Finding a Job

Finding a Job

CV & Covering Letter

When looking for employment, work experience, placements and apprenticeships,It is vital that you are able to show how you use your strengths to complete tasks or qualifications.

A CV is a document that shows all of the qualifications you have and gives a brief history of the time you have spent in school, college or out at work.

CV Breakdown

01 Contact Details – Your Name, Address and a contact number so that a company can get in touch with you.

02 Personal Profile – This paragraph gives a description of what you are like and the skills and strengths you can bring to a company. What do you do best? What are you good at?

03 Education/Training – The time you have spent at each school, college or training provider, what you did there and any qualifications you gained whilst studying.

04 Work Experience – This includes any work experience you did at school and any other part time or full time work you have had.

05 Interests – Companies like to know what you enjoy in your spare time especially any sports or creative activities. It shows a company your hidden talents e.g. “I play football for a local team.” Or “I like to design and make costumes for plays in my spare time.”

06 References – Companies will need to know who to contact to act as your referee.

CV – A Good Example

CV – A Bad Example

Wages

When you start work it is important to be aware of the different rates of pay you may be entitled to.

There is a Pay and Work Rights Helpline for help and advice on minimum wage: contact 0800 917 2368.

Most workers in the UK over school leaving age are legally entitled to be paid at least the NMW and all employers have to pay it to you if you are entitled to it. It makes no difference:

  • if you are paid weekly or monthly, by cheque, in cash or in another way.
  • if you work full time, part time or any other working pattern.
  • if you work at your employer’s own premises or elsewhere what size your employer is where you work in the UK