If you’ve had enough of studying and want to head straight into work after College, we have some tips to help you to start planning your job search! Don't forget our impartial and friendly careers team is here to help you research and prepare for interviews.
1. Not sure what you want to do as a job? Take advantage of all the online resources at your fingertips. There are so many websites that can be used to help search for jobs and apprenticeships or to look at job profiles, case studies and make action plans. Our top three are: The National Careers Service, Not Going to Uni, Rate My Apprenticeship.
2. Make an appointment with a careers adviser for some career guidance – they will advise you how to set career goals and provide information and advice on how to achieve them.
3. Make the most of your industry placement. If you have studied at MidKent College, you will have completed work experience as part of your programme. Make a good impression at your placement by being punctual, reliable and helpful. If the employer is impressed by you, they may consider offering you a paid position or an apprenticeship.
4. Think about the contacts you have in your family or circle of friends who might be useful in terms of offering work experience, an apprenticeship or even just advice about the job they do.
5. Prepare a CV and covering letter to include with job applications. We will help you with this at College, but it helps to do some preparation and research yourself beforehand.
6. Use social media to your advantage. If you are on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook then it’s a good idea to follow the accounts of companies you are interested in working for. Employers often use social media to advertise opportunities for work experience or actual vacancies. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, then now is the perfect time to register and start making connections – this is the preferred account for employers looking to recruit.
7. This works both ways though…if you are looking for work using social media, you need to make sure your own accounts are not going to let you down should a prospective employer look at your profile. Be aware that anything you post in your name could potentially be seen by a future employer. Think twice before posting anything that might be inappropriate and ensure your profile picture is suitable.
8. Be positive and don’t give up. It’s unusual to get the first job you apply for so be prepared for some knock-backs and use them to help you. If you go for an interview and don’t get the job – ask for feedback and use it constructively.
9. Attend careers fairs - these are a good way to network and meet potential employers.
National Careers Week is on from 2-7 March 2020.
