Writing A CV
The word Curriculum Vitae literally translated means the story of your life. Your CV is a very important document; with it rest your hopes and dreams for the future – that next step up the career ladder, a better position, more money and new challenges. Your CV therefore has to represent the best you have to offer if you do not want to miss out on that job you saw which was ‘perfect’ for you. These days employers often receive hundreds of CVs for each advertised position. So your CV has to be just that little bit special to stand out. You may also need to include a covering letter.
You may find the following websites helpful to write your CV:
• www.alec.co.uk/cvtips/whatinfo.htm
• www.monster.co.uk/career-advice/cv-writing-tips
• ww.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/cvs-and-cover-letters/how-to-write-a-cv
These websites will give you advice on how to write a cover letter:
Although this is the careers section of the British Computer Society, the information here does not just apply to jobs in IT. There is useful advice here on different types of covering and application letters and how to tailor your response to your chosen job.
Interviews
Once you have secured your interview, it is very important to prepare.
Preparation:
1. Find out about the organisation. Read their website inside out so you understand what they do, what they pride themselves on and what values they expect in their workers. Ask questions via their social media links so they get to know you before the interview.
2. Think about yourself. What skills, qualities and achievements have you got that would interest the interviewer. Note down examples of where you have shown and developed these skills. Read your application again and pick out the things you’d like to come out at interview.
3. Plan your journey – make sure you know exactly where and when the interview will be. Aim to arrive at the reception area of the company at least 15 minutes before the interview. If possible, have a dry run beforehand and an alternative plan in case something goes wrong.
4. Dress appropriately – choose clothes that suit the type of work and fit in with the organisation’s image. Aim to look clean, neat and tidy. Get your clothes ready the day before.
5. Always take a pen and something to write on and read your interview instructions carefully in case they have requested that you should bring anything else along.
Use the following websites to help you find out how to complete a successful interview:
• www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/interview-tips
• www.totaljobs.com/careers-advice/interviews/interview-questions
• www.collegegrad.com/tough-interview-questions
An American website, but a good basis for you to prepare some possible interview answers. This article features tough questions you may be asked at interview.
Information for Students and Parents –
If you are unsure about your future career, a good starting point is to identify your skills and interests.
- Take the BuzzQuiz on www.icould.com
- What does your personality predict about your future career: www.bbc.co.uk/guides
- Take a Skills Health Check. This takes a few hours but gives in depth advice: www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk
Useful Websites
Career and Apprenticeship Advice
• www.apprenticeshipguide.co.uk Information about apprenticeships, what you can
study, how to apply, who offers apprenticeships and more.
• www.apprenticeships.org.uk Information about apprenticeships.
• https://www.careersbox.co.uk/ Useful careers advice videos
• https://www.allaboutschoolleavers.co.uk/ Support finding a job after school
• https://www.getmyfirstjob.co.uk/ Support finding a job after school
• https://www.notgoingtouni.co.uk/ Lots of great advice on alternatives to university
• https://www.shaw-trust.org.uk/ Careers advice specially tailored for disabled pupils
• https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/ – Take a Skills Health Check to help you decide on a future career
• www.icould.com Take the Buzz Quiz to discover new careers suited to you and explore
different career profiles
• https://www.milkround.com/school-leavers/jobs/ Careers advice for school leavers
• https://www.prospects.ac.uk/ Fantastic overall careers advice, with job profiles giving lots of information of different careers
• http://www.futuremorph.org/ Career opportunities in Science and Maths
University Information
• www.ucas.com Contains official information on all undergraduate courses including course search, applying and tracking your application.
• https://university.which.co.uk Fantastic university advice and course search
• www.opendays.com List dates to university open dates and gives the opportunity to book a place online.
• www.skill.org.uk National bureau for students with disabilities.
• www.guardian.co.uk/education/higher-education University ranking tables and subject profiles.
• www.cukas.ac.uk Conservatories UK admissions service. Applicants to most practical music courses in specialist conservatories will need to use this website.
• thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk Excellent overall advice about university
Admissions Tests
• www.bmat.org.uk Biomedical admissions test (BMET) applies to medicine, veterinary medicine and related courses at certain institutions.
• www.lnat.ac.uk National Admissions Test for Law (LNAT) applies to all applications to undergraduate law degree at certain universities.
• www.ukcat.ac.uk UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) for medical and dental schools.
• www.admissionstests.cambridgeassessment.org.uk Thinking Skills Assessments for applicants to computer science, economics, engineering and natural sciences at
Cambridge universities (not all colleges).
Finance
• https://www.gov.uk/student-finance Government website giving information on
student finance for university and higher education.
Student Life
• http://www.nus.org.uk/ Student rights, finance advice, links to other organisations. Also provide NUS card for special student discount offers.
• https://www.myunidays.com/GB/en-GB/content/about Special student discount offers
Gap Year
• www.yini.org.uk year in industry provides talented young people with paid degree
relevant work placements.
• www.yearoutgroup.org Association of gap-year providers offering information on
opportunities in the UK and overseas.
• www.gapwork.com Information about gap year jobs, volunteer placements and
seasonal work abroad.
Studying Abroad
• www.erasmus.ac.uk European study opportunities as part of a UK degree course.
• www.fulbright.co.uk Information and advice about studying in the USA.
• www.acu.ac.uk Website for the association of commonwealth universities – provides information on studying abroad.
• www.hotcoursesabroad.com Details of part-time and holiday jobs aimed at students.
General Websites
https://www.careersadviceforparents.org
http://www.parentadviser.co.uk/
Student Finance Guidance
www.ucas.com/student-finance-england
http://images2.moneysavingexpert.com/attachment/StudentFinance2011.pdf
Information for Parents