Tell someone where you are going
Tell a family member what you plan to do, where you are going and when you expect to be back

Consider bringing a friend
This is helpful, not just form a safety point of view but job hunting can be a bit lonely and tiring without support. However your friend will need to be patient and the kind of person that would be able to support you appropriately

Take a mobile phone with credit and charged
If you are handing your mobile numbers to employers you need to be contactable. A receptionist could pass your CV to a manager while you are making your visits

Stick to employers that have a proper reception or areas where the public visit
Some employers are situated in areas off the beaten track. In these cases a phone call is probably better

Bring CVs- You won’t have a chance to go back and get more copies, make sure you have a good supply
A CV “speaks for you” especially if you don’t know what to say and it can quickly change the situation into a businesslike transaction where the employer understands what is being asked of them

Dress in smart clothes, be polite and think about you come across
You will probably find employers will give you more time and attention if you dress smartly and come over in a business-like way

Prepare what you are going to say beforehand
It’s a good plan to rehearse what you are going to say beforehand. After the first few employers you will find it much easier

Have everything you need, pen paper, information, charged phone
Make sure you have everything you need to hand. A charged phone, working pens, paper, details of the employer. It is easy to get muddled so being organised in this way will help to relax you.

Think about the environment
Think about your situation. Is the area quite and free from interruptions, is there a table so you can write without having to juggle with the phone,

Rehearse what you are going to say
Rehearsing what to say will help to relax you. You may use the exact combination of words with each employer. Something like “I going to be leaving school in the summer and I’m looking for a job or apprenticeship and I was wondering if you were likely to have anything like this come up in the near future”

Be confident
An employer may be busy but they will hopefully be happy to spare at least a few moments with you on the phone. One day you may be on the receiving end of such calls, this will be your chance to be nice to a job hunter like you!

Take your time
Every time you phone an employer it is good to be positive and treat every call as a separate and new opportunity. This will slow the pace what you say and you will come over much better to the employer.

Keep records
Often an employer will suggest you phone back at a particular time or date. Remember to ask for the details of the person you need to talk to and keep a record to what to do and when. Some people love to keep note books or folders. Make the system your own, however you prefer to work.

Practical Skills

Leadership skills

Team work Skills

Reliability

Flexibility

Communication Skills

Time management

Spelling and grammar

Check spellings and not just with a spell checker

Make sure you don’t use American spelling

Being to the point

Employers may skim read

Think about what you are trying to say

Relevance

Tailor your CVs to suit the type of employer you are using it with

What is the employer is specifically seeking?

Relevance

Tailor your CVs to suit the type of employer you are using it with

What is the employer is specifically seeking?

Include any relevant experience you can

Voluntary work

Work Experience

The overall look

Think about what your CV looks like aesthetically

Don’t write too much

Communication skills

A lot is to do with being comfortable when talking to people and this is something that you can develop as a skill

Usually on the top of the list with employers is “communication skills”. This can mean how you come over in an interview, how you deal with people, whether you are polite or confident or enthusiastic. Everyone has a different personality and it is important to develop your skills and make the most of what you have. If you are quiet or shy you can still be a good communicator. A lot is to do with being comfortable when talking to people and this is something that you can develop as a skill.

Commitment

Employers want to see if you are good at sticking to things

Evidence of this could be your good record of attendance at school, a good work experience report, belonging to organisations such as scouts or sports clubs or learning an instrument. Employers want to see if you are good at sticking to things or likely to give up at the first barrier. Anything you can be ready to use as an example to show this will be helpful.

Team work

This subject often comes up at interview and it is good to have a couple of examples of times where you have worked effectively as part of a team

If you are able to get on with other people, whether they are customers, staff members or managers, you are likely to do well at work. This is a valuable skill whether you are still at school or have been working for some time. Things get done much easier if the group cooperates with each other. This subject often comes up at interview and it is good to have a couple of examples of times where you have worked effectively as part of a team.

Previous work experience

Any jobs you have done can be a helpful source of information about you

If you are still at school you may have taken part in a work experience placement at school or had a part time job or have worked with a family member, employers will be keen to know how you got on. Any jobs you have done can be a helpful source of information about you. It is your chance to give positive statements at interview about your attitude to work. “I worked with my brother over the summer laying a path It was hard work in the sun all day but I enjoyed it”. “I did two weeks in a local hairdressers, I was on my feet all day and came home tiered but I loved it there, the staff were so friendly”.

Flexibility

Employers like to see a willingness and ability to do a variety of things whether this be making coffee for everyone or taking a phone message even if this is not your job

Employers may expect you to drop what you are doing and do something different. Sometimes this is hard especially when you are focused on what you have been told to do but the ability to work flexibly mean that you are happy to multitask. This is not always a natural thing to do but it is a very useful skill in the workplace. Employers like to see a willingness and ability to do a variety of things whether this be making coffee for everyone or taking a phone message even if this is “not your job”.

Initiative and lateral thinking

Employers like employees who can work intelligently, think ahead and use their initiative

Employers like employees who can work intelligently, think ahead and use their initiative. For example from work experience you may have some examples you can use
....a couple of times you finished work early but rather than sit around you tidied up and looked for other things to do
....when you noticed you were running low on certain things in the shop you told the manager who was pleased for the information so he could reorder

How to deal with interviews

Interviews can vary a great deal. With some employers it may take the form of an informal chat, others may include several staff members sitting behind a table in a boardroom. Whatever the set up of the interview it is your chance to show the employer that you have the skills and experience they need. Make sure you get across the things that you think the employer is looking for from the job description.

Four Things to Remember

1. Be prepared

.....say to yourself “I am in the right place, at the right time and I have everything I need” in this way you are taking control of the situation.

If you have prepared the day before it can really help to take the pressure off. Thinking about what to bring and where to go will mean you won’t be panicking on the day. Make sure you have looked the place up on the web, use “street view” if you can, check bus or train times, find out as much about the company you can. On the day itself, don’t catch the bus that will just get you there in time, get an earlier one. Before you go in say to yourself “I am in the right place, at the right time and I have everything I need” in this way you are taking control of the situation.

2. Think about what to wear

Dressing well will show the employer that the job matters to you

If you don’t know what to wear it is generally better to dress more formally, a suit or smart clothes and tie or business-like dress. Generally trainers are not a good idea unless your employer has clearly said “come as you are”. Get advice from people who have been for several interviews before. Dressing well will show the employer that the job matters to you even before you start the interview

3. Take your time

Employers are not trying to catch you out they just genuinely want to know who will be the best for the job…

It is easy to say “relax” but this is not always easy, especially if you really want the job. Don’t be afraid pausing and thinking about what to say before you answer a question. This will give you time for your brain to work. You may have some great things to say but if you rush you may forget to say them. Employers are not trying to catch you out they just genuinely want to know who will be the best for the job and in order to do this they need to get you talking about yourself.

4. Notes are good

It is quite acceptable to have a small notepad with you and actually looks quite professional

It also helps to give you space in an interview for you to think. Use this to write down certain things you might like to say. Often certain things you have done can be used to answer all kinds of questions. During your work experience you may have helped customers to find what they are looking for. This could be used to answer questions about communication skills, using your initiative, previous work experience, what you enjoyed at work, being flexible, how you have solved problems.

What sort of questions might you be asked?
Employers use questions to get you talking and to see how you communicate but they also ask questions to find out what kind of person you are and what kind of experience you have had There are different types of questions, some are “open” and are aimed to help you to say more than just a couple of words, some are specific, perhaps challenging others are more thoughtful, encouraging you to think

Open or “general” questions
" why do you want the job?”,
“tell me about yourself?”

Specific questions
“what experience do you have that might help in the job?”
“what did you dislike about your last job”

Thoughtful questions (where you have to think how to answer)
“ tell me a time when you achieved something as part of a team”
“give an example of something you did that you were proud of”

Interview Tips
Stick to positive experiences
Never say bad things about your last employer, this may indicate, wrongly, you are a negative person

Pauses aren’t bad
Don’t be afraid of pausing before answering questions this will give your brain time to work It can also slow the interview down which will give you time to think through your answers

Prepare the day before
Prepare well, think of examples of things you can weave into all kinds of answers, things you did during work experience, projects or events you have taken part in, organisations you have belonged to

Practice makes perfect
Practice answering interview questions out loud, perhaps record yourself and play it back if possible. Then answer the same questions again and see how you improve each time you try. You will find it is like storey telling and your brain gets used recalling the information which can be used in answering different questions.

If you would prefer to work when you leave school an apprenticeship will give you the opportunity to work towards a job related qualification while working. There are several things you need to think about.

Which level is right for you?
Often apprentices work towards a “level two” qualification but if you already have 4 or 5 GCSEs at a C grade, or above, you may possibly be able to be studying towards a “level three” qualification. With some practical trades (things like carpentry, catering or hairdressing) you would start at the lower level because you won’t necessarily have had the chance to learn the basics of the trade at school. Whatever level you start at some apprenticeships will lead to long term training in trades and professions potentially even to HNC, HND and Degree level.

Is it a permanent position or for a specific length of time?
Some employers will make a commitment to employing you on a permanent basis from the word go. Some may offer you a permanent position at a later stage, perhaps depending on opportunities developing within the company. Some offers are for an agreed period only, usually a year, where you will be able to gain skills and experience and then move on. These can still be useful opportunities but it is important to know this before you start.

Looking for an apprenticeship
Often opportunities are advertised on apprenticeships.org.uk or other similar websites. Frequently employers may post these over the summer and as late as July and August. Approaching employers directly can also lead to opportunities. This will depend on the type of work but employers with a reception point are easiest as you can visit the employer in person and drop off a CV
For information about courses use www.kentchoices4u.com

Sixth forms may offer a wide range qualifications, usually at level three, including A levels in familiar subjects like History, Biology and Maths or “Vocational” qualifications (job related subjects) such as Health and Social Care. It is important to find out as much as you can about the sixth form before you go. Does its study style and atmosphere suit you? Ask around and try to find out more about these kinds of things before you go for interview.

The frequency and quantity of homework may be a helpful guide. At interview is good to say why you want to join the school and show commitment in wanting to do well. If you have a career plan or other long term plan this could be useful to mention at interview as it also shows a reason behind your commitment to study. For information about courses use www.kentchoices4u.com

Local colleges usually offer a wide range of vocational (job related) subjects and some will offer academic subjects such as GCSE retakes and A levels. Subjects range from practical subjects like painting and decorating or beauty therapy to technical subjects such electrical engineering and medical science. Usually colleges offer courses at a wide range of levels from level I, and lower, to Degree level.

Colleges include students from a wide range of age and background and this can give the whole experience of going to college a different atmosphere. If you decide to go to college you will need to be able to work independently and be self motivated toward studying. Think about the study style, which may be different to what you are used to. Talk to tutors and students about the kind of work pattern you might expect. For information about courses use www.kentchoices4u.com

General Construction
General construction courses offer the chance to study a number of trades alongside each other. Commonly these might include things like bricklaying, carpentry, plumbing and electrical as well as other trades. These are useful for students who are undecided about which trade to specialise in but they can also link with professions such as surveying and site management.
Names of courses in this field can include:

Maintenance Occupations

General Construction

Business studies
Business studies courses look at the business world in the broadest sense. You may be able to specialise to a certain extent and the types of areas you could study include marketing, people at work, retail, law, accounting, human resources (employment of staff), management, finance and entrepreneurship (running a business).
Names of courses in this field can include:

Business Management

Business and Finance

Agriculture
Agricultural courses are usually offered at specialist centres or agricultural colleges. You will learn about how to work with machinery safely as well as tractors and other equipment on the farm. You will learn how to handle and look after livestock (such as cows, pigs and sheep) and how to recognise and work with crops from seed to harvest. Teaching will include both tuition in the classroom and a realistic working environment.
Names of courses in this field can include:

Agriculture (Poultry Production)

Agriculture (Mixed Farming)

Medical Science
Medical science courses are both practical (in the laboratory) and classroom based; they will cover things like Human Biology, Genetics and Microbiology. They may well also cover techniques such as X-rays and MRI scanning.
Names of courses in this field can include:

Applied Science (Medical Science)

Medical Science

Engineering courses cover skills ranging from computer aided design, learning about mechanical systems such as pneumatics (air powers systems) to the operation of lathes, drilling machines and milling machines to make finished items in steel and other materials. These are often highly practical courses but also include classroom aspects such as engineering drawing and calculations. Some engineering courses combine elements of electrical engineering.
Names of courses in this field can include:

	Engineering and product design		Engineering and Technology
	Performing Engineering Operations		Marine Construction, Systems Engineering and Maintenance
	Engineering and Production		Engineering, Science, Technology and Maths
	Engineering and Technology Mechanical		General Engineering

Electrical and Electronic courses may include everything from the repair of PCs and electronic production (manufacturing), through to electrical maintenance, serving and manufacture of heavier electrical items from washing machines to large electrical motors. You will cover electrical circuitry and testing, electronic components and wiring as well as learning about a variety of electronic devices.
Names of courses in this field can include:

	Electrotechnical Technology		Electronics/Engineering
	Engineering (Electronics)		Electrical/Electronic Engineering
	Engineering (Electrical/Electronic Engineering)

Sport and fitness courses will vary and it is a good idea to compare courses. They can include elements of science such as learning about the bones, muscles, heart, lungs and blood circulation. You could learn about personal fitness as well as methods of developing fitness in others. Other aspects can include development of training regimes, fitness instruction and training, sports injuries, sports leadership, coaching and officiating (sometimes including particular awards for certain sports), sports techniques, nutrition, healthy lifestyles, psychology relating to sports performance and business skills.
Names of courses in this field can include:

	Sport (Development Coaching & Fitness)		Sport and Recreation, Teaching, Coaching and Instruction
	Sports Studies		Personal Training
	Sports, Exercise and Health Science		Sports Performance and Excellence (Football)
	Physical Education		Sport, Health and Fitness (Gym Instruction)

Some catering courses are quite broad covering a variety of aspects of the business including silver service waiting, housekeeping, bar work, menu planning and food preparation and cooking. Some will specialise in cooking techniques and you would learn about frying, baking, roasting, grilling, poaching to name a few. You will be using all kinds of fresh foods, meats, fruit and vegetables and learn about safe working practices in the kitchen as well as food safety and hygiene.
Names of courses in this field can include:

	Professional Cookery		Catering & Hospitality
	Hospitality		Professional Catering

Art and design courses can cover a variety of aspects from graphic design to fine art (painting), photography, ceramics (pottery) and textiles. General Art and Design courses would give you the opportunity to sample a variety of techniques and media and these are a popular route into further specialist training. You will usually need a portfolio (folder of work) to show at interview.
Names of courses in this field can include:

	Art and Design		Media Studies
	Photography		Textiles
	Graphic Design		Product Design

Media courses can cover a range of aspects and courses may have a different angle. These aspects can include film, journalism, video production, advertising, public relations, marketing, TV and radio production, visual media , animation, web marketing and design
Names of courses in this field can include:

	Interactive Media		Media Production (Film and Television)
	Media Studies		Creative media (Games)
	Creative Media Production		Creative Arts -Interactive Digital Media & Photography
	IT and Media Productions

Photography courses will vary but you will gain experience of a range of methods. This might include film photography techniques including dark room processing through to digital photography, media suites, editing and online storage as well as printing, display and marketing. You may also learn about different types and techniques of photo taking from portraiture (faces), to still life, landscapes and experimental photography.
Names of courses in this field can include:

	Photography and Digital Imaging		Creative Arts Diploma (Art, Media, Photography)
	Art and Design (Photography)		Photography and Digital Imaging

Music courses may cover a variety of aspects from: employment opportunities in the industry, music theory, music technology, composing, arranging and performance. Students may be able to focus on particular music styles and also choose particular instruments (or vocals) to support their studies. Music Technology courses make use of multi-track systems, both computerised and studio and can cover management of music events, performances and live production.
Names of courses in this field can include:

	Music Technology		Creative Arts Diploma -Music Performance
	Music		Performing Arts & Music Technology
	Music Performance

Performing Arts can offer a wide range of aspects including dance, drama and music. For courses which include all three together you may need to be prepared to be involved in each area. You will be involved in productions and performing but there are also classroom elements such as event planning so it is important to check this to make sure the course suits you.
Names of courses in this field can include:

	Drama		Performing Arts Dance
	Performing Arts Drama		Performing Arts Acting
	Performing Arts Musical Theatre		Drama and Theatre Studies -Performing Arts Acting
	Performance		Production Arts

Dance courses cover a wide range of dance types and there may be an opportunity to focus on areas of interest. Aspects covered may include: performance, appreciation of dances, choreography, dance planning, principles of health, fitness and safe dance practice, basic anatomy of a dancer, understanding the relationship of music to dance, varieties of music to dance to, creating, developing and assisting with the performance of a simple dance piece, create dance pieces to teach to others, leadership skills in dance, dance Improvisation
Names of courses in this field can include:

	Performing Arts Dance		Dance Leadership
	Dance

Public Services courses aim to develop an understanding of roles within the Police, Emergency, Fire Services, Security, Prison Services and the Armed Services. Courses include aspects such as teamwork development, nutrition and lifestyle, fitness (including improvement of personal health and fitness), participation in outdoor adventurous activities to develop leadership, discipline and trust, understanding of the impact of crime and volunteering including a volunteering activity.
Names of courses in this field can include:

	Uniformed Public Services		Public Services (uniformed)
	Public Services

Child care courses include aspects such as child development (life stages of babies and children), supporting children’s play and learning, how to making sure children are safe, basics of child health and nutrition and developing skills and attitudes for working with children. In many cases you will also have the opportunity to gain experience with children in a nursery, school, crèche or through activities organised by the college
Names of courses in this field can include:

	Early Years Care		Health, Social Care and Early Years
	Childcare and Education		Child Development
	Children and Young People's Workforce		Children’s Care Learning and Development
	Child Care

Health and Social Care courses focus on the development of skills in career areas relating to the care and support people of all ages with a variety of individual care needs. Courses include elements such as communication, equality, diversity and rights, security, protection from harm and abuse, decision making, assessment of care needs, risk assessments, medication, development through the life stages, anatomy and physiology (aspects of human biology). You will learn how to communicate effectively with people working in the care sector and how to be responsible for health and safety aspects of individuals and their surroundings.
Names of courses in this field can include:

	Health and Social Care		Children and Young People Workforce
	Child Care

Hairdressing courses combine practical skills such as shampooing, hair cutting techniques, plaiting, styling and finishing but is also covers other aspects such as communicating with clients, giving advice, sales techniques and reception duties. You will also learn the theory side which includes things like health and safety in the workplace, learning about perming and colouring hair.
Names of courses in this field can include:

	Hairdressing		Barbering
	Woman’s Hairdressing		Hair and Beauty

Beauty Therapy courses cover things like manicure, pedicure (foot care), facial treatments, eye treatments, waxing and make up. You will usually have the opportunity to try out treatments and possibly go on trips. As well as practical aspects there is also theory including health and safety, learning about products and the structure of the skin and treatments.
Names of courses in this field can include:

	Beauty Consultancy		Spa therapies
	Beauty Therapy		Nail Technology, Nail Services
	Hair and Beauty		Beauty Therapy Massage
	Beauty Specialist Diploma		Theatrical, Special Effects & Media Make-Up
	Cosmetic Make-Up & Beauty Consultancy

Motor mechanics courses include the opportunity to learn about cars and other vehicles in detail. You will learn about the braking system, transmission (gears), electrical system, fuel system, wheels, tyres and the engine itself. Depending on the course you could cover aspects of body repair including welding and paint spraying. There will be practical aspects as well as theory where you will learn about health and safety in the workshop, understanding manuals and use of tools and equipment.
Names of courses in this field can include:

	Automotive Vehicle Maintenance and Repair		Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Repair
	Motorcycle Servicing & Repair		Vehicle Maintenance - Body Repair and Refinishing
	Vehicle Maintenance - Light Vehicle		Vehicle Technology (Motorsports)
	Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair

Do check your spellings

You can message the school or college you are applying to or your adviser if you have any questions. Generally speaking you will hopefully be able to find the courses you want by typing in the name of the course such as “carpentry”. To make sure you have captured all of the courses in the area you can also try a search using other related words, for example Construction and Wood Occupations.

Another way to make sure you have all possible courses it is to do a “provider search” using the provider tab on the main search page. This way you can check courses offered, for example, by a particular college or school in the area.