Any advice for getting your first job?
Discussion
I'm at college three days a week and I should be finished within a couple of months meaning that I need to look for part time work. I've had a few odd jobs while being at college but they were given to me through friends/family during evenings just to earn a little bit of money to run my motorbike.
I need some advice on where to look for employment. I tried handing out CV's and didn't get very far. To me, it seems pointless. They probably just chuck it on a pile and never look at it again so I need to find actual jobs to apply for. Are there any websites, companies etc that you can go to, give your details and CV and companies contact them if they have any vacancies?
Any advice will help, cheers!
I need some advice on where to look for employment. I tried handing out CV's and didn't get very far. To me, it seems pointless. They probably just chuck it on a pile and never look at it again so I need to find actual jobs to apply for. Are there any websites, companies etc that you can go to, give your details and CV and companies contact them if they have any vacancies?
Any advice will help, cheers!
The Job Centre website is good for starter roles, especially part time e.g. if you want something you could start whilst at college to get your feet under the table somewhere.
Don't forego the speculative CV route, but to best effect these need to be targeted somewhat. Get someone in the industry/industries that you are looking to work in to look over your CV to get it as tailored as possible to the kind of roles you want. Have a couple of different versions if needs be. Do a little bit of research into the potential employers locally so that you can personalise your approach - don't be afraid to show you've done some homework either. It's not only reassuring to potential employers it's also flattering to find someone who's keen enough to have done some research. The kind of research I mean includes speaking to anyone you know who already works there, asking about what they're like, who's who and what is going on at the firm, also looking online for press releases or adverts in local papers or on their website.
When applying for jobs, make sure you tailor the CV/application/cover letter as much as you can. Generic/scattergun applications can be spotted from miles away, and these will get you passed over.
What part of the country are you in and what are you looking to get into? You may find that you get more specific advice if you're willing to share a bit more info.
Don't forego the speculative CV route, but to best effect these need to be targeted somewhat. Get someone in the industry/industries that you are looking to work in to look over your CV to get it as tailored as possible to the kind of roles you want. Have a couple of different versions if needs be. Do a little bit of research into the potential employers locally so that you can personalise your approach - don't be afraid to show you've done some homework either. It's not only reassuring to potential employers it's also flattering to find someone who's keen enough to have done some research. The kind of research I mean includes speaking to anyone you know who already works there, asking about what they're like, who's who and what is going on at the firm, also looking online for press releases or adverts in local papers or on their website.
When applying for jobs, make sure you tailor the CV/application/cover letter as much as you can. Generic/scattergun applications can be spotted from miles away, and these will get you passed over.
What part of the country are you in and what are you looking to get into? You may find that you get more specific advice if you're willing to share a bit more info.
oldbanger said:
The Job Centre website is good for starter roles, especially part time e.g. if you want something you could start whilst at college to get your feet under the table somewhere.
Don't forego the speculative CV route, but to best effect these need to be targeted somewhat. Get someone in the industry/industries that you are looking to work in to look over your CV to get it as tailored as possible to the kind of roles you want. Have a couple of different versions if needs be. Do a little bit of research into the potential employers locally so that you can personalise your approach - don't be afraid to show you've done some homework either. It's not only reassuring to potential employers it's also flattering to find someone who's keen enough to have done some research. The kind of research I mean includes speaking to anyone you know who already works there, asking about what they're like, who's who and what is going on at the firm, also looking online for press releases or adverts in local papers or on their website.
When applying for jobs, make sure you tailor the CV/application/cover letter as much as you can. Generic/scattergun applications can be spotted from miles away, and these will get you passed over.
What part of the country are you in and what are you looking to get into? You may find that you get more specific advice if you're willing to share a bit more info.
Thanks for the reply. I'm in Maidstone in Kent, not sure if you'll know where that is. To be honest, I'm open to everything. I'd like to get into the motorbike trade if possible!Don't forego the speculative CV route, but to best effect these need to be targeted somewhat. Get someone in the industry/industries that you are looking to work in to look over your CV to get it as tailored as possible to the kind of roles you want. Have a couple of different versions if needs be. Do a little bit of research into the potential employers locally so that you can personalise your approach - don't be afraid to show you've done some homework either. It's not only reassuring to potential employers it's also flattering to find someone who's keen enough to have done some research. The kind of research I mean includes speaking to anyone you know who already works there, asking about what they're like, who's who and what is going on at the firm, also looking online for press releases or adverts in local papers or on their website.
When applying for jobs, make sure you tailor the CV/application/cover letter as much as you can. Generic/scattergun applications can be spotted from miles away, and these will get you passed over.
What part of the country are you in and what are you looking to get into? You may find that you get more specific advice if you're willing to share a bit more info.
What job do you want? I take it that stacking shelves isn't what you're looking for?
You could take a look at tyre fitting I guess. It's mechanicing (after a fashion), but won't have very high entry and I should think they have part time fitters too. If you want to work on cars it may well be a good starter job, just to get some experience on your CV of a garage environment.
You could take a look at tyre fitting I guess. It's mechanicing (after a fashion), but won't have very high entry and I should think they have part time fitters too. If you want to work on cars it may well be a good starter job, just to get some experience on your CV of a garage environment.
Don't dismiss the friends / family option again if they can offer something along the lines of what you want to do in the long term. Even 3-6 months in a relevant position will then put you ahead of the pack of other college leavers with no experience when you do apply.
Guessing you don't know anyone who works for Reed or similar, but recruitment consultants do have "favourites" in my experience - if you're referred by someone they've already made a good whack of commission from, they're more likely to put your CV near the top of their pile rather than near the bin.
Guessing you don't know anyone who works for Reed or similar, but recruitment consultants do have "favourites" in my experience - if you're referred by someone they've already made a good whack of commission from, they're more likely to put your CV near the top of their pile rather than near the bin.
This was many years ago, but when I was looking for my first job I just went into the various local shops and supermarkets in town and asked if they were hiring or had any upcoming vacancies.
I ended up getting a job at Sainsburys, which although not that glamorous paid for my petrol, and gave me an income all the way through uni.
I ended up getting a job at Sainsburys, which although not that glamorous paid for my petrol, and gave me an income all the way through uni.
What about Monster? They normally have a wide range of roles.
Why is it only part-time that you're looking for when you will be finished with college in a couple of months?
Edit- a quick search on Monster found this- http://jobview.monster.co.uk/Trainee-Technical-Sal...
Why is it only part-time that you're looking for when you will be finished with college in a couple of months?
Edit- a quick search on Monster found this- http://jobview.monster.co.uk/Trainee-Technical-Sal...
Edited by STW2010 on Friday 1st March 08:25
davepoth said:
What job do you want? I take it that stacking shelves isn't what you're looking for?
You could take a look at tyre fitting I guess. It's mechanicing (after a fashion), but won't have very high entry and I should think they have part time fitters too. If you want to work on cars it may well be a good starter job, just to get some experience on your CV of a garage environment.
If stacking shelves is an option then I don't mind. I've tried mechanic apprenticeships but obviously a lot of people go for them so it's difficult to get into but I haven't thought about tyre fitting yet. You could take a look at tyre fitting I guess. It's mechanicing (after a fashion), but won't have very high entry and I should think they have part time fitters too. If you want to work on cars it may well be a good starter job, just to get some experience on your CV of a garage environment.
SWAT78 said:
Don't dismiss the friends / family option again if they can offer something along the lines of what you want to do in the long term. Even 3-6 months in a relevant position will then put you ahead of the pack of other college leavers with no experience when you do apply.
Guessing you don't know anyone who works for Reed or similar, but recruitment consultants do have "favourites" in my experience - if you're referred by someone they've already made a good whack of commission from, they're more likely to put your CV near the top of their pile rather than near the bin.
Unfortunately I can't get a job with family. My mum is the only one that works within 50 miles and they're not hiring.Guessing you don't know anyone who works for Reed or similar, but recruitment consultants do have "favourites" in my experience - if you're referred by someone they've already made a good whack of commission from, they're more likely to put your CV near the top of their pile rather than near the bin.
bob1179 said:
This was many years ago, but when I was looking for my first job I just went into the various local shops and supermarkets in town and asked if they were hiring or had any upcoming vacancies.
I ended up getting a job at Sainsburys, which although not that glamorous paid for my petrol, and gave me an income all the way through uni.
I've tried that but all the people I give my CV to look they just chuck it in the bin. That's why I stopped handing them out.I ended up getting a job at Sainsburys, which although not that glamorous paid for my petrol, and gave me an income all the way through uni.
STW2010 said:
What about Monster? They normally have a wide range of roles.
Why is it only part-time that you're looking for when you will be finished with college in a couple of months?
Edit- a quick search on Monster found this- http://jobview.monster.co.uk/Trainee-Technical-Sal...
I can't get a full time because I'm at college three days a week. Why is it only part-time that you're looking for when you will be finished with college in a couple of months?
Edit- a quick search on Monster found this- http://jobview.monster.co.uk/Trainee-Technical-Sal...
I think going round businesses is a very good way but only if you do it well, which can take a lot of effort.
We have people knock on our door and hand their CV to us and a lot of them do go straight in the bin, this is mainly because they wander in off the street looking scruffy and pass over a very generic CV to the receptionist or whoever is around to take it. They very rarely ask to speak to me or a manager.
If they can't be bothered when looking for a job I don't have a great expectation that they will have the right attitude once they are in it.
I have had a few very good people who have obviously researched us, arrived dressed in a suit, known my name and had a good covering letter and CV which is targetted at the types of jobs we may have. Some also ask to speak to me, have a brief chat and hand me their CV.
If you look like you've made an effort most people will respect that a lot more and at least take the time to read your CV.
Another option is the telephone, research the types of companies you want to work for. Call to get the names of the people you need to speak to then phone them up and see if they have any vacancies and sell your skills. Again it is quite time consuming and takes a lot of guts and effort to do which recruiters often value.
I have also seen people walking around with advertising boards on them in the city centre highlighting their skills and offering their CV's.
Try and think of something that makes you stand out and be different, that shows you are prepared to make the effort and work for a job. The problem with advertised jobs is that everybody else is applying for those as well so it is harder to stand out.
We are just recruiting for a new telemarketer and my first way is to go back through all the CV's I have been given to see if people are still looking now. I will then start advertising.
We have people knock on our door and hand their CV to us and a lot of them do go straight in the bin, this is mainly because they wander in off the street looking scruffy and pass over a very generic CV to the receptionist or whoever is around to take it. They very rarely ask to speak to me or a manager.
If they can't be bothered when looking for a job I don't have a great expectation that they will have the right attitude once they are in it.
I have had a few very good people who have obviously researched us, arrived dressed in a suit, known my name and had a good covering letter and CV which is targetted at the types of jobs we may have. Some also ask to speak to me, have a brief chat and hand me their CV.
If you look like you've made an effort most people will respect that a lot more and at least take the time to read your CV.
Another option is the telephone, research the types of companies you want to work for. Call to get the names of the people you need to speak to then phone them up and see if they have any vacancies and sell your skills. Again it is quite time consuming and takes a lot of guts and effort to do which recruiters often value.
I have also seen people walking around with advertising boards on them in the city centre highlighting their skills and offering their CV's.
Try and think of something that makes you stand out and be different, that shows you are prepared to make the effort and work for a job. The problem with advertised jobs is that everybody else is applying for those as well so it is harder to stand out.
We are just recruiting for a new telemarketer and my first way is to go back through all the CV's I have been given to see if people are still looking now. I will then start advertising.
te to find a good one. Audicab said:
I think going round businesses is a very good way but only if you do it well, which can take a lot of effort.
We have people knock on our door and hand their CV to us and a lot of them do go straight in the bin, this is mainly because they wander in off the street looking scruffy and pass over a very generic CV to the receptionist or whoever is around to take it. They very rarely ask to speak to me or a manager.
If they can't be bothered when looking for a job I don't have a great expectation that they will have the right attitude once they are in it.
I have had a few very good people who have obviously researched us, arrived dressed in a suit, known my name and had a good covering letter and CV which is targetted at the types of jobs we may have. Some also ask to speak to me, have a brief chat and hand me their CV.
If you look like you've made an effort most people will respect that a lot more and at least take the time to read your CV.
Another option is the telephone, research the types of companies you want to work for. Call to get the names of the people you need to speak to then phone them up and see if they have any vacancies and sell your skills. Again it is quite time consuming and takes a lot of guts and effort to do which recruiters often value.
I have also seen people walking around with advertising boards on them in the city centre highlighting their skills and offering their CV's.
Try and think of something that makes you stand out and be different, that shows you are prepared to make the effort and work for a job. The problem with advertised jobs is that everybody else is applying for those as well so it is harder to stand out.
We are just recruiting for a new telemarketer and my first way is to go back through all the CV's I have been given to see if people are still looking now. I will then start advertising.
Thank you for the advice. It looks like I will print out a few CV's and walk round my local town handing them out!We have people knock on our door and hand their CV to us and a lot of them do go straight in the bin, this is mainly because they wander in off the street looking scruffy and pass over a very generic CV to the receptionist or whoever is around to take it. They very rarely ask to speak to me or a manager.
If they can't be bothered when looking for a job I don't have a great expectation that they will have the right attitude once they are in it.
I have had a few very good people who have obviously researched us, arrived dressed in a suit, known my name and had a good covering letter and CV which is targetted at the types of jobs we may have. Some also ask to speak to me, have a brief chat and hand me their CV.
If you look like you've made an effort most people will respect that a lot more and at least take the time to read your CV.
Another option is the telephone, research the types of companies you want to work for. Call to get the names of the people you need to speak to then phone them up and see if they have any vacancies and sell your skills. Again it is quite time consuming and takes a lot of guts and effort to do which recruiters often value.
I have also seen people walking around with advertising boards on them in the city centre highlighting their skills and offering their CV's.
Try and think of something that makes you stand out and be different, that shows you are prepared to make the effort and work for a job. The problem with advertised jobs is that everybody else is applying for those as well so it is harder to stand out.
We are just recruiting for a new telemarketer and my first way is to go back through all the CV's I have been given to see if people are still looking now. I will then start advertising.
kiethton said:
How close are you to Bluewater?
They regularly have things advertised at the on-site job site and if your game for some weekend/school holiday work I may be able to give a reccomendation? (Although I've now moved on)
A bit of a trek for me because I only have a 50cc moped. Especially as I would have to go up the A2 which is really dangerous on my bike.They regularly have things advertised at the on-site job site and if your game for some weekend/school holiday work I may be able to give a reccomendation? (Although I've now moved on)
There's some very good advice on this thread.
I had a young guy walk into the showroom one day who basically did exactly as Audicab describes.
He was much younger than the sort of person I would normally employ. He got the next available job and went on to be one of the best salesmen I'd ever employed.
I think your biggest problem is the fact that you're looking for part time jobs (which I can't understand as you say you're looking for a job to do when you finish college?) as a lot of companies will only take on peole full time as it fits their business model.
I had a young guy walk into the showroom one day who basically did exactly as Audicab describes.
He was much younger than the sort of person I would normally employ. He got the next available job and went on to be one of the best salesmen I'd ever employed.
I think your biggest problem is the fact that you're looking for part time jobs (which I can't understand as you say you're looking for a job to do when you finish college?) as a lot of companies will only take on peole full time as it fits their business model.
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