WAYS TO BUILD YOUR SKILLS OVER THE SUMMER
VOLUNTEERING
A volunteer is someone who gives their time for free to help others. Volunteering is a great way to build your skills, enhance your confidence, and looks great on your CV! There are many different organisations that offer volunteering opportunities and you can search different vacancies here!
STARTING A NEW HOBBY
Starting a new hobby is a great way to gain new skills! It also gives you another thing to talk about in a job interview and to add to your CV. There are lots of free ways to try a new hobby! Why not try learning a new language using the Duolingo App or learning how to knit via YouTube tutorials!
Getting a Part Time Job
If you’re 16 and over and have left school why not apply for a part time job! Even if the job is not in an area you would like a future career in, it’s a great way to gain transferable skills, build your employability skills and learn more about the workplace!
Completing an online course
Do you have a specific area of interest that you would like to learn more about? Why not complete a free online course? Websites such as futurelearn.com have over 1000 free short courses for you to choose from. These can also be good to add to your CV and university application.
NEED HELP TO IDENTIFY YOUR SKILLS AND WAYS TO FURTHER DEVELOP THEM?
WE CAN HELP!
Call us on 0191 277 1944
careersteam@newcastle.gov.uk
COVERING LETTERS
The process of applying for a job often begins with sending a covering letter or letter of application. Below are a few different templates to help you produce your own application cover letter…
Standard Letter Layout: To request an application form
Letter 1: To request an application form
Letter 2: To send with a completed application form
Letter 3: A covering letter when job advert requests you to ‘Apply in Writing’
Letter 3: A speculative letter to apply for jobs that are not advertised
MAKING A CV
The process of applying for a job begins with having a good Curriculum Vitae (CV) to send out to potential employers.
The aim of this pack is to help you understand what a CV is, why you need one and how to produce your own. The pack will give you knowledge of:
What information you should put into a CV, including key words and phrases
How to make the most of your experience, knowledge and skills
How to make a good impression with your CV.
We hope you enjoy using this pack and that it becomes a tool to help you achieve your future goals. Good luck!
COLLEGE OPEN DAYS: TOP TIPS
do your research
Before you go on an open day make sure you research the college and course you are applying to! It’s a good idea to make a list of questions before you go so you don’t forget anything.
ASK LOTS OF QUESTIONS!
It’s really important that you choose the right college and the right course for you! There are lots of things that you may want to take into consideration before you decide. While you are attending an Open Day make sure you ask lots of questions to course tutors and support staff
TAKE HOME SOME INFORMATION
When attending an Open Day you can be given lots of information at once! It’s a good idea to take home any relevant materials they may provide you with, make your own notes, or ask them to email documents to you if needed. This can help as you won’t need to try and remember everything on the day.
ASK ABOUT ADDITIONAL SUPPORT
On an open day it’s a good idea to ask about additional support you may require. This may include things such as learning support, bursary information, careers advice and wellbeing support.
Take A Tour
College can be very different from school! When on an Open Day it’s a good idea to take a tour of the campus so you get to know your way around. This will also make you feel more confident when you start in September.