Apprenticeships

Looking for Work? Need a Qualification?

An apprenticeship does both, Completing an apprenticeship is an excellent way to gain both a qualification and work experience. While in an apprenticeship, you are classed as an employee and will be entitled to a wage.

Apprenticeships are open to all ages, like all job positions the competition is fierce. When applying you need to show you meet the required requirements for the job role and company. You learn the secret to gaining work in the Secrets of Employment.

You can gain apprenticeships in most industries, from small and large employers. Apprenticeships are advertised, like all jobs on both company websites and job search engine websites.

The government have funded a website dedicated to apprenticeships http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/

With most apprenticeships you can apply while having no qualifications and by the end of the apprenticeship you will achieve an NVQ Level 2, which is equivalent to 5 GCSE’s A-C grade.

Some employers and industries will request entry requirements such as a minimum qualification, and will often take these employees through to an NVQ Level 3, equivalent to 3 A Levels. In addition, in some industries, you can also complete an NVQ Level 4, as a higher apprenticeship, equivalent to a Degree.

Apprenticeships, for a large amount of people are an ideal way to up skill, gain relevant industry qualifications and a wage. Apprenticeships use a wide range of learning styles to support people in the completion of the apprenticeship, with a large amount of learning on the job.

Preparing for Interviews

Before the interview you need make several preparations to ensure you make the most positive impression during the interview.

Travel.

Plan your travel, ensure you know where your interview is being held and complete a mock run; there is nothing worse than arriving late for an interview. Ensure you have set your alarm clock.

Clothing.

Plan what you are going to wear, your interviews clothes should be smart and need ironing the night before, this will give you time in the morning to relax and re-read your CV.

Always ensure you shower and shave before each interview, most of us will sweat during the interview and there is nothing more off putting to an employer then a smelly candidate.

Practice Interviews.

Practice the interview questions and answers, think about the job you are applying for and the skills and qualities needed for this job role, the interviewer will ask questions based on these.

Re-read your CV or application form and ensure you are familiar with the information you recorded.

Ask a friend to interview you; give them a list of questions to ask you as this will help you plan timings and the delivery of your answers.

Plan questions to ask the interviewer; ask about the company, the workforce, opportunities for promotion and training.

Need Help with Interviews?

During the Interview.

Shake hands with the interviewer and introduce yourself.

Waited until you have been asked to be seated.

Answer all questions with a detailed sentence, never give just a “Yes” or “no” answers. If you use a “yes” or “no” answers, add the reason why; “yes, because....”

Ensure all your questions mention at least one skill and quality that is needed for the job role you are applying for. You can find this information on the job advert and job specification.

Be positive with all your answers, this is not the time to be shy.

Always be polite, friendly and smile.

Have questions prepared to ask the interviewer and ask the interviewer to repeat any questions you did not understand.

Keep eye contact with the interviewer.

At the end of the interview, shake hands and thank the interviewer for their time.

Need Interview Questions and Answers?

After the Interview.

Take a deep breath the interview is over.

Think back to the interview, review your interview questions and answers-which questions did you answer well? Which answer need improving?

Write down any questions you didn't expect to be asked and think of positive answers, as you may be asked this question again at your next interview.

Continue to job search until you receive a job offer in writing.

How to Influence People at Work

Build Rapport

People like people who are like them. Everyone has something in common with another person, the key is to find out what this is and use it as an incebreaker.

Spend a little time each day asking people about their children, partners, holidays etc. This shows that you are interested in the person not just their value in the workplace.

Remember, we like to say yes to people we like.

Listen intently when others are talking, reassuring through positive body language, nodding and reassuring that you are interested. Don’t interrupt and always ask questions, this indicates that you are interested, if they feel safe and they like you they will keep on saying yes.

Mirroring body language can be equalising - When talking to someone who is sat down you should also sit. By sitting down (or standing up if required!) you ensure your eye line is level with the other person. You are establishing yourself as an equal rather than an aggressive or submissive individual.

For more Rapport building techniques click here

Respected or Popular?

One of the most critical mistakes colleagues make at work is the pursuit of popularity rather than respect. Most of us are concerned with how others see us and can dwell on this, when respect rather then popularity will make you more influential.

During a meeting if part of your agenda is to retain popularity this will reflect in your body language and you may appear submissive. The top of your agenda should be to concentrate on getting your point across.

Don’t guess answers or say yes if you don’t agree, give your opinion and back this up with evidence; you can do this with a smile, in a calm voice while being relaxed, this helps when your opinion differs from that of the person(s) your talking to.

Demonstrate creativity and leadership, this will highlight your knowledge and show that you are not just following others.

What would you like to achieve?

We follow authority and experts, share with people your expertise on the topic/discussion, don’t be embarrassed people wont know about your strengths and experiences until you tell them.

State what you want to achieve straight away, don’t try to cover what you want to say in cotton balls, don’t add pleasantries “I hope you don’t mind” etc as this can sometime make the message less clear then we want it to be. You want others to see the benefits and possibilities of your ideas.

Be truthful, if something has not worked tell them and back this up with your strongest suggestion, this will show you as knowledgeable and honest.

Your message has to be constant throughout, to increase people following through on your ideas get them to write it down, people tend to live up to what they have written and signed.

Can you listen?

We all have two ears and one mouth, so we should listen twice as much as we talk. As well as listening to what people are saying, you need to hear what is not being said. By listening to others you can easily find out what motivates them and what de-motivates individuals.

If you help others, others will help you.

Help your colleagues with work, getting others a sandwich while your getting your dinner, hold open doors. If you help people, then they will feel more compelled to help you. When presenting ideas and suggestions to others, explained to them “what they will get out of it” not just what you and/or the company will gain.

When you are thanked Don’t undermine your powerful position by saying something like, “Oh, it was nothing; I do that all the time” Say “I was glad to do it, I know you would do the same for me”

Timing is Everything.

Plan your timing, if someone is busy or has other things on their mind they will not take in what you are saying, in many situations you need to ensure your first conversation/presentation convinces them as you may not get a second chance.

Looking for Fame?

Often people look for the fame and glory of giving an idea, you have come up with a positive suggestion that can help others and/or the company move forward. If you want to take the fame for this idea, often you will not listen or take on board other peoples suggestions that may improve your original idea. Step back, become emotionally dissociated and critically evaluate all ideas including your own.

You do not have to be popular to influence others.

Show the way.

Explain what people will gain and also what they will lose, people are motivated either towards something (a positive) or away from something (a negative)

Make your suggestion/time scarce as people hate to miss out an opportunity, tell them they can only succeed if they follow your direction, as you are the expert.

Show people the way, prompt them and let them work it out for themselves. Never be to forceful as this will only work for a small period of time until people start to resent you. People like to feel they have contributed to what they are doing.

People are followers, once you have people on board others will follow often without asking questions.

How to write a good CV

What is a good CV?

Only a CV that gains you an interview is worth having. Your CV may look great; have a fantastic image and all the relevant sections. The CV may also tell an employer how amazing and wonderful you are, but if your CV does not gain you interviews then something needs changing.

Sell yourself through your CV

With many people applying for work, they will either have a CV that does not sell their skills and Qualities or a CV that records the skills and qualities they have, which are not relevant to the job role they are applying for.

Targeted CV

You need to target your CV to the industry you are applying for. To do this think about the skills, qualities and duties for the job role you are applying for. Read the job specification for the job role and ensure all the essential requirements are recorded on your CV. Take out any information that is not relevant to the job you are applying for.

On average employers often “skim” through the pile of applicants CVs, spending around 30 seconds reading each CV; this is often due to the large volume of CVs applicants send for every advertised job. Once an employer has created a narrowed down pile of the job applicants CVs, they will then spend longer dissecting each CV to ensure they interview the candidates with the most relevant skills, qualifications and experiences.

Writing a Personal Profile

A personal profile is on average 4-5 lines describing all your skills and qualities that are relevant to the job role you are applying for. This should be a “Selling” paragraph that shows you at your best.

Often the employer will read the personal profile first, if they like the sound of you they will continue to read your CV.

Use a powerful opening line; the opening line needs to catch the employer’s attention. What have you done that will impress an employer? What do you have that an employer will want?

“With over 10 years experience in retail management working with the UKs leading retail companies, I have been responsible for increasing profits year on year for the past 6 years.”

As you can see the opening line above highlights 3 key points to impress an employer:
10 years experience
Working with the UKs leading retail companies
Increasing the companies profits

How create ideas for your Personal Profile

A great way to get your creative juices working is to mind-map; get an A4 piece of paper and draw a little picture of yourself in the middle (this can be a Stick-Person) draw on some hair, eyes, glasses, etc to represent you, like you would do when you was 10 yrs old (this is to get in to the mind of your inner-child and will help you to be more creative)

Think and write down everything you like about yourself, everything you are good at. Most people find this hard to do at first, but once you get going you want be able to stop. Don’t be shy; no one is going to see this, write down every little thing, not just worked related but anything you are good at.

You may have recorded a verity of work, hobbies and family related task, now think what skills and qualities that make you good at this task? And record all of these. Keeping going until you have exhausted your brain.

As an example –

Cooking – good timing, multi-tasking, planning ahead, following a list/recipe, work under pressure, experienced, good pallet, etc

Once you have done this, your mind-map will be full (and hopefully overcrowded) with task, skills and qualities. Now think about the industry you are applying to, think about the job duties, skills and qualities needed.

Circle (in a bright coloured pen) all the task, skills and qualities you have on your mind map that are related to your job goal. You will find that often a certain skill or quality will have been mentioned several times throughout your mind-map, write these down as these can often be your strongest transferable skill and quality (your selling point)

You now have a list of your strongest skills and qualities that are needed for the job you are applying for, this is the basis for your personal profile. Turn your list into a paragraph, adding a strong opening line. Re-read and then edit your personal profile 3 times/or until you are completely happy with your personal profile.

How to Write a CV

Having a CV (Or Curriculum Vitae meaning “Passage of Life”) is an important tool for all job searchers, as a CV records all your employment history and qualification on one document. You can use your CV to prepare for interviews/interview questions, to assist you when completing application forms and for applying for work.

CV Image.

The layout of your CV is important, on average employers spend around 30 seconds initially “skimming” through your CV, this due to the amount of CVs employers receive for every advertised job role.

Keep your CV to 1 or 2 pages, use Headings and Breakers to split up the CV text, making it easier for the employer to read.

What to put on a CV

Contact Details.

Record your name, address, telephone number and e-mail address. Ensure your telephone (and especially your mobile) number is correct, due to the amount of times individuals change mobile phone companies and numbers, people often forget to update their CV.

Also use a professional sounding e-mail address.

Personal Profile.

A personal profile is a paragraph around 4-5 lines recording all your key skills and qualities that are needed for the job you are applying for. This is often the most important part of the CV, as this is often the first section on the CV an employer looks for and reads. Ensure your personal paragraph shows you in your most positive light.

Employment History.

Start with your current or last job and work backwards; record the company you work for (company name) date you worked there (just add the years you worked as this will help delete small periods of unemployment) job title and duties.

Keep your duties brief and relevant to the new job you are applying for. Often people will record information they felt was important, where you need to record the information and duties your potential new employer wants to know about.

Qualifications.

Record the education establishment, years attended and qualification achieved. Record qualifications achieved at school/college/university and qualifications achieved in employment.

Hobbies.

To end your CV record what you enjoy doing in your spare time, if possible record information that again is relevant to the job you are applying for. Never record “socialising with friends” as this is often mistaken for “drinking with friends”

Record any Volunteering experience as many employers enjoy see this very positively as it shows, commitment and dedication.

References.

You can either record your references, or record “references available on Request” As most employers will only ask for your references during or after the interview section of the application process.

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VKA Study Tip's

Study Stress

Do you become stressed easy when you are trying to study? If you do, your most likely using study techniques that are not your preference. Most people use the study techniques they were taught in school, if this does not work for you, you may want to change the way you study and instantly gain improvements.

Check Which Learning Preference you have (VKA) answer the following 3 questions:

When I need directions to somewhere I usually:

1. Look at a map
2. Ask for directions
3. Follow my nose and maybe use a compass

When I’m cooking a new dish, I would:

1. Follow a written recipe
2. Call a friend for an explanation
3. Give it a go, testing as I cook

If I am teaching someone something new, I will:

1. Write down instructions
2. Give them a verbal explanation
3. Show them first and then let them have a go


If you picked mainly 1’s you are Visual
If you picked mainly 2’s you are Auditory
If you picked mainly 3’s you are Kinesthetic

Audio – Study Tips

Explain the topic you are trying to learn to a friend
Read explanations and important facts out loud
Make up songs (Daft and crazy songs work best) to the study topic
Record and listen to lectures and sessions
When learning new information, discuss the topic and answers out loud
Say words in syllables.
Make up and repeat rhymes to remember information
Join a study groups/book clubs
Write sequences out in sentence form and then read them out loud.
Use audio CDs etc


Kinesthetic – Study Tips

Hold the book in your hand while reading rather the on a table
Write notes while you are reading or talking
Sit near the front of the classroom to keep focused
Use a computer to reinforce learning by using the sense of touch
Write lists repeatedly
Use practical experience when possible
Stand up when giving explanations
Use rhythm and beats to memorize or explain information
Use gestures when giving explanations
Make models
Make and use flashcards (keep them in order)
Use role-playing
Associate feelings with information

Visual – Study Tips

Take notes while listening to lectures and sessions
Use colour-coded highlighting
Create charts and diagrams that demonstrate key points
View any photographs or diagrams in your textbook
Use visual metaphors to associate information
Write explanations down
Make and use flashcards
Use illustrations
Use visual analogies to associate information
Watch videos/programmes specific to the course you are studying
Use guided imagery

How to Complete Application Forms

Employers often use application forms to ensure they gain the same information subjects from all applicants. An application form makes it easier for an employer to see which of the applicants most suits the recruitment criteria.

Completing Application Forms

First thing first, take a copy of the application form so you can first make a rough draft. This is to ensure all your text fits into the spaces on the application form and to ensure the application form you send is free from mistakes and errors.

Follow the instructions on the application form, often people are told to complete the application form in a black pen, if you don’t follow the instructions an employer may feel you are not suitable for the job.

Write clearly, use capital letters, black ink, and check spelling and grammar. Also send a covering letter with each application and any other requested information.

Take time writing your answers ensure they meet the job specification and use real life stories to sell yourself. Spend time on your Personal Statement*, as this is the most important part of the application. Ensure this section of the application form is positive and list all of your achievements that are relevant to the job you are applying for.

Keep a copy of the completed application form, to re-read before interviews and to use when completing other job application forms.

Send your application form and covering letter off leaving plenty of time, I know this sounds obvious, but so many job searchers miss out on opportunities due to their application form arriving past the application deadline date.


*1 - Do you need to generate ideas for your Personal profile? Learn the secrets to completing application.