Finding a new job, for some their first job, when they are young and their work experience is limited can be a challenge. These pages aim to give practical advice and guidance to help LVS Ascot students gain the best opportunity / advantage.
Bryan Padrick, Vice Principal.
Finding a new job, for some their first job, when they are young and their work experience is limited can be a challenge. These pages aim to give practical advice and guidance to help LVS Ascot students gain the best opportunity / advantage.
Being able to include work experience and the skills gained through work experience on an application form when applying for a new job can make a candidate stand out.
All Year 12 students take part in a one-week work experience placement. Placements are secured through collaboration with Adviza, students, parents, staff and WoW group members. The School works hard to ensure the placements give meaningful and valuable experience that will give students the advantage when apply for their next job. Placements have included Google, NHS, Royal Holloway University, Wentworth Golf Club, Mercer Financial and Longcross Film Studios to name a few.
| What makes a young persons CV stand out for you? |
| Answer: A CV stands out when the individual has tried to expand their experience and knowledge outside of the education system. i.e. volunteering, and hoc courses. |
| What skills or experience are you looking for them to include on their CV? |
| Answer: I’m looking for a good attitude to learning or further advancement. Has the candidate done any leadership, teamwork, problem solving i.e. Sport, Hobbies, family, charity
Does the CV show a work ethic, flexibility and time-management Has the individual gone out of their way to do courses, first aid, project management (if post grad) or volunteering or IT courses Have they done some temporary work. Washing up in a café /helping in charity shop / visiting elderly / COVID support shows an employer so much without realising it. |
| What are your interview Do’s and Don’ts for a young person? |
| Answer: I want to know if the individual is only looking for Graduate jobs or prepared to start at smaller/medium company, are they flexible with what they want.
Are they realistic with how the employer views them – 200,000 + people have a degree, why is this candidate different? I expect candidates to do research on the company and ask key questions. Don’t ask on a first interview : Salary or benefits. Can I change my hours or arrive late… can I work from home ..what is promotion like. Do ask about the culture, what they like about where they work….. what are the most important achievements they want in first 90-days. My advice would be to recognise what their strengths and weaknesses are and how they develop both. Have key words above their screen … smile, positive, calm … picture of their favourite place. Relax for the interview. Recruitment is like any relationship it has to be right for both sides and it is fine not to get a job and probably worked out for the best. The most important advice is to apply for jobs you really want, salary is not everything, training and experience is. Be yourself and keep on developing yourself. |
| What makes a young persons CV stand out for you? |
| Answer: When putting together your CV, remember it is your opportunity to sell yourself to the employer. In many cases, you may not be asked for a CV but instead asked to fill in on online application. Regardless of which method is used, be sure to include your skills and strengths. Consider the professionalism of your CV/application in its entirety. One common mistake is using an unprofessional email address, so consider the email address you use. You want to stand out for the right reasons, not the wrong ones. |
| What skills or experience are you looking for them to include on their CV? |
| Answer: A recruiter spends around seven seconds, yes seconds, scanning your CV so make it stand out. Be sure to include in your CV/application all work experience, roles of responsibility you have held in college or university, volunteering or community activity, clubs, societies or any awards you may have received. |
| What are your interview Do’s and Don’ts for a young person? |
| Answer: Before an interview, be sure to research the company and have a few questions prepared; you may want to research who you are interviewing with on LinkedIn.
In the interview, remember the STAR technique. Be sure to understand the role you are applying for and put forward why you are the best person for the role. Be clear about why you want the role. Thank the interviewer and send a follow up thank you email; in some cases handwritten notes are still acceptable. If you don’t get the job, ask for feedback. This is common. Remember, to keep it professional and use it constructively for your next interview. This is also another great way for you to interact with the recruiter again as there may be another role in the company for which you are better suited. |