Work experience involves working for an company so that you can explore your career options, learn about a job and gain skills. There are many types of work experience, from school work programmes to internships and voluntary work.
Applying for work experience is very similar to applying for a job. Here’s a guide to help you search for and complete work experience.
Step one : Choose a job you’d like to try
It’s a good idea to do work experience in an area you’re already interested in. For example, if you want to get into healthcare, find some work experience where you help people.
Step two : Find helpful contacts
Helpful contacts could include:
- people your family or friends know
- people in your clubs, sports teams and other community groups
- a school career adviser or Gateway co – ordinator
- people in your workplace
Step three : Prepare your CV
Your CV showcases your skills, abilities and achievements to an employer. You can email your CV to potential employers when you ask for work experience.
Step four : Prepare to meet an employer
If you’re asked to meet an employer about work experience, you should treat it like a job interview.
Make sure you:
- dress neatly
- arrive on time
- are prepared to answer any questions they may ask.
The meeting is a two-way process, so make sure you ask them about what you’ll be doing if you’re offered work experience.
Make the most of your work experience
When you’re doing your work experience, make the most of it by:
- asking your supervisor to talk about the roles in the company
- trying to meet as many people as you can
- updating your CV with your work experience
- asking your supervisor for feedback on your work
- asking your supervisor to be your referee for future job applications.
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