I don’t know what to do for my work experience.

Make a list of the things you enjoy doing, both inside and outside of school. Log on to the school network under ‘Careers Guidance/Ideas about jobs’ to use careers and interests matching software, eg. Kudos or JED or log onto www.fastomato.co.uk. Chat to parents, relatives and friends – have they any ideas? Make a note of these. Now see if there are things on any of your lists that you might like to explore further. If you get stuck, talk to the Careers Co-ordinator at lunchtime at the Careers Centre (Library) or one of the year 11s who did work experience last year. They’re sure to have some ideas.

Warning: Don’t keep putting it off, hoping you will get inspiration, you don’t have time. Go to the Careers Centre and get some help.

I know what I want to do, but I don’t know where to go for it.

Look on the internet, yellow pages, telephone directory, local pages (blue book), the Evening Post or the Bath Chronicle. If you get stuck, talk to your tutor, teachers, Mrs Yeo-Walker or one of the year 11s who did work experience last year. They’re sure to have some ideas.

I know where I would like to go for work experience, but I don’t know how to make the first move to the company.

You will need to write to the company and sometimes need to send them your CV (yes you can do this on e-mail if you prefer). You have sample letters and CVs on the school network, but get some help if you are not sure how to start. Ask the folks at home, your teachers – they’ve all been there and done it before!

Don’t forget! You will need to make it clear to the company why you need to know now, even though the placement isn’t until July. Also you may need to follow up with a phone call a fortnight or so after your letter if you haven’t heard anything, so make sure there’s credit on your mobile!!!

I have been offered a placement but I don’t know how I’m going to get there.

Check to see if parents/carers could give you a lift or suggest a friend of the family you could ask. Surf www.traveline.org and check the bus/train timetables. If you can’t get there – find another placement.

I have a placement offer, but my employer wants me to work Saturdays/Split shifts. Do I take up the offer?

Many businesses operate this, e.g. hairdressers will expect you to take Monday off but work a Saturday. Vets and hotels will often want you to work a split shift, e.g. 9-12 and 4-7. There is no legal reason why you can't do either of these, but you may not feel it’s for you or you may have a travel problem. If so, find another placement, but don’t forget to thank the employer and let them know that you don’t feel the placement is right for you and why not.

I have been offered a placement which I want to accept. What do I do now?

Go and get a consent form from Mrs Yeo-Walker at break time. You will need the following information before you go to see her:

	Employer's name
	Employer's address & contact details
	Nature of business

I have a question about work experience which isn’t shown on this sheet, who can I talk to?

Mrs Yeo-Walker at the Career Centre during lunchtime. Also talk to parents/carers, your tutor or teacher. If you have friends in Year 11, they did work experience last year and may be able to help you.

Help! I’ve been invited for an interview. What do I need to know?

Here are some handy hints on what to do and what not to do at interviews.

	Wear smart/tidy clothes – not sure what? Then wear school uniform, even if it’s on a Saturday!
	Arrive at least 5 minutes early.
	Take a pen and paper with you to make notes.
	Take your CV/application letter to refer to – you will be asked questions about it.
	Make a note of the questions you want to ask and take them with you, eg. When will you know if you’ve got the placement? Start time/ Finish time? What to wear? What to bring/ Lunch? Phone Number and contact name of the person who interviewed you? What will you be doing?

Remember:

	Take your hat/cap off when you arrive and go inside, don’t put it on again until you leave (courtesy).
	Keep your right hand free to shake hands when you are greeted and again when you leave.
	Don’t sit down until you are asked to.
	If you are offered a drink – say “thank you for asking” even if you don’t accept the offer (courtesy)

Don’t worry about work experience, but also don’t leave it to the last minute.
Go to the Careers Centre, it is open every lunch time.