(Maybe) Not Going to Uni?

Information about alternative routes, including:

A level or BTEC entry jobs with training sponsored degrees useful websites

CV advice

2015/16

General Information

Some 6th formers at Christ the King St Mary’s choose to take the work based route when they finish their studies. For these students we would strongly advise they look for apprenticeships or jobs with recognised training. This booklet has been produced to support such students.

Students considering other routes are advised to book an appointment to talk to one of the College’s Careers and Higher Education Advisers: Penny Longman (in College on Tuesdays to Thursdays), or Will Peat (available Mondays, Tuesday 10 – 3.30, and Fridays). It is also useful to visit the St. Mary’s Careers Blog (www.stmaryscareers.wordpress.com) regularly as it contains information about job applications and vacancies. Also register on Yammer and join the SM-Careers Group to receive further updates. Applications for some of the school leaver schemes open as early as the September of Year 13, but deadlines tend to be from about January of Year 13.

Some of the reasons students choose not to apply for university straight from school:

Not keen to continue studying at this stage Do not need a degree for chosen career Prefer to train on the job after completing 6th form Put off applying for university because of the cost No idea what to study at university Chosen degree course requires further experience before applying

Even if you are looking for a job straight after 6th form, it is still often a good idea to apply through Ucas for university courses. If you then get a job you really want you can decline or defer your university place, but if you change your mind and decide you do want to go to uni you then still have a place lined up.

Students worried about the financial side of university should visit the careers page on Moodle and follow the links in the Student Finance section. There is some helpful information about what financial support is available, and how repaying the loans works.

In many ways, students looking for jobs rather than university need to work harder to find what they are looking for, as there is no one place where all opportunities are advertised. This booklet contains

information about some of the school leaver entry schemes that are regularly available a list of some of the sponsored degree schemes that exist some suggestions of websites to help with searching and applying for jobs and being

successful at interview CV advice

None of these lists is exhaustive, they are just a starting point for your own research. There are many more companies and apprenticeship schemes you will be able to find.

Some useful events

Skills London runs at the Excel Centre in November and describes itself as, ‘London’s biggest jobs and careers event.’ In 2015 there were over 200 employers, colleges, training and apprenticeship providers. There is usually a trip arranged by College, so speak to Mrs Longman/Mr Peat if you are interested in attending.

National Apprenticeship Week runs for a week in March 2015 and includes hundreds of events and activities across England. Employers, apprentices, business support organisations, learning providers, colleges and schools across the land will be encouraged to support the Week by hosting activities to showcase the achievements and benefits of Apprenticeships.

London Borough of Bexley has organised an evening apprenticeship event in March for the last two years. At the last one, there were over 50 employers, colleges, training and apprenticeship providers.

Pure Potential – this organisation runs a useful careers fair specifically for school leavers during the February half term. Look for more details nearer the time.

Workshops in College – in February the College will run a day of workshops for students looking at alternatives to university. All students who have not applied to university will be invited. If you have applied through UCAS but are also applying for jobs and would like to attend the workshops please speak to a member of the careers team.

Insight Days – a number of the big financial companies run insight days throughout the year. These can be the first step to applying for work experience or an internship, and eventually a job. Some may be more aimed at university students.

For example-

BDO have insight days in different regions - http://www.bdoschoolleavers.co.uk/Insight-London-South-East

PWC career open days you can find out more info here - http://www.pwc.co.uk/careers/student/ourevents/find-out-more-events.html

Those are just a few examples, and there are plenty of others.

What Next?These are some websites which advertise a range of school leaver jobs and opportunities:

ApprenticeshipsThe National Apprenticeship Service has details of apprenticeships in a wide range of jobs: leisure, travel and tourism; construction, planning and the built environment; ICT; education and training; health, public services and care; agriculture, horticulture and animal care; arts, media and publishing; engineering and manufacturing technologies; retail and commercial enterprise; business, administration and law. Advanced Apprenticeships usually require 5 GCSEs (grade C or above), Higher Apprenticeships are the next step on from Advanced Apprenticeships.Register with www.apprenticeships.gov.uk to search for jobs and apply online

Not Going to UniThe Not Going to Uni website gives details of many of the school leaver schemes, schemes that include studying part time at university and a number of sponsored degrees.www.notgoingtouni.co.uk

All About School LeaversLinks to a range of companies with school leaver jobs and apprenticeships. Gives information and advice on the different routes available.www.allaboutschoolleavers.co.uk

The Big ChoiceAnother website with a good range of school leaver jobs and apprenticeshipshttp://www.thebigchoice.com/School_College_Leavers

Rate My ApprenticeshipRate my Apprenticeship works with a number of big employers, advertising many of the school leaver schemes. Their website also contains lots of useful advice on the application and selection process.www.ratemyapprenticeship.co.uk

MilkroundMilkround has long worked in graduate recruitment. They are now working with school leavers.http://schoolleavers.milkround.com/jobs/

Job Centre PlusJobs that are advertised through job centres are all online here. Once you have left college, if you are not yet working, it is important to sign on with the job centre. Some opportunities are only available to people who are registered as seeking work, and you should also be entitled to income related jobseekers allowance (slightly over £50 a week). However, if you have a part time job, any money you earn is deducted from jobseekers allowance. To sign on for the first time, you will need to make an appointment in advance. If you just turn up you will queue up and then find you have to go away and come back when you’ve made an appointment. If you are under 18, you will need to see the Under 18 Adviser and there are restrictions on those receiving benefits.https://www.gov.uk/jobsearch

For advice on applications and how to prepare for interview try:

National Careers ServiceUseful information and advice about applying for jobs, including advice on different CV templates, and what to put in a letter of application. There are also profiles on different jobs.

https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk

Graduate ProspectsAlthough this is a website for graduate jobs, many of the interview and selection processes apply to other jobs as well, particularly jobs where there are career progression opportunities, so it is a very useful source of information. Look at the careers advice tab, which includes job application advice, interview tips, interview tests and exercises and job hunting advice. Don’t be put off whenever it mentions what employers are looking for in graduates – the same rules apply much more generally than that.www.prospects.ac.ukBright KnowledgeChoose ‘career pathways’ for some good job-hunting tips, as well as ideas for getting work experience to boost your CVwww.brightknowledge.org

Pure PotentialPure Potential runs workshops and offers support with applying to university, but they also have a school leaver section on their website, and have links with some top employers. In February half term they run a careers fair specifically for school leavers.www.purepotential.org

Jobs and apprenticeships in specific sectors:

Finance

There are lots of good school leaver schemes in finance – these are just a few of them.Look out for insight days to attend while you are in the 6th Form.

The Brokerage Citylink supports school leavers (and undergraduates) looking for jobs in the City and have strong links with a number of major employers. Visit http://www.thebrokerage.org.uk/ for more information.

AAT Trainees (accountancy)Many of the smaller accountancy firms recruit via the HAT group, and typically offer training in all aspects of accountancy while studying AAT qualificationsEntry requirements: 280 UCAS points from your top three A levels or equivalent, completed in the same academic year (excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking) plus at least a B in GCSE maths and a C in GCSE English.http://www.hatgroup.co.uk/recruitment_aat.php

BDO LLP (Accountants)Train for the professional ACA accountancy qualification with BDO. Choice of routes: audit, tax, advisory or financial services. Entry requirements 280 UCAS points, plus at least a B in GCSE English and Maths.http://www.bdoschoolleavers.co.uk/Home

Baker TillyTwo year programme leading to AAT accountancy qualification. Requires 280 UCAS points (from your top three A levels) and five GCSEs grades A-C, including English and maths both at B grades. After completing AAT qualification you can go on to train for ACA or CA qualification and become a chartered accountant. Apply as soon as possible for September start (no specific deadline, but application process is withdrawn once sufficient applications have been received).www.allaboutschoolleavers.co.uk/employers/profile/baker-tilly.

Bank of EnglandSchool Leaver Development Programme. Complete a business administration apprenticeship and then specialise in Operations, Statistics or Technology. A gap year scheme is also available sometimes. Entry requirements: 180 UCAS points from up to 3 A levels, plus a minimum of 5 A*-C at GCSE, including English and maths. Closing date 6 March 2016.https://www.bankofenglandearlycareers.co.uk/our-programmes/

Barclays Apprenticeship ProgrammesDifferent levels of apprenticeship schemes with differing levels of entry requirements. Foundation requires lower than two A levels; Higher requires 200 Ucas points. Recruiting for Foundation is throughout the year, while applications for Higher close 3 May 2016. Higher are available in finance, human resources, internal audit, leadership and management and relations management functions, and lead to a relevant degree or professional qualification.http://joinus.barclays.com/emea/apprenticeships/

BPP Professional Apprenticeships (Accountancy, Business, Finance, Law)Train for professional qualifications in the relevant field. If you already have a suitable job, BPP can provide the apprenticeship training; if you do not have a job, use the BPP recruitment service where they will try to match you to a job. Also started two Degree Apprenticeships in management and digital and technical solutions which require 260 Ucas points and Cs in English and maths GCSEs.http://www.bpp.com/apprenticeships/apprentice-info

J P Morgan Asset ManagementFinancial services apprenticeships last 18 months and require 3 A levels or equivalent with B or above in GCSE English and maths. Specialise in investment operations, technology, compliance or finance. Degree apprenticeships in technology require 3Bs at A level including one STEM subject and B or above in English and maths.Also offer work experience programmes.http://careers.jpmorgan.com/careers/programs

Ernst and YoungSchool leaver programme with five year training programme in finance and business with a specialism such as tax or assurance. Starts in 2017. For those taking A levels. Ernst and Young scholarships are either £3,000 or £15,000 over the degree period depending on subject and university, and include paid summer placements. http://www.ey.com/UK/en/Careers/Students/Students---Schools#fragment-4-na

Deloitte Deloitte’s new Bright Start programme is for school leavers looking for a chance to join a top financial organisation. To apply you need to be bright, ambitious and ready to grab a brilliant opportunity when it comes along. Depending on the specialism applied for you need GCSE English Language B/C or above and Maths B or above, and to expect at least 260 Ucas points from three A-levels.Good GCSE level apprenticeships in business administration and finance are also offered at their Milton Keynes and Cardiff support centres.Deloitte also offer their ‘Scholar’ programme, with gap year employment, sponsorship at university, paid holiday work whilst at university, then fast track through the recruitment process for a graduate job.Bright Start: http://www2.deloitte.com/uk/en/careers/school-leavers.htmlSupport Centre: http://www2.deloitte.com/uk/en/pages/careers/articles/apprenticeship-scheme.htmlScholar Programme: http://www2.deloitte.com/uk/en/pages/careers/articles/scholar-scheme.html

KPMGKPMG360° programme rotates participants round the different audit, tax and advisory areas of the business for a three to six year period depending on the chosen qualification level. Entry requirements are 260 Ucas points and five GCSEs at C or above including English and maths.KPMG’s Audit Programme is a five year programme which includes studying for a degree in accounting at Durham, or Birmingham University (paid for by KPMG). At the end of five years you will be a fully qualified chartered accountant with several years’ experience with this top accountancy firm. Entry requirements: ABB at A level, plus at least a B in GCSE maths and English. 2016 closed, 2017 applications open in autumn 2016.https://www.kpmgcareers.co.uk/school-leavers

PwC LLP (Accountancy/finance)School and college leaver opportunities in assurance, consulting, deals and tax. 280 Ucas points required from 3 A levels with Cs or above in English and maths.Flying Start degree programme offers a four year course with paid work placements for those who want to study at university and to become a chartered accountant. Apply for these through Ucas at Newcastle University (AAB with A in GCSE maths and B in English); Nottingham University (AAB plus B in GCSE maths and two further GCSEs at C or above); and Reading University (AAB plus A in GCSE maths and B in English).PwC also runs careers information days which are a good opportunity to find out more.School/College leavers: http://www.pwc.co.uk/careers/schools/careers/what-are-apprenticeships.html http://www.pwc.co.uk/careers/schools/careers/job-search.htmlFlying Start Degrees: http://www.pwc.co.uk/careers/schools/flying-start-degrees/flying-start.html

Law

Most people going into a career in law go to university to study law, or take a different degree followed by a ‘law conversion course’, but ILEX qualifications offer another route. Visit http://www.cilex.org.uk/study.aspx to find out more about work based qualifications in law including apprenticeships in legal services and legal secretary qualifications.

Also try the general apprenticeship websites in the What Next section for school/college leaver opportunities and BPP for its Professional Apprenticeships in Law.

Engineering

Engineering is another sector with good school leaver opportunities. The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) website is a useful source of information: http://www.citb.co.uk/bconstructive/. Here is a selection of opportunities

BAM NuttallAdvanced apprenticeships for two years in civil engineering, quantity surveying and planning engineering. Followed by either progression onto a Higher national Diploma (HND) or site work. Requires GCSE maths at B or above, English and science at C or above. Craft apprenticeships for 18 months in general construction work, formwork, sprayed concrete lining and steel fixing.http://www.bamnuttall.co.uk/ and look under the Careers drop down menu

British Gas Variety of apprenticeships and traineeships, including electrician as well as gas engineer, and smart metering expert. For a number you must be at 17 and have at least a provisional driving licence, sometimes a full driving licence. Entry requirements start at a minimum of 3 GCSE grades A*-C, preferably including maths and science for electrical traineeships, 4 GCSE grades A*-C including English, maths and preferably science and a technical subject for other apprenticeships.Visit http://www.britishgasjobs.co.uk/careers/apprentices-and-trainees for more information

Laing O’Rourke (Construction and management)Major construction company offering apprenticeships with opportunities for study, including being funded to complete a degree during that time. Jobs also include commercial management, HR, quantity surveying, procurement, as well as construction and engineering. Apprenticeships last 2 – 4 years and can lead to an NVQ2 or on to an HNC level. They require 3 GCSEs preferably at C or above in English maths and science. Most vacancies advertised in December, though not all.School and College Leavers Programme lasts for 5 years and leads to an HNC or BSc degree. It requires CCC at A level ideally including maths or science and 5 GCSEs at C or above. Applications Nov – March.Scholar Scheme offers a £3,000 annual bursary and paid work placements for those on engineering, architecture/design, surveying, supply management or construction management based degrees. Applications Sept – Dec.Apprenticeships: http://careers.laingorourke.com/explore-by-experience/apprentices.aspxSchool Leavers: http://careers.laingorourke.com/explore-by-experience/school-and-college-leavers.aspxScholar: http://view.pagetiger.com/LOREarlyTalentBrochure/issue1/?ptit=61048160136D61E5112C and page 5.

Motor Vehicle Apprenticeships Apprenticeships leading to jobs as service technicians, body shop technicians and non-technical jobs such as parts consultant, customer service, and business administration. Some of the apprenticeships offered require GCSEs at C or above in English and maths, but in other areas, Remit will support the apprentice to achieve the equivalent. Check their website for further details. Remit has also started to offer IT, Hospitality, Business, Health and Social Care apprenticeships.http://www.remit.co.uk/apprenticeships/(Also see BT under IT, Telecommunications and Logistics for motor vehicle.)

National GridAdvanced Apprenticeship Programme in a range of gas/engineering roles. Entry requirements: 5 GCSEs grades A*-C, including English, maths, one from the following: IT, Technical Drawing, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Science or any other Engineering subject and two from the following: IT, Technical Drawing, Engineering (or any other Engineering subject), Science, English Literature, Geography, or History.

Higher Apprenticeship Programme in cyber security, project management or as an infrastructure solutions architect. Entry requirements: 2 A-Levels / A2: Grades A* - C (1 must be in either Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Computing) or an appropriate BTEC National Certificate or Diploma Level 3.

Engineering Training Programme in management, network strategy, power systems or substations includes studying for an HNC or degree. Entry requirements for Engineering Training Programme: 2 A levels, grades A to C. At least one must be in maths or physics, or an engineering/technology subject combined with maths a/s at C or above, or an appropriate BTEC National Certificate or Diploma Level 3 with good grades in maths modules.http://careers.nationalgrid.com/apprentice-engineer-training-programmes/

Network RailAdvanced Apprenticeships in engineering. 3 year scheme. Entry requirements: 4 GCSEs grade A*-C, including English, Maths and Science (or NVQ or BTEC Level 2 or above in an engineering subject).http://www.networkrail.co.uk/careers/schemes/students-and-graduates/advanced-apprenticeship-scheme/.

Transport for LondonOffers a wide range of apprenticeships in engineering, built environment, business and finance, customer services, management and planning and technology and at different levels. These last from 1 – 4 years. Entry requirements: level 2 requires 3 GCSEs at C or above including English and maths level 3/4 requires 5 GCSEs at C or above including English and maths and sometimes science and IT level 5 (HR) requires 5 GCSEs including English and maths and 2 A levels.TFL also offers paid summer placements and a year programme for those on sandwich courses at uni.https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/careers/apprenticeships

Vinci plc (Quantity surveying and construction management)Apprenticeships or Technician Trainee Scheme; entry requirements 5 or more GCSEs (or equivalent) grade C or above. Also offer sponsorship to students studying on specific engineering degrees at Loughborough, Southampton, Nottingham, but will also look at applications for sponsorship from other universities.– see http://www.vinci.jobs/pages/Sponsorship.html Apprenticeships: www.bconstructive.co.ukTechnician Trainee: http://www.vinci.jobs/pages/Apprenticeships-Scheme.html For.

IT, Telecommunications and Logistics

If you want to use your IT skills in your work, a job in IT, Telecommunication or Logistics might be right for you. These jobs will often require good customer service skills as well.

BT ApprenticeshipsAdvanced and some Higher Apprenticeships in Business (customer service, HR, finance) and Technical (engineering, IT, Vehicle Maintenance). Entry requirements for Advanced Apprenticeships: 4 GCSEs at C or above including English and maths, and for engineering power maths at B or above. Entry requirements for Higher Apprenticeships: 2 A levels at C or above and for Finance 3 A levels with 300 Ucas points.Degree Apprenticeships in IT require 3 A levels at BBC or above.http://www.bt4me.co.uk/.

CapgeminiAdvanced Apprenticeship Programme in software engineering which lasts one year and leads to a level 3 qualification. Entry requirements: 7 GCSEs at C or above including English and maths.Degree Apprenticeship Programme is a 4½ year work and study programme in digital and technology solutions with study at Aston University. Entry requirements: 7 GCSEs at C or above preferably with good grades in STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths) subjects, plus 3 A levels at CCC (240 points) or equivalent such as BTEC which must include a minimum of one distinction. Again, preference is given to STEM subjects, and some software roles will require a C in A level maths. https://www.uk.capgemini.com/careers/your-career-path/apprentices

DHLApprenticeship available within logistics, transport, finance, engineering, customer service, HR and IT, closest location is Dartford. Entry requirements vary, some require no formal qualifications (e.g. driving, but need clean car licence), some to GCSE level (business admin.), most require maths and English GCSE at C or above, HR requires GCSEs in English and maths at C or above, plus two A levels. Check their website. www.dhl-apprenticeship.com for more informationapply through www.apprenticeships.org.uk

CGI (previously Logica) Higher Apprenticeship programme takes 2 years and leads to a level 4 IT based qualification.Service Desk Apprenticeship in Bridgend takes 15 months, leading to a level 3 qualification and is IT based with core business skills.Payroll Apprenticeships are in Manchester, Southwark and Leatherhead.The Sponsored Degree Programme offers either a computing route or business route with a day week at Winchester University. A salary and tuition fees are paid by CGI on these 3 year courses and the entry requirements are 3 A levels plus GCSE English and math at C or above. There is also a 4 year computing degree route at Caledonian University which requires BBC or BTEC Level 3 MMM in a relevant subject plus English and maths at GCSE C or above.Apprenticeships: http://www.cgi-group.co.uk/careers/school-and-college-leavers/apprenticesSponsored Degree Programme: http://www.cgi-group.co.uk/careers/school-and-college- leavers/sponsored-degree-programme

QA ApprenticeshipsQA works with a number of leading IT companies, including Microsoft and HP, to offer apprenticeships in Systems and Networking, Digital Marketing and Skills, Business, Cyber Security, Software and Web Development, and Project Management. These apprenticeships usually last about 2 years and lead to a level 4 qualification, but apprentices can stop after a year with a level 3 qualification. Entry requirements: Systems and Networking, Digital Marketing and Skills, and Business require 5 GCSEs at C or above including English and maths; Software and Web Development requires 7 GCSEs at C or above including English and maths; Cyber Security and Project Management require A levels.http://apprenticeships.qa.com/programmes

Commerce – including Retail

There is a wide variety of opportunities in the general area of ‘commerce’ – which covers retail and also working for companies which produce the goods that will be sold. School leaver opportunities in retail do not have to be just a matter of working full time as a sales assistant - there are some very good school leaver management training schemes.

MorrisonsTwo 3 year school leaver programmes which include sponsorship through a degree whilst working. One is the Manufacturing Sponsored Degree programme, and the other is the Head Office Sponsored Degree programme. You study for a BSc (Hons) Management and Business with the University of Bradford. Entry requirements: 260 UCAS points, plus C or above in GCSE English and maths.http://www.morrisonsgraduates.com/sponsored-degree

NestleThe 3 year Nestle Academy Fast Start programme includes a Professional Business Practice degree with Sheffield Hallam University and involves working in the areas of Human Resources, Sales, Marketing and Supply Chain functions, so is ideal for someone who wants to work in the food and drinks industry.Entry requirements: 300 UCAS points from three A levels or equivalent and five GCSEs with English and maths at B or above.There is a sponsored Confectionery Degree Apprenticeship which requires 3 A levels, one of which should be a science with maths desirable, and 5 GCSEs including English and maths at B or above.Nestle also runs an apprenticeship programme with two routes – technical and finance (leading to Chartered Institute of Management Accountant qualification). Entry requirements are at the 5 GCSE C or above or A levels depending on the route.Fast Start Programme: http://www.nestlecareers.co.uk/academy/content/school-leavers/index.htmlApprenticeships: http://www.nestlecareers.co.uk/academy/content/apprenticeships/index.html

TescoApprenticeships leading to a level 4 qualification in either Business and Commercial (Commercial, Technology or Buying and Merchandising) or Retail Operations (Trainee Management). Programmes are 2 or 3 years long depending on the route taken, and require 240 Ucas points and GCSE English and maths at C or above, with the Technology apprenticeship requiring one A level to be in ICT, IT, science or maths.The Store Retail Apprenticeship at level 2 is currently under review.http://www.tesco-graduates.com/apprenticeships-school-leavers/

AldiTwo 3 year apprenticeship programmes: Stores and Logistics. Entry requirements: GCSE English and maths at C or above.https://www.aldirecruitment.co.uk/apprentice/

Marks and SpencerThe Trainee Retail Management Programme is a 12 - 18 month scheme, based in branches (rather than Head Office), and leads to the role of Commercial Manager over your own team of Section Managers.Entry requirements: at least 2 A levels at C or above or equivalent, and a solid ‘commercial approach’ – in the end this job is about maximising sales.http://careers.marksandspencer.com/school-leavers

Creative Industries

The creative industries can be harder to get in to as a school leaver, but opportunities do exist, for example:

Royal Opera House ApprenticeshipsInteresting and unusual opportunities to use practical/artistic skills: apprenticeships in areas such as: stage technician, armoury, scenic art, set carpentry, metal working, costume performance support and footwear. Many departments are based in new, state-of-the-art facilities at Thurrock. Gain relevant qualifications at level 2 and 3.http://www.roh.org.uk/learning/schools-and-colleges/apprenticeships

SkyThe Sky Academy offers a range of apprenticeships in Business, Customer Service and Technology which are all at the GCSE level, and News and Sports Journalism which require A levels or equivalent. http://www.workforsky.com/starting-out/apprenticeship-programmes

BBCThe BBC runs several apprentice and trainee schemes, with different entry requirements, in Journalism, Digital and Engineering, Production and Business Support. http://www.bbc.co.uk/careers/trainee-schemes-and-apprenticeships

ITVITV offers a range of apprenticeships in Business & Administration, Creative & Digital Media, Customer Services, Social Media or Legal Practice. http://www.itvjobs.com/working-here/apprenticeships/

Health and Social Care

There is a growing number of apprenticeship opportunities within the health service. These are advertised on the NHS jobs website (www.jobs.nhs.uk) from time to time – re-visit it regularly. It is also worth visiting the websites of individual health trusts. Many

apprenticeships in social care are advertised on the National Apprenticeships website (www.apprenticeships.org.uk).

Preparing a CV

When you are applying for jobs, you will either have to fill in an application form, or send your CV. Your CV or application form tells the employer your achievements so far. It is aimed at getting you a job interview, and then the purpose of the interview is to get you the job.

There is no single best curriculum vitae (CV). You will need to adapt your CV according to the type of job you are applying for, so that it highlights particular skills, experience and aspirations relevant to the job. Most people list their education and experience in reverse chronological order (so the most recent things are listed first). So, what sort of CV will influence an employer or recruiter to see you? The following points come from research into what employers and recruiters actually look for in a CV.

PRINCIPLES

The CV should be: Neat

Aim for the best standard you can reach in layout and content. You will be judged by your CV. Always proof read carefully to make sure there are no mistakes, and ask someone to check it for you as well.

ShortYour CV should not be longer than two sides of A4 paper, and may fit onto one. It is important to be concise, and only to include relevant information. If it runs to two pages, the first page should include key personal details, together with information about your education and your current or latest job (if you have one). The split between the first and second page should be at a sensible point - not in the middle of a section.

SimpleAlways choose a standard type face, such as arial, and avoid anything fancy such as a folder or sleeve or any graphics.

CompleteThe CV should list your address and telephone number clearly (it may be separated from your covering letter).

FactualYou do not need to explain how the things you have done make you the right person for the job. The CV should stick to facts; a covering letter can be used to highlight how the facts on your CV have developed your skills.

PositiveUse positive language and expressions. Aim to show what you have done: your achievements, strengths, contributions, transferable skills and experience, and so on.

There are two main stages in compiling a CV: Assembling the facts Drafting and editing

The prospective employer or recruiter will be reading rapidly through a pile of applications. Your aim is to produce a document which will be put in the YES (for interview) pile and not in the NO or QUERY piles. The ideal document will be the one which gives at a glance all the required information, perhaps with a touch of originality, but excludes what is negative, superfluous or raises doubts in the reader’s mind.

ASSEMBLING THE FACTSList your past experiences and achievements, identifying clearly your strengths. Put everything down. You will probably assemble far more than you can ultimately use in your CV, but the additional material may still come in useful, perhaps during an interview.

If this is a challenge, try the Brick Wall Analysis on the next page.

DRAFTINGNext, draft, redraft and edit your CV until you have the best possible phrases to describe your experiences and achievements.

BRICK WALL ANALYSIS

There are all different bricks that make up the Brick Wall that is you. Some of the bricks are personal strengths, some are academic achievements. Spend some time thinking of all the different bricks in your brick wall. Start at the bottom! Do not worry too much about which category you place your skills.

Personal AchievementsSearch your mind and jot down some examples of your personal strengths.ExamplesDuke of Edinburgh Award;Persisted with a difficult project or subject;Get on well with people.

Responsibility and Management AchievementsWhere have you taken responsibility for others? Where have you given service to other people? Where have you worked as part of a team?Examples Saturday job;Babysitting;Student Ambassador.

Practical and Experience AchievementsWhat practical or technical skills have you got? What experiences have you had which you have learned from? What languages do you speak?ExamplesCompany secretary in Young Enterprise Scheme;Keyboard skills;Good French;Catering skills

Academic AchievementsJot down your academic achievements so farExamplesGCSE’sA level or BTEC predicted gradesOther relevant achievements

ARE THERE ANY GAPS IN YOUR BRICK WALL?WHICH BRICKS NEED SOME ATTENTION?

CONSTRUCTING A BASIC CV

There is no right or wrong way to complete a CV, but an example of a standard functional format for a student who is coming towards the end of their education is given at the end of this booklet.

PERSONAL PROFILE STATEMENT

At the beginning of your CV, immediately below your name and address section, many people include a short personal profile statement. This is to highlight the type of the person you are and make the person reading it think, Yes! This person I want to see.

You may well need to change this section a bit each time you apply for a different job, to make sure it shows you would be the right person for that particular job.

You may sometimes be advised to write this in the ‘third person’ – that means not using ‘I did this’ and ‘I did that’. Different people give different advice about this – the main thing is to be consistent.

Use your Brick Wall analysis to think about qualities or experience you might mention. This section of the CV may take the longest, as you try to express something of your personality and skills in just 2 or 3 sentences.

KEY SKILLS

Many people then list some key skills, such as punctuality, numeracy, computer skills – think what skills you want to highlight.

EDUCATION The education section needs to include three groups of information – where you attended school/college, when, and the qualifications you obtained.

No employer is likely to be interested in details of your primary school so don’t include this information.

Don’t give the whole address of the school; simply Christ the King St Mary’s 6th Form College is enough.

Remember to be consistent in the way you present information. If you are writing a list of exam passes, you might put the most relevant ones at the

top, or those with the highest grades, or you might list them alphabetically.

EXPERIENCE

When writing about your experiences, try to match your information against the items in the job description and person specification for the job (or if you are giving in your CV ‘speculatively’ think about the responsibilities of the job you hope may be available). You can include voluntary experience in this section.

The prospective employer will read through the education section of your CV, and briefly note if you’ve got the right qualifications, but this is the section they will scrutinise most closely. Therefore time taken here is well spent.

OTHER INFORMATION

You may want to include various pieces of information that you haven’t mentioned so far, so you may want to split this section up with additional headings, such as leisure interests.

The type of additional information that may well interest a prospective employer (or college) would be: Membership of a club Membership of a debating society Extra responsibilities at school or college Involvement with a charity or fundraising organisation Playing sports Voluntary work Duke of Edinburgh award

Some of these activities may well have provided you with experience that you can emphasise in the body of your CV.

If you decide to use one of the headings suggested above, don’t just list the items, give a bullet point or two of detail. When deciding which activities to include, think about what might interest the employer. Going through the above list it is easy to identify: Membership of a club can indicate that you are a sociable person, or if the club is based

around an interest or skill that you are good at whatever it is. Shows that you can be part of a team.

Membership of a debating society indicates an ability to present yourself verbally, to think through issues logically and calmly.

Extra responsibilities at college (for example, being an ambassador) shows that you are reliable, trustworthy, respected etc.

Playing sports shows that you are fit. Playing a team sport shows that you can work as a member of a team, play by the rules etc.

Voluntary work shows that you like to help others less fortunate than yourself. Shows relaiblity, initiative etc.

Duke of Edinburgh Award shows many positive attributes depending on what you’ve covered, but including staying power, reliability and willingness to work hard.

Providing this information to prospective employers is especially important if you are a school leaver with no work experience to offer as proof of your abilities.

REFERENCESIf you are applying for a specific job, it is helpful to include contact details for two referees, so the organisation can obtain references before an interview.

If you are sending a CV out uninvited it is best just to say ‘References available on request’. The organisation can then ask for details of referees if they contact you for interview.

Choosing people to list as referees.

Think carefully about who might be able to write a fair reference for you. They must not be a close family member. It is polite to ask people before listing them as a referee. It is also a good idea to check that they won’t be away on holiday at the crucial time.

The information that referees receive with the request varies. Some organisations simply ask referees to write about the suitability of the person without giving much guidance. Some ask referees to complete a form. Others send the job description and person specification and ask for comments in relation to these documents. Others phone.

It is usual to supply names, addresses, telephone numbers and, where possible, e-mail addresses of two referees. If you have had a previous job, one of your referees should be your previous manager. If you have not had a previous job you could ask: A teacher A professional person who knows you well. The chairperson or leader of a club you belong to. A family friend who has a professional job.If you are already employed and don’t want your present employer to know that you are applying for other jobs, mention this in your covering letter (some application forms ask the question anyway). Simply say something like Please do not contact my employer for a reference unless a job offer is to be made.

A simple example CV is given on the next page – you might want to write more in the personal profile section, and might have other things to put into the ‘other information’ section, but this gives a basic suggested outline:

James Brown35 Station Road

SidcupDA15 6AB

020 8301 4567Mob: 07832 978678

John.blanton@talktalk.net

A self-motivated, hardworking school leaver with good customer service and teamwork skills gained from retail experience, both voluntary and paid, looking for an opportunity to train for a career in the financial sector.

Key skills

Punctual and reliable Computer skills (Microsoft office) Numerate Good communication skills Good team member

Education and qualifications

Sept 2014-present

Sept 2009-June 2014

Christ the King St Mary’s 6th Form College

Currently studying A levels:

Applied BusinessApplied ICTPsychology

St Columba’s Catholic Boys School

GCSEs

English LanguageEnglish LiteratureMathsRSProduct DesignHistoryScienceAdditional ScienceBTEC First Certificate: Business

Predicted Grades

BBC

Grades

BCCBCBBCD*

Work experience

July 2014-present

Customer service assistant at Morrison’s, SidcupDuties include:

COVERING LETTERS

A CV should be sent with a covering letter. Your letter should be on good quality white paper. Always keep a copy of every CV and covering letter you send out.

A SAMPLE COVERING LETTER

YOUR ADDRESSPOSTCODE

TELEPHONE NUMBERE-MAIL ADDRESS

DATENAME OF CONTACTTITLENAME OF ORGANISATIONADDRESS

Dear (Mr Bloggs)/(Sir/Madam as appropriate)

Opening paragraph – identify yourself and indicate the position for which you are applying, state where heard about the vacancy.

Second paragraph – explain why you are interested in this particular line of work and the organisation (your CV may need to be adapted to highlight this as well). Briefly mention your academic background, relevant qualifications to the job in question, related work experience. Summarise your strengths and how they might be an advantage to the employer. (You need to persuade the employers using this single sheet of paper and your CV that you are worth seeing).

Third paragraph – refer to the fact that you have enclosed a CV and do emphasise the points which make your qualification and skills particularly relevant to the vacancy in question.

Final paragraph – reiterate your interest (do not be afraid to show that you are keen to have the job, ENTHUSIASM is a definite plus!). Indicate your availability for an interview and if necessary ask for further information. Close your letter with a confident statement which will then encourage a positive response.

Yours sincerely (Mr Bloggs) or Yours faithfully (Sir/Madam)

Your signature (handwritten)Your name (typed)

ON SPECOn spec (or ‘speculative’) letter for part-time work)

YOUR ADDRESSPOSTCODE

TELEPHONE NUMBERE-MAIL ADDRESS

DATENAME OF CONTACTTITLENAME OF ORGANISATIONADDRESS

Dear Ms Perkins (Sir/Madam)

Current/Future Vacancies

I am a student at Christ the King St Mary’s 6th Form College and am currently seeking part-time work in retail.

During my work experience at Peacock’s I learned how important customer service skills are, and as it was a very busy time of year in the shop I dealt with lots of enquiries from people of all ages. Since June I have been working as a volunteer at the Cancer UK shop and I have been trained to use the till. Working there regularly means that I have become part of the team, and I can see how important it is in a team that everyone works together. I would now like to gain further experience through a part-time job.

I am enclosing my CV and would appreciate being considered should any vacancies arise.

Yours sincerely/faithfully (Ms Perkins/Sir/Madam),

APPLICATION FORMS

Many jobs require you to fill in an application form, either paper-based or on-line. Once you have a good up to date CV written you can use that to provide a lot of the information for the application form, but you also usually have to write a supporting statement to show why you want the job and why you are the right person to do the job. It is very important to match the skills you write about in the statement to the skills described in the job description or person specification supplied by the employer.