Before contacting an employer by telephone or in person, make sure you have the following to hand:

	Name of the Business
	Telephone Number
	Address
	Name of the Contact
	Pen and paper for making notes (yes even on a visit!)

The following is an aide memoir to help you to make a polite, but friendly approach to the employer. Don’t be frightened to write things down clearly (even your name) and read from what you have written. You will be amazed how nervous you can feel and how forgetful that will make you.

	Say "Hello" and introduce yourself; eg. My name is… and I am student at Wellsway School, Keynsham. (If you are visiting the employer, make sure you remove your hat/cap as soon as you enter a building and certainly before you start to speak.)
	Explain the purpose of your call/visit; eg. I am ringing/have come to enquire if you take people on work experience.
	At this point you may be put through/introduced to someone else. Make sure you take a note of their name.
	From now on you just need to listen carefully and answer the questions posed to you by the employer. Some of the key things they may ask you are: When is work experience? Why do you want to work here? How did you find out about this company? When do you need to know by?
	If you are studying a GCSE subject, hobbies or after school work which relates to the employment you are looking for, make sure you tell the employer as this will help to “sell” your skills above other job hunters.
	Make sure you ask them to clarify anything you don’t understand and note down anything they want you to do and by when; eg. send in a letter with a CV or come for an interview on …
	If you have been offered a placement, before you end the call or leave you will need to know the following: Name of the person you have been speaking to What exactly will you do? What days and times will you work? When can you call in to get your form signed?

If the employer says they cannot take you. Don’t forget to thank them for their time before you say "Goodbye".