Careers - GUIDE TO APPRENTICESHIPS

4. Company websites – There may be a particular employer you would like to work for and many use their own websites to promote job vacancies. Some will expect you to send in a CV while others will ask you to complete their online application form. They will also have a variety of social media accounts – Facebook, twitter, Instagram, YouTube which you can follow and check out. This can both inform you when they are advertising vacancies and provide you with some valuable insight into what they have been promoting – awards they have won, new contracts they have acquired, charity events they sponsor. All of this will help you decide if it is the right company for you to work for. It can help you tailor your application and show your interest at any future interviews. However, be aware of your own online profile; do not disclose any personal data and remember - employers check out prospective candidates too. 5. LinkedIn is a professional network site where you can create an account, complete your profile details – basically your CV details - and search for job vacancies. These are usually high quality, professional vacancies and like other social media platforms, you grow and develop your network. Opportunities may be recommended to you based on your qualifications and interests in addition to industry articles that are published. If you did want to work at a specific company, you could find people who are connected that you possibly already know and contact them for more details. 6. Indeed, Monster, Reed, Total Jobs are examples of recruitment consultants and agencies who often use networking sites to find suitable people. You can register your profile and upload your CV and they will contact you of any suitable jobs. You can set up alerts and will also find job advice listed. Remember to keep your CV updated and tailor it to each job you apply for. Be aware that sometimes they advertise fictitious jobs just to build their client numbers. Most charge the employer and not the applicant, but it is advisable to ask about registration fees beforehand 7. Job Fairs – are advertised by job centres, local councils and events companies to promote employment vacancies with the area. Often held in large venues they bring employers and applicants together. It’s worth taking a few copies of your CV along in case you want to hand one out. 8. If you want to work in a specific area why not try looking in the journals and magazines relating to that particular occupation e.g., Nursing Times, The Law Society Gazette, The Grocer etc. – check out the library at college. Alternatively, industry specific websites – Tomorrow’s Engineers; AAT (Accountancy), RIBA (Architecture). 9. Make a list of companies you would be interested in working for,and then send out your CV along with a speculative letter, asking whether they have any suitable vacancies. Give yourself weekly targets in terms of employers you will contact and don’t forget to keep a record. Try and find out who is the Human Resource Manager, or the person hiring and address it to them. Don’t be disheartened if you are unsuccessful or don’t get a reply. 10. Offer to do some voluntary work/work shadowing in your chosen area. This should give you the opportunity to gain experience, make new contacts and even generate some job offers. Taking up short contract or casual work bank work will also help with this.

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JOB SEARCH