Career advice after study - Pods People Ltd
Where Next for School/College Leavers?
The results are out and your future is before you. Whether you left school this year, or are in the last year of your education, you are facing one of the most important decisions of your life.
The number of youngsters getting five or more decent grades at GCSE level, for instance, has been steadily improving. Yet employers are still concerned about the abilities of school leavers to make their mark in the modern economy. What can you do to give yourself the best possible chances?
Are you old enough?
You can leave school at 16 and get a job, but you cannot work full time until the last Friday in June - even if you have turned 16 before this. Due to the licensing laws, you cannot work in a betting shop if you under 18. In addition, you cannot to take a job that involves driving, as you are not legally allowed to drive until you are 17 and have passed your test. At 16, you are entitled to the national minimum wage.
Brush up on your “soft skills”
School leavers starting out in the job market should brush up on soft skills such as communication abilities and work ethic. According to a survey of British employers by KPMG and the Chartered Institute of Personal Development (CIPD), these soft skills are even more important than academic skills.
Colin Willman, chairperson of The Federation of Small Businesses, remarks, “The skills that businesses need from school leavers are literacy, numeracy, punctuality, communication skills and an ability to be well-presented. This allows them to contribute immediately as they start their new job.”
Your first CV
Most employers will expect a CV to show evidence of some achievements, successful work experience or employment, even if it was a holiday job. Start with your name and contact details, then work through your school, college and, if appropriate, any jobs. Keep your CV to no more than two pages and always make sure you check it thoroughly afterwards. Note down details about the job you are applying for so that you can tailor your CV to match the requirements. In addition, try to get a personal reference, for example, from a teacher.
Get hunting
Finding a job can be hard, but there is many help out there for you. Firstly, find out whether you have the skills to do the different jobs that you have in mind. Also, find out the sort of pay and hours of work you can expect with that job. If you are over 18, you can also use your local job centre. Employment agencies deal with temporary and permanent part-time and full-time jobs. They will take your details and contact you if any jobs come up that suit your qualifications, interests or skills. Moreover, of course, search online.
Are you ready for an interview?
When you get an interview, make sure you are well prepared, as this will help you be more confident and stay calm when you are under pressure. Try to think of any question the interviewer might ask you, and find out some background information about the company. Practising answers with a parent or friend will help make sure you say all the right things and not forget anything. Be punctual, be tidy in appearance and be yourself.
Become an apprentice
Being paid while you learn might sound too good to be true — but as an apprentice you really do get the best of both worlds. Studying for a nationally recognised qualification such as an NVQ could be the boost you need. Apprenticeships are available in a huge range of sectors, from financial services to hairdressing to engineering to floristry. Mark Evans, of The Learning and Skills Council, advises, “Modern apprenticeships offer a brilliant way of getting your foot on the career ladder, with a structured learning plan to ensure you end up with the right qualifications to see you go further in life.”
When thinking about getting a job after leaving school, you need to consider the future not just the present. Almost any job can be a stepping-stone to another so it is important to use each one to add to all-round employability.