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Moving OnThe next steps in using

your qualifications and experience to get where you want to be

Moving on

Further Study

Moving on

Employment

Moving on

Self-employment

CONTENTS

PageUNIT 1 PLANNING

Career Planning 3Identifying & Reviewing Your Skills 3Producing an Action Plan 5

UNIT 2 APPLYING FOR THE NEXT LEVEL OF COURSE

Top Tips for Preparing for Higher Education 6

UNIT 3 FINDING THE RIGHT JOB

Career Choices 7Earning and Learning 8

UNIT 4 WHERE TO LOOK FOR WORK

Finding Job Vacancies 9Matching Skills to Identified Jobs 12

UNIT 5 APPLYING FOR JOBS

Telephoning 13CV Preparation 14Writing to Employers 17Laying Out Your Letter 18Application Forms 19Interview Skills 20Top Tips For Making a Presentation 25Contact Summary 27

UNIT 6 SELF EMPLOYMENT 28

Page | 2 Moving On 2020-21 South Lanarkshire College

UNIT 1 PLANNING

CAREER PLANNING

Planning your career involves making the right decisions for you. This includes:

Analysing your skills and identifying your strengths and weaknesses

Knowing what you want to do

Finding out about the career you are interested in and growing in it

Securing your future employment

Changing careers

People undertake a course of study for many reasons, mainly to learn new vocational skills and gain qualifications. For others they may be changing career or as a result of possible redundancy need to look at future options. It is an exciting time and hopefully your career planning will help you develop your opportunities and choices.

If you have not already done so, you might think about arranging an interview with a Careers Advisor who will help you think about careers that might be suitable for you. Your Course Tutor or Student Services can help arrange this for you.

IDENTIFYING AND REVIEWING YOUR SKILLS

When you start to look for a new job you will need to know yourself well. You will need to know your strengths, skills and areas you want to develop.

At Induction and during your time at College you will have been updating your personal learning plan and you should now use the information and insight you have gained to prepare for your next steps as you move on to further study or employment. The notes you have made on your qualifications, achievements, skills and experience will form the basis for completing course / job applications and for compiling your CV.

Skill areasA skill is anything you can learn to do competently and well. Consider the following categories and see if any apply to you. This is only a starting point – you can probably add more yourself (refer to your PLP).

For example:Verbal communication – talking to / dealing with people

Using the telephone Answering enquiries Giving a presentation

Dealing with complaints Listening to people Selling

Written communication Writing letters Taking minutes

Writing reports Filling in forms


Number skills Doing accounts Budgeting Doing statistics

Dealing with measurements Using volumes Cash handling

IT Skills Word processing Spreadsheets Advanced IT skills – programming

Hardware / software support Using email Using the Internet

Practical skills Using your hands Cooking Building things

Using tools Fixing or repairing things Handicrafts

Transferable skillsThese are skills which you have learned in one particular situation but you can apply to different tasks. For example, if you play football you can use your team working skills in other situations.

PersonalityYour personality will also affect the type of work you want to do. You need to think about your own characteristics, your likes and dislikes and the way you act or react in certain situations. Look at the list of characteristics below as a starting point and think about which ones apply to you and what examples would you give to back them up?

Hard working Reliable Enjoy being part of a team Common sense Sociable Adaptable A good sense of humour Confident Enjoy a challenge Organised

Determined Persuasive

A Activity Take a note of the ones you think apply to you. Have you used others to describe yourself in your PLP? Is there anything that you need to update in your PLP?

When you have completed your list look at each experience you have put down and think about what skills you gained from it and rate these. For example, a newspaper round shows an employer that you can get up early and work outdoors, sometimes in harsh conditions; experience as a sales assistant shows that you can handle cash and customers.

If you have difficulty remembering all the activities in any previous jobs, look at your job descriptions or think about the day to day tasks. For the personal experience section remember to include any voluntary work, things you have been involved in through your children’s activities such as secretary of the playgroup or coach of a football team.

On completion you will have a comprehensive record of what you can offer a potential employer and what is important to you in terms of skills. You will probably find you have more skills than you anticipated. This is the starting point for finding work and the initial information to put together the basics of a CV (Curriculum Vitae).


PRODUCING AN ACTION PLAN

In order to achieve your goals you need to know your short and long term objectives. These will give you direction and keep you focused. Good action plans have different sections and will cover the following:

Your starting point Where you want to be in the future How you will get there

Here is an example of a career plan.Patricia wants to be a teacher. She has few qualifications, little relevant experience and family commitments to consider.

Short term plan – find some relevant experience preferably paid but could be voluntary e.g. Learning Assistant

Midterm plan – find the qualifications and courses to work towards (could be part-time or full time) and find some secure employment.

Long-term plan – become a teacher and work in a school.

A Activity Now try to identify your career goals. If you are still considering what you would like to do write down some broad goals for your future.

Short-term goals Mid-term goals Long-term goals

In this section, you should make use of the information you have recorded during the session in your Personal Learning Plan.

This is the start of your action plan and now you can lay out your plan in brief points with completion dates attached. Remember to update and review your action plan as it may need updating to reflect any changing circumstances.


UNIT 2 APPLYING FOR THE NEXT LEVEL OF COURSEIf your next step is degree level study, have a look in the Careers Section in the College Library. You will find university prospectuses along with information on how and when to apply through UCAS. You will find information on the different institutions and their courses and, importantly, the entry requirements for the different courses.

If your next step is a higher level of course at College, make sure you have successfully completed your current studies. Application forms are online at the College website. Your commitment and performance in your current level of course will be considered.

TOP TIPS FOR PREPARING FOR HIGHER EDUCATION

Things to think about

What do you want to study?

Do you want a course which includes a period of work experience or the chance to study abroad?

What are the entry requirements?

How is the course structured?

What career opportunities are there in that field?

Do you want to study near home? Do you have family/care commitments?

What is your financial situation?

Can you cope with a large amount of independent study and can you organise your own work?

Things to do

Research your ideas thoroughly. Have a look at the university prospectuses in the College Library. Gather as much information as you can – speak to your lecturers and Careers Adviser. Check the UCAS website. https://www.ucas.com/

Attend university and college open days – these are advertised round the College.

Speak to university representatives when they host events in the College – these may be on a digital basis during the year.

Participate in an articulation programme. This is organised through your class tutor and will help you prepare for the transition from FE to HE.

Participate in the Glasgow Caledonian University ‘College Connect Academy’ project for those preparing to go into HE.

Look at funding opportunities via Student Awards and Career Development Loans through Barclays and Co-op Banks

Don’t wait until the last minute - most courses have more applicants than places available. Complete an online application and let your tutor know. Your tutor will complete the online reference. Don’t miss the UCAS application deadline!

UNIT 3 FINDING THE RIGHT JOB FOR YOU


https://www.ucas.com/

CAREER CHOICES

A Activity View the video clip Evaluating Different Careers. Take notes of what you consider to be the important points or things you want to remember. The DVD will help you relate your interests, skills, education and values to specific occupations. The video will show you how to find a job that closely matches all of these.

A Activity The kind of person you are will affect how you get on with others, how you cope with tasks and react in certain situations. If you gain more insight into your personality it can help you assess the activities that suit you and are most likely to enjoy. Finding the right job also links to the right job for your personality. View the video clip The Right Job for Your Personality. Take notes of what you consider to be the important points or things you want to remember. The DVD will help you reflect on aspects of your life such as interests, skills, training and lifestyle.

A Activity Think about your previous jobs and create a list of aspects that were important to satisfying your needs or a like and dislike list of aspects

ExampleImportant aspects Not so importantVarietyResponsibilityWorking outside

TravellingTrainingUsing numeracy skills

This information and the list of skills and experience you previously identified will help you start thinking about jobs and careers which may suit your needs and goals.

A Activity Log on to the ‘My World of Work’ website at www.myworldofwork.co.uk to create a profile for yourself. You will need to register on this site for this activity.


http://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/

EARNING AND LEARNING

When you finish your college course it doesn’t necessarily mean the end of your opportunity to keep learning. Below are some ways you can learn while you earn.

Modern ApprenticeshipsIf you are in employment and want to gain an SVQ Level 3 or 4 then you could consider a Modern Apprenticeship (MA). There are over seventy MA frameworks representing various sectors of industry and commerce which offer training at craft, technician or management level. Places are available in all sectors for 16 – 19 year olds and in some sectors for over 20s.

Graduate ApprenticeshipsWith a Graduate Apprenticeship, you’ll be an employee – similar to a Modern Apprenticeship. But you’ll be spending some of your time at university, working towards a degree and earning a wage at the same time. Graduate Apprenticeships are growing, but there are already some opportunities available in key industries.Find out more about Graduate Apprenticeships on Apprenticeships.scot/

In the College we run programmes for Construction, Plumbing and Hairdressing. Contact a member of the Training & Employment Team if you want to find out more.

SDS Individual Training AccountsThis is a Scottish Government scheme for residents in Scotland aged 16 and over. It can help you with funding towards the cost of a course. Check the My World of Work website (www.myworldofwork.co.uk) or the SDS ITA leaflet, which can be found in the Advice Centre, for the most up-to-date eligibility criteria and financial information.

Always check first that your course has ITA approval and register with My World of Work before you enrol. Contact number is 0800 917 8000 or visit the website at https://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/learn-and-train/sds-individual-training-accounts-ita for further information.


https://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/learn-and-train/sds-individual-training-accounts-ita


https://www.apprenticeships.scot/

UNIT 4 WHERE TO LOOK FOR WORKIn the previous units you reviewed and assessed your skills, looked at options for the future and created an action plan. Now you will be looking at where to find a job.

A Activity View the video clip Finding a Job. Take notes of what you consider to be the important points or things you want to remember. The DVD discusses different ways you can find job openings and their advantages and disadvantages.

FINDING JOB VACANCIES

Job vacancies are advertised in a number of places.

JobCentrePlusOffer a wide range of both full and part-time vacancies. Log on to the JobCentrePlus website for up to date vacancies.

Local job centres organise jobs fairs at certain times of the year such as for part-time Christmas recruitment. Check the local press for further information.

NetworkingRemember that a high proportion of vacancies are never advertised but are filled through word of mouth, by a speculative application – writing to a company asking about any jobs available. Be pro-active about looking for opportunities yourself. It’s therefore important that as many people as possible know that you are looking for work and can let you know if they hear of anything that might interest you.

Go into workplaces and ask if they have any jobs available or offer a trial period of work which could be paid or unpaid. You could also volunteer and a job might become vacant while you are there.

NewspapersStill a popular source of vacancies. Jobs are usually advertised on specific days. Look out for local papers on the day when they come out as they always carry job adverts e.g.

Monday – Glasgow Times (https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/jobs/) Wednesday – East Kilbride News

Thursday – Daily RecordFriday – The Herald

Also use newspapers for general information about business trends, new companies opening in your area or companies that are expanding.


https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/jobs/

https://findajob.dwp.gov.uk/

Recruitment AgenciesAgencies often recruit for large employers and often specialise in a particular job area such as accountancy or warehousing. Temping agencies usually deal exclusively with secretarial, administration or clerical short-term vacancies.

You will often see agencies advertising in the press or on-line. You should have your CV ready as you will often be asked to email it in to them.

CollegeNewspapers, university prospectuses, books, CDs and DVDs on many aspects of careers information and job search are available in the Library.

Look out for information about any jobs and careers events being held in the College. Often employers will contact the College directly and recruit from existing students.

University Open Days are advertised in the Advice Centre and university events are held in November and May – information about forthcoming events will be advertised on the electronic screens.

If you apply for a course that has a work placement, take advantage of this as it is an opportunity for you to make a good impression with an employer.

SDS Careers AdviserTo make an appointment either contact Student Services or telephone SDS Careers Advisor on 01698 477120 or visit the Skills Development Scotland website at www.myworldofwork.co.uk

Internet There are many websites devoted to both jobseekers and employers. Jobseekers can see vacancies organised by categories, location or employer. There are sites that cover general vacancies across Scotland and dedicated sites to specific careers.

You will be able to set up an account on these sites and the services on offer vary but generally cover the following: create a career profile and a CV which can be stored in a CV bank and receive updated job alerts via email.

Below is a list of some of the general job sites which might be useful. Remember they may change and you may find others yourself which are also useful. Some sites will also give advice and useful tips about job searching.

www.s1jobs.comwww.myjobscotland.gov.ukwww.monster.co.ukwww.scotcareers.co.ukhttps://www.scotsman.com/jobs/

Employer WebsitesIncreasingly, many employers are now advertising vacancies directly on their own website. These sites cover all areas of Scotland and all different sectors. You can find web addresses by using a search engine such as www.google.co.uk or a business finder such as www.thomsonlocal.com


http://www.thomsonlocal.com/

http://www.google.co.uk/

https://www.scotsman.com/jobs/

http://www.scotcareers.co.uk/

http://www.monster.co.uk/

http://www.myjobscotland.gov.uk/

http://www.s1jobs.com/


Information Websiteswww.myworldofwork.co.ukSkills Development Scotland’s comprehensive website covers everything connected with career planning. Contains a large database of information on many occupations, modern apprenticeships, skills matching and self-assessment, plus information on further study, voluntary work, legislation etc. Has links to a wide range of other sites.

https://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/getting-job/apprenticeshipsInformation on Modern Apprenticeships

www.planitplus.netComprehensive site with a database of information on many occupations and general advice and guidance on all aspects of careers and lifelong learning.

www.gov.uk/contact-jobcentre-plusInformation on job hunting, links to vacancies, employment and training, benefits

https://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/learn-and-train/sds-individual-training-accounts-ita Information on Individual Training Accounts

www.ucas.comEssential website for university applicants plus a section with information for parents. Includes their online application system.

www.saas.gov.ukStudent Awards Agency Scotland, information on student finance and online applications

www.kent.ac.uk/employability/University of Kent: information on employability skills


http://www.kent.ac.uk/employability/

http://www.saas.gov.uk/

http://www.ucas.com/

https://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/learn-and-train/sds-individual-training-accounts-ita

http://www.gov.uk/contact-jobcentre-plus

http://www.planitplus.net/

https://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/getting-job/apprenticeships


A Activity

You may want to keep a list of the different employer websites you have looked at and what aspects you found useful.

Website address Aspects useful

…………………...... ……….………………………………………………………………

…………………...... ……….………………………………………………………………

…………………...... ……….………………………………………………………………

…………………...... ……….………………………………………………………………

…………………...... ……….………………………………………………………………

MATCHING SKILLS TO IDENTIFIED JOBS

When you have found a job you are interested in, you may receive a job application pack with useful information about the company and the work involved. If not, find out as much as you can about the company and the job. The application pack may include:

Job description – outline of the job role, duties and responsibilities.Person specification – outline of the skills, experience, qualifications and personal

qualities needed for the job.

Included with the person specification will be a list of ‘essential’ and ‘desirable’ skills. These are skills that are required for the post and those which would be helpful or enable you to do the job better. The essential skills are the more important.

There are others factors to be taken into consideration when applying for a job and these can make the difference between accepting or turning the offer down. These decisions are not always made in isolation as they can impact on your family. You may need to discuss these with people who are close to you.

A Activity Look at the factors below and make a list of others which are important to you. Rank them in order of importance, 1 being the most important and so on.

Factor RankNumber of hours per weekSalaryFlexi-timeLocationTransport links

Now you know the skills required for the job and some of the other factors that are important to you, you will be able to identify the positive and negative aspects about each job. Look for two vacancies that you are interested in to complete this activity. Select jobs that you can identify the advantages and write them in the space underneath the job description.


UNIT 5 APPLYING FOR JOBSYou are now at the next stage of applying for jobs. You have prepared by covering your skills for work, how they relate to the workplaces you are interested in and how to find suitable job vacancies.

TELEPHONING ABOUT A JOB

Your first contact with an employer may be on the telephone. Good verbal skills are just as important as written skills as you are showing how capable you are in communicating.

Communicating by telephone can be difficult as we are not able to see all the other clues such as body language or facial expressions. Creating a good impression on the telephone will help if you follow the tips below.

TOP TIPS - PREPARATION

Make sure you know why you are phoning – is it to request an application form? Is it to speak to a specific person?

Make sure you have the information you need – the name of the person you want to speak to, the department or extension number

If you are phoning about a specific advert make sure you have it in front of you as you may have to quote a reference number or give the job title

Note down any questions you want to ask

Have a copy of your CV to hand in case you are asked something and your mind goes blank

Have a pen and paper to take down any details

Phone from a quiet place where you will not be disturbed

Be prepared to leave a message if you are put through to an answering machine or voicemail – remember to leave your name, address and telephone number and give your reason for calling

TOP TIPS - DURING THE CALL

Be polite and smile while you are speaking – it makes you sound much friendlier

Speak slowly and clearly – don’t mumble or grunt

Don’t get flustered if the person you want to speak to is not available – either leave a message or ask when it’s convenient to phone back.

Try to say more than ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to questions – give as much information as possible

If you don’t catch something or don’t understand ask the person to repeat it

Write down any details you are given as it’s easy to forget everything as soon as you hang up

Always thank the person you are speaking to at the end of the call

CV PREPARATION


CV is short for the Latin term Curriculum Vitae which means ‘the story of your life’ and can be defined as a summary of your work and academic experience. It is a personal marketing tool that if written well will ensure you have the best possible chance of securing the job you want, so you must make sure that the details are accurate and well presented. A badly organised or untidy CV will just go straight into the bin!

A CV’s main purpose is to get you a job interview. Often the interview will be based around your CV so you may be asked a lot of questions about the information it contains.

A CV and a speculative letter can be used to approach companies who are not advertising any vacancies but are recruiting and looking for the right kind of people to keep on file.

What information should be included in a CV?

Personal Details Name Address Email address Telephone Number (remember to include a daytime number)

Personal ProfileIntroductory statement of two or three sentences summarising your relevant skills and personal characteristics. Don’t put down something which you can’t back up – it’s no use saying ‘’I work well on my own initiative‘’ if you can’t think of any examples when you’ve had to do this.

Example: “A good timekeeper who is reliable and organised. Being a confident individual I am happy contributing to team work or using my own initiative. I have a positive approach to new challenges and can work under pressure to meet deadlines.”

Key SkillsA short list of between four and eight bullet points highlighting your skills which are relevant to the job. Keep it accurate.

Example : Excellent communication skills Good keyboard skills – 60 wpm

Computer literate – familiar with Word Processing/ Spreadsheets

Reception experience including operating switchboard

Career Summary / Employment HistoryStart with present or most recent job and work back. Give dates of employment, name of employer and location, job title and brief description of duties.

Example:August 2010 Debenhams, Canteen assistant - present East Kilbride Serving customers, cash handling, preparing hot

drinks, keeping work area clean and tidy


If you have had several jobs, give details of the most recent and most relevant and summarise the rest. Remember you can include school work experience in this section.

EducationGive details of educational institutions attended and qualifications gained. As above, start with the most recent.

Example:2012 – 2013 South Lanarkshire College

NC Early Education and Childcare

2008 – 2012 Cathkin High SchoolStandard Grades: English 2 Science 2

Maths 2 Admin 4 French 3 History 4

TrainingThis can include training whilst in employment or perhaps through a training programme such as a Modern Apprenticeship or Employability Fund. This section is often included in the Education section or you can put it before the Employment section if it is more recent and relevant experience.

Personal DetailsCan include:

Date of birth – optional Health – optional Interests – hobbies Driving Licence – state if full,

current and clean

ReferencesYou can either include the name and address of a couple of referees or simply state that ‘References are available on request’. Remember to ask permission before you put someone down as a referee. Referees are usually from school, college or employers. Do not use family or friends.

Additional HeadingsYou might want to include the following:

Achievements – any awards won or something outstanding at college

Other relevant information – voluntary work, gap year, ability to speak another language, foreign travel


BE POSITIVE!

active flexible organising abilityadaptable get on well with others pleasant personalityambitious good communicator politearticulate good social skills positive attitudebright hardworking punctualcheerful helpful reliablecooperative honest respect for otherscourteous initiative responsibledependable interested resourcefuldetermined keen sense of humourenergetic leadership qualities smartenthusiastic mature versatileflexible motivated willing to learn

o I have developed problem solving skills ……………….

o I have developed leadership skills through …………………

o I am used to working on a budget because ……………………….

o I am capable of working well as an individual and as part of a team

o I can organise my work effectively

o I can work to deadlines

o I can use a range of power and hand tools including ………………

o During my work experience with………… I covered ………….

o I successfully completed a project / assignment in…….

o I can use a variety of office application packages

o I can communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing

o I have experience of working with the public in…….

o I enjoy working with figures

o I dealt with a variety of enquiries from……….

o I have gained experience of cash handling

o I performed reception duties

o I have experience of working with elderly people

What type of CV?Chronological – this lists your jobs in order, starting with the most recent - best used when you have had continuous employment with no gaps. If you have a gap, give an appropriate reason such as bringing up a family or career break.

Skills Based - A skills-based CV is ideal if you have gaps in your employment history - highlight your achievements and strengths often without dates and the gaps will not appear as prominent as with a chronological CV.


Targeted – aimed at a specific job market - used to highlight your strengths and experience in a particular field.Presentation of a CVAlways keep an electronic version so that you can update and change your CV as needed. Always check your spelling, punctuation and grammar.

TOP TIPS FOR A PROFESSIONAL CV

Keep it short – no longer than two sides of A4 paper

Type or word process it on white paper

Check your spelling, grammar and punctuation

Avoid abbreviations or slang – you understand it but the chances are that an employer won’t

Avoid text language

Include only relevant information and make sure you summarise your skills, qualities and achievements

Don’t use long sentences or paragraphs. Stick to short statements and bullet points

Organise the information logically and clearly

Save your CV on a disk or pen drive and update it whenever there are changes in your information or circumstances

Keep a copy to hand.

WRITING TO EMPLOYERS

Requesting an application pack can be carried out in a variety of ways. This could be by telephone, on-line via email or by letter. Writing a letter is part of the selection process and it should be written in the correct format.

Letters of applicationSome employers may ask you to write a letter to apply for a job. This will let the employer know about your skills and experience which are relevant to the vacancy.If you have a CV you can write a shorter letter and enclose a copy, however, some employers may ask you to apply in writing for the job without sending in your CV.

Speculative lettersWhen you send your CV to a company ‘on spec‘, i.e. not replying to a specific advertised vacancy you need to send an accompanying cover letter. It needs to be short but with enough information to make the employer interested enough to read your CV.


TOP TIPS FOR WRITING TO EMPLOYERS

Use plain white paper and if you are hand writing the letter use a blue or black pen

Write to a named person if possible – you could phone the company beforehand or look at their website to find out who deals with applications

Check your spelling and grammar – avoid abbreviations

Start again if you make a mistake – don’t score something out and keep going

Keep a copy before you post it

If you start the letter with ‘Dear Sir or Madam’, then you end with ‘Yours faithfully’. Try always to use the person’s name and then you end with ‘Yours sincerely’

Remember to sign it. It’s usual to print your name first then sign it above.

LAYING OUT YOUR LETTERYour name

Your address

Today’s dateEmployer’s full nameEmployer’s address

Dear Sir / Madam or Dear Mrs. Smith

Paragraph 1

The first paragraph should explain why you are writing a speculative letter or state clearly which job you are applying for and where you saw it advertised, quoting any reference numbers.

Paragraph 2

This should tell the employer about you and is your opportunity to sell yourself. Briefly, outline the skills, experience and qualifications which make you suitable for that type of work.

Paragraph 3

This should tell the employer when you will be available for interview and when you could start work

Ending

Finish the letter with a positive phrase e.g. ‘I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.’

Yours faithfully or Yours sincerelyYour signatureYour name


APPLICATION FORMS

Filling in application forms can take a long time and seem quite boring, but it needs to be done properly as it is often the first important step in the journey towards an interview. If you have to fill in an application form, then it is the first part of the selection process and you want to make sure that your form is good enough to get you to the next stage.

Competency-based questionsSome employers use an application form (on paper or online) that is partly made up of competency-based questions. These will ask you to provide detailed answers, based on personal experience, to demonstrate a skill required in the job.

It is worth considering what it is that is being asked for. Is the question closed, asking for specific, quantifiable information, or whether it is open and you can decide your answer. A common example of this kind of question is: ‘Think of a time when you have had to influence others to do something or demonstrate your team working skills. Think about what the situation was, what role you played in it and, what the outcome was. The employer is looking for a clear answer. For this question you should try to:

Briefly outline the situation Explain what you did in terms of the skills and processes that you used in some detail Describe a positive outcome or personal learning point.

There is likely to be a series of questions covering a range of skills such as ‘problem solving’, ‘managing’ and ‘communication’, avoid using the same scenario twice. Draw on the breadth of your work, personal life and study to provide a variety of answers.

Personal Statement/Additional Information

The part of the application form that requires some detailed work is the personal statement in support of your application. You might be asked to give your reasons for applying’ and other information relevant to the job specification, including your knowledge, skills and experience.

Your personal statement should relate directly to the specifications of the job you are applying for. It is important that you address all the points in the job specification in the order in which they appear. Imagine this being used as a checklist by the person short-listing. See an example below for completion of a part of the personal statement.

Some key points to cover are:

The skills you have learned and are asked for in the person specification Provide examples of when and how you have used your skills State how you can fulfill the duties and responsibilities of the job.


TOP TIPS FOR COMPLETING APPLICATION FORMS

Read the form carefully before you start and follow all the instructions

Check the closing date – late applications will not be considered

If possible, you should practice on a photocopy first

Keep it tidy

Check your spelling and grammar

Think about what kind of skills the employer is looking for

Be positive, use language and phrasing that show enthusiasm for both the role and the company

The most difficult part of the form is often the last section ‘any other information but it is also perhaps the most important. This is your chance to give more details about your skills, experience and qualifications and use examples to sell yourself to the employer

Get someone to check over your form before you send it

Take a copy before you send it – keep it in case you get an interview

Do not fold the application form – use the correct size of envelope.

INTERVIEW SKILLS

Types of interviewThis part of the course is to prepare you for the interview by providing some practical hints on improving your technique. If you have been selected for interview the prospective employer thinks that you have the potential to do the job. You now have to portray yourself as the best candidate and demonstrate to the employer of your suitability throughout the interview. Planning and preparation is the key to making the process a bit easier and ensuring you are the best candidate.

Remember that an interview is a two-way process and it is your opportunity to find out more about the organisation. You will be able to ask for further information, seek clarification and see if the potential job meets your requirements and expectations.

Think about these questions:

What would you wear / not wear at an interview?

How would you sit?

Why is body language such a powerful communicator?

Can you think of an example where body language has been more important than what has been said?


Before the interview Check where the interview is being held and make sure you know how to get there.

It’s often worthwhile doing a dry run beforehand so you can time the journey

Plan what you are going to wear. Make sure that you look neat and tidy

Make sure you have the interview letter and anything else that you’ve been asked to take e.g. certificates, CV

Research the company and make sure you know what it does and what the job involves

Prepare answers to questions that you might be asked

Prepare some questions that you want to ask

At the interview First impressions count so it is important to create the right sort of impression immediately. Be aware of your body language and dress for the interview. Communication experts tell us that only 10% of our communication is represented by what we say. 30% is represented by how we sound and 60% by our body language!

To create a positive impression Do not sit down until you are asked

Look pleased you are at the interview and smile

Keep good eye contact with the person speaking, do not talk to the table or stare at the wall or out the window

Answer questions clearly and avoid mumbling

Arrive in good time – aim to be there with a few minutes to spare

Give your name at reception and explain that you have come for an interview

Don’t slouch, fidget or chew gum!

Don’t carry a can or bottle of juice into the interview

Allow yourself time to think before replying

If you don’t understand a question ask the interviewer to repeat it

Questions can sometimes be indirect with the employer expecting you to make the most of the opportunity

If you don’t know the answer to something be honest and say so. Don’t make something up – the interviewer will know

Be positive!

Try to work on creating your first impression as the employer will want to employ someone they are at ease with and will fit in with the other people in the organisation.


A Activity What about you creates a good impression to people that you meet?

Is there anything you can improve on to create a better impression?

A Activity Below are some typical questions that you might be asked. Questions asked will relate to the post and level of responsibility you are applying for. Think about how you would answer them and write the answers in the boxes

Tell me something about yourself

Why have you applied for this job?

What did you most enjoy at college / university / your previous employment?

What skills / qualities / experience could you bring to this job?


What do you know about the job?

Why do you want to work for this company?

What are your main strengths?

What your main weaknesses?

Tell me about a problem you’ve had recently and how you dealt with it

How would your previous colleagues describe you?

How do you cope under pressure?

Please provide an example when you have had to deal with change

What training do you think you would require if appointed?


How do you think you will adjust to a new environment?

Please give an example of where you have used your initiative

What is your greatest achievement?

Where do you see yourself in five years time?

Questions to askAs the interview is coming to an end you will be given the opportunity to ask some questions. This is your chance to impress your interviewers and ask some relevant questions. It also demonstrates that you have an understanding of the job.

During the interview some of the questions you have prepared will be answered and you will need to have some in reserve. Always avoid asking questions relating to salary, benefits, annual leave etc. These kinds of questions can create the wrong impression, it looks as if you are trying to find out “what is in it for you?” For example:

Would any training be provided by the company?

Where is the job located?

I am interested in (a particular aspect of the post). Is there any possibility of being involved?

What are the chances of extending my experience?

What are the long-term plans for the department/company?

What do you see as the biggest challenge for the new employee of this post?


GIVING A PRESENTATION

You may be asked to give a presentation as part of your interview. This will be part of the selection process and it will count towards the overall decision on the successful candidate.

As part of the selection for Higher Education, you may be asked to take part in a group discussion and you should be prepared to take an active role in such a discussion.

TOP TIPS FOR MAKING A PRESENTATION

Delivery (the way you sound)Do Try to speak naturally, but clearly and audibly Speak to all of the audience, not to only one person or to the floor (you’ll do this

automatically if you’re really checking to see everyone’s understanding what you’re saying)

Use pauses, emphasis and changes in pace to keep your presentation lively Vary your tone: don’t talk in a monotone zzzzzzzzzzz Make your voice expressive and keep your body language under control (ie don’t jiggle

or leap around) Recap where necessary

Don’t Talk too fast (you’ll lose your listeners) Talk too slowly (they’ll fall asleep) Hide behind bits of paper Use distracting mannerisms such as ‘ems’ and ‘ers’, jingling coins in your pocket Have more than 6 – 8 slides

CHECKLIST

Beginning What is the purpose of my talk? What do my audience need to know?

Planning Have I researched my topic thoroughly? Have I selected only relevant material? Have I found any useful visual aids?

Preparation Have I organised my material in a logical structure?

Introduction → Middle → Conclusion Have I prepared my talk using notes and headings?

Rehearsal (after each practice, ask yourself and someone you trust) Did I speak loudly and clearly enough? Did I speak at the right speed? Did I explain the purpose of my talk? Did I look at the audience and respond to their reaction? Did I fidget? Did I link the sections of my talk? Did I ask for questions at the end?


Did I remember only to glance at my notes, not to read from them? Was my talk too short or too long? Which aspects of my talk were not very good? How can I make the talk better?

A Activity View the video clip ‘Interviewing for a Job’. Take notes of what you consider to be the important points or things you want to remember. The programme covers preparing for an interview, body language, communication skills, answering some difficult questions. The video will show you how to be confident in an interview.

A Activity After each interview, think about your performance and complete the form below.

What overall impression did you have of your interview?

How did you convey enthusiasm and sincerity?

How well did you show your strengths?

How well did your responses match the likely needs of the organisation?

What areas do you think need further development?

Were there any questions you did not answer well?

A ActivityView the following video clip ‘Succeeding on the Job’. Take notes of what you consider to be the important points or things you want to remember. The DVD will show you strategies on how to survive on the job and improve your chances of promotion.


It is useful to keep a note of which employers you have contacted and the responses you have had to track your job applications

Date of contact Name & Number Job Response

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UNIT 6 SELF EMPLOYMENT

This is something you might want to consider if:

You have a good business idea

You like the idea of being your own boss

You have plenty of energy and commitment and are willing to work long hours

You are prepared to take risks.

You can think about the following:

Starting a new business from scratch

Buying an existing business

Franchising.

Planning and preparation are key as is having the finance in place. It is estimated that one third of new businesses fail within three years so take advantage of the wealth of business advice and guidance that is available before you start.

Check out the following websites for further information:

Business Gateway www.bgateway.com / Skills Development Scotland www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/NESTA www.nesta.org.ukPrince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust www.princes-trust.org.uk/Shell Livewire www.shell-livewire.orgSmall Business Advice www.smallbusiness.co.ukThe British Franchise Association www.thebfa.orgYouth Business International https://www.youthbusiness.org/Young Enterprise Scotland www.yes.org.uk


http://www.yes.org.uk/

https://www.youthbusiness.org/

http://www.thebfa.org/

http://www.smallbusiness.co.uk/

https://www.shell.co.uk/sustainability/society/encouraging-enterprise/shell-livewire.html

https://www.princes-trust.org.uk/

http://www.nesta.org.uk/

http://www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/

http://www.bgateway.com/

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