Tips and Advice

• Completing application forms

Completing Application Forms

• Have a clear idea of what sort of work you are looking for and your qualifications match the criteria.
• Decide if this is really for you before applying.
• Give yourself plenty of time to complete application forms.
• Photocopy the application and complete in black pen as a draft to allow for any mistakes.
• Read through the form first before completing all sections neatly and accurately.
• Be positive.
• Reread and check spellings. Get some one to read through your application once finished.




• What to include in your CV

What to include in your CV.

• Name and contact details
• Personal statement
• Qualifications and training
• Skills and achievements
• Work experience
• Additional information
• References
• Your CV should be no more than two pages.
• Check with referees before using them.

To make a cv more personal add a covering letter addressed to the person or Dear Sir /Madam.




• CV Example Tip

CV example Tip

Your name
Your street
Your county and postcode
Your telephone numbers
Your email

Personal statement

Qualifications and training

Skills and achievements

Work experience:

Your job title

Name of company and town

Start and end dates

Additional information

References

• Writing a personal statement

Writing a personal statement

A personal statement is two or three sentences that explain the type of person you are and is very useful with a cv

• Include your strengths.
• Point out your skills and experience.
• Be honest about your self.
• The aspects of yourself that make you a good employee.




• Transferable skills

Transferable skills

Skills that can be used in lots of different jobs.

• Work as part of a team
• Work under own initiative
• Good oral and written communication
• Planning and organising skills
• Giving and following instructions
• Computer literate
• Cash handling
• Working with public
• Flexible




• Gaps in your career

Gaps in your career

If for any reason you have gaps in your career it is important to explain why. Some of these skills may be useful to an employer.

• Raising children
• Running the home
• Learning new skills
• Voluntary work
• Hobbies or sports
• Member of an organisation
• Caring for family members
• Redundancy
• Ill health




• Before an interview

Before an interview

Why you want the job?

What experience do you have?

What skills do you have?

What strengths and weaknesses do you have?

Are there any career gaps? Explain them?

Where do you want to be in five years time?

When going to job interviews make sure the address is in a public place and not in someone's home.

Inform someone of what address and contact number you are going to and the time that you are due there? How long travelling time is there and back and what mode of transport you are using.

Do a bit of research into the companies you are applying to, this shows an interest.

Prepare any questions you may have about the job.

Practice having an interview with someone.

• What to wear for a job interview

What to wear for a job interview

General tips on what to wear for a job interview for both man and women:

• Clean and smart clothing is best for the interview regardless of the dress code at the organization.
• If you're unsure, call them and ask! Do not ask the HR manager. Asking the receptionist or an HR assistant is easier. conservative look if still unsure.
• Well-groomed hair what ever the style.
• Clean, trimmed finger nails.
• Minimal cologne or perfume.
• During an interview

During an interview

• Shake hands
• Look interested
• Good eye contact
• Speak clearly
• Show you are listening
• Listen to the questions carefully and answer to the best of your knowledge
• Ask for clarification if you do not understand something
• Ask for a question to be repeated if not sure
• Refer to notes if you have any
• Ask how long for notification if you are successful
• Don't worry if you are nervous this is normal
• Don't chew gum