extra staff. I would like to express an interest in working for the hotel in either the restaurant or the housekeeping department. I have successfully completed a hospitality course at college, which I really enjoyed. As part of my course I was trained in silver service. I have waited on tables at many functions including award dinners and wedding breakfasts. I am a reliable, outgoing person who works well as part of a busy team. I am calm and level headed under pressure. I would welcome the opportunity to work for your award winning, 4 star hotel and have enclosed my CV so you can read more about me. I am available for interview at any time and could start work straight away. I look forward to hearing from you. Yours sincerely Jude Cyrus Enc

Online Applications

Phoning Employers

Many employers will want you to apply for vacancies online. You might be asked to complete an online application form, fill in an online CV or email your information to them. You can use the National Apprenticeship Service website (www.apprenticeships.org.uk) to search and apply for Apprenticeship vacancies. Pointer for making good online applications: Read any guidance notes and make sure that you follow all instructions Gather all of your information in front of you before you start to fill in the online form – online applications often get timed out Use any drop down menus that give you a choice of replies to certain questions Use the same style and size of font throughout the form Don’t go over the edges of the boxes or try to expand them Avoid using “smileys” or text speak Never complete the form totally in capitals – it makes it look like you’re shouting! Use the spellcheck Don’t click the submit button until you’ve thoroughly checked the completed form – you can’t get it back once it’s been sent!

Top tip

Employers who accept online application forms and CVs will contact you back by email. Make sure you regularly check your inbox and that your spam settings let through emails from employers.

Some job adverts will ask you to phone the employer to find out more about the job and how you need to apply for it. Others will ask you to contact the employer so that they can interview you over the phone or to arrange to interview you in person.

Top tip Think carefully about the email address you use. You don’t want to use one that gives employers a bad impression. You could set up a new account for job applications with a standard email address.

Before the call

clear why you’re making the call. Is it to request an application form, to find out more about the job, to be interviewed or something else? Re-read the job advert and think about what you’re going to say Jot down any questions you want to ask and have them in front of you Have a pen and paper ready so that you can write down instructions and take notes Have your CV in front of you in case you’re asked questions about your qualifications or work history Check that you have enough credit on your phone or coins for a pay phone. Only text the employer if they ask you to

During the call Ask

to speak to the person or department named in the job advert. If that person is busy find out when would be a good time to call back. Introduce yourself and make sure you clearly explain why you’re phoning Speak clearly and politely Be confident and enthusiastic but not pushy Answer all questions honestly and make sure everything you say is relevant to the job you’re applying for At the end of the call thank the person you’ve been speaking to for their time

Visiting Employers Visiting employers to ask about possible vacancies takes confidence and planning. It can bring results as it shows employers that you are motivated and determined to get a job. Think about the type of work you want to get into, draw up a list of local employers in this area of work then go and start visiting them.

Top tip Employers may not have the time to talk so make sure that you have a copy of your CV to leave with them.

Pointers for visiting employers: Dress

Top tip Try to call from somewhere private and quiet that doesn’t have any distractions. Let people know that you’re making an important call and don’t want to be disturbed.

Top tip The employer may want to phone you back so make sure that the message on your phone’s answering service is suitable for them to hear. Jokey or rude messages won’t impress!

smartly – sounds obvious but first impressions really do

count Ask to see the owner or manager, offer to wait or come back later if they’re busy Clearly explain the reason behind your visit Watch your body language. Look at people when they’re talking to you, keep your hands out of your pockets, don’t slouch or look bored Be polite, confident and show interest in the employer’s business Think about some of the questions you may be asked and have some answers ready Be prepared to be asked to fill in an application form whilst you’re there If you’re visiting on your own make sure you tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back Only go into employer’s premises if there are people about. If you’re visiting isolated places ask someone to go with you but make sure that they wait outside 29

Interviews Well done! Your application must have made a really good impression. The interview is now the one thing that stands between you and the Apprenticeship or job. An interview isn’t just about whether the employer wants you; it’s also a chance for you to find out if the vacancy and the employer are the right ones for you! Some interviews will involve you having to do a presentation or test; you’ll be told about this in the letter inviting you to interview. Make sure you practice and prepare for it. Planning for the interview Let the employer know that you will be attending Think about how you’re going to get there. Do a practice

run to see how long the journey takes Decide what you’re going to wear. Make sure your clothes and shoes are smart and clean Research the employer, they may have a website that you can look at Write down any questions you have and take the list with you Re-read your application form or CV

During the interview Speak clearly and don’t swear or speak in slang Listen carefully to the questions and think before

you answer If you don’t understand a question ask for it to be repeated Be positive, enthusiastic and honest. Don’t exaggerate but do make sure the interviewer is aware of your strengths and enthusiasm Answer the questions as fully as possible but keep it relevant – don’t start waffling about your cat or your favourite film! You may be interviewed by more than one person. Acknowledge everyone but always look at the person speaking to you Ask the questions you’ve prepared if they haven’t already been covered in the interview At the end of the interview thank the interviewers for seeing you. It’s ok to ask when you’re likely to hear back from them

Just before the interview sure you have everything you need – invitation to the interview, directions, copy of your CV, presentation materials, bus fare etc Allow yourself plenty of time to get to there. Aim to arrive at least 10 minutes early Turn off your mobile phone

Make

Top tip Employers may try to check you out on Facebook or other social media sites. Review your privacy settings and make sure that very personal stuff can only be looked at by people you want to see it. 31

After the interview

Questions you may be asked at interview: Why have you applied for this Apprenticeship or job? What do you know about us? Why do you want to work for us? What skills, qualities or relevant experience do you have? Why should we hire you? What have you been doing since you left your school/college/last

job?

The employer will let you know if you’ve been successful or not. This could be on the same day as the interview or up to a few days later. If you’re offered the Apprenticeship or job make sure that you promptly let the employer know if you want to take it or not. If you’re unsuccessful ask the employer for some feedback.

carefully and try not to become defensive about what’s being said Think about the answers you gave. Could you have answered the questions differently? Think about how you could improve your interview technique. Learn from the experience, it’ll help you in your next interview

Don’t answer any personal questions that make you feel uncomfortable or have nothing to do with the job you’ve applied for. Questions that you might want to ask: What training will I be given? Where will I be based? What will an average day involve? What does the induction programme involve? How will they let you know if you’ve been successful

Listen

or not?

Don’t ask about money, holidays or perks of the job just yet!

Top tip Thank the employer for their feedback and ask them to keep you in mind for future vacancies.

Top tip Practice your interview skills using the interactive interviews on www.careersbox.co.uk 32

Be Safe! The vast majority of interviews are straight forward and everything will go well. But there are a few simple do’s and , don ts you should always follow. Do

Take your personal safety seriously Tell someone where you’re going and

what time you

expect to be back Arrange for someone to pick you up if the interview is taking place outside normal office hours or is in an isolated location Make sure that the interview is being held in an appropriate place such as the employer’s premises

Don’t

Agree

to be interviewed over drinks, at an employer’s home or in a car Let the employer drive you home Answer any personal questions that make you feel uncomfortable or uneasy

Top tip Trust your instincts. If the situation doesn’t feel right get yourself out of it.

Useful websites There are lots of useful websites out there. Below are a few to get you started, most of them will have links to other information sites www.apprenticeships.org.uk This is the one stop site for Apprenticeships. It will tell you everything you need to know about Apprenticeships. You can also use it to search and apply for Apprenticeship vacancies. www.careersbox.co.uk This site contains careers and learning information including video clips about different occupations. Find out what jobs are really like from the people doing them. www.icould.com icould features films of people talking about their job, the route they took into it and their future career plans. It also has information on making successful job applications. https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk The National Careers website has various careers tools on it including a CV builder and skills health check tool. It also has an area that contains alphabetically listed job profiles. www.rpainfo.org.uk Use this site to find local information and advice on Learning for Longer. www.teeninfolincs.co.uk teeninfolincs has up-to-date, local information on a wide range of topics including careers and the world of work. You’ll find video clips, downloadable publications, up-to-date news items and much more here. www.14-19.info (The Prospectus) The Prospectus is a database of courses and learning opportunities offered by schools/academies, colleges and work based learning providers in, and around, Lincolnshire. 35

Job Search Diary Use this diary to record the steps youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re taking to find an Apprenticeship or job. Keeping an up-to-date job search diary can help you to:

Employer/Work Based Learning providers name and contact details

Job/Apprenticeship applied for

Plan and follow up your job search Keep the information on your job searches together in Show that you are actively looking for work or training

How was it applied for (application form, CV, speculative letter etc)

Date application was made

Closing date for applications (on job advert)

one place

Result/Next steps

Job Search Diary Employer/Work Based Learning providers name and contact details