Teenagers will be waking up with anticipation this morning either excited to have secured a place at their chosen university or anxious to find a suitable job.
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As many school leavers will have limited job hunting experience, Monster.co.uk has put together a checklist of helpful tips and advice to get post-A Level teens started on their chosen career path.
1. Polish up your CV
Your CV is like a shop window – you have a short period of time to grab the recruiter’s attention. You’ve therefore got one shot; so it must be clear, concise, reflective of your personality and skills and most importantly, tailored to the role you’re applying for. There are free CV templates available on Monster which can help you format your CV and ensure that you have all the elements needed for your chosen industry.
Make sure you get somebody else to check your CV before it goes – spelling errors and grammatical mistakes can make a really bad impression on a prospective employer.
2. Use job boards effectively
Job boards are a great way of seeing what jobs are out there using different search criteria. If you know which industry you want to go into, you can refine your search to specific location, job role, qualification and expected pay which could help you find your ideal role. Many sites, including Monster, will then display your findings based on their suitability and relevance.
Also, if you’re not sure which career path you want to take, job boards can help you get an idea of what’s out there and narrow your search down to things that may truly interest you. It is also worth uploading your CV to job boards as then employers can find you, increasing your chances of a good match.
3. Get connected
Social media can be a really useful tool for researching and connecting with employers. Make sure you follow and engage with employers on Twitter and ‘like’ their Facebook pages where possible, using these channels to ask questions about the company and its culture if you can.
There are also some professional networking apps for Facebook, such as Beknown, through which you can connect with individuals and companies – this can be a great way of getting your foot in the door early.
4. Use your mobile as a career tool
Mobile apps provide job hunters with access to new, exciting opportunities – anywhere, any time. Monster has created free apps for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch and Android; each of the apps allow job hunters to save searches or email jobs to view on a PC later. Favourite job opportunities can be stored in a ‘saved jobs list’.
You can then access the list and apply for a job whenever is more convenient. You can also apply for jobs directly from the apps, select which CV to attach and which covering letter is most appropriate for each position. By signing up to a Monster account, you can also create saved searches that will email you the latest jobs.
5. Prepare for an interview
Do your research into the company’s ethos and culture and dress appropriately, but remember it’s better to be too smart than too casual. Prepare questions for your employer – you need to know that it’s the right place for you as well as showing the interviewer that you’re right for the company. By preparing questions you are also showing that you are proactive, organised and that you really want the job.
Monster.co.uk also has a varied and exciting list of entry-level roles, perfect for post A-level job seekers so visit their website today.